Seven Mile Road

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

Prayer can seem quite difficult, no matter how convinced we are that God calls us to it. We can struggle because we don’t know what to say or how to say it. Additionally, we can a tough time because of who we are and what we think we are accomplishing as we pray. No matter your struggle, prayer can challenge you … but through prayer, God can also bless you. This week, we’ll hear from Jesus how to pray in the right way for the right reward and with the right view of God.

Matthew 5.13-16How can I make a difference in other people's lives? How can I build a life on the gospel that loves and leads others to the real Jesus?These are questions we ask whether younger and figuring life out or older and established. This Sunday, we'll hear Jesus tell his disciples they've been made new. They've been made salt. They've been made light. And as they (and we!) live as his people doing good works, others will see them and glorify God the Father.

How does Jesus expect us to live as His people? In Christ our citizenship is in heaven and we’re called to live together in a manner worthy of that calling. This Sunday Jesus shows us what that looks like: ending angry contempt with urgent reconciliation, killing unholy desires and honoring marriage, speaking plainly and keeping our word, and exercising humility and wisdom. We don’t do these to earn the kingdom; we do them because the King equips us by His Spirit and calls us to walk in His ways.

This week, we begin a new preaching series from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, titled ‘Building Life on the Gospel.’We all choose how we are going to build our lives.The challenge from Jesus is to intentionally choose how we are building our lives.To enter his kingdom, we must have the overflowing righteousness of God.How do we get that overflowing righteousness?There are two choices: One is to pursue righteousness of our own making.Jesus wants us to choose the other way, his way - join us on Sunday as we learn from Jesus how to build our lives on the Gospel.

How should I follow Jesus in this broken and sinful world? If good works don’t save me, should I try to do them? This Sunday, as Paul ends his letter to Titus, we’ll see that believing and living in Christ means that we’ll also live lives devoted to good works. Our good works won’t save us, but we are certainly called to do them as humble heirs in God’s kingdom.Titus 3

Listen for an October update on all things Seven Mile Melrose. You'll hear all kinds of things including: why you might see holes in the sanctuary walls, how to get a donut reward, how a middle-school slang term could help you save the date for a marriage retreat, a recap from last months's parenting workshop, how to participate in the Chili Cook-Off, and the staff's thoughts on apple picking. Subscribe to the Parents Newsletter:https://sevenmilemelrose.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ae874e3ddc0bd51b08b51e5ab&id=82c8286f7bSign up for the Chili Cook Off:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yzeOalAApDgu4fEOk6Pgmn7Hv-N_oYMindzWsl0keFQ/edit?usp=sharing

Following Jesus in an ever-changing, disorienting, and broken world can sometimes seem impossible. We don’t know what to do. We may not know what to say. Life can be confusing in the moment, but this week we’ll hear that the grace of God not only saves us but also trains us.

Paul sent Titus to Crete to establish elders. Titus was also with this young church to ensure that healthy gospel doctrine was being preached and lived. Good doctrine without gospel living discredits the gospel, dishonors God, and destroys lives. But, faith that produces godly living promotes Jesus and his mission to save us and those who don’t yet believe.

As the Apostle Paul left Titus in Crete to help the church, he assigned him an important task: appoint elders. We may wonder: Why? Who? What will they do? Fortunately, as we dive deeper into Paul’s letter, we’ll find answers to those questions and see that Paul believed faithful elders faithfully preaching would lead to faithful people

Have you ever wondered how your belief in God affects your life? This Sunday, as we kick off our new sermon series, Believe and Live, we’ll hear that our faith and knowledge of God does not merely inform how we live. Instead, our believing drives our livingTitus 1

Listen for an update on all things Seven Mile for this month!

Psalm 103Whether reading the psalms that tells us *Bless the Lord* or singing the words "Praise God from whom all blessings flow" in the Doxology, it's clear that God is due some response from us. He's due our blessing. We know He's worthy, but how can we bless Him? How do we get there? How can we cultivate hearts that bless the Lord? This Sunday, we'll see that we bless the Lord as we remember who He is and what he's done

We live in a world in which some people do evil to others and yet go unpunished. Faced with this reality, we may doubt that God is just. In Psalm 94, the psalmist reassures us that He is and shows us how to live in light of this truth.

Psalm 97What gives you joy? What makes you rejoice?Our tendency is to think being in control or getting to call the shots brings joy, but our Psalm this week tells us differently. It tells us that true joy and rejoicing result from the Lord's reign over all.

Picture the Israelites singing the song of worship in Psalm 87. It says that Zion, otherwise known as Jerusalem, is God’s special place for all peoples, from the hardest to the furthest. It may have been difficult, or frustrating, or baffling, maybe even encouraging or … all of the above.The Truth of this Psalm is Good News to all of us, but it also challenges us as the people of God to reach out to others together as one family.

Listen to this month's update and hear:Who's coming to dinner? and why we're excited about it!What Sunday gatherings will look like in AugustUpcoming Student Ministry events and needsThoughts on Summer in New Englandand much more!To subscribe to the student ministry parent newsletter, click here! https://sevenmilemelrose.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ae874e3ddc0bd51b08b51e5ab&id=82c8286f7b

Psalm 90Do you ever stop and think about how eternal and unshakable our God is? Do you ever stop and think about how short and fragile life really is in comparison? This Sunday, we’ll do both. Psalm 90 invites us to face the weakness we all know -- our mortality -- not with despair, but with great hope in the everlasting God.

Psalm 73Do you feel lost and forgotten when those against God seem to prosper? We grow weary and lose focus of God when evil seems to win. This Sunday we will see that fixing our eyes on God reveals a greater truth -- that God determines our fate. When the world fails we can place our trust in the One who never will.

Psalm 92 invites us to praise God for his steadfast love and faithfulness. Together, we’ll see how true flourishing comes not from chasing our own happiness, but from resting in the God who rules on high forever in Christ. Join us as we discover the joy and strength found in worshiping the Lord who plants us to bear fruit for his glory forever.