Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This past Sunday we looked at the Apostle Paul’s doxology at the end of Ephesians chapter three, in which he praises God “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think…” (Eph 3:20-21) Specifically, Paul is speaking of God’s unlimited power. Generally, Paul is speaking of God’s greatness. A significant reason why our faith is often so weak, our worship so dull and our praises unsung is that we’ve lost our sense of the greatness of God. If that’s the case, how do we go about cultivating a growing awareness of the greatness of God? Let me suggest the following:

#1 Meditate on the Scriptures.

The primary means by which to cultivate a growing awareness of the greatness of God is to allow the truths of who God is, what He has done and what He promises to do to take root in the soil of your heart. That happens as we carve out time and space to meditate on the scriptures. I posted some possible starting points here earlier in the week. Biblical meditation is the process of filling your mind with the Word of God, unlike the emptying of the mind of eastern meditation. Biblical meditation is the process of taking a verse and prayerfully considering it, thinking over it, and personally applying it. In Knowing God, JI Packer describes it as “an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.” (JI Packer, Knowing God, 23) All you need is your Bible but I’ve found that using a pen and paper for recording your thoughts, insights and questions help the process.

#2 Watch the Stories.

It is one thing to say God is great, but it is another to demonstrate it. That’s why God gave us stories. The Bible not only tells us that God is great, it shows us. One of the primary ways we learn of His greatness is through the true stories of how He has acted in history recorded for us in the Bible: the lame walk, the blind see, the barren give birth, His promises fulfilled, His purposes accomplished, His people rescued, His Son resurrected. The stories tell a story of the glory of greatness of God. Watch the stories and apply the first point above.

#3 Reflect on the Gospel.

If you’re a follower of Jesus, make it personal by taking time to reflect on what God has done to bring you home to him. Reflect on your sin. Reflect on His grace. Reflect on your identity in Christ. Reflect on God’s great holiness and justice. Reflect on God’s great love and compassion. Reflect how these coalesce at the cross. Reflect not only on your initial need of the gospel, but your continual need of the gospel. There is no greater place to see the greatness of God than in the great news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (cf John 3:16, 2 Cor 5:21, Romans 5, etc)

#4 Read Stirring Books.

Our time is limited, so we must exercise wisdom regarding what we read. Read books and biographies that stoke your affections for God by giving you glimpses of His greatness. A list here would be lengthy, but you’ll hardly go wrong if you stick with dead guys. Consider the John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, the Puritan Paperback series, Augustine’s Confessions, Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Edwards’ Religious Affections, and others.

#5 Go Outside.

So much of our lives are spent inside boxes: cubicles, cars, homes, elevators, conference rooms and others. Getting outside our boxes to enjoy God’s creation can go a long way in cultivating a sense of the greatness of God on your heart, mind and soul. Head to the mountains, find a beach, or go for a walk with eyes and ears tuned into the greatness of the God who made all that you see.

#6 Avoid Numbing Your Affections.

If we want to cultivate a growing awareness of the greatness of God we must keep tabs on those things that numb our souls to His greatness. This would include harboring sin, not carving out regular time before the Father in the Word and prayer, being busy, not taking adequate time to rest and recharge, watching too much television, playing too many video games, listening to unhelpful music with an undiscerning ear, and not responding to the Spirit’s promptings toward holiness and obedience. Its important to know yourself. Avoid what numbs, cultivate what stirs.

Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Sunday Follow-Up

On Sunday (06.12) we unpacked Paul’s doxology (Eph 3:20-21) that marked the end of the first half of Ephesians. Next week we’ll begin our journey through the latter half of the book that addresses practical principles related to what a Christian life should look like. You’ll be able to grab the sermon here once it’s posted.

Supporting Scriptures

During the sermon today, I referenced that I would post the scriptures that refer to God’s greatness that I quoted. Here they are:

Isa 40:26 “Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power…”
Hebrews 1:3 “Jesus…upholds the universe by the word of his power”
Eph 1:11 “Jesus…works all things according to the counsel of his will.”
Ps 93:1-2 “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty…”
Ps 145:5 “On the glorious splendor of your majesty…I will meditate”
2 Peter 1:16 (of Jesus) “we were eyewitnesses of his majesty…”
Deut 7:21 “Great and awesome”
Job 9:4 “He is…mighty in strength”
Job 42:1-2 “‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted'”
Ps 24:8 “the Lord strong and mighty”
Ps 115:3 “our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases”
Ps 135:6 “Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps”

Isa 14:27 “For what the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it?”
Isa 46:10 “‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure'”
Jer 32:17-19a “It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you…
”
Luke 1:37 “Nothing will be impossible w/ God.”
 (angel responding to Mary)
Mat 19:26 “With men this is impossible, but w/ God all things are possible.” (Jesus speaking to disciples)

Meditating on the Greatness of God

This week, I encourage you to meditate on these texts of scripture that specifically relate to the greatness of God. I also recommend checking out Psalm 139, Isaiah 40, Jer 32:16-44 and Job 38-42. On meditation, JI Packer helps:

“Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying oneself, the various things that one know about the works and ways and purposes and promises of god. It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.” (JI Packer, Knowing God, 23)

Charnock on God’s Greatness

Also, for those interested, here is the quote from Steven Charnock that I referenced towards the end of the sermon:

