Scottsdale Worship Center

Irrefutable Evidence, Part VI, July 25th

2010-07-22T17:39:00Z

"Drink plenty of water." How many times have you said that to one of your family members in the past few days?

Oh, and beware of "aestivation" (I guess that's what the smart guys call the physiological response of desert animals as they become more dormant with the heat). Either I'm more animal than I think, or we're all prone to the same thing. The caution here is that we don't let our natural human response to this time of the year influence our spiritual fervor for the Lord.

Interestingly, there's a direct link between a person's water intake and his or her tendency towards lethargy during the summer. In fact, the more we keep our bodies hydrated, the more energy is released in our bodies. Hmmmm . . .are you thinking what I'm thinking? First in the naturals then in the spirituals. As we mentioned on Sunday, the woman at the well (John 4) came for physical water, and Jesus offered her so much more. . .but she would have to choose to worship first . . .choose to worship in spirit and in truth.

As your pastor, allow me to encourage you today to resist the urge for spiritual dormancy this summer. Make worship (drinking of living waters) an absolute priority and necessity, and be energized in your spirit. You'll find that your attitude, perspectives, and faith increases, the more you worship. In fact, take a "water break" right now and love on the Lord for a few minutes, then follow it up with encouraging someone else to do the same!

In this Sunday message, Jennifer has the pulpit for our continuing study on Daniel. She has an awesome word in heart for you.

I love each one of you, and am believing for God's very best for your life...after all you're evidence to the world that God is God, and always good!

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Irrefutable Evidence, Part IV, July 11th, 2010, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-07-16T15:49:34Z

As I was preparing for this message, there was one phrase that continued in my heart: "worship God, God alone, and let it be HOT". As you'll see from our study with the three Hebrew men (Daniel 3 & 4), their worship for God was as HOT as it gets. Folks, more than ever, this remains my vision for all of us at SWC.

With that said, WORSHIP will be our next exhibit in our series- Irrefutable Evidence
Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Irrefutable Evidence, Part V, July 18th, 2010, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-07-15T16:33:00Z

I was thinking this morning, that the timing on our sermon series is interesting. The third chapter of Daniel deals with the fiery furnace, and it seems that every time we step outdoors, we get to experience a living object lesson. More seriously, I've been praying that the Lord will reveal even the "smallest" idols in our lives...and that we'll all have the courage to invite the Holy Spirit to remove them. In this message, we continue our study out of chapter 3 and the manner of the worship offered by the 3 Hebrew men.

Here's a question for you to ponder and respond to, if you so desire: what made their worship so "hot?" Here's an example: Their worship was sacrificial, even to the point of being ready and willing to "yield up their bodies" to the flames.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

"Looking Up!", July 4th, 2010, Pastor Ken Cain

2010-07-07T17:58:00Z

Pastor Ken shares a message "Looking Up!" as we celebrate July 4th.

Irrefutable Evidence, June 27th, 2010, Part III

2010-06-28T16:42:00Z

Have you found any new uses for duct tape this week?! It can fix just about anything. (Please see last Sunday's sermon if that doesn't make sense to you). Daniel's decision to be undefiled by his surroundings is one that we all must make sooner or later, and it's much better done when the temptation isn't immediately before us. Resolve is an act of the will. As with Daniel, we will see the favor and approval of our Father as we choose obedience in all areas of life, by the power of God within us.

This Sunday, we look at Daniel 2, and the supernatural work of God through human beings that gives "irrefutable evidence" to the world.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Irrefutable Evidence, Part Two, June 20th, 2010, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-06-17T22:29:00Z

Last Sunday, we started a series on the life of Daniel, looking at the way God has designed the Body of Christ to reflect Him: "The evidence is you!" We are made to be the evidence of God in the world, through the power of the Holy Spirit, as we live redeemed lives wherever we are.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Irrefutable Evidence, Part One, June 13, 2010, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-06-17T22:26:00Z

This message begins a new series entitled, Irrefutable Evidence: Living a Life that Proves God. A major part of this sermon series is a character study of Daniel. I have been impressed by the similarities that exist between today's "Babylonian" environment and that of Daniel, though he lived nearly 2500 years ago. As believers, we are to be the "evidence" that God is real and active in the world today. You are the best sermon that the people around you may ever hear!

