Seven Mile Road

In this episode the Melrose staff talk about the vision of Seven Mile in the coming season, and some ways we are supporting the big goal of helping others to know Jesus; in our Sunday preaching, prayer, tracks, classes, 

Has your world ever flipped upside down in a moment? Have your hopes and dreams that seemed so close seemingly come crashing down unexpectedly?_If so, you’ll understand the predicament of Jesus’ disciples on the Sunday after his crucifixion. They expected so much, but now are left with an empty tomb they can’t explain ... until a man they don’t recognize walks alongside them on a road out of Jerusalem before breaking bread with them. Then, they ran, and they told what happened to the other disciples.Join us this Sunday as we spend time in one of our favorite stories as a church: the Seven Mile Road story.

What do we do when our hopes and dreams die? How should we respond when the projects or the home or the family we wanted we don’t get?Everything around us tells us that if we work hard, if we apply the right methods or know the right processes or make the right connections, then all of our dreams, all of our ways, will come true.But the scriptures tell us something different. Unless the Lord builds, protects, and sustains all of these things then all of our work will be in vain. But if we belong to Jesus then the work done in his name will not be in vain.Psalm 127

This Sunday we’ll look at Psalm 146 and see how the text teaches us to continually bring our praises to the Lord, for he alone is worthy of them and able to deliver us from whatever life throws our way.

Our world is increasingly moving toward providing a life that allows and instructs us to get what we want, when we want it. We are subtly and not-so-subtly taught that waiting is something to be avoided at all costs. But what happens when there is no option other than to wait for something we can't control? What does it look like to live a life filled with hope while we wait for God? This Sunday, we will see that Psalm 130 shows us a way of life that points us and trains us toward living with great hope in our waiting. Ps 130

Have you ever wondered what God is doing right now and how your life might be connected to His greater mission? Psalm 110, the most-quoted psalm in the New Testament, is cited by Jesus and His apostles and prophetically foretold that God the Father would place His Son at His right hand and then actively extend His kingdom by overcoming His enemies. This missional psalm is a call for us to reflect: Are we helping to expand the kingdom of Jesus, or are we focused on building our own? In the end, what will stand the test of time—our own pursuits or God’s purposes in Christ?

When we feel crushed by life, faint, and alone, who do we run to? What does our soul thirst for when we are in despair? Do we run from God, hide from Him, or ignore Him? Psalm 143 was written by David in a time of great despair. David recognizes that he cannot stand before God and earn His favor. Instead, he pleads with God according to His steadfast love. David's soul thirsts for God because the LORD is his true refuge — and this Sunday, we'll see how He is ours as well.

Give thanks to the Lord. We’ve heard it said. We know it’s a good idea. We’ve read it in the scriptures. We may not even object, but pressure mounts, business overwhelms, and discontent can rise up. But only so long as we don’t remember who God is and only so long as we don’t remember what he’s done.  This Sunday, we’ll be reminded to give thanks to the Lord and why our Creator, our Redeemer, our protector, our God, whose steadfast love endures and who remembers us, is so worthy of our thanks

Listen to an update to stay informed and involved in the life of the church as you grow in your love for Jesus. Hear about:Our thoughts on the World CupWhat to expect from the pulpit on SundaysWomen's and Men's Summer StudiesInaugural Worship Night on August 8The Annual Teacher Training for SMR Kids teachersPlans for the Elder Retreat 

This week we'll dive into Psalm 139 and think about the two vastly different responses these verses can elicit in our hearts & souls.

In Psalm 111, we’re exhorted to praise the Lord. But the psalmist doesn’t just tell us to do so and then leave us wondering how. Instead, they model for us what it looks like to praise the Lord and how this draws our attention back to our redeeme

Pastor Justin sat down with Ned and Chris to talk about student ministry leadership. Give it a listen and be praying for the Taylors, the Cervantes, and for our students!

