I've been wanting to share this list with you for a while. These are the sermons God has used to change the trajectory of my life, or at least the pace.
Why 7 sermons? That's just how it is. Hardly a week passes that I don't think about the truths God revealed to me in these sermons. I see no reason to add more just for the sake of making it a top 10 list.
There's really no order for this, so I'm just going to go alphabetical by pastor.
JOHN PIPER:
Piper's sermons are dense with wisdom. He wastes no words, no pauses. When I listen to him preach, I find that I only absorb about 1/3 of what he teaches each time through. The "Battling Unbelief" series from which the first sermon comes is my favorite sermon series of all time.
1. Battling The Unbelief Of Anxiety
2. Getting To The Bottom Of Your Joy
3. If My Words Abide In You
MATT CHANDLER:
This doesn't even feel like listening to a sermon. Matt's teaching is so easy to listen to that I prefer it over music in my car on most days. And I recommend that you don't skip forward through his lengthy introductions or cut it off before his closing prayers, because his announcements alone carry more theological truth than entire sermons preached in many churches.
4. Heart Matters: The Question
5. The Art Of Prayer
6. Ecclesiastes: Approaching The Divine
TIM KELLER:
Tim was my pastor during my 3 years in NYC. He teaches with gentle authority, unpacking truth in a way that appeals to the intellect of the skeptic. Even after having spent my lifetime in church and in the Word, I had never come to understand this aspect of the fruit of the Spirit until I heard him teach on it. Gamechanger. Unfortunately, it isn't free. This is the only sermon that you will have to purchase. But it's only $2.50. (If I'm still thinking about it nearly 4 years later, I'd say it's worth that little.)
7. Led By The Spirit
I hope these will be helpful for you as you press on to know Him better. Enjoy!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 08, 2012
D-Group Update
We've been up to a lot with D-Group. I can hardly keep track of where and when every group is meeting. But I'm posting this here as a means for any interested parties to access the information easily. This is a list of the D-Groups we're rolling out at the start of 2012. There will be more with the next 2 months. All groups are ladies only, except where specified otherwise.
ANDERSON
Monday 7-9pm
Wednesday 7-9pm
Wednesday 7:15-9:15pm (Women 40+)
Co-Ed Married D-Group coming soon!
GREENVILLE
Monday 7-9pm
Monday 7-9pm (Co-Ed Marrieds)
Tuesday 6:30-8:30pm
Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm
CHARLESTON
Tuesday 6:30-8:30
CLEMSON
Tuesday 7-9pm
Thursday 5:30-7:30pm
COLUBMIA
Tuesday 7-9pm
FLORENCE
Tuesday 6-8pm
MACON, GA
*leader seeking members*
MYRTLE BEACH
*leader seeking members*
If you're interested in being a part of D-Group or finding out more info, click here to visit an older blog entry explaining it in more detail.
If you like what you read and want to be a part of what we're doing (currently there are available slots in all our D-Groups), feel free to leave me a comment or send me an email through my website to let me know!
ANDERSON
Monday 7-9pm
Wednesday 7-9pm
Wednesday 7:15-9:15pm (Women 40+)
Co-Ed Married D-Group coming soon!
GREENVILLE
Monday 7-9pm
Monday 7-9pm (Co-Ed Marrieds)
Tuesday 6:30-8:30pm
Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm
CHARLESTON
Tuesday 6:30-8:30
CLEMSON
Tuesday 7-9pm
Thursday 5:30-7:30pm
COLUBMIA
Tuesday 7-9pm
FLORENCE
Tuesday 6-8pm
MACON, GA
*leader seeking members*
MYRTLE BEACH
*leader seeking members*
If you're interested in being a part of D-Group or finding out more info, click here to visit an older blog entry explaining it in more detail.
If you like what you read and want to be a part of what we're doing (currently there are available slots in all our D-Groups), feel free to leave me a comment or send me an email through my website to let me know!
Slack.
Hey friends!
While I haven't been posting here lately, I've been busy writing many things elsewhere.
My new book, Orange Jumpsuit: Letters to the God of Freedom, the third in my Letters series, came out in 11/1/11. Hooray!
If you haven't picked up a copy, there are only 3 places you can do that. Click on the links for whatever your needs may be:
1. Print
2. Kindle
3. Nook
For those who've already read it: if you have 5 minutes (and 5 stars... cough cough) to spare, feel free to leave a review!
