Jacob's Well http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org reconciliation, rehabilitation and reciprocation Mon, 13 May 2013 19:43:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=371 reconciliation, rehabilitation and reciprocation Jacob's Well no reconciliation, rehabilitation and reciprocation Jacob's Well http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org Jacob: Jacob’s Ladder http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-jacobs-ladder/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-jacobs-ladder/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 07:31:38 +0000 JLee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1435 Jacob has a dream about the gateway between heaven and earth.  He is struck with fear and rather than pursue his destiny, he continues to distance himself from God with conditional promises.  He has spent his whole life grasping after the blessing and is invited to be the blessing, and so are we.  Listen below.

Listen to Jacob’s Ladder

 

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-jacobs-ladder/feed/ 0 From Isolation to Embrace http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/alex/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/alex/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 19:18:45 +0000 JLee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1419 302086_142449189273371_292637793_n

A little over a year ago, Alex sat in his car alone in the parking lot of a Church’s Chicken on the corner of Hollywood & Chelsea where he accidentally overdosed on heroin.  Somehow, he came to and soon after checked into the Warrior Center for rehab.  He was very skeptical of the Christian-based program and wanted to leave.  However, he was estranged from his family and had nowhere else to go.  Several years back he had thrown a party at his aunt and uncle’s house while they were out of town.  He and his friends did thousands of dollars worth of damage and his sin caused a riff in his whole extended family.  This guy was carrying a lot and felt responsible for much.  He didn’t know whether forgiveness was possible, but he doubted it.

Then on one of the first visits to Jacob’s Well, he bumped into his Aunt who he had not seen in years and who was not speaking to his mother since the incident.  It happened to be her first time to Jacob’s Well and honestly the first time to be in church for a while.  They embraced, he received forgiveness, and has begun to experience reconciliation in his family.  This miracle was what Alex needed to accept Christ and he was baptized soon after at the Well.  Last night at his graduation, his family came together in a way like never before.  Alex proudly recited 50 “battle verses” from memory as a testimony of the work that God has done in and through him this past year.

Do you feel like your guilt is too much?  Do you think your family can never reconcile?  There is no divide too big for God to bridge.  There is no wound too deep for God to heal.  Jesus Christ bridged the gap for us.  Through his stripes we are healed.  Through him we are made whole and can experience reconciliation with God and family.

 

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/alex/feed/ 0 Jacob, Searching for God knows what: Ripped Off http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-4/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-4/#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 16:22:41 +0000 JLee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1383 Esau shows up and realizes he’s been ripped off. He feels mistreated, taken advantage of, cheated out of the blessing that was rightfully his. Esau constantly feels like he’s missing out and ends up doing more whining and complaining than making any positive changes in his life. In doing so, Esau misses out on life and the blessings of each day. His fixation on his brother and who is ahead in the rat race causes him to miss the joy of the run.

Click below to read the scripture and listen to the sermon audio.

 Genesis 27:30-40

Ripped Off

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-4/feed/ 0 Jacob, Searching for God knows what: Blessing Jacob http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-3/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-3/#comments Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:00:46 +0000 JLee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1339 Jacob has felt robbed his whole life of blessing.  He’s watched Esau get the attaboy’s from his dad, succeed in sports in hunting, in manly things, while he sat at home and watched cooking shows.  Jacob probably felt pretty worthless sometimes.  He longed for approval from his father that he never received, so he took matters in his own hands.  With his mom, he devised a plan to steal the blessing that he longed for.  He manipulated, deceived, and helped himself to the blessing that was not rightfully his.

Click below to read the scripture and listen to the sermon audio.

