Thoughts on Being Us

First, I want to say how grateful I am that you’re here. I know many of you rearranged your lives, gave up time off, maybe even missed work to be at this retreat. That kind of sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed. I personally don’t take it lightly. And I believe God doesn’t either. There’s a phrase I’ve been holding onto as we enter into this time together: “The soil you plant in matters as much as the seed you plant.” And is true. We need good soil. Without good soil, no matte what we plant, what we try to accomplish, if we are not cultivating the soil that we plant in, nothing will take root. When someone asks, what is Falcon Community all about? What do we say? Whenever we talk about a vision or mission statement, I love how the church approaches it. If we were a company, or any organization or institution, we’d have to get together and decide, “What’s our vision going to be? How are we going to define our mission?” Then we would put together a process for coming up with the right vision and mission. But I need us to understand something… God gives those things to us.. Now, here’s the thing.. today and tomorrow were going to spend time I pryer and worship and decreeing not so much what is the vision and mission, but how were going to word it go make it unique to what God iscalling us in. Why? Because our king has already given us a mission and vision. It hasn’t really changed in 2,000 years. So what’s vision? Vision is what your eyes are fixed on. Vision is how you see the world; the lens through which you look at everything. And we sometimes think visioning is thinking about what we want and we say things like, “Well, our vision is to have this many thousand people.” “Our vision is to have this many campuses.” Or “Our vision is to do this or that.” When we say things like that, we show that it’s possible for the church to lose our pursuit of Christ, replacing it with pursuit of success—however we may define that—in the church. But here’s the dangerous thing. We can have 20,000 people, but not have Christ. We can have crowds at a hundred campuses, but not have Christ. We can have all kinds of things that will get us on all kinds of lists of successful churches in our culture, but not have Christ. We should not want any of that. We should want Jesus. I think of Paul in Philippians 1 and 3, “I want to know Christ. For to me to live is Christ. He’s my life. My eyes are fixed on Him. I want to know Him, enjoy Him, love Him, exalt Him.” And this is not just individually—it’s what we want as a church. So our vision must be Christ centered. To see God glorified all over falcon and Colorado Springs. That seems pretty basic, but I believe this is very different from how much of our church culture is driven. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the term “consumer Christianity,” but it’s a label given to a mentality in American church culture that says if you want the church to be successful, then make church as comfortable as possible for the consumer (i.e., the Christian). Build places and programs where people can conveniently come. Give them a nice latte when they walk in the door. Provide state-of-the-art entertainment for their children while you treat them to a smooth service that leaves them feeling good when they drive away in a timely fashion. Variations of that vision, engineered for the savvy Christian consumer, have been multiplied across the landscape of our country. And they work! Crowds come and their vision is realized. But what happens when our vision changes? What happens when our gaze is not fixed on making sure crowds feel comfortable, but on making sure God receives glory? Suddenly our priorities start to transform. More than we want to appeal to people’s self-centered preferences, we want to awe people with God-centered praise. More than we want men and children and women to be impressed by the services we can manufacture, we want them to be amazed by the God they cannot fathom. And the last thing we want to do is raise up people who are casual in worship—as they sit back and enjoy lattes. No, we want to raise up people who are captivated, awed and mesmerized by the greatness of God in such a way that we will gladly lose, not just our lattes, but our very lives making His glory known in the world. Now, that’s a different way to approach church. It leads some to ask, “Well, what’s so wrong with the lattes?” I mean, pastor, didn’t you say you wanted a coffee shop in our church? Yes, I said that and I do want that… Someone might rightfully ask, “Isn’t it good to cater to people’s preferences, particularly people who don’t know God? Don’t we want to be sensitive to those who are seeking after God?” That’s a great question. Without doubt we want to see as many people in our communities as possible come to Christ. But then I think about what the Bible says. We read Romans 3, where the Bible makes it very clear that there is no one who seeks God. In our hearts, we are running away from God. But the Bible tells us that God is seeking worshipers (John 4) and that Jesus came to seek the lost (Luke 19). So it’s clear that Jesus has been seeking sinners for thousands of years. He’s pretty good at it—far better than any attractions or allurements we could ever assemble .So if we really long to see people come to Christ in the church, then what shall we do? Let’s make our community together as God-centered as possible. Let’s do everything we can to put the wonders of God’s glory, holiness, majesty, justice, kindness, wrath, grace—and all the glorious attributes of God we saw last fall—on display in the church every single week in everything we do. We want to show people the most biblical, holistic, clear, comprehensive, captivating vision of God we possibly can. And when we do, we can trust Him to do the seeking. So where’s my heart in all of this… Well first, lets understand this… Jesus has all authority over this church. Not me,us. He must be our center. He is the king. He has all authority over nature… he walks on water and calms the storms. He has all authority over, nations. He has all authority over disease. He speaks to the blind, and heals the lame to walk. He has all authority over demons. They do whatever Jesus tells them to. He has all authority over sin. His authority gives us the ability to resit sin and temptation. And He has all authority over death. Jeuss is Lord. And that must be - without compromise - our center. And if there is one thing the gospel denies is for us to submit our lives to HIs withtity over all. Listen, No one decides to make Jesus Lord. Jesus is Lord regardless of what anybody decides. Regardless of what you decide, Jesus has died on the cross. He has risen from the grave. He is Lord. Philippians 2:9–11 makes it clear: “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” That pretty much covers it. The question is not whether or not you or I will make Jesus Lord. The question is will you submit to His Lordship now, or will you submit to His Lordship when it is too late? So what does that mean for me as your pastor? And the truth is—my heart is relational. I care deeply about people. I care about walking with people through joy and through pain. I care about names, not just numbers. I believe ministry moves at the pace of relationship, not results. But even more than that, I believe God is calling me—and calling us—to be a people who are deeply rooted in presence and boldly committed to mission. I carry a burden not just for the people who already know Jesus—but for those who don’t. Not just for the sheep in the fold—but for the ones still lost in the dark. Not just for a healthy church—but for a multiplying one. I am a church planter at heart. Not just in strategy or title—but in spirit. I believe God has called me to seek the lost, to disciple the found, and to equip the faithful to go. And I don’t believe that calling is mine alone. I believe it belongs to all of us. I believe this church is a sending church. A planting church. A disciple-making church. Even now, while we’re still mobile, still stretching, still growing—God is preparing us to send and to scatter and to reach. Over the course of the next two days, were going to discern how that looks. And remember, its not about preference, but presence. We all have an idea and a desire for the church to go to the next step. But that next step doesn’t come from our ideas, but from our centering on Christ, and trusting and believing that he will work through us to accomplish His will and to build his kingdom. Now, for the staff. My expectation comes form the book relational leadership. The book I gave you, and I’ll have one for you Pua soon, is a mirror for us to see if we’re becoming the kind of people who can carry the weight of God’s work at Falcon.Let me be clear—these aren’t preferences. These are postures. They aren’t about performance. They’re about presence. The kind of presence that reflects the character of Christ. We all have ideas and dreams for what the “next step” of our church should be. But hear me—the next step doesn’t begin with better ideas. It begins with deeper surrender. It starts by centering on Christ. Trusting that He will lead. And believing that He will work through us—as we walk in unity, humility, and dependence. So let me walk you through the expectations I’m holding myself to—and that I’m asking you to hold, too.