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

A Rock to Remember, May 30, 2010, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-06-01T21:16:00Z

Pastor Chris shares a message of relevance to Memorial Day.

Full Disclosure, Part Six, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-05-26T20:25:00Z

What an amazing service we had last week; if you missed Pastor Lenny's testimony, I highly encourage you to click on the link to the left, "watch a service here," and take it in. The Lord has impressed the theme of forgiveness on my heart for another week, so we will continue with it this coming Sunday . . .watch for an "explosive" ending . . .I'll say no more . . . see you at 9:30 AM on Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Full Disclosure, Part Seven, Pastor Jim Cornwall

2010-05-26T20:21:00Z

This Sunday, we're excited to have Pastor Jim preaching what will be the final message of our "Full Disclosure" series. I pray that our view of our Father has been amplified and our hunger for Him increased.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Full Disclosure, Part V, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-05-04T23:06:00Z

In this week's message, we look at the phrase, "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors," Also, Pastor Lenny will share his powerful and moving testimony on the forgivenss that only God could make possible. We'll have special music and a gift for all the women and we hope you'll join us for this celebratory day.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Full Disclosure, Part IV, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-04-27T15:41:04Z

Regarding the subject of prayer, are you into it?! We can read books and hear sermons on it and never really dive into prayer experientially . . . and the best way we learn to pray is by praying! I encourage us all to become engaged with our Father in daily, continuous fellowship. He loves to talk with you.

In this message, we explore the third part of the Lord's prayer, "give us this day our daily bread." I share some principles about God' provision and His powerful ability to bless our lives.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Full Disclosure, Part III, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-04-27T15:37:00Z

Following my message on "OUR Father" this past Sunday, I've received several testimonies of how it has helped to prosper your prayer life. One brother shared, "Over the past 35 years of serving the Lord, my prayers have most often felt empty and distant...the Father is more real to me than ever." I trust you're joining this renewal of our prayer life. I'm certain your life will never be the same as together we experience the Full Disclosure.

The Full Disclosure series continues this Sunday as we reflect on the Kingdom of God and His will for our lives. Your world is about to get much bigger! So much so, that it will give room for a Holy God to perform great and mighty works. Please don't let your friends miss out on this message.

In the meantime, allow your communion with God to prosper! He has so much to share with you.

Seeking Him with you,

Pastor Chris

Full Disclosure, Part II, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-04-21T15:08:00Z

In one of the familiar songs we sing to the Lord, there are the words, "I'm desperate for You," likening our need for Him to our need for the air we breathe and the food we eat. There is no greater need in the church today than that of a Spirit-driven, fresh and present revelation of Christ in our lives and in our gatherings. It's easy to get satisfied with our current understanding of Who He Is, and all the while, He is drawing us to a place where we're able to view more of His nature and goodness, to truly "open the eyes of our hearts," to quote another song, so that we might really see Him. This is my prayer for each of us...let's allow the Holy Spirit to stir up a sense of hunger for Him in our hearts, and then thrill to the knowledge that He will satisfy every last longing.

Psalm 63 says, "O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as Iive, and in Your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you."

Seeking Him with you,

Pastor Chris

Full Disclosure, Part 1, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-04-07T20:56:00Z

SWC enjoyed a great week, celebrating our Lord's resurrection! It was an impacting time for me and I trust for you and your families as well. I'm thankful to all the pastors for their ministry at the Wednesday night service and on Good Friday, and to Bill and the choir for their ministry of song on Sunday morning.

With this message, we begin a series entitled, "Full Disclosure." In a fast-paced world where we interface with computers and smartphones for most of our communication, we can easily loose our awareness of God's presence. One of two things happen. We start turning prayer into a ritual, becoming a thing to do rather than the life we live. Or we start asking retorical questions like: God are you there? Why don't You answer my prayers? Can you hear me now? That's when we start feeling like we're in a bad Sprint commercial...alone!