Genesis 27:1-29

Blessing Jacob

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-3/feed/ 0 Jacob has felt robbed his whole life of blessing.  He’s watched Esau get the attaboy’s from his dad, succeed in sports in hunting, in manly things, while he sat at home and watched cooking shows.  Jacob probably felt pretty worthless sometimes. Jacob has felt robbed his whole life of blessing.  He’s watched Esau get the attaboy’s from his dad, succeed in sports in hunting, in manly things, while he sat at home and watched cooking shows.  Jacob probably felt pretty worthless sometimes.  He longed for approval from his father that he never received, so he took matters in his own hands.  With his mom, he devised a plan to steal the blessing that he longed for.  He manipulated, deceived, and helped himself to the blessing that was not rightfully his. Click below to read the scripture and listen to the sermon audio. Genesis 27:1-29 Blessing Jacob Jacob's Well no Jacob, Searching for God knows what: Birthright for Sale http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-2/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-2/#comments Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:21 +0000 JLee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1335 When Esau came in from hunting he was exhausted, famished, and vulnerable. When we have no margin, haven’t gotten enough rest, and are on edge, we are more prone to sin. We are more apt to turn to fill a desire of the flesh or be manipulated and taken advantage of by others. So get some rest and have some fun in the name of Jesus!  This and more in our story of Jacob from Genesis 25:29-34.

4/13/2013 - Birthright for Sale

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-2/feed/ 0 When Esau came in from hunting he was exhausted, famished, and vulnerable. When we have no margin, haven't gotten enough rest, and are on edge, we are more prone to sin. We are more apt to turn to fill a desire of the flesh or be manipulated and taken ... When Esau came in from hunting he was exhausted, famished, and vulnerable. When we have no margin, haven't gotten enough rest, and are on edge, we are more prone to sin. We are more apt to turn to fill a desire of the flesh or be manipulated and taken advantage of by others. So get some rest and have some fun in the name of Jesus!  This and more in our story of Jacob from Genesis 25:29-34. 4/13/2013 - Birthright for Sale Jacob's Well no Jacob, Searching for God knows what http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-1/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-1/#comments Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:00:40 +0000 JLee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1324 Whether you love him or hate him, I think we can all see at least a little of ourselves in Jacob.  Coming from behind, the prototypical underdog, even with his deceit and trickery, we might be able to identify.  Whether we’re seeking approval from our father, constantly trying to have a leg up on our sibling, letting love blind us, or revenge drive us, we’ve got some Jacob in each of us.  Maybe at the heart of Jacob’s pursuit after Esau and retreat from God’s call is fear, a fear that of not adding up, the fear of insignificance, the fear of being number two.  Listen to this message and join us on Saturday nights to engage with the stories of Jacob.

Sibling Rivalry - 4/7/2013

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/jacob-1/feed/ 0 Whether you love him or hate him, I think we can all see at least a little of ourselves in Jacob.  Coming from behind, the prototypical underdog, even with his deceit and trickery, we might be able to identify. Whether you love him or hate him, I think we can all see at least a little of ourselves in Jacob.  Coming from behind, the prototypical underdog, even with his deceit and trickery, we might be able to identify.  Whether we’re seeking approval from our father, constantly trying to have a leg up on our sibling, letting love blind us, or revenge drive us, we’ve got some Jacob in each of us.  Maybe at the heart of Jacob’s pursuit after Esau and retreat from God’s call is fear, a fear that of not adding up, the fear of insignificance, the fear of being number two.  Listen to this message and join us on Saturday nights to engage with the stories of Jacob. Sibling Rivalry - 4/7/2013 Jacob's Well no Easter Fuels Mission http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/easter-fuels-mission/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/easter-fuels-mission/#comments Sun, 31 Mar 2013 06:00:05 +0000 JLee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1297 In Acts 10:34-43, Peter preaches the gospel in a clear, compelling, and concise way that centers in the death and resurrection of Jesus leading to a profound peace and life on mission.

Click here to listen.