Be Generous–Grateful We give because Christ gave. We lead from a place of gratitude, not grumbling—thankful for the privilege to serve and quick to pour out what’s been poured into us.

Be Outgoing and Overflowing We initiate connection. We don’t wait for people to come to us—we go to them, and we serve out of the overflow of what Christ is doing in us, not the fumes of burnout.

Embrace Passionate Creativity We don’t do things just to get them done. We bring the best of ourselves to the table—energy, thought, joy—because the church is worth our holy imagination.

Embrace a Balanced Work Ethic We work hard, but we rest well. We don’t idolize ministry, but we don’t coast either—faithfulness looks like showing up and following through with integrity.

Be Extremely Flexible Ministry will never go according to plan. So we stay open-handed, flexible in schedule but firm in spirit—willing to pivot for the sake of people and the purposes of God.

Embrace a Green-Apple Attitude We’re not overripe. We’re not bitter. We stay fresh, teachable, and full of joy. A green apple still has room to grow—and so do we.

Embrace a God-Can Faith We don’t lead with fear. We lead with expectation, believing that God is able—abundantly able—to do more than we can ask or imagine.

Be a Lover of Laughter We take God seriously—but not ourselves. Laughter is holy when it comes from joy, and joy is strength when it flows from trust.

Embrace a Lifesaver Mentality We’re not here to build comfort; we’re here to pull people out of the deep. Every conversation, every Sunday, every meeting could be someone’s lifeline.

Be Holy-Spirit Reliant We don’t move forward unless He leads. We pray more than we plan, we listen more than we talk, and we walk by faith—not by formula.

Be Pro-Jesus and Anti-Sin We don’t flirt with compromise. We lift up Jesus without apology and we fight sin in our own lives first—because purity is not optional in leadership.

Be an Intercessor for God Prayer is not preparation for the work—it is the work. If we’re not praying for our people, we’re not really pastoring them.

Breathe Proactive Loyalty We don’t just show up for each other—we fight for each other. We cover each other in grace. We protect the culture of unity. We stay in the room when it gets hard. So that’s my heart. That’s what I long to see in us—not just as a staff, but as a people. And I would defiantly ask the board to encompass these values as well. As we together move forward as one in Christ, and one in another… for the sake of the community we live in. Amen? *

Power to Belong

I want to invite you to open your Bible with me to the book of Acts, chapter 2. Acts is right after the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—toward the latter part of your Bible.

We’re in week two of a series called "The Power to…" Last week, we talked about The Power to Witness, and today we’re looking at The Power to Belong. Our world is more connected than ever. You can FaceTime across the globe, scroll through hundreds of highlight reels on social media, and yet feel completely alone. It’s like we’re surrounded by noise but starving for presence. We’re always seeing news reports about recession. Economically, we’re feeling it. But just as concerning as an economic recession, I believe we’re in the middle of a friendship recession as well. According to a study by the Survey Center on American Life and Gallup, the percentage of men with at least six close friends has dropped by half between 1990 and 2021. Today, 36% of all Americans report feeling serious loneliness. That includes 61% of young adults and over half of mothers with young children. SO, THE REPORT IS IN… Loneliness is at an all-time high. Why? Because connection isn’t the same thing as belonging. In his book The Path to Purpose, psychologist William Damon writes, “Belonging is that sense of being somewhere where you can be confident that you will fit in and feel safe in your identity.” Connection gives us contact, but not necessarily confidence. Belonging is what gives us roots. Even Scripture points us here: in Psalm 68:6 it says, "God sets the lonely in families." Not just friendships. Not just acquaintances. Families. That’s what belonging is—a place where you're more than welcomed. You're woven in. You’re rooted. Cared for and you become a family.

So let’s look at Acts 2:42–47. This section gives us the first full picture of what it looked like when the Holy Spirit weaves and creates a new kind of people—a Spirit-shaped community. Are you ready… lets read this together… So they devoted themselves whenever it was convenient on their busy calendars. They came together on time but at different times. They walked into an air-conditioned building and found a comfortable seat. They nodded to the other people in their row, some offered a smile, but they hardly looked at each other again. Instead, they fixed their eyes on the stage. They stood; some of them sang. Then they sat and watched and listened to someone speak for a while until they stood to sing one more time, after which they peeled back some cellophane to uncover a small snack. As soon as they were finished eating and drinking, they got out of there as fast as possible in order to beat the traffic. Then they waited to do it again the next week, or whenever it would work well again with their schedule… and they called it “church.” Is that what you read in acts Acts 2:42–47? To be clear, that is not in the Bible. That is not Acts 2:42–47. Yet, it is how many people experience church today. And I’m not saying the singing, or the teaching, or the air conditioning are wrong. Those things can be good. But if that’s all church becomes—an hour of consumption once a week—we’ve missed something profound. What I want to show you is how the church becomes a true community—not through convenience or comfort. When the people of God draw near to Him and to each other, something powerful happens. Real needs are met. Lives are changed. People are healed. Chains are broken. Hope is restored. And others are sent out—not as spectators, but as Spirit-empowered witnesses. So I want to invite us as a church—not to settle for a watered-down version of church that fits neatly into our schedules, but to pursue what God describes in His Word. To stop seeing church as something we attend and start seeing it as a family we belong to—a mission we live out. That’s what we read in Acts 2:42–47. Let’s look at it together: 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Yes, that’s the church. Don’t you want to be a part of that? Don’t you want to experience that? So let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about what it means to have the power to belong.

