Working from Matthew 20, Pastor Eric gives us a glimpse into the possible motivations behind a strange request from Mrs. Zebedee, the mother of James and John. It’s a great reminder what our primary focus should be for our children and grandchildren.
Have you ever struggled with prayer? Sometimes we can get discouraged because it feels like nothing happened. Sometimes we can resign to the idea that God is going to do what God is going to do. Sometimes we end up focusing more on what we can do, than on prayer. Sometimes we end up turning … Read more
If we preach something we don’t live, that is hypocrisy.If we live something we don’t preach, that is a lack of conviction.If we preach something we live out, that is powerful.As we unpack the life and ministry of Stephen in Acts 6-8, we see this powerful example of someone who not only preached the gospel, … Read more
How can we remain obedient even in adversity? How can we experience joy when we’re also experiencing setbacks or even suffering? The answer to these questions can be found in our Scripture passage today from Acts 5:17-42. This passage first teaches us about finding joy in suffering for Jesus, as we’re sharing the gospel, but … Read more
Fresh off of Easter Weekend, we’re starting a new series on the ministry of the Apostles in the book of Acts. We’re calling it “Stories of Perseverance” and this first message is based on Acts 4:1-21 where Peter and John are arrested and put on trial for healing a man in the name of Jesus. … Read more
So after Jesus’ crucifixion, Joseph and Nicodemus collected Jesus’ body from the cross. Presumably they removed the nails and pealed Jesus’ corpse off the cross. Because they were on the verge of the Sabbath, which began on Friday at sunset, we know that they worked quickly to wrap what was left of Jesus body and … Read more
Sin can severely distort reality especially if our focus in on other people’s sin. But if we look at our own sin it honestly, clarity is possible. That’s what happens with the woman who washes Jesus feet with her tears. She sees her sin for what it is, meanwhile Simon, the Pharisee can’t see his … Read more
In Matthew 12 Jesus’ battle with the Pharisees revolves around “Evil.” Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. The Pharisees take the first swing suggesting that Jesus is casting out demons with demonic power. But Jesus doesn’t lay down on this one, he fires back and exposes both the absurdity of … Read more
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is a surprising story full of plot twists and rich spiritual truths. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a story that in many ways is an optical illusion. The way things appear may not always be the way things truly are. Jesus drew a contrast between two … Read more
In Mark 7 we see Jesus and the Pharisees go toe to toe over traditions. Some traditions can be good and some can be stuffy or empty. The problem is that the Pharisees elevating man-made traditions ahead of God’s actual commands and as a result they have become hypocrites whose hearts are far from God. … Read more