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/easter-fuels-mission/feed/ 0 In Acts 10:34-43, Peter preaches the gospel in a clear, compelling, and concise way that centers in the death and resurrection of Jesus leading to a profound peace and life on mission. - Click here to listen. In Acts 10:34-43, Peter preaches the gospel in a clear, compelling, and concise way that centers in the death and resurrection of Jesus leading to a profound peace and life on mission. Click here to listen. Jacob's Well no Easter Ecstasy http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/easter-ecstasy/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/easter-ecstasy/#comments Sun, 31 Mar 2013 05:33:17 +0000 JLee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1293 There was an Easter Saturday Night 15 years ago when I had a life-changing experience with ecstasy.  I had just begun to follow Jesus and was about 5 months clean and sober.  I was out with some friends from recovery at a club and I ran into an old friend that I hadn’t seen in a while; she was rolling pretty hard on ecstasy.  I have to be honest—I really wanted to get high.  All of the memories of partying and having fun came rushing back.  Thank God, He gave me the strength to leave the club.  I went home to my apartment, locked the door, got in bed and tried to pray and fall asleep.  As soon as I began to pray, all those memories flooded my mind about raves and happy times with my friends when we were doing ecstasy.  I wondered if I really could be happy without sin.  After I tried and failed to pray a full-length goodnight prayer, an idea hit me like a forty pound light bulb—my Lenten devotional might get my focus where it needed to be!  I opened it up and saw a figure dancing with joy on the page for the next reading.  The words of the devotional by C.S. Lewis were about how each of us has a choice each day—to do good, or do evil—to walk in the light, or walk in darkness.  He highlighted how the sinful path looks really enticing and seems to result in happiness, but how it is deceiving.  I’m going to paraphrase, but it ended something like this:  “In reality, the choice to walk in the light is the only one that brings true ECSTASY!”  Have you ever seen a devotional use the word ecstasy?   But this one did and I read it on the right night.  I said a short prayer of thanksgiving and was able to sleep like a baby.  I have honestly not had a strong desire to drink or drug since.

light_in_darknessJesus is our life, our abundant life, when we believe in him.  He gives us strength when we are weak, peace when we’re going crazy, he cleanses us when we’re dirty, and provides light at the end of the darkest tunnel.  Jesus is the alpha and omega, the beginning and end, the one who brought us into this world, will take us out, and can bring us to everlasting life.  He is the King of kings, Lord of lords, and Boss of bosses, and Father for the fatherless.  Jesus is my savior and he can be yours too.  Jesus gives me a life filled with joy and peace and he can give it to you too.  Do you know him?  Do you feel like you’re at the end of your rope and that you have nothing left?  Jesus says, “I am the Resurrection.”  Do you feel like you’re just going through the motions and your world has no meaning?  Jesus says, “I am the Life.”  Do you know the one called resurrection and life?  His name is Jesus Christ and he invites you to the joy of his Father’s house this Easter.

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/easter-ecstasy/feed/ 0 Step by Step: Step 12 http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/step-by-step-step-12/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/step-by-step-step-12/#comments Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:28:00 +0000 JLee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1306 The first nine steps are all about reforming and rehabbing our lives in order to walk in the Spirit.  Steps 10-11 show us how to maintain the new life that comes as a result of committing one’s life and will to God.  The final step 12 is about giving away what we have received.  If you have worked the steps with honesty and thoroughness, you have witnessed the fruit of the Spirit born in your life:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  This is good stuff!  Too good to keep to ourselves.  We have it to share it.  The spiritual life that comes as the result of the steps is too good not to share.  This is at the heart of what we’re about at Jacob’s Well.  We call it reciprocation.Step 12:

Click here to read along with This Week’s Sermon Notes

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/step-by-step-step-12/feed/ 0 Step by Step: Steps 10-11 Lee http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/step-by-step-steps-10-11/ http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/step-by-step-steps-10-11/#comments Sun, 10 Mar 2013 00:00:56 +0000 Jacobs Well http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/?p=1277

Steps 10 & 11 show us how to do what’s under your control so that you can do what’s not under your control. It’s like playing sports or music. Gameday doesn’t happen without day after day of practice. Yet somehow we think spirituality just happens by osmosis. Steps 10 and 11 offer a game plan to practice so that when the hour of temptation strikes we are ready and equipped to win.

Click Here to Listen to This Message.

Click Here to Read Along with This Week’s Sermon Notes.

]]> http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org/step-by-step-steps-10-11/feed/ 0 Steps 10 & 11 show us how to do what’s under your control so that you can do what’s not under your control. It’s like playing sports or music. Gameday doesn’t happen without day after day of practice. Yet somehow we think spirituality just happens by o... Steps 10 & 11 show us how to do what’s under your control so that you can do what’s not under your control. It’s like playing sports or music. Gameday doesn’t happen without day after day of practice. Yet somehow we think spirituality just happens by osmosis. Steps 10 and 11 offer a game plan to practice so that when the hour of temptation strikes we are ready and equipped to win. Click Here to Listen to This Message. Click Here to Read Along with This Week's Sermon Notes. Jacob's Well no