Psalm 121For generations, God's people would travel to Jerusalem for the great festivals, singing as they walked the long and often treacherous road. Among the songs on their lips was Psalm 121 — the cry of a weary pilgrim who, somewhere along the journey, may have begun to wonder where his help would come from. This Sunday, as we kick off our summer series in the Psalms, we'll see the psalm's answer to that question: my help comes from the LORD

Every Sunday, we gather at the table to share this simple meal of bread and wine as Christ’s people. It reminds us not only a meal about what Christ has accomplished in the past but also of His promises for the future. This meal serves as a preview of the future realities we will experience with Him. That means Christ’s meal helps us right now focus our hearts and minds on God’s coming kingdom, filling us with hope and endurance until His return.

1 Corinthians 10.16-17Each Sunday, as we come to Jesus' table, we do so together. Not alone but as a family. In fact, as we share the cup and bread, we testify that though we are many, God has made us one body in Christ, bound together in a community of his own, bought with his blood. Jesus' table is both essentially Christian and essentially corporate. This Sunday, we’ll see: at the table, we identify as Jesus’ people.

Listen to a 14 minute update all about June at Seven Mile Melrose

Each year, generation after generation of God's people would celebrate the Passover, remembering what God had done in freeing his people from Egypt. On the night before his death, Jesus and his disciples gathered and celebrated the Passover meal, but this time the focus would shift from the death of the Lamb to the death of Jesus. In fact, the Apostle Paul would later write, "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”This Sunday, we'll see that: at the table, we remember Christ's sacrifice

1 Corinthians 11.26While instructing the Corinthian church on the Lord’s Supper, the Apostle Paul wrote, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV). It is not too difficult to read that and then shake our heads up and down, acknowledging that we understand what Paul is saying. _Yes, Paul, I get it._ But do we?This Sunday, we’ll examine the reality that at the Table, we proclaim Christ’s death

We loved getting time with Keith and Lizzie Nicolson from Merkinch & South Kessock Free Church in Scotland and hearing about how God is working in that part of the UK!

Each week at Seven Mile Road, just after the Word is preached, we partake in the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus invites sinners to share a meal with him. How could this be?Eating that tiny bit of bread and drinking wine or juice from that tiny cup may seem minute and momentary but it’s actually magnificent! Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive into this grace and mature our understanding of what happens at the table. This week, we will examine how at the table we renew covenant with Christ.

Have you ever wondered what a Deacon is? Or what Jesus calls deacons to be and do for him? Maybe you’ve even wondered what benefit it is for the church to have faithful deacons?Over the last two weeks, we’ve looked at how Jesus is the greatest servant and how he calls elders to serve by leading his church. This week, we will look at how Deacons lead by serving.In Acts 6, we’ll see how a conflict arose in the church and how those who led the church by serving allowed the apostles to continue preaching the Word and praying ... and how that led to growing faith and a growing church.

Listen to this month's update to hear all about life at Seven Mile Melrose!

Have you ever wondered what a Pastor-Elder is?Or what Jesus calls them to be and do for him?Or even what benefit it is for the church to have faithful elders? Last week, we kicked off our Diakonos sermon series by looking at how Jesus defined true greatness for those who lead in his kingdom: being a servant. This week, we will look at how Elders Serve by Leading. In 1 Peter 5, Jesus’ apostle encourages elders to care for Jesus’ people looking forward to Jesus’ eternal reward. In particular, Pastor-Elders serve by leading like Jesus for the good and health of his church.

Mark 10.35-45_Who is the greatest? How can it be me? _ These are the last questions we’d expect to hear the disciples were asking Jesus ... or at least we’d hope they wouldn’t. But they did ask them, and those questions are often on our minds, too.This week, as we begin our sermon series called _Diakonos_, we’ll hear Jesus’ answer and see the beautiful truth that HE is the greatest servant, “who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

This Sunday, we’ll bring our sermon series, "God’s King", to a close as we complete the Book of Samuel. When the book began, God’s people were being led poorly and desired a king like the nations. As the book ends, though a broken man himself, God’s King David is on the throne, confessing his sin, saving his people, and there’s a promise ... a promise that he’d have a son, God’s True King, who will rule God’s kingdom eternally for the people’s good.