After the Holy Spirit fills the room in Acts 2, what was the result? The power to witness… right. We saw that last week. But what happened first? They were united together in prayer. Thats what acts 2: verses 1 says, When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. So in the Spirits prevenient grace before pentecost, the Spirit of God did what… he led them to be in one place, and together, and then what? When Pentecost happened and the Spirit was poured out—what marked this new move of God? The first sign of belonging was proximity.They were together. In one place. United in prayer. I believe that is what the Spirit does. He gathers. And I believe that’s what the Holy Spirit does—He gathers. He draws people together. He draws hearts near. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that you’re here today. I believe the Spirit led you here. In fact, there are probably two kinds of people in the room right now:\ There are those of you being drawn in by prevenient grace—the grace that goes before, that stirs your heart, that led you to show up even if you didn’t fully know why. And then there are others—those of you who have already responded, and now you’re living off of grace—united in prayer, anchored in faith, and still showing up because you know it’s grace that sustains you. Either way—you’re here because the Spirit is moving.

Look at what our main Scripture says, “And all who believed were together…” (Acts 2:44) They were close. Close enough to know each other’s needs. Close enough to share meals. Close enough to share their lives. That’s the beginning of belonging—being together, and showing up in each others lives. And that’s not just Acts—it’s the same pattern we see in the gospels. Lok at how this in Matthew 4. After Jesus comes out of the wilderness, look at what he starts doing… 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. Jesus, the teacher—the rabbi—looked into the eyes of some rugged fishermen and gave them the invitation of a lifetime: “Follow me.” He drew them in with a simple invitation to come close. You see, every Jewish boy longed to hear those words from a rabbi. Follow me. Come and belong. If you were good enough, smart enough, spiritual enough, a rabbi might say, “Come, follow me.” But most boys didn’t make the cut. They went home. They picked up hammers or fishing nets and went to work. So when Jesus showed up on the shore, He wasn’t choosing from the elite. He went to the margins. To the forgotten, the least of these, the invisible people. And he invited them in. That’s why this moment wrecks me—in the best way. Jesus looked at these ordinary boys and said, “Drop what you’re doing. I have something greater for you.” And they did. Immediately. Not because they understood everything. Not because they had it all together. But because they believed that being near Jesus was worth everything they’d have to leave behind. And that’s where I see myself. That’s where maybe you see yourself. Ordinary. Unqualified. Yet called. I don’t understand the Bible. I’m not a theologian… I'm just me. But that’s where Jesus began.. he began with fresh clay. And the first response was what? They dropped everything and came close. I think about this moment, and notice this… He was gathering people who would walk with Him. Live with Him. Learn from Him. Mess up and be restored by him. And even Doubt and still be sent by him. That’s the beauty of proximity. It’s not clean or convenient. It’s simply being willing to show up and be near.. . So they dropped their nets. They walked away from predictable. And they followed Him. And I’ll just say this: some of us want community without commitment. We want deep friendships, but we don’t want to show up. We want to feel like we belong, but we don’t want to be consistent. And have you ever noticed this…… Jesus didn’t ask for maturity. He simply asked for availability. And He’s still asking. Will you show up? Will you stay near? Even when you mess up… will you stay? Listen church, you can’t build real community if you’re always drifting in and out of it.

And here’s the thing about proximity—it eventually leads to vulnerability. Think about it.. when you get close to people, what happens? Masks EVENTUALLY come off. People begin to see the real you. You can’t hide behind performance or fakeness when people are actually in your life. Close to your life. Eventually, the real you will come out. And here me… that’s fine. Be you. Stop trying to be perfect through your hidden imperfection. I was a firefighter and chaplain, and house fires were insane. Especially if we were the entry engine for search and rescue. The guys would get into the engine, and the officer would hit the tape and some heavy metal song would come on over the engine’s speaker. The guys would be sitting in the back, gearing up, getting packs on, adrenaline flowing, knowing we were about to go stare hell’s fire in the face. And then there’s me. Ol’ Pastor-Chaplain Matthew. Gearing up and wanting all of this. And they’d go, “Oh, we can’t curse, pastor is with us today.” And I’d be there, looking at them and saying, “It’s okay… be you.” I tell people, “If you’ll be you, then I will be me.” But knowing the real you helps me know where your heart is and how to walk with you. The early church didn’t just share space. They shared lives. Look again at Acts 2:44–45: “All who believed were together and had all things in common. They were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” That kind of generosity doesn’t happen without vulnerability. Someone had to say, “I have a need.” And someone else had to say, “I can meet it.” A few weeks ago I was at Mike and Laurel’s house and Laurel had made a delicious rhubarb cake. And my mother in law just arrived, and Alicia was home with her, and I said, I have a need. I need to take some of this cake home so that my wife and her mom could enjoy it.. And laurel answered by saying, I can meet that need. And to only did she meet the need, but she gave me rhubarb and the recipe as well. She met the need, and then went behind the need. That only happens when people are willing to, open their hearts, and let each other in. And we see this play out in Jesus’ life, too. Look with me to Matthew 8:23–27. This is the story of the storm. “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’” These men had been with Jesus. But now they’re afraid. They’re desperate. And in that moment, they cry out—not in polished, proper prayers—but in raw honesty: “Lord, save us!” Think about this.. for a moment… the vulnerability was, I have a need. Lord, save us. And someone else had to say, I can meet it. They were vulnerable. And Jesus didn’t reject them. He responded. “He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”

