White Pine Church Video Podcast

Our Blog has Relocated to WhitePineChurch.org

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Wed, 22 May 2019 05:52:00 -0700

Our Blog has Relocated to WhitePineChurch.org

Our videos and audio podcasts have moved to a new location! If you’re looking to listen or watch one of White Pine Community Church’s sermons, please visit our website’s “Watch & Listen” page at http://www.whitepinechurch.org/messages/. Thank you for your interest!

Inescapable Love

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 12 May 2019 14:48:00 -0700

Watch "Inescapable Love" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church May 12, 2019

Try as you might, you will never escape your mother's love. The one in whom your life began, the one whose selfless commitment to your welfare began the moment she became aware of your existence, still nourishes you with an invisible, unseverable umbilical cord of love.

Who could love you more? Psalm 139 answers that question, and we will study it together in a very special Mother's Day service.

Habitual Worship

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 5 May 2019 16:40:00 -0700

Watch "Habitual Worship" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church May 5, 2019

Worship is a choice.
Sometimes choosing to worship is easy, because God's blessings are so obvious, so overwhelming, so fresh. But there are also times when worship is a tearful act of tenacious faith, a decision to trust God despite the lack of evidence for His compassion and power.

Whether worship is an easy choice or a hard choice for you right now, you will have the opportunity to do it as we use the lyrics of Psalm 145--words that Jesus Himself sang--to fuel our praise and lift our spirits.

Signature Song

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 14:35:00 -0700

Watch "Signature Song" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church April 28, 2019

We all want to pray in a way that pleases God, but how can we do that when what is in our heart is so messy? Our emotions swing wildly from joy to despair, and sometimes what we think and feel is something we'd never dare say to God.

But in the Psalms we find a prayer companion that gives us permission to let what is in us gush out of us. Yet at the same time it gently teaches us to incorporate into our raw and honest prayers what we know to be true about God.

We are beginning a series on the Psalms. We're calling it The Songs of Jesus, because the words that we find there are the very words that our Lord Himself prayed.

Easter 2019

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 16:41:00 -0700

Easter Service 2019 By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church April 21, 2019

Sometimes our mind has to be convinced before our heart can believe.

The hearts of many who attend one of this Sunday's Easter services at White Pine will be more open to faith if their mind is persuaded that the resurrection of Jesus really happened. So I'll appeal to their mind, but only because I know it's the path to their heart.

Mistaken Identity

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 11:35:00 -0700

Watch "Mistaken Identity" By Will Truesdell"
White Pine Community Church April 14, 2019

The story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey on Palm Sunday is a familiar story.
Will Truesdell will help us take a closer look at that day, and what the people who were praising Jesus had hoped Jesus would be and would do.

Jesus may not have met their expectations...which invites the question: "Why was he riding into Jerusalem on that donkey?"

GOD F1RST - Investments

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 7 Apr 2019 16:40:00 -0700

Watch "GOD F1RST - Investments" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church April 7, 2019

I believe this week will be a historic day in the history of White Pine Community Church! All the learning, dreaming, planning and praying that has been part of the GOD F1RST initiative will culminate in a unified YES to God as we respond in obedience to His leading.

After watching how others (adults, teens and kids) have chosen to put God first in their lives, and studying more of what the Bible teaches about generosity, we will make commitments that represent our faith in God and our love for those who do not yet know Him. The result will be a big step forward in our goal of building a permanent facility in a strategic location, so that more of the 50,000 people who live in our region can find and follow Jesus.

I hope that you will come prayed up and ready to take a joyful new step of faith and commitment in your relationship with God!

GOD F1RST - Examples

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 16:22:00 -0700

Watch "GOD F1RST - Examples" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church March 31, 2019

D.L. Moody said: "A good example is far better than a good precept." For the past four weeks, we have learned some good precepts about generosity.

But this week, we are going to do something even better: We're going to see some great examples. And just by watching them, we are going to be inspired to be more generous than ever before.

Whether you have been coming to this series weekly or occasionally, please make this weeks service a priority. The people you will meet are just too Christlike to miss.

GOD F1RST - Perspective

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 13:38:00 -0700

Watch " GOD F1RST - Perspective " By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church March 24, 2019

Imagine what the world would look like to you if you lacked depth perception. One man who sees everything in 2-D calls his life "Flatworld."