Mark 16.1-8Early on Sunday morning, the Sunday after a Friday filled with the shocking, brutal, and gruesome death of Jesus followed by his burial ... and after a Sabbath filled with a certain confusion and sadness, the same women who looked upon Jesus at his death went to his tomb. As they spoke of the need to roll the stone away, they noticed it was already there and heard news that changes everything, "He has risen." This Easter Sunday, we'll celebrate this great news that changes everything

Last words are important and telling. More specifically, they tell what a person thinks is important. In this Sunday’s sermon, we’ll hear David’s final words ... words that God spoke to him and through him as God’s King. As a king who has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, King David’s last words will point us to a crucial reality that a just ruler is a blessing to his people.

The Melrose staff talk about Good Friday, Easter, a checkers game controversy, upcoming sermon series we will hear on Sundays, a typo about the Spring Cleaning and Work Day, April's Connections Breakfast, an upcoming Women's Retreat in New Hampshire,  and how a new Goodreads feature could help some our staff. Listen to get up-to-date and laugh with (and at) us! Deacon of Care Info:https://www.sevenmilemelrose.com/deaconWomen's Retreat Info and Sign Up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-wH-dTCz8IR-rvN8Km20sm95bcVRkBCNyHwOFFYZg39ZbWw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=117628007985786467489  

I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.Over and over in the book of Samuel, we have seen how the Lord God delivered his chosen king from every battle, assassination attempt, coup, and rebellionBecause of that, David praises the God who saved him from all his enemies.To a greater extent, the Lord God not only saved King Jesus from the cords of death but, through him, saves us from all our enemies as well.Because of that, we can also say I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies

2 Samuel 21-22.1What have we done? How do we defeat our enemies?These two questions loomed large in the minds of God's people as David became king and they didn't stop. These questions were there before David and the answers marked much of his reign. Yet, as he nears the end of his life what stands out most isn't that he answered them, but that God delivered him. God delivered his king ... and his people!

We have no portion in DavidWith these words, Sheba initiates a rebellion against David and divides his kingdom. David’s kingdom can only be fully re-established with the defeat and death of Sheba, signaled by the trumpet blast of Joab.This Sunday, we will see that in this moment, Israel’s unity comes at the cost of one rebel’s life. This points us to the greater reality of God’s grace to us in Christ, who defeated his enemy by giving his one precious life for all rebels who come to him in faith.

What have I done? How can I come back from that? What happens now? These questions flow through the minds of God’s people as the rebellion against King David failed. They are concerned with who the King is, but also how he will feel about them ... especially if they opposed him in any way. This Sunday, we’ll see how David responds to those who were near him and those who were far off. Even more, we’ll see how he points us to Christ’s peace.2 Samuel 19

Listen this month for a special episode all about the upcoming Marriage Retreat! You'll hear what to expect from the sessions, why we are excited about it, who should register, and how to get your ticket! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pursuing-a-god-honoring-marriage-retreat-at-seven-mile-road-church-tickets-1982386908608?aff=oddtdtcreator

2 Samuel 18David’s kingdom is divided. His own son Absalom has raised an army to take the throne. In the chaos, the question is unavoidable: who is really in control? This Sunday we will see that God secures His Kingdom even through our uncertainty, sin, and grief

Have you ever wondered what happens with our prayers? Does God answer them? If so, how does he answer them?This Sunday, we’ll see God answer the prayer that David prayed when he was first on the run from Absalom’s coup. God’s powerful move was David’s only hope, but God heard him and answered ... and he hears and answers our prayers, too.2 Samuel 16.15-17.29

How do I endure the hard consequences of my sin?What helps me endure unjust treatment from others?David is on the run because of the downstream consequences of his own sin.Despite this, God provides nourishment to sustain David so he can endure the Lord’s fatherly discipline.Like David, Christ endured by faith through unjust slander, reviling, and false accusations that led to his death. Unlike David, he did so for the sins of others according to God’s fatherly plan.As those who belong to Christ, we can endure all things by trusting in the character of God revealed to us in the gospel.