Can I just ask… when we gather as the church, do we really think we’ll never experience storms together? You and I both know that’s not true. We’ll face storms of misunderstanding. Storms of disappointment—being let down by someone we trusted. Storms of hardship—financial stress, broken things, broken hearts, people walking away. And how many times does it feel like we’re following Jesus—sincerely obeying His call—only to find ourselves right in the middle of a storm? And in that moment, we run to Jesus, and it feels like… He’s asleep. “Where are You, Jesus? Are You not seeing this? I wouldn’t even be in this boat if You hadn’t called me to it.” You said follow me, and I came.. I obeyed. And now, look at what my obedience got… im scared. Anyone else ever felt that way? Here’s what I’ve learned about faith: There are going to be moments when God doesn’t fix the storm immediately—because He wants us to feel the weight of it, to reach the end of ourselves, and to realize just how much we need Him. I have a need, and its for a savior… and I thank our God that he sent one, Jesus. God leads us into storms to bring us deeper to the Savior. And here’s what I believe God is doing—right in the middle of our storms, and right in the middle of a community of believers who aren’t pretending they’ve got it all together… God is answering our cry, help… by saying, I am here. The issue we face so often is this—we tend to privatize vulnerability. We keep it hidden. We’re afraid to cry in front of others. We’re afraid to show emotion. We’re afraid to make mistakes or ask questions. And why? Because we’re worried. Worried about what others will say. Worried about how we’ll be seen. Worried that being vulnerable will make us look weak. But listen—when a community sweats together, is scared together, gets hurt together… that kind of shared vulnerability builds a deeper intimacy. A real bond. You see this clearly in war. Men who fight for their lives together… who sit in the trenches together… who bleed and suffer and survive together—they form a bond that runs deeper than surface friendships. And the same is true in the church. A flowing, growing, Jesus-centered community requires vulnerability.

So we've talked about proximity—getting close. We’ve talked about vulnerability—getting real. But there's something else the early church shows us: they didn’t just gather and get honest—they practiced together. Look again at Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” They didn’t just meet once a week and then vanish until next time. They had rhythms. Practices. Shared habits of faith. They opened the Word. They broke bread. They prayed. They lived this stuff—together. Because spiritual maturity isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. It’s formed through rhythms, through obedience, through showing up over and over again even when it’s hard. And I love how Jesus models this too—especially in how He calls people into community. LOOK A THIS IN Matthew 9:9–10: “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.” Do you see the pattern? Jesus doesn’t just say, “Follow me,” and then leave Matthew alone to figure it out. No—He invites him into a shared life. A shared table. A new practice of living that involves community, meals, presence, and formation. Now, did you read what happened.. where does He take Matthew next? Straight to the table. A place of forgiveness. Of intimacy. Of belonging. Right? Here is Jesus, newly called to follow, Matthew, the disciples who have already been called, they were in the group already, proximity and vulnerability, and now at a tax collectors house eating with the sinful? Now imagine this—these fishermen grew up memorizing the Torah. They followed the rules. They loved God. And now they’re sitting across from the people they were raised to avoid. Laughing. Eating. Passing bread. And the Pharisees are watching. This is so uncomfortable—but it’s intentional. Jesus is teaching them something powerful: YOU PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH. And this is where Acts 2:42 comes back in: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” You see practicing isn’t about just getting spiritual content, its about spiritual formation. The Spirit wasn’t forming ideas. He was forming a people. Learning to forgive. Learning to serve. Learning to welcome the outcast. Learning to love even when it’s awkward or uncomfortable. Even practicing in front of those who would persecute or mock them. Jesus doesn’t just change who we follow—He changes how we live. And we learn that by practicing together. Doing life together. Being vulnerable together. I love this phrase—the laboratory of holiness. Think about what a laboratory is. It’s a place for testing. For experimenting. For trying… and failing… and trying again. You don’t go into a lab expecting perfection. You go in expecting to learn. And that’s exactly what community is like. We’re learning how to follow Jesus together. We’re learning how to love when it’s hard. How to forgive when it hurts. How to serve when we’re tired. And guess what? Sometimes we get it wrong. Sometimes we lose our patience. Sometimes we hold a grudge. But the beauty of the lab? There’s grace for that. In the laboratory of holiness, God isn’t looking for people who never mess up—He’s looking for people who keep showing up. People who are willing to stay in the room. Stay in the process. Let the Spirit shape them through real relationships. Because holiness isn’t forged in isolation. It’s formed in the messy, beautiful middle of life together.

What are you practicing—and how does that flow over to your family? To your children? Because whether you realize it or not, you’re discipling someone. They’re watching what you do when life is hard. They’re watching how you treat church—whether it’s optional or essential. They’re watching how you show up—or if you don’t. So when we say we’re practicing together, we’re not just talking about what happens in a Bible study. We’re talking about forming a lifestyle that ripples into our homes, into our friendships, into our workplaces.

And let’s look at what kind of reaction this kind of community produces— Because when a church lives out proximity, vulnerability, and shared practice—the result is unmistakable: mission. Spirit-led, others-focused, joy-filled mission. Look again at Acts 2:47: “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” That’s not because Peter had a viral sermon. It’s not because the music was polished. It’s because people saw a different kind of life—a Jesus-shaped, Spirit-formed community—and said, “I want that.” Listen… to this… Mission wasn’t a separate program. Mission was, and still is today the natural overflow of their belonging. Jesus sent his disciples. Look at Matthew chapter 10, “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness… (v.1)” Then in verse 8, He says: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” And don’t forget—this group wasn’t perfect. Fishermen. Tax collectors. Doubters. Betrayers. Zealots. Different personalities. Different pasts. Different perspectives. But He still gathered them, took then into moments of vultneravblty, made them practice their faith, and then he sent them out. Together. And here’s the honest truth: When people say, “I’m scared to share my faith,” my first question is this— Who are you walking with? Who’s holding you accountable? Who knows your salvation story? Are you part of a community that’s more than Sunday morning attendance?. We said it before You are what you practice. But let’s take it deeper—you reflect what you rehearse in community. And if you’ve been walking with Jesus… if you’ve received His love, His grace, His Spirit… Then Jesus says, “Freely you have received—now freely give.”

