July 20, 2013 - Church at Worship

Sermon: "Clear Sight from Blinding Light" by Stew Harty

Pastoral Welcome: Joelle Reuer

Baptisms: Patrick Johnson, Ian Camden, James Hartwell, Genevieve Koh Isidro, Claude La Villa

Children’s Feature: Dustin Aho

Scripture Reading: John 11:45–50, Chelsea Bartlett 

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERMON

I enjoy stories about people who succeed despite attempting the untried and impossible. While reading these stories, I look for the key ingredient that helped the
person achieve his or her goal. The process intrigues me because it seems nothing
ever goes as imagined. Unexpected obstacles, failing several times, and even doing
something totally different than planned are the norm rather than the exception.
Naturally, each journey to success is unique, but the individuals seem to have a few
common personality traits. One of those traits is viewing challenges and setbacks
as steppingstones and learning opportunities. It seems each in the end doesn’t
get discouraged or bitter because things didn’t go the way he or she had planned.
These individuals aren’t just positive thinkers; they seem to actually believe that a
lot of what they experienced, even the bad, was part of their success.
How we view and respond to our life experiences makes all the difference in the
world. This week’s sermon examines John’s description of Jesus restoring life to his
good friend Lazarus. We’ll look at how the responses of those who saw this ultimate
miracle changed the course of their lives for eternity.
Stew Harty
Media Ministries Director