Since the book's release, I've been working on my 4th book, Mile Deep: A Practical Guide to Discipleship, based on my experiences with the Discipleship Groups ("D-Groups") that I lead. It's short and easy and very weird to write. Telling people what to do is way different than sharing my life experiences. Hopefully it won't come across as pushy. :)
I hope it will be out in March.
What are you up to so far in 2012?
Monday, September 12, 2011
Every Move I Make
Every move I make and word I speak should amplify the Gospel and serve to advance the Kingdom, even in my rest and leisure activities. So, here's a list of things to hold my actions up against and see if they measure up.
1. Is it beneficially to me personally and to the gospel generally?
2. Does it make God look glorious?
3. Will I lose self control and be mastered by what i participate in? Can I handle it?
4. Am I doing this in front of someone who will stumble because of it? (Sometimes it is best not to exercise your freedom. Christian maturity is laying down your freedom and not demanding to walk in it.)
5. Is it illegal?
6.If I fail to do this will I lose an opportunity to share the gospel?
7. Am I doing this to help other people or am I just being selfish?
8. Can I do this in a way that glorifies God?
9. Am I following the example of Jesus to help sinners be reconciled to God?
Thanks to Matt Chandler at The Village Church for this list. D-Group has just wrapped up our Colossians series from The Village Church, and this is from sermon 19. By the way, sermons 19 and 20 are game-changers.
1. Is it beneficially to me personally and to the gospel generally?
2. Does it make God look glorious?
3. Will I lose self control and be mastered by what i participate in? Can I handle it?
4. Am I doing this in front of someone who will stumble because of it? (Sometimes it is best not to exercise your freedom. Christian maturity is laying down your freedom and not demanding to walk in it.)
5. Is it illegal?
6.If I fail to do this will I lose an opportunity to share the gospel?
7. Am I doing this to help other people or am I just being selfish?
8. Can I do this in a way that glorifies God?
9. Am I following the example of Jesus to help sinners be reconciled to God?
Thanks to Matt Chandler at The Village Church for this list. D-Group has just wrapped up our Colossians series from The Village Church, and this is from sermon 19. By the way, sermons 19 and 20 are game-changers.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
When I Was In Prison...
I hope your summer is wrapping up nicely! What did you do? Where did you go?
Apart from eating a few too many fried things at a county fair, I had a great summer, working hard at a new project that is both terrifying and exciting. Here's a quick update on that:
NEW BOOK!
I spent much of my summer living in the empty homes of friends and strangers, while they were away on vacation, writing my 3rd book. It's much like my previous books, written from a personal perspective in the memoir style similar to Anne Lamott or Donald Miller -- and it's about freedom from fear, about learning to walk in the fullness of what Christ purchased for me on the cross.
It's called Orange Jumpsuit: Letters to the God Who Frees (hence the title of this blog entry) and it is the 3rd in my series of spiritual memoir / essays. If you're interested in reading part of the introduction, I've posted it on my KickStarter page:
http://www.tinyurl.com/orangejumpsuit
In order to release the book, I need to raise $5500 before Oct 3 through KickStarter. If you feel led to donate or even just to pre-order a copy of the book, that would go a LONG way in helping make this happen! (NOTE: KickStarter requires that ALL the funding be pledged before they draft it. So if I don't meet my goal, none of the money is taken from sponsors, and I don't get any funding at all.)
FALL/WINTER/SPRING TOURING:
I'd love to come speak at your college chapel service, or to your youth group, or lead worship at your singles retreat, or perform a concert at your house. Or whatever works! If you're interested in putting something like that together, please let me know ASAP, so we can get rolling with that! Booking a show is super easy. Just send me an email saying you're interested: booking@taraleighcobble.com
I hope you're all doing well, and I can't wait to see you out there soon!
Much love,
Tara-Leigh
http://www.taraleighcobble.com
Apart from eating a few too many fried things at a county fair, I had a great summer, working hard at a new project that is both terrifying and exciting. Here's a quick update on that:
NEW BOOK!
I spent much of my summer living in the empty homes of friends and strangers, while they were away on vacation, writing my 3rd book. It's much like my previous books, written from a personal perspective in the memoir style similar to Anne Lamott or Donald Miller -- and it's about freedom from fear, about learning to walk in the fullness of what Christ purchased for me on the cross.