Spiritually speaking, most people live in Flatworld. It is only when we see this life in the context of eternity that we view it accurately. We will have our vision corrected and, hopefully, our priorities rearranged. It's part of the process of learning to put GOD F1RST. I hope to see you there!

GOD F1RST - Purpose

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:11:00 -0700

Watch "GOD F1RST - Purpose By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church March 17, 2019

In William Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night, a character by the name of Malvalio reads a letter that includes these words: "...Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em."

We love stories of unlikely heroes--people who have greatness thrust upon them--but it is hard for us to imagine ever being part of such a story.

And yet we are.

In Part 3 of God First, I will tell you the story. And together we will decide how to respond to the greatness that has been thrust upon

God F1RST - Ownership

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 15:36:00 -0700

Watch "GOD F1RST - Ownership" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church March 10, 2019

Putting God first sounds good as an abstract idea, but the specifics will blow your mind. This is a truly radical way to live--avoided at all costs by some, unreservedly embraced by others. Brave and blessed are those who dare to go all in!

We are going to discover more of what it means to live a God-first life. I hope you will listen with a heart that is eager to follow where Jesus leads. As all of us do that together, we are going to see God magnified in our community like never before. I can hardly wait!

GOD F1RST-Priorities

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 3 Mar 2019 17:26:00 -0800

Watch "God First-Priorities" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church March 3, 2019

I'm so excited about the next six weeks I can hardly wait for Sunday. Would you believe that this series--which will be a blend of teaching and envisioning--has been in the works for over a year? It's true: we have been praying and preparing for this moment for so long that I am impatient to see what God is going to do.

I hope you will come with an expectant heart as we kick off the series in Matthew 6:33, one of the most radical passages in the Bible. There are surprises in store, too, so don't miss it!

God Is For Us... We Already Won

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 13:41:00 -0800

Watch " God Is For Us... We Already Won " By Joshua Sibert
White Pine Community Church February 24, 2019

Quick Quiz: What is the first one-word description of God that comes to your mind?

Honestly, now: Is your word positive or negative?

Our view of God impacts our attitude and our ability to persevere in following Jesus. That is one reason why God has given us His Spirit--to remind us what God is truly like. When we see Him accurately, we enjoy our relationship with Him and we are determined to keep following Him.

I hope you will join us as we study Romans 8:15-39 to remind ourselves what God is really like and to see how He views us. SPOILER ALERT: It is positive!

The Power Of Grace

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 13:29:00 -0800

Watch "The Power Of Grace" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church February 17, 2019

When Saul of Tarsus got grace-bombed by Jesus on the road to Damascus, how could he have known that it would not be the last time?

The grace of God is far too powerful to simply save us from death and judgment. That is just the beginning of its potent work in our lives. We will see--in the apostle Paul's life, and in our own lives--what else God's grace is capable of.

When You Get Grace-Bombed

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 13:00:00 -0800

Watch "When You Get Grace Bombed" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church February 10, 2019

What happens to people who get grace-bombed?

The Bible tells us that when God gives us a gift we don't deserve, we are dramatically changed by that gift. But changed how? That's what we'll find out! I hope you'll watch and learn more about God's amazing grace!

Grace Bomb

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 3 Feb 2019 13:16:00 -0800

Watch "Grace Bomb" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church February 3, 2019

Grace. You may be able to define it, but can you begin to fathom its depth? And are you aware of its many dimensions?

The longer and harder you you look at it--and the Bible gives us plenty of sightings--the more amazing grace becomes. It's not just a religious word; it's a real-life force that forever changes everything it touches.

February 2019 is grace month at White Pine. Come and get in on it!

I'd Rather Have Jesus

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:28:00 -0800

Watch "I'd Rather Have Jesus" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church January 27, 2019

If you want to know whether the pursuit of your highest priority leads to fulfillment, just find an elderly person who has been where you are going. Their words, their memories, even their bodies will give you an almost prophetic window into your future.

That's why our study of 1 John has been so encouraging to me. For the past few months, we have been studying, not just this book, but also its octogenerian author. And he has taught us a lot about how life unfolds for those who follow Jesus.

