Can you imagine Danny Devito playing Zacchaeus in a movie? Then you might understand how vertically challenged Zacchaeus was. Yet Zacchaeus throws respect out the window as he shimmies up a tree for just a look at Jesus. What emotion made the rich wealthy chief tax-collector yearn to see Jesus. What was missing from his life? Might it be missing from our lives?
When Jesus was healing people he made a lengthy journey to help a man who people felt was possessed by demons. The man’s story is still common today. Many among us hide struggles with brain issues because they are worried about being stigmatized. In this Gospel story Jesus’ reaction to the man gives us guidance on how we can help.
Jesus often went to great lengths to meet outcasts. He broke social, racial, religious and cultural taboos to offer them a relationship with him through living water. Jesus’ grace surprised an outcast woman of Samaria so much that she went and told everybody about the Messiah. How might that living water speak to us?
Many Biblical characters needed a second chance. And when you think about it they needed a third chance, fourth chance and… In this five week sermon series, we will take a look at how Jesus was the master of giving a second chance. And when He did lives were transformed. Jesus even said, “For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) Join us for five weeks of second chances.
As we celebrate Father’s Day, we remember our dads. We give thanks for those dads who were supportive. Yet on this day we recognize that some of us were hurt by our dads who never fulfilled the role of father in our life. Some dads were awesome and some dads weren’t so awesome. Fortunately Jesus shares about a father who gives us a dad worthy to emulate.
Were you ever admonished “Don’t be a sheep?” When Jesus identified himself as Shepherd he described an occupation familiar to his hearers, challenging their relationship, and ours, with him.
Sometimes we do what we do not want to do. We make a commitment to change our ways and yet we find ourselves in the same old rut. If this happens enough we might even give up changing at all. But the Apostle Paul has a solution that Pastor Fred will explore on Pentecost Sunday. A way to get out of that rut.
There is always a gap between our expectations and the reality of what happens in a marriage relationship. What we place in this gap can either kill a marriage or help a marriage flourish. Pastor Fred will talk about what we might place in that gap.
How does one stay in love? How does a marriage last a lifetime. The Apostle Paul and Jesus both had thoughts that might enhance your relationship.
Some are skeptical that marriages can last. Younger generations are wary of entering into a long term commitment that might tie them to someone for too long. But there are examples of all around us that show a marriage can last a lifetime. In this message Pastor Fred will point out some ways that a marriage can last.