So today, we want to practice that right here. As our worship team comes up… We’re going to take communion—but not just as individuals. We’re going to do it as a community. In a moment, I’m going to invite one side of the room to get up, collect a communion cup, and instead of going back to your seat, I want you to walk across the aisle and serve someone on the other side. Hand them the cup. Look them in the eyes. And speak these words: 🕊️ “This is the body broken for you. This is the blood shed for you—so that you would know you belong here.” I will have this up on the slides for you to remember what to say..… But Church… This is our Jerusalem. Right here in our congregation. Listen, This is where mission starts—right here with one another. Let’s not just talk about belonging. Let’s practice it. Let’s show it. Because the Spirit doesn’t just form individuals. He forms a family. As you get the cup, let take it together…,

Let’s hold the cup together for a moment… and just pause. Look around you—this is the family God has placed you in. You weren’t meant to follow Jesus alone. And this bread and this cup? They are reminders that Jesus didn’t just die to save you—He died to bring you into something bigger than yourself. A kingdom. A people. A community. Let’s pray. Jesus, thank You for drawing us near—not just to You, but to one another. Thank You for breaking Your body and shedding Your blood so that we could belong—not just to heaven one day, but to a family today. Make us more than just a crowd. Make us a community. Teach us to love deeply. To live sent. To belong. And as we take this bread and cup, may we remember: We are Yours. And we are one. In Your name, Jesus. Amen. Power to belong. *

Jesus as Life Part 2

I want to invite you to open your Bibles with me to Colossians chapter 3. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been walking slowly through one of the most powerful statements Jesus ever made in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” We haven’t rushed past those words—we’ve let them sink in. Let them reshape how we see Jesus… and how we walk with Him. When Jesus says, “I am the way,” we’re reminded of what the prophet Jeremiah once told a wandering people—people not all that different from us: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls’” (Jeremiah 6:16). We’ve been leaning into that as a church. And what we’ve discovered is this: “Ancient” doesn’t mean outdated—it means timeless. This path we’re talking about? It’s not a religion. It’s not a checklist. It’s not a ticket to punch or a map to follow. The ancient path is a person. And His name is Jesus. Jesus is the way. Jesus is the truth. And today—we’re leaning all the way into that last word: life. So here’s the question I want us to wrestle with together: What does it actually mean to say, “I don’t just believe in Jesus… I don’t just go to church for Jesus… but Jesus is my life”? To answer that, we’re going to walk through Colossians chapter 3. Now—I’m not going to put the passage on the screen, because it’s a lot to take in. So I’m asking you to follow along with me in your Bibles as I read Colossians 3, starting in verse 1 and continuing through verse 18. (Read Colossians 3:1–18)

Now, here’s the picture—and we actually catch a glimpse of it back in Colossians 1:27: “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” That’s the beginning. That’s the mystery revealed—not just Christ for us, but Christ in us. Gentiles like you and me, welcomed into the glory of God through union with Christ. Let me say it this way: Christ in us is the hope of glory. But if we’re going to live a spiritually transformed, Christ-shaped life, we need to understand the wholeness we already have in Him. That’s what Paul is pointing to in Colossians 3:1–4. My Bible titles this section: Put on the New Self. Chapter 2 focused on being made alive in Christ, but now Paul turns to what that life actually looks like—both in our relationship with Christ and in how we relate to others. Look at verse 3: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” You died. I died. What does that mean? It means the old you—the one defined by shame, guilt, and sin—was crucified with Christ. Your past life is buried. It’s not who you are anymore. And when Christ died, He accomplished two things: He paid the penalty for your sin. He broke the power of sin over your life. So if you’ve placed your faith in Christ—if you’ve died with Him—you no longer live under sin’s penalty, and sin no longer has power to dominate you. At the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” What was finished? The POWER system of sin, shame, and self. It was defeated. And now, in Christ, you’ve been given the power to live differently. Think about it… That moment you were short and snippy with someone—you now have power in Christ to respond with patience, to really listen, and to love like Jesus. Or when someone was harsh with you—you now have power, through Christ, to forgive. To choose relationship over resentment. To walk in love instead of staying wounded. So not only have you died with Him—your life is now hidden with Christ in God. That’s verse 3. This is the beauty of following Jesus. We are in Christ, and Christ is in us. He’s not just part of your life—He is your life. And that starts right now. Not later. Not someday in heaven. Not after you’ve got it all figured out. Right now, you are in Christ. Right now, you are experiencing eternal life. But the question I keep asking myself is this: What am I doing with the eternal life I already have? Am I living for the next thing? The next week? The next breakthrough? Or am I living each moment fully aware that Christ is in me—right now—desiring fellowship? Paul said it in Philippians: “For me, to live is Christ.” That’s not just poetic language for Paul—it was reality. Before Christ, his life was marked by death and darkness. But when the gospel opened his eyes, he saw a glimmer of light—and he couldn’t look away. That’s how it started for me, too. I began noticing things I’d never noticed. The things of Christ became beautiful. But here’s the tension—maybe you feel it too: Even after we’ve been raised with Christ, there’s still a temptation to go digging up the old life. Why is that? Why do we sometimes feel drawn to things Jesus already rescued us from? What captivates us in the past that Christ isn’t offering us in the present—or in eternity? The truth is—before Christ, we were trapped. Trapped by our own greed. Our own immorality. Our own distorted passions. And yet… we try to resurrect what Christ came to crucify. Paul knew this.