It's called Orange Jumpsuit: Letters to the God Who Frees (hence the title of this blog entry) and it is the 3rd in my series of spiritual memoir / essays. If you're interested in reading part of the introduction, I've posted it on my KickStarter page:
http://www.tinyurl.com/orangejumpsuit
In order to release the book, I need to raise $5500 before Oct 3 through KickStarter. If you feel led to donate or even just to pre-order a copy of the book, that would go a LONG way in helping make this happen! (NOTE: KickStarter requires that ALL the funding be pledged before they draft it. So if I don't meet my goal, none of the money is taken from sponsors, and I don't get any funding at all.)
FALL/WINTER/SPRING TOURING:
I'd love to come speak at your college chapel service, or to your youth group, or lead worship at your singles retreat, or perform a concert at your house. Or whatever works! If you're interested in putting something like that together, please let me know ASAP, so we can get rolling with that! Booking a show is super easy. Just send me an email saying you're interested: booking@taraleighcobble.com
I hope you're all doing well, and I can't wait to see you out there soon!
Much love,
Tara-Leigh
http://www.taraleighcobble.com
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Writing Tour
46 Days
65,000 Words (give or take)
1 Book
10 States
7,951.4 miles
1 Shuttle Launch
This trip taught me many things, but the greatest and most obvious was about the Body of Christ, how much we need each other, how brilliantly He fashioned us to fit together.
65,000 Words (give or take)
1 Book
10 States
7,951.4 miles
1 Shuttle Launch
This trip taught me many things, but the greatest and most obvious was about the Body of Christ, how much we need each other, how brilliantly He fashioned us to fit together.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Say It Ain't So...
This mug is my souvenir from the launch of Atlantis STS-135 on July 8. Seeing a shuttle launch was a dream come true for me. But the last American shuttle comes home to earth in less than 24 hours. I am replete with nostalgia, overwhelmed with frustration.
When I was five years old, I met Buzz Aldrin, who landed on the moon at the same time as Neil Armstrong, then took communion on the moon (!!!), before walking on it. When I met him, he knelt down and asked me my name, then scrawled on a glossy 8x10 color photo of him by the American flag:
Jesus walking on the earth is more important than man walking on the moon.
- Buzz Aldrin
Thus began my fascination with the moon, space, NASA, planets, nebulae. I still haven't gotten over Pluto's dismissal as a planet. We can't just give it away like that... it's not fair. Our solar system is a family--like first cousins once removed (Jupiter's moons) and crazy uncles with big facial moles (Jupiter itself) and the aunt who has been married too many times (Saturn).
So it's hard for me to watch this season come to an end. Grounding the shuttles and sending them off to museums... it's like saying we're not going to have family reunions anymore, because it's too much trouble for grandma to make the trip these days. So, instead, let's just be Facebook friends with everyone. What's the point?
It's so hard to move backward. Obama says we're moving forward. Maybe to Mars. Unmanned. Unmanned? Those expeditions are the facebook photos of space travel. I want more than that. I pray to God that other countries keep people in orbit if we can't. Do it, Japan. Go for it, Russia.
My poet's heart says space will take it hard. It will feel like the black sheep and will pack up the moon and the stars and all its things and just disappear because we have rejected it. I don't want to look up at an empty sky on the 22nd.
The space program costs the average American $93 per year. I would gladly pay astronomical gas prices (pun intended), if Obama would just give us back the sky.
I really, really hate this. Seriously, desperately sad about it.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
D-Group Info
Many of you have been asking questions about D-Group, so I decided to put a lot of information here in one place, where I can direct people to it easily. If you're a regular blog reader and you have no interest in this, carry on...
"D-Group" = Discipleship Group. It's like a Bible study, but more intense. Through trial and error, this is how we've found things work best for us.
COMMITMENT:
We meet weekly. You're expected to do the work on your own time and show up weekly to discuss it. You should make this a primary commitment on the night of the week that you're attending. We expect that you'll show up prepared, and we promise that you'll leave challenged and encouraged. :)
You'll be expected to honor this commitment throughout the duration of the study (usually 6-10 weeks). We believe that every person in your life will benefit from your commitment to know God more fully, so we ask you to respect your commitment not only to God and to the group, but to everyone in your life, and attend weekly. If you're sick or out of town, we understand. But if you're just tired or make other plans, that's not cool.
