Ron Edmondson » Jesus

Five Minute Challenge: Persecuted Church

Ron Edmondson — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:14 +0000

This week I’m at Moody Founder’s Week. It’s a Bible conference put on by Moody Bible Institute that I’ve come to for several years, especially since my son Nate is a student here. One of the underlying themes this year has the persecution of Christians around the world. I’ve read recently that Christians are under more persecution today than any time in church history.

Then, my friend Tami Heim tweeted that she was praying for the Christians of Uzbekistan. I’ll be honest, I don’t know that I ever prayed for anyone in Uzbekistan. Then I followed the link she provided and realized it’s part of an initiative called the Five Minute Challenge. I signed up. You can too. In fact, I think you should.

HERE is a list of the 50 most-watched countries for church persecution.

Watch this video and then go HERE.

Do you ever pray for persecuted Christians?

Focus on the Family, John 3:16 Commercial

Ron Edmondson — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:23:32 +0000

In case you missed this, I loved this Focus on the Family commercial. Others on Twitter thought it was a waste of money.

What do you think?

Why I Hate Religion, but Love Jesus

Ron Edmondson — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:00:23 +0000

You’ve probably seen this on Facebook, but just in case you haven’t…

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

Ron Edmondson — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:07:51 +0000

We launched a new series at Grace Community Church this week called “All In“. This year, we want to give God access to every part of our life. In this message, I addressed the issue of our minds.

Are you worried about many things?

How can you stop worrying?

Maybe Paul has an answer for us.

Think About These Things from Gcomchurch Sermons on Vimeo.

Unwrap Love

Ron Edmondson — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:56:05 +0000

This is my Christmas Eve message. It’s only 16 minutes long…and it’s Christmas…but you may still need to unwrap the gift of Christmas love!

Love from Gcomchurch Sermons on Vimeo.

How I Started the Year Successfully

Ron Edmondson — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:49 +0000

I’m not working the first week of the new year.

Well, actually I am working. I’m writing a message for Sunday, I’m replying to dozens of emails, texts and phone calls, I’m thinking, processing, and dreaming about the new year.

I’m not in the office. Normally on this week there would be dozens of meetings. I’d begin implementing the plans I dreamed of over the month of December. I am a “hit the ground running” kind of guy.

But, instead, I’m on a “retreat” with my youngest son Nate. And, I’ll admit, it’s fun!

I’m at Passion Conference, a gathering of 44,000 mostly 18 to 25 year olds whose primary purpose is worshipping Jesus!

And, I’m not disappointed. I actually hope this is representative of my year.

I realize some would need no encouragement to do something like this to start the year, but you see, I don’t sit still very well. I’m more of a doer than a be…er. (Couldn’t find a way to write that word without you thinking it was an alcoholic beverage.) I struggle to rest in Christ. I’m more like Martha than I am like Mary. (Luke 10:38-42) I’d rather be doing something for Christ. Worship, as much as I want my life defined by it, is often pushed to the side for other, more “tangible” projects. (Sorry, just being honest.)

This year:

I want my life defined more by devotion than by duty.
I want to meditate on God’s Word as much as I study or even teach God’s Word.
I want to praise more than I produce.

So, while this may seem like an unproductive start to the new year, I hope it’s the beginning of my most productive year ever. Hopefully, the older I get, the better I’m defining productivity.

How about you? Are you more like Martha or Mary?

Fear Not! It’s Christmas!

Ron Edmondson — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:51:08 +0000

“Fear not!”

Those have to be two of my favorite words from the Christmas story. The phrase may be “do not be afraid”, but I’ll take that also!

I love the fact that Christmas removes the need to worry, to be fearful, to dread the future.

Consider these familiar verses of the Christmas story:

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20

And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” Luke 1:12-13

“But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:29-30

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10

Are you fearful this Christmas? Are you worried about the future?

Fear not!

It’s Christmas! Our Savior has come! He has a plan! He’s on His throne.

Why the Baby in a Manger?

Ron Edmondson — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:40:19 +0000

Christmas Flash Mob

Ron Edmondson — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:58:52 +0000

According to YouTube, Journey of Faith performed a Christmas “Flash Mob” at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach on December 18, much to the delight of local shoppers.

One of the best I’ve ever seen…don’t miss the ending.

Ever been a part of a flash mob? Would you like to be?

(Thanks to @MaxLucado for pointing me to this one.)

Scripture Memorization, Week 50

Ron Edmondson — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:00:20 +0000

It’s Christmas…we should know this verse:

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Luke 2:10

Bonus to this post: What’s your favorite Christmas memory?