Look at what Paul says in verse 5: “Put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Put it to death. Kill it. Whatever belongs to your old nature—get rid of it. This week, I kept thinking about that phrase: put to death. And the truth is—we already live by this principle in everyday life. After prepping raw chicken, what do we do? We scrub the knives, bleach the countertops—we kill the germs because we know they’re dangerous. We pull weeds from our gardens because we know they’ll choke out the good things growing. So here’s the question: if we understand this in the kitchen and the garden, why don’t we apply it to our souls? Paul is saying, “Don’t manage your sin. Don’t excuse it. Don’t negotiate with it. Kill it.” Because sin doesn’t just trip you up—it takes you out. And here’s what strikes me: even though I’m in Christ… even though I’m saved by grace through faith… there’s still a battle going on. What’s the battle? My flesh. Paul lists it clearly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed—which he calls idolatry. These are the enemies that live closest to home. Let’s talk about that first one—sexual immorality. It’s physical. It’s fleshly. So here’s the question we all need to ask: Is my body consecrated to God? Now, I get it—consecrated is an old word. But it matters. Here’s what it means: wholehearted devotion. Being “all in” with Jesus. It’s drawing a line in the sand and saying,“From this moment forward, I’m living on purpose—for Christ. Not for myself. Not for my desires. For Him.” Paul always starts with sexual sin because what we do with our bodies reveals who we really belong to. And if Christ is truly in us, then our bodies should be all in—set apart for His purposes. That’s our part in sanctification. Sanctification is both God’s work and ours. His Spirit empowers us, but we’re still called to repent and to exercise faith. Consecration is our choice to surrender. And when consecration and faith come together, they form one powerful word: surrender. That’s the essence of the Christian life—giving all to Jesus, and receiving all from Jesus. There was a time when we weren’t surrendered. We were our own masters, chasing our own will, robbing God not only of what He gave us—but of our very souls. But then something happened. Someone spoke the name of Jesus. The gospel was preached. Our hearts were stirred. There was that moment—of belief, of surrender—and we were born again. Do you remember that day? My heart was on fire. I couldn’t explain it, except maybe through the old hymn: “I once was dead, but now I am alive.” That was my first surrender. But surrender isn’t just a moment—it’s a daily posture. Every day, every moment, I’ve had to learn to come back to repentance. To ask, “Lord… did that offend You?” And it’s in that relationship—real, alive, sacred—that my heart still leaps for joy. I want to live at His disposal. Not just with my body. But with my mind too. So I’ll ask again: Are you consecrated? Is your body available to Him? Is your mind surrendered to Him? Because what you do with both will shape the kind of life you live—and who your life belongs to. Right after calling us to put sexual immorality to death, Paul mentions the next battleground: impurity. So let me ask you: Is your mind clean before God? Because what you think about… what you dwell on… what you allow to live rent-free in your head—it shapes you. Paul isn’t just addressing outward behavior. He’s getting to the internal battlefield. This is where it gets real. Because an impure mind—one filled with selfishness, anger, lust, or cynicism—reveals a heart that hasn’t been fully consecrated. That’s a life still ruled by the flesh instead of surrendered to Christ. Let me ask you something personal: Have you noticed that there’s a version of you that no one sees but you and God? That person—the one inside your thoughts, your daydreams, your unspoken moments—that’s the real you. That’s your soul. And here’s the real question: Is that person becoming more like Christ? Or is that person still being shaped by the world? Paul is pressing this home: Is your mind fully surrendered? Is your body fully available? Are you truly set apart for God? Because purity isn’t just about what you say no to. It’s about what you say yes to. It’s not just about avoiding sin. It’s about pursuing holiness. Being remade in the image of Christ—not just in action, but in the patterns of your mind. This is the deep work. This is the real work. And this is the kind of transformation that happens when Christ is not just your belief—but your life.

But Paul doesn’t stop with the body and the mind. He goes deeper—into our desires. He lists impurity… passion… lust. These aren’t just behaviors. They’re cravings. They’re hungers. So here’s the real question: Are your passions consecrated—or are they out of control? That emotional fantasy—has it become a substitute for God? Are your desires ruled by Christ… or do they still rule you? Do I control my lust, or does my lust control me? Do I pursue God… or just chase the next hit of pleasure, attention, or escape?

And then Paul names one more: greed, which he calls idolatry. Why? Because greed isn’t just about money—it’s about discontent. It’s the belief that what you have isn't enough… and that God isn’t enough either. So the question becomes: Is my heart content in God? Because this is where the battle gets really intense. The question isn’t just: “What am I feeling?” The real question is: “Who is in control?” Is Christ ruling your desires? Or are your desires ruling you? Is your hunger for that thing, that person, that experience—greater than your hunger for holiness?

Listen—Paul isn’t trying to shame us. He’s trying to free us. You don’t have to be a slave to passion anymore. Christ didn’t just die to forgive your sin—He died to break its power. So… what part of your desire needs to be brought under Christ today? Because here’s the truth: You can’t crucify sin without activating faith. You won’t put these desires to death by willpower alone. You need something greater—someone greater—at the center of your life. That’s why Paul doesn’t just tell us to let go of the old… He invites us to grab hold of something new. And that’s where faith comes in. Faith isn’t passive. It’s not just a list of beliefs you nod along to. Faith is alive. And faith is rewarded by surrender. You want stronger faith? Don’t just ask for it—surrender more. Give God more of your thoughts. More of your habits. More of your heart. Let’s be honest—we’ve all said it at some point: “I wish my faith was stronger.” “I wish my faith was like theirs.” Even John Wesley—yes, the great preacher and founder of the Methodist movement—struggled with that very thing. He was once on a ship during a violent storm. Waves crashed over the deck. The sails strained under the wind. And Wesley was terrified. Not just nervous—terrified. But then he looked across the ship and saw a group of Moravians—men, women, and children—singing hymns. Calm. At peace. As if they were floating on a still lake at sunrise. Same storm. Same danger. Completely different spirit. Wesley later wrote: “It was then I knew…I had religion in my head, but not in my heart.” That moment changed him. Because faith that’s alive doesn’t deny the storm— it just knows who’s in the boat. Church, let me say this clearly: Faith without action is faith without oxygen. It’s not enough to say you believe in Jesus. You were made to live in Him. The writer of Hebrews puts it like this: “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) So don’t just believe. Seek. Don’t just admire. Surrender. Don’t just hear the Word—live the life.