We close the group during the course of each study, so new members have to join during Interim Week (explained below). We cap the group at 12 people. Anything bigger is too large for the intimacy we desire, and usually takes more time than the schedule allows. It's also a good excuse to branch off into another group and train new leadership so we can further our discipleship influence.
SCHEDULE:
D-Group lasts 2 hours, and here's what the general format looks like. In this example, D-Group starts at 7pm, although the groups vary in start time (see below).
6:55pm - Arrive, say hello, whatever whatever.
7pm - Turn off your phone, grab a seat. It's go time.
- Opening prayer
- Individually say memory verses from previous week; we memorize a verse each week
7:15pm - Break off into prayer groups. These are groups of 2-3. Groups stay the same throughout a study.
- Confess / Accountability
- Praise
- Prayer Requests
- NO GOSSIP. You will be shut down immediately.
- Each person prays aloud for the other person in the group.
7:45pm - Discussion time!
- Gather into main meeting area again.
- Discuss the study or sermon series.
- Please contribute whatever insights, questions, or highlights you encountered! We encourage everyone to contribute.
8:35pm - Weekly Challenge
- Share the results of the previous week's challenge. Any interesting stories?
- Then I will share (via video, unless you're in one of the groups I lead) a practical challenge for us to grow deeper.
8:55pm - Closing Prayer
9pm - Group ends
INTERIM WEEK:
Interim Week is the week between studies / semesters / sessions (we use these words interchangeably). During this week, we usually have a potluck dinner party, go out to dinner, go bowling, etc. This is our chance to celebrate what God has done during the past study while welcoming new members for the upcoming study! If you're interested in joining D-Group, Interim Week will be the first thing you attend. Then, your personal study (at home) will begin the next day, and the following week we will discuss Week 1 of the study.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Sometimes we hang out during the week... that's up to each individual group. Invite some girls to lunch! This is how we really come to bond as a group over time. It also helps us to be involved with each other to the degree that we don't waste prayer time "catching up", because we're already caught up! We want this to be a true community. It doesn't mean you'll be best friends with everyone right off the bat, but if you put in the time, pray for these ladies, and show up... it will naturally evolve into some very meaningful relationships.
WHEN & WHERE:
If you want to be in a D-Group, here's a list of times and places that you can choose from. Many of the groups are very diverse in demographics (age, marital status, parental status, etc.), but if you have specific questions, don't hesitate to email me about it (tlc [at] tara leigh cobble [dot] com). In fact, you'll need to contact me to let me know you're interested regardless.
MONDAY
-Anderson / near Chick-fil-A on Hwy 81 / 7-9pm
-Clemson / Woodlands Clubhouse / 6-8pm
TUESDAY
-Florence / Central Florence off Edisto / 5-7pm
-Greenville / Augusta Road area / 7:30-9:30pm
WEDNESDAY
-Anderson / near Exit 19 off I-85 / 7:30-9:30pm
-Charleston / West Ashley area / 6:30-8:30pm
THURSDAY
-Greenville / East North Street area / 7-9pm
-Easley / Syracuse Road area / 6:30-8:30pm
WANTED:
- We are looking to plant a D-Group in Myrtle Beach as well. Please let me know if you're interested in this option! We have a leader and a location... now we just need attendees!
- Several people have expressed interest in a Columbia group. We need a leader and a location for this.
Our next series will be the 6-week study (beginning in September) called "Duty or Delight" by Tammie Head. You can pick up a copy of the Bible study book at LifeWay. Please do not order it online, as it may not arrive in time.
WE START NEW SESSIONS THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 19-23, so you will need to let me know prior to the beginning of the study if you're interested in joining one of the groups. Also let me know which group you're specifically interested in, if one if better than the others.
There are only four requirements for joining a D-Group. You must be:
1. Christian
2. Female
3. Committed
4. Teachable
Okayyyyy, that is a lot of info. But it's much easier to have it here in one place than to have to send it to multiple people in separate emails. I really hope you'll join us!
Grace & Peace,
Tara-Leigh
"D-Group" = Discipleship Group. It's like a Bible study, but more intense. Through trial and error, this is how we've found things work best for us.