“Wisdom and power are the ground of the respect we give to men; they being both infinite in God, are the foundation of a solemn honour to be returned to him by his creatures. If a man make a curious engine, we honour him for his skill; if another vanquish a vigorous enemy, we admire him for his strength; and shall not the efficacy of God’s power in creation, government, redemption, inflame us with a sense of the honour of his name and perfections! We admire those princes that have vast empires, numerous armies, that have a power to conquer their enemies, and preserve their own people in peace; how much more ground have we to pay a mighty reverence to God, who, without trouble and weariness, made and manages this vast empire of the world by a word and beck! What sensible thoughts have we of the noise of thunder, the power of the sun, the storms of the sea! These things, that have no understanding, have struck men with such a reverence that many have adored them as gods. What reverence and adoration doth this mighty power, joined with an infinite wisdom in God, demand at our hands” (Steven Charnock, The Existence and Attributes of God, 429).

Community, News | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

We believe our Heavenly Father answers prayer.

Though we’ve taken a break from posting prayer updates, we haven’t ceased to pray. Just the opposite. The winter was an important season for us as we transitioned to weekly Sunday worship gatherings, multiplied our communities, cultivated missional and ministry health and prepared to launch – which we did on Sunday, April 3rd. Our Father has been faithful every step of the way, providing people, leadership, finances and meetings spaces in his sovereign perfect timing.

What’s Next?

Now we’re moving into our next stage of development as we aim to roll out informal life-on-life discipleship group options, continue to focus on gospel intentionality (w/ an emphasis on evangelism), church partnership (aka membership), leadership development and more. But, amidst all this, our vision remains the same. We want to see the city, from the avenues to the alley ways, connected in real, vibrant, holistic, passionate faith to Christ – the God of this city.

You can read our last prayer update HERE. You can also receive email updates of new blog content by entering your email in the “Subscribe to Updates via Email” box in the right column.

Here are some snapshots of the last several months:

• Answered Prayer #1 (Launch Team) 
For months we’ve prayed for roughly 50 people to commit to partner in planting this new gospel work (aka Launch Team). We saw that happen, just in time for our public launch on April 3rd. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #2 (Worship Lead)
 Again, for months we’ve prayed for a worship leader to help lead our people in corporate song, build bands and work to create a sound that leads redeemed Seattlites in songs of praise to our King. Through several random events and chance encounters we witnessed God do just that in February. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #3 (Gathering Space)
Four days prior to the start of our weekly Sunday worship gatherings we discovered we would not be able to use the space we were counting on. By the grace of God we secured a perfect transitional meeting space in an old antique mall, next to the Underground Tour, in Pioneer Square. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #4 (Permanent Space)
But, the antique mall space was only available through March. So, we continued asking Jesus to give us a space that would be central, more visible (at least street level!), affordable and flexible. In March we signed an agreement with Court in the Square that fulfills our requests and more. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #5 (People who are not-yet-following Jesus)
This winter we also a dramatic increase in folks that do not yet follow Jesus starting to share life with us, ask questions, be honest, and become part of our community. One received Christ last month. We are working hard to create an culture where we’re inviting people into our lives, not just inviting them to events. It’s working. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #6 (Avenues to the alley-ways)
From the beginning, we believed Jesus was calling us to plant a church for those from the avenues to the alley-ways. Now we are watching Him move as he creates a diverse church from all walks of life, socioeconomic strata and backgrounds. It is one of my greatest joys to watch homeless men and executives worshipping Jesus together. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #7 (Networking)
I continue to meet as many people as I possibly can to learn about what God is already doing in Seattle. He’s already at work in the city, going before us, and we’re humbled to participate. I’ve met some great people and so far we’re experiencing favor in the city. One of the results is that we’re seeing people join us who have never participated in a church before. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #8 (April)
After many months of moving, vision casting, networking, praying, serving, planning and sharing the gospel we had a climatic April. On April 3rd we launched. The following week we were welcomed into the Acts 29 Network. Then, just two weeks later, we held our first-ever Good Friday/Easter gatherings. It has been an encouraging fruit-bearing month. Thank you, Jesus.

• Answered Prayer #9 (Family Update)
Amidst all of this, the Lord has been exceedingly gracious to the Sinnett family. In March we celebrated Macy‘s (2) and Carter’s (4) birthdays. In April we celebrated Jen’s birthday, along with the birth of our new baby girl, Ella Faith. Not only was Ella’s birth a miracle, Jen was not required to be on bed rest for any part of the pregnancy (as she was w/ Macy). Jen and Ella are doing great. We’ve also recently sold two cars and purchased another. As always, more than we can handle, but never more than He can. Thank you for your prayers for our family…and thank you, Jesus.

For the next quarter, please pray:

• We would continue to be a church marked by a deep love for Jesus, pouring out into mission.
• Many souls will be saved and lives transformed through this new gospel work – starting this summer.
• We’d experience favor in Seattle.
• All of our financial needs will be provided for. Praying we can be self-sustaining by the end of 2011.
• That Jesus-loving, talented musicians and artists would continue to join this work.
• Seattle would be loved, served, challenged and changed through the gospel.
• Many Gospel-centered Jesus-loving churches would be planted through DCC.
• Practically, that we’d have wisdom to lead, love, plan, rest and work well.

Thank you for your prayers and support!
Because the Tomb is Empty,

Pastor Adam