2 Samuel 15_Whose favor will I seek? Who will decide what seems good in my life?_ These are big questions that decide a lot about how we live in relation to one another and to God.In this week’s sermon, we’ll see Absalom, back in Jerusalem, making himself seem good as a righteous judge before the people ... all the while, he’s really making a move for the throne against God’s King, David. As King David hears the news, he leaves Jerusalem weeping and resting his hopes on God’s favor to bring about a return. Either way, David is ready to embrace whatever seems good to God.

Listen to hear all about the life of Seven Mile Melrose this month! 

What happens when you have really done it? What happens when you’ve gone one too far too fast and really hurt people? Not just any people, though. You’ve hurt your family, and now you’ve run because it seemed like the only thing you could do. What happens next?This week, we’ll see this exact story play out in King David’s house in 2 Samuel 14 ... and we’ll see the difference it makes to have a good brother who sees his brother’s plight, pleads for him to be welcomed home, and helps him reconcile to the king.2 Samuel 14

2 Samuel 13.23-39What happens when someone sins horribly against another person? Do we take action? Do we stand by? What about when justice doesn’t seem to come? This week, we’ll see Absalom respond to Amnon’s sin against Tamar, as he takes vengeance. Absalom commands his men to make things right ... but they don’t necessarily turn out right. The truth is that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and he repays perfectly

As we return to the Book of Samuel, we’ll see awful sin occur in King David’s house. We’ll see how deep sin destroys emotions, people, and relationships in heartrending fashion and with cascading effect. But we’ll also see that, while sin runs deep, God’s grace in Jesus Christ runs deeper.

Listening to the monthly updates is a great way to get up to date on the life of Seven Mile Melrose! This month Sara, Justin, and Michael talk about what to expect Sunday mornings, the track we are excited about this winter, and some January events both for members and people who are newer to Seven Mile Road.https://www.sevenmilemelrose.com/ontheroad

Whether through John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph, or the shepherds, we have seen how God showed that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior, at his arrival. Yet Jesus' didn't only show up in this world. He arrived to reveal the heart of God for His people. He arrived to reveal the heart of man. Let's see who He is and take hold of Jesus this Christmas.Luke 2.21-40

“Good News of Great Joy for all people”. That’s what the angel told the shepherds about Jesus’ birth. The shepherds received the news, followed the sign, and met the Savior. Telling any who would hear about the Messiah, their Savior. They left joyful, worshiping God. This is the story of all who hear, believe, and meet Jesus.

God is redeeming His Creation through His Son, but what does it look like to faithfully and joyfully cooperate with Him in that? In this passage, Luke introduces us to Mary, who gives us some idea of how to do that.

Connect with Pastor Michael to meet with a GC on 12/28: [email protected]

This Sunday, we’ll begin our Advent sermon series from the Gospel of Luke, called Good News of Great Joy, with the story of John the Baptist’s birth. As we do so, we’ll hear how God answered the prayers of John’s parents and see how God works in the lives of his people so that His blessing leads others to rejoice in God and hope in his salvation.Luke 1.5-25, 57-80

The end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount issues some stark warnings and teaches us that true righteousness finds its roots in the state of our hearts.

Have you ever wondered why people choose to fast? Throughout the Scriptures, we see many of God’s people fasting, yet honestly, fasting for the purpose of pursuing God can sometimes be overlooked in our own walk with Jesus.In this week’s passage, Jesus shares with us how to fast and offers a profound motivation: the Father Himself promises to reward us! If our fasting is only to gain applause or approval from others, then that’s the only reward we’ll receive. But when we fast as Jesus teaches, the eternal God sees us and promises to reward us. Ultimately, fasting is about desiring God and His reward more than anything else.

When we read our Bibles, we hear over and over again that God alone rules over all. But as we look around to our culture and to our own hearts, it often feels like something else is on the throne - money.In our text this week, Jesus shows us what it looks like to live faithfully to Him by believing that He is better than our wallets. He won’t give us a budget. He won’t tell us what we can or can’t spend our money on. But He gives us a promise: investing our hearts in His Kingdom is the best investment we can ever make.Matthew 6:1-4; 19-34