I think one of the greatest fears when it comes to suffering is the idea that we may be suffering needlessly. If we expect that something good is happening beyond the suffering, it can make almost anything bearable. If we think that a struggle and pain are pointless, we will quickly look to exit as … Read more
Wouldn’t you like to know exactly what the future held for you? Just as we are able to look back at our past to analyze and learn from it, we also long to be able to see the future. One of the fascinating aspects of the Bible is that not only is it all about … Read more
What makes it hard for you to trust Jesus? This Easter, we definitely want to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the victory that has afforded to us, but we also want to wrestle with doubts and with what comes next for each of us in our faith journey. The bottom line is that following … Read more
What are you anticipating? In John 12 we see the fulfillment of anticipation. As Jesus enters Jerusalem for the Passover, the people wave the Palm branches (a symbol of God’s faithfulness) welcoming Jesus into the city and declaring that God had again kept His promises. Essentially saying, “What we have anticipated has arrived. The prophets … Read more
What would you say are the biggest obstacles to the church fulfilling her mission, and being what she’s meant to be? Distractions, divisions, disruptions, and disobedience would be a pretty good list. While those things might make the top of our lists, scripture sees them as secondary, not primary. There is one primary source of … Read more
We can probably all agree that the church should be impacting our world. Jesus called His Church to be about preaching the gospel and making disciples and He’s empowered the church to do just that. His Holy Spirit is meant to supercharge this mission and that’s what we’re going to dive into today. One of … Read more
We are continuing our sermon series of “Why Church?” One of the main objectives of the church is to be disciples who make disciples. When Jesus Christ was on earth, He had taught His followers many things and of all the instructions He ever spoke, His last words should really get our attention, “Go therefore … Read more
What defines church culture? What does it look like to represent the church? Unfortunately, you can find churches that have embraced almost anything you can think of as a defining feature. Some churches are social clubs. Some are basically a charity. Some churches are all about a celebrity pastor or incredible worship team. Every church … Read more
The church is God’s idea and Christ is building His church. It’s a divine promise of the divine Savior. There will never be a moment when the church is wiped out. No matter how liberal, fanatical, ritualistic, apathetic, or apostate it’s outward adherents may become Christ will build His church. While she may need discipline, … Read more
If you were to walk down the street and interview 100 people and ask them if love is important, I think you would get almost universal agreement that it is. Even the Beetles sang “All you need is love, love. Love is all you need.” It’s important! Scripture agrees. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says “But now … Read more