We will finish up our study of 1 John by taking one more good long look at the apostle John, a man whose life ought to inspire our own.

Sin That Leads To Death

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 14:59:00 -0800

Watch "Sin That Leads To Death" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church January 13, 2019

"There is a sin that leads to death."

If you're a sinner (and who isn't?), you can't help but be shaken up by that statement in
1 John 5:16. You want to make sure you never commit that sin--or you wonder if someone you love has done so.

Rather than rushing right past this verse, we've decided to slow down and strive to understand it. I hope you'll join us as we search for life-saving truth together.

His Door Is Always Open

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 6 Jan 2019 17:08:00 -0800

Watch "His Door Is always Open" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church January 6, 2019

If I were to ask you how powerful prayer is based on the Bible, and then I were to ask you how powerful it is based on your experience, would you give me the same answer?

Why do so many of us (including me, if I'm being honest) pray with less success than we think we should? This Sunday at White Pine, we are going to learn from 1 John 5:14-17 what is missing from our prayers that, if added, may unleash the kind of power the Bible promises.

Peace On Earth

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 16:41:00 -0800

Watch "Peace On Earth" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church December 24, 2018

Peace on earth—peace that creates inner stillness despite holiday hyperactivity, peace that blankets warring factions when they seek common ground, peace that alleviates fear in the face of overwhelming challenges—seems to be in short supply these days. But the promise of peace on earth proclaimed by angels on that first Christmas night is still available today.

How To Have A Merry Christmas

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 13:35:00 -0800

Watch "How To Have A Merry Christmas" By Josh Sibert
White Pine Community Church December 23, 2018

Are you tired of hearing "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays"? Others may be looking forward to a holly, jolly Christmas, but for you, this is shaping up to be a blue, blue Christmas. It may be because of whom you have lost or what you don't have, or it may be for reasons you don't fully understand, but for you, finding joy right now is a challenge.

I'm not going to promise that you will be transformed into a person full of Christmas cheer like Scrooge after his Nightmare before Christmas, but you will be encouraged, and you will learn some practical tips on how to minimize sadness and have a merrier Christmas than your circumstances predict.

Proof Positive

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 17:04:00 -0800

Watch "Proof Positive" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church December 16, 2018

Do you think God wants you to know, before you die, whether or not you are going to heaven?

Ask the apostle John that question, and you won't get a one-word answer; you'll get an five-chapter book. His purpose for writing the book we've been studying for the past two months is to give Christians confidence about their eternal destiny.

We will study together 1 John 4:13 - 5:13, you'll know exactly where you stand with God.

Johnny One Note

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 9 Dec 2018 14:19:00 -0800

Watch "Johnny One Note" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church December 9, 2018

Jesus had a nickname for the apostle John, and so do I.

To Jesus, he was a Son of Thunder. But to me, he's Johnny One Note. That's because he repeats himself more than any other New Testament writer. In fact, sometimes the book of 1 John sounds like a broken record.

The question is, why did the Spirit of God inspire John to keep repeating himself? Might it be because He knew how thick the skulls of his readers would be? No doubt you have already heard what John will be repeating to us in 1 John 4:7-12. But how well have you been listening? I pray you'll come with ears to hear, again, Johnny's one note.

Don't Get Duped

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 13:36:00 -0800

W atch "Don't Get Duped" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church November 18, 2018

In an anti-Jesus world, anyone who is pro-Jesus feels like kin. But before you affirm their faith or follow their teachings, it would be wise to find out whether the Jesus they believe in is the same Jesus you believe in.

What do true Christians believe about Jesus? That's the question we will find answers to in this week's study of 1 John 3:24 - 4:6. If you want to follow the real Jesus and help others to do the same, don't miss this Sunday's service!

What You Didn't Know about Love

markmarston@gmail.com (White Pine Community Church, Cumberland, ME) — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 05:21:00 -0800

Watch "What You Didn't Know About Love" By Greg Sidders
White Pine Community Church November 11, 2018

I'm sure it's not news to you that Jesus wants us to love one another. It's the one command upon which all others are built.

But just because it's foundational doesn't mean we know everything God wants us to know about love. We are going to learn new dimensions of love from a very old man who followed Jesus for a very long time. I hope you will join us as we discover, in 1 John 3:11-24, what we didn't know about love.