Storms hit all of us, and in these rough times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. But when the waves threaten to swamp our boat, we have a decision to make – will we trust in Jesus? In this message, we’ll explore how Jesus calmed the storm and saved his disciples, teaching us the power of trusting in him during life’s most challenging moments.
In this message, we will delve into five similes that Jesus used to describe the kingdom of heaven. First, we will examine the mustard seed, which is a small and seemingly insignificant seed that grows into a large bush. Next, we will look at yeast, which is a powerful ingredient that transforms dough into a delicious loaf of bread. Thirdly, we will reflect on the treasure in a field, which is hidden and valuable. Then, we will ponder upon the fine pearl, which is a precious and valuable gem. Finally, we will consider the fishing net, which captures fish of all kinds, both good and bad. Join us as we explore these powerful similes Jesus created, and gain a deeper appreciation for the kingdom of heaven.
When the great reformer Martin Luther was tempted, he often put his hand on his head to remind himself that he was baptized, that he was different, and that he could resist temptation because of his connection with Christ. In this message, we will look at how the water of baptism sets us apart as Christians.
Jesus knew that many people have a scarcity mentality. Remember when, Jesus fed the crowd with a bit of fish and bread? And the apostles who represent a worldview of scarcity, advised Jesus against feeding the crowd. “But how will two fish and five loaves be enough for so many?” We see scarcity but Jesus sees abundance.
Some people treat the Church like a restaurant. If the experience isn’t to their liking, they’ll go somewhere else or not go at all. This is beyond unfortunate. It sets up expectations for the Church that it was never intended to fulfill. In this message, we will look at how Jesus intended the Church to be based on relationships that connect us.
Sometimes, characters from nativity displays go missing. Unfortunately, nativity theft is a common crime. Can you guess which character is stolen the most? The baby Jesus is the character that’s most frequently stolen. In that case, we ask the question, where is Jesus? That’s a great question to ask during Christmas Eve worship. Has Jesus gone missing from our lives?
The people mutter, “Jesus has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” And they were right. Zacchaeus was a sinner of the worst kind. He had gotten rich from collaborating with invaders and by fleecing his neighbors. So, his neighbors regarded him as human filth. His name became a sneer on the lips of fellow Jews. He was a standing joke. But for some reason, Jesus chooses to dine with the most hated man in town.
Happy Father’s Day to the men who helped raise children! During Jesus’ day, children were accorded a low status in society. They were sometimes seen as property. The Disciples thought the children were a nuisance and tried to keep them away from Jesus, but Jesus would have none of that. We will look at His priority for children in a message titled, “Not a Nuisance.”
The Roman soldiers seek to humiliate Jesus. They anoint Him with a purple robe and their spit in a mock coronation. Yet at the end of the crucifixion, when Jesus dies on the cross, a Roman centurion says, “Truly this man was God’s son.” So what happened to that Roman soldier watching the crucifixion that changed his mind? We will explore the change in a message titled, “Journey to Easter: Distracted by Clothing.”
“I am… the way, the truth, and the life…” is as wide and expansive a claim as a person can make. Jesus followed up that claim with a way that embraced people across life’s spectrum. His way included many unexpected people like a Roman Centurion, a sinful woman and a despised traitorous tax collector. Jesus way expressed truth about the world and gave us life in a new way.