So how do we put this faith—this consecration—into action? Paul shows us. Look with me at Colossians 3:1: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Here’s what that means: What you seek will shape what you see. If you seek comfort, you’ll see everything as an inconvenience. If you seek control, you’ll see people as problems. But if you seek Christ… you’ll start seeing like Christ. And Paul’s clear—this isn’t passive. To seek means to aim. To search. To pursue. To hunger. So let me ask you: What are you really seeking? Because whatever captures your attention will eventually steer your direction. If God scrolled your phone right now—checked your screen time, your search history, your top apps—what would it say about what you're seeking? If He followed you around for a week—listened to your conversations, your worries, your passions—what would He see you pursuing? Here’s what I’ve learned about myself: I can say I’m seeking Christ… but my life can tell a different story. Augustine once said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” That restlessness you feel? It’s not random. David understood this in Psalm 63:1: “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” That’s not casual seeking. That’s desperation. That’s hunger. That’s what it looks like when you know your life depends on finding Him. Can anybody relate to that?

Now look at verse 2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Paul switches gears here—from seeking to setting. “Seek” is about pursuit. “Set” is about focus. Paul knows something we often forget: Where we set our minds, our hearts will follow. He’s not saying stop being human—we’re all wired to pursue something. The question is: Are we living with kingdom vision or earthly tunnel vision? Paul uses the same language in Romans 8: “Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5–6) This is deeper than positive thinking. It’s not just about changing thoughts—it’s about rebuilding the entire mental framework. Your mind is like the foundation of a house. Whatever it’s built on will shape everything you build on top of it. Set your mind on worry? Life starts to feel like a threat. Set it on scarcity? Everyone becomes competition. Set it on performance? Every relationship becomes transactional. “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” That’s not love. That’s not the way of Christ. That’s religion without relationship. That’s bartering with God. But when you set your mind on Christ— on His love, His provision, His faithfulness—everything begins to shift. Now fear isn’t the loudest voice. Now you can give freely, love sacrificially, and live with confidence. Why? Because your foundation isn’t shaking. It’s secure in Christ. You stop seeing life as something to survive… and start seeing it as something to give away. You stop chasing affirmation… and start walking in identity. You stop keeping score… and start washing feet. Because what you set your mind on will shape what you give your life to. And if your mind is set on Christ—your life will begin to reflect Christ. It’s not just about what happens inside of you— It’s about what starts to flow through you. That’s why Paul doesn’t stop at “set your minds on things above.”

Look at where Paul goes next—Colossians 3:12–13: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another…”

Here’s the shift: When your mind is set on Christ, your life steps into service. And that brings us to the third word: Serve. If seek is about pursuit, and set is about perspective, then serve is about practice. Because Paul is showing us: The Christian life isn’t just something you believe. It’s something you live. We don’t just think differently—we treat people differently. We don’t just memorize Scripture—we embody it. Paul says, “Clothe yourselves…” That image matters. You don’t accidentally put on clothes. You don’t wake up and hope they magically appear. You choose them. You put them on intentionally. Same with compassion. Same with kindness. Same with humility, patience, and forgiveness. You don’t wait to feel like it. You choose it. You serve like Jesus—even when it costs you. even when your tired.. and weary. Let’s be real—community is messy. People will test your patience. They’ll say something sideways. They’ll forget to text back. They won’t always show up like you hoped they would. And yes—sometimes… they let you borrow their tractor… and you break it within 10 minutes. 😅 But serving isn’t about what they do. It’s about what Christ has done in you. “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) That’s the filter. That’s the model. That’s the kind of community the world is starving for. So today, the question isn’t: “What kind of church do you want to attend?” Because that still makes church about you. The better question is: “What kind of person are you becoming?” Is Jesus your life? Have you made that commitment yet? Or are you still wrestling with the heart of surrender?

So let me ask you… What would it look like—not just to say Jesus is your life—but to actually live like it? To surrender. To stop wrestling. To say, “I’m done trying to be in control… I want Christ to be my life.” Because that’s what this moment is about. Communion is more than a symbol. It’s not a ritual we go through— It’s a response. It’s not just about remembering what Jesus did— It’s about embracing what He’s still doing: In you. Through you. Among us. As a local body and community. So as we come to this table today, I want to invite you to let this be your answer. Not just a tradition. But a declaration: Jesus is my life. Because the real question isn’t, “What kind of church do you want to attend?” That still makes church about you. The better question is: “What kind of person are you becoming?” Have you made that commitment yet? Are you still wrestling with the heart of surrender? Or is today the day you say, “Christ is my life”?

As Peter comes up, let me walk us into communion. We’ve talked today about seeking Christ. Setting our minds on Christ. And serving like Christ. Now we respond—together. Just like Jesus moved toward us, we’re going to move toward one another. Here’s how we’ll do it: One side of the room will stand and move to the left. The other, to the right. And I want you to meet someone in the middle. Just like last time. But this time, when we meet, I’ll speak these words over you: “This is Christ’s body, broken for you.” “This is Christ’s blood, poured out for you.” And then I want you to exchange the elements with each other, and speak this blessing: “May His life be your life.” Not as a phrase. As a prayer. As a blessing. As a declaration of surrender and unity.\ And then—take the bread and the cup together. Not alone. But as one body. As one family. As a community marked by Christ… Not just in belief—but in life. Jesus is our life…. Jesus, Thank You for meeting us in this moment. Thank You for Your body broken, Your blood poured out, And the life You’ve invited us to live in You. Help us leave this place not just with full hearts— but with surrendered lives. Teach us to seek You first. To set our minds on what’s above. To serve like You served. And may the declaration we made at this table— “Jesus is my life”— become the anthem of our week. Go with us now, Lord. Empower us by Your Spirit. Shape us by Your Word. And use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray— Amen. *

Mother's Day

I want to invite you to open your bibles with me to genesis chapter 1.