In reality God is very much present with the believer. In His own words Jesus said, "...he who loves Me...I will love in Him and disclose Myself to him." (John 14:22) His Kingdom is no longer in the distance, it's right here right now. What a great joy it is to have FULL DISCLOSURE through Jesus Christ and His Spirit.

This teaching series, "Full Disclosure," will give each of us an opportunity to take a fresh look at our life of fellowship/communion with our Lord and find answers to those questions common to us all. Our study will include the simple and powerful principles of the Lord's Prayer and how God's Spirit serves a vital role to bring us Full Disclosure.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Celebrate His Love

2010-03-28T21:51:00Z

It's everywhere yet it's "noticed" only sometimes. For years, jewelry makers and artisans have profited greatly, and now clothing designers are regularly emphasizing the most famous symbol in history- the cross. In general I'm thrilled to see its popularity. As Christians it's a powerful reminder of the cost and provision by which we are saved.

The downside, as I see it, is based on the premise that "familiarity breeds contempt." Even as believers, it's easy to skip over the cross and go straight to the resurrection. Perhaps it's the familiarity of the symbol? But I have to think it's more than that...your thoughts? Drop me an email when you have a minute, chris@scottsdaleworship.com.

Passion Week is the perfect "window" of time to bring it all back into proper focus. I so hope you'll make every effort to join us...and make it even sweeter by bringing a guest with you! This is a week to "immerse" into the things of God and the community.

Together,

Pastor Chris

Gifts, The Five Love Languages, Pastor Lenny Corliss II

2010-03-19T21:23:00Z

There are times when the presence of faith, is especially obvious to me. That was the case this past Sunday. It started in the prayer room during pre-service prayer and multiplied throughout the morning. And the results of "bringing it," your faith, that is...we saw salvation, re-dedications, baptism in the Holy Spirit, healing...Praise the Lord! Thank you, SWC family, for "immersing" into the things of God and making Sunday worship one of your main places of spiritual "immersion." May we always "bring it"!

This Sunday, Pastor Lenny shares the fifth of the Five Love Languages: Gifts. We all know God loves to give good gifts. Really good gifts- in fact, the best! Join us as we explore Abba Father's lavish giving to His own.

As a result of your generous love for those in need, several hundred pounds of clothing for the homeless is being cleaned, folded, and made ready for distribution. Isn't that fun?

Bring it!!

Going Deeper and Immersed in His Love,

Pastor Chris

Physical Touch - The Five Love Languages, Pastor Chris Harper

2010-03-09T22:11:00Z

Who would have thought that love could be so much fun? . . .words of affirmation, quality time, and then Jennifer's message on "acts of service." Amidst the fun and interesting stories that many of you have sent me have been testimonies of how God's love has brought healing and restoration to the broken and hurting. Folks, they're all around us. Please take a moment, even right now, and ask your Heavenly Father to reveal His heart for those with whom you have direct contact. Perhaps today is THEIR day!

Some of you may remember the song, "He Touched Me"? It paints such a beautiful picture in our mind of God's love being expressed through physical touch. In this message, I'll be teaching on that expression of love. Allowing the Holy Spirit time to minister ("touch") our lives.

As always, if there is any way we can better serve you and help you prosper in your spiritual journey with Christ, please let us know.

Going Deeper and Immersed in His Love,

Pastor Chris

"Acts of Service" - The Five Love Languages, Jennifer Harper

2010-03-09T17:43:00Z

Jennifer shares today, with a message revealing God's love expressed through "acts of service."

You can also view this or other recent services via video online by navigating to the SWC web-site, SWConline.net and clicking the link "Watch a Worship service" link in the Quicklinks section. (see picture below). Or, just click Here.

Thankful for God's extravagant love,

Pastor Chris

Five Love Languages, Part III, Pastor Jim Cornwall

2010-02-24T18:26:00Z

We welcome Pastor Jim to the pulpit this coming Sunday as he teaches on one of the five "languages" or expressions of love that we've been studying (quality time). It's a "don't miss" service.

The world is in desperate need of God's love. As a church family, this is our primary calling...to love. As each of us are faithful to that calling- can you imagine the difference we can make in our community? The power of multiplication through the power of love!

Thankful for God's extravagant love,

Pastor Chris