COMMITMENT:
We meet weekly. You're expected to do the work on your own time and show up weekly to discuss it. You should make this a primary commitment on the night of the week that you're attending. We expect that you'll show up prepared, and we promise that you'll leave challenged and encouraged. :)
You'll be expected to honor this commitment throughout the duration of the study (usually 6-10 weeks). We believe that every person in your life will benefit from your commitment to know God more fully, so we ask you to respect your commitment not only to God and to the group, but to everyone in your life, and attend weekly. If you're sick or out of town, we understand. But if you're just tired or make other plans, that's not cool.
We close the group during the course of each study, so new members have to join during Interim Week (explained below). We cap the group at 12 people. Anything bigger is too large for the intimacy we desire, and usually takes more time than the schedule allows. It's also a good excuse to branch off into another group and train new leadership so we can further our discipleship influence.
SCHEDULE:
D-Group lasts 2 hours, and here's what the general format looks like. In this example, D-Group starts at 7pm, although the groups vary in start time (see below).
6:55pm - Arrive, say hello, whatever whatever.
7pm - Turn off your phone, grab a seat. It's go time.
- Opening prayer
- Individually say memory verses from previous week; we memorize a verse each week
7:15pm - Break off into prayer groups. These are groups of 2-3. Groups stay the same throughout a study.
- Confess / Accountability
- Praise
- Prayer Requests
- NO GOSSIP. You will be shut down immediately.
- Each person prays aloud for the other person in the group.
7:45pm - Discussion time!
- Gather into main meeting area again.
- Discuss the study or sermon series.
- Please contribute whatever insights, questions, or highlights you encountered! We encourage everyone to contribute.
8:35pm - Weekly Challenge
- Share the results of the previous week's challenge. Any interesting stories?
- Then I will share (via video, unless you're in one of the groups I lead) a practical challenge for us to grow deeper.
8:55pm - Closing Prayer
9pm - Group ends
INTERIM WEEK:
Interim Week is the week between studies / semesters / sessions (we use these words interchangeably). During this week, we usually have a potluck dinner party, go out to dinner, go bowling, etc. This is our chance to celebrate what God has done during the past study while welcoming new members for the upcoming study! If you're interested in joining D-Group, Interim Week will be the first thing you attend. Then, your personal study (at home) will begin the next day, and the following week we will discuss Week 1 of the study.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Sometimes we hang out during the week... that's up to each individual group. Invite some girls to lunch! This is how we really come to bond as a group over time. It also helps us to be involved with each other to the degree that we don't waste prayer time "catching up", because we're already caught up! We want this to be a true community. It doesn't mean you'll be best friends with everyone right off the bat, but if you put in the time, pray for these ladies, and show up... it will naturally evolve into some very meaningful relationships.
WHEN & WHERE:
If you want to be in a D-Group, here's a list of times and places that you can choose from. Many of the groups are very diverse in demographics (age, marital status, parental status, etc.), but if you have specific questions, don't hesitate to email me about it (tlc [at] tara leigh cobble [dot] com). In fact, you'll need to contact me to let me know you're interested regardless.
MONDAY
-Anderson / near Chick-fil-A on Hwy 81 / 7-9pm
-Clemson / Woodlands Clubhouse / 6-8pm
TUESDAY
-Florence / Central Florence off Edisto / 5-7pm
-Greenville / Augusta Road area / 7:30-9:30pm
WEDNESDAY
-Anderson / near Exit 19 off I-85 / 7:30-9:30pm
-Charleston / West Ashley area / 6:30-8:30pm
THURSDAY
-Greenville / East North Street area / 7-9pm
-Easley / Syracuse Road area / 6:30-8:30pm
WANTED:
- We are looking to plant a D-Group in Myrtle Beach as well. Please let me know if you're interested in this option! We have a leader and a location... now we just need attendees!
- Several people have expressed interest in a Columbia group. We need a leader and a location for this.
Our next series will be the 6-week study (beginning in September) called "Duty or Delight" by Tammie Head. You can pick up a copy of the Bible study book at LifeWay. Please do not order it online, as it may not arrive in time.
WE START NEW SESSIONS THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 19-23, so you will need to let me know prior to the beginning of the study if you're interested in joining one of the groups. Also let me know which group you're specifically interested in, if one if better than the others.
There are only four requirements for joining a D-Group. You must be:
1. Christian
2. Female
3. Committed
4. Teachable
Okayyyyy, that is a lot of info. But it's much easier to have it here in one place than to have to send it to multiple people in separate emails. I really hope you'll join us!
Grace & Peace,
Tara-Leigh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
