Six Days Left: Living in Readiness (Matthew 25:1-13)
What does it mean to be prepared? A few years ago the catch phrase was “seize the day.” Later on the acronym YOLO “you only live once” became popular. We often hear about “living in the moment.” All of these are present oriented. But how are we prepared for eternity? How are we prepared for the fact that at any moment Jesus could return? In his last week before the cross Jesus was focused on the need for his followers to live in readiness.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Mar 24, 2019Six Days Left: Living in Readiness (Matthew 25:1-13)
Six Days Left: Living in Readiness (Matthew 25:1-13)What does it mean to be prepared? A few years ago the catch phrase was “seize the day.” Later on the acronym YOLO “you only live once” became popular. We often hear about “living in the moment.” All of these are present oriented. But how are we prepared for eternity? How are we prepared for the fact that at any moment Jesus could return? In his last week before the cross Jesus was focused on the need for his followers to live in readiness.
- Mar 17, 20196 days left: 2 rules for Life (Matt 22:34-40)
6 days left: 2 rules for Life (Matt 22:34-40)
If you knew you had six days to live what would be the most important things on your mind? In this series leading up to Easter we are looking at some of the key teachings of Jesus during his last week before the crucifixion. In our passage today he reduces the sum total of the law to two rules that are as relevant today as they were 2000 years ago. - Mar 10, 2019Grace Truth and Second Opportunities
Grace Truth and Second Opportunities
Has someone failed you? Have you failed someone? Who gave you another opportunity to succeed? To whom have you granted a second chance? In a very familiar passage we will once again examine how Jesus shows grace and truth in dealing with one who failed him at his darkest hour. - Mar 8, 2019Grace, Truth, and Servant Leadership
Grace, Truth, and Servant Leadership
Dusty, smelly, grimy feet. Cool, refreshing, soothing water. Imagine for a moment the Creator of the Universe, washing your feet. How would you feel? What would you say? What would you do? How would you respond to his gentle command to follow his example? Have you? Do you? - Feb 24, 2019Grace, Truth, and God’s timing (John 11)
Grace, Truth, and God’s timing (John 11)
Jesus waited. Everyone else was in an uproar. Jesus waited. Lazarus died. Jesus waited. Martha wept. Mary wept. Jesus wept. Jesus called out. Lazarus came out. Everyone celebrated. Well almost everyone. What is it about Grace and Truth bound up in Jesus that makes some people uncomfortable? - Feb 17, 2019Grace, Truth, and Sight (John 9)
Grace, Truth, and Sight (John 9)
The Disciples saw a sinner. The Pharisees saw a rule breaker. The crowds saw an anomaly. Jesus saw a person in need and touched his life giving him sight. The blind man saw Jesus and believed. When we understand grace and truth we learn to see life through the eyes of Jesus because we have truly seen Jesus. - Feb 10, 2019Grace, Truth, and Bad Choices (John 8:1-11)
Grace, Truth, and Bad Choices (John 8:1-11)
Have you ever been caught up in making a bad choice? We all have. While our passage today is in dispute as to where it falls in Scripture, it is a story that is consistent with what we know of Jesus. The woman was entrapped and found guilty. Jesus does not ignore her sin. Jesus does not rush to judgment. In a unique display of grace and truth, he protects her, forgives her, and gently confronts her sin. - Feb 3, 2019Grace, Truth, Fish, and Bread (John 6)
Grace, Truth, Fish, and Bread (John 6)
In one of the most familiar accounts of the ministry of Jesus we will discover some important lessons of Grace and Truth. The biggest question that came out of the feeding of the 5,000 was simply this: “Why do you follow Jesus?” How do you and I respond to that question? Does our answer hold up when we face the tough things in life? - Jan 27, 2019Grace, Truth, and a Misplaced Focus
Grace, Truth, and a Misplaced Focus
Sometimes we get so focused on our circumstances that we are unable to see the solution. In John 5 Jesus encounters such a man. However, Jesus steps into this man's life and in one sentence changes it. As we examine this instance and the lengthy discourse that follows we learn some valuable lessons of grace and truth. - Jan 20, 2019Grace, Truth, and Brokenness (John 4)
Grace, Truth, and Brokenness (John 4)
Jesus knows who you are, where you are, and where you have been. Yet he steps into our lives and offers his grace and forgiveness. In John 4 we meet a woman who is broken, possibly victimized, and living an immoral life. Jesus breaks about every rule in the book to speak with her. Before it is all said and done, he reveals to her the life changing reality of his grace and truth. - Jan 13, 2019Grace, Truth, and a Fiasco (John 2:1-12)
Grace, Truth, and a Fiasco (John 2:1-12)
Social blunders are part of being human. In this passage it was more than a blunder. Running out of wine in the middle of a first century wedding was unheard of, unacceptable, and socially devastating for years. As a guest at this wedding Jesus was not responsible for planning. As the Messiah, he was on God’s timetable. And yet he showed grace in the middle of a fiasco and helped a family save face. - Jan 6, 2019Grace, Truth, and 2019
Grace, Truth, and 2019
We are in a new year. That brings with it, new hopes, new promises, and new challenges. As we begin to navigate the unchartered waters of this new year we are going to look to Jesus as our example. Our journey through the Gospel of John over the next few weeks will highlight two perfectly balanced characteristics of Jesus. He was full of “grace and truth” (John 1:14). May we each be people of grace and truth in this new year. - Dec 30, 2018Living by Faith in 2019
Living by Faith in 2019
It is one thing to talk about faith. We can celebrate “heroes of faith.” But what does it really mean to live by faith? Does it mean to sell everything and go to Djibouti? Does it mean to quit one’s job and become a pastor? Maybe. But it can also mean to make simple changes in my lifestyle and learn to listen to God on a daily basis. Living by faith can be very practical. - Dec 23, 2018Love That Lasts
Love That Lasts
The word love is possibly the most overused and therefore watered down term in current use. We love everything from pizza, to puppies, to performers, and vacation spots. But love that lasts must be deeper than a preference or an emotional reaction. God tells us that love is bound up in sacrificially putting others first. Love that lasts is neither self-centered nor self-serving. We will consider love that lasts on this last Sunday of Advent. - Dec 16, 2018Real Joy (Luke 2:8-11; John 15:9-13)
Real Joy (Luke 2:8-11; John 15:9-13)
“Joy to the World” we sing. The angel said he was bringing, “good news that will cause great joy for all people.” What is joy? Is it just happiness over circumstances that are pleasant. Is it something like that but a bit more? Jesus said that our joy could be full, or complete in John 15:11. How can we get to that point? Today we consider the joy that comes from the promise and purpose of Jesus being born some 2000 years ago. Real joy is possible.