I want to give due attention today to honoring not only the moms, but all the women in our midst. Pastoring sometimes require us to be aware of struggles many have within our midst who have and are struggling through heartbreaking years of infertility, and then coming to church on Mother’s Day is never easy for families with that struggle. To be honest, I know I’ve talked to many couples who would say emotionally, they would almost want to avoid the day altogether. I don’t want any woman—or man, for that matter—to ever think that way about any day gathering together with the church. Mother’s Day is obviously a joyful day in many ways, but it’s also a hard day for many people and I always want to be sensitive to that. This morning I want to honor all women. And my hope is that by the time we get to the end of the message today, youn would be encouraged to see yourself in a different way. In all honesty, the way the Bible talks about womanhood is so different from the way the world around us today talks about womanhood. And especially with men too, there’s this perception to how a man should be, and a woman should be in this world. When I think of messages like this, I always like asking this question, who his greater, man or woman? And the answer is this, man is far more superior than a woman, at being a man. And a woman is far more superior than a man, at being a woman. And its true, God has created man and woman in his image, to reflect his glory, and his mercy and his grace, in unique ways, that are specific to their genders. And that is the beauty of what we see in Genesis chapter 1.

Look with me… Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the sea and over the birds of heaven, and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on earth. So, God created man in his own image, and in the image of God, he created him; male and female he created them. When I read this verse, one of the very first things that I am usually zeroed in on the fact that God uses this word created, three times. It’s this Hebrew word Called, Bara… it means to be shaped and created. It’s as if, God is making a point here. He created, he created, he created them.. So I hope you hear and understand what the texts is saying… you’ve been a shaped and created by God. Think about the Psalms for a moment.. Pslam 139 verse 13 says, For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. So we ask, For what purpose? And why? I think that’s one of the most amazing questions in life… why was I created. Well, in the midst of this creation, you’ve been created in the very image of God. And the word says, he blessed them. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you as a woman, you are a blessing. Not as an hindrance. You’re not a created being, that has no calling or purpose or part in God's divine plan.. you’re been created and noted and you are a blessing.

And so, the first stop on our journey today is for us to know this: You are uniquely honored, blessed and created in the very image of God. You’re honored , blessed and created in the image of God. And that’s such an important point to make to all women listening today because that means theres an identity that has been created within your image as a woman, that is valuable, and honored, and loved, and cherished. You’re dignified. You deserve a place of honor. And lets just take a moment to let that sink in… You’re not dignified by what the world says about you as a woman. You’re dignity is not dependent upon your career, or martial status or any other woman's or mans opinion - and even your own opinion for that matter. Because lets be honest, our own opinion of ourselves can be harsh and untrue. Right? could it be possible….. that you do not see yourself as a honored woman of God? I would say, yes. It is possible. Theres so many perspectives out there in this world trying and competing for your attention, and often times we can believe what others say…. But the truth from God’s perspective is that, you are created by God , and God says, you are to be blessed because of the image you bear. Because you are made, in his image. In the very image of God, who created you.

What a blessing that is to know. And, yet I am saddened. Because I know this world has such a horrible thought, and image of what a woman should be, and shouldn’t be. The world goes to so much effort to make you believe that you’re only worth something if you’re physically beautiful, and our culture is screaming in thousands of ways, buy this and do that to enhance your image. Thousands of dollars and thousands of hours by businesses and the entertainment industry go into making sure they convince woman of all ages their need for esteem and fulfillment and significance is to look and feel a certain way. Just a year or so ago, I remember watching the national news and Miss USA resigned her position because they were subjecting her to things that were against her own morals and standards. And SO the world says, physical beauty is to be honored, or promiscuousness is desired. And when you’re neither of those things, the world would claim that you are undesirable. But that has nothing to do with what Gods word says about women.. God’s word in proverbs 31 lays out this amazing, I dunno.. Maybe road map… or glimpse, or maybe encouragement to live up to about a Woman's image that is honoring, and loving and cherishing, and faithful.. and the weird thing, is that in this proverb for women, it mentions nothing about beauty. I’ve asked one of our women to come up and read for us these verses… and I would like for all of us, even men, to Listen to what this proverbs says that a good honorable woman looks like. Have Mary Read:

Thank You Mary. So many great things. But yet, nothing about physical beauty. but we do read She about being a good cook, Amen, right? and a good manager of her home, and how wonderful she is with being a good wife. She’s a homemaker, and cares for her kids, She gets up before everyone, and never lets the lamp burn out, and she’s confident and humble, and a servant leader. She’s strong, and even a good business woman, making deals and buying property for the benefit of her family. And on top of all of that.. she’s compassionate, and gives to the poor. Doesn’t this woman sound like wonder woman? Like when I read this I go, man, this woman must be a super woman. Like who can compete with a woman like that? Or most would say, she’s all that and a bag of potato chips?… hahaha… But heres the thing.. I can only imagine, a woman, reading or hearing this list of what a good, and godly christlike woman who’s made in the image of God, and blessed and honored is to be like, and thinking, how perfect this woman is…. And then I would read or listen to that and go, how in the world is that possible for me. There is no way I can be like that. And think about it, you can read this passage and be more discouraged or tempted to say, I will never become worthy of being a godly woman, because the requirements are impossible. And then, I think of the men listening and reading it… because. single men can look upon this verse and have almost an unrealistic perception on what a woman should be like. So, On one hand, you may have a woman saying I can never be that kind of perfect woman, and on the other hand, have a man saying, “I want to find a wife whose perfect like that. And so it’s like you have two people so far apart because they both are looking in the wrong direction for love. One feels unequipped and not enough, and another setting a high standard that could be unachievable, and both looking in the wrong direction for identity. Then I think of married men and woman.. On one hand, a married woman can look at all of those characteristics and go, “I don’t even know how that is even possible.” I think of Alicia saying…. I have three kids, and two dogs, and 9 ducks, 16 chickens and four ungodly looking turkens to care for, and on top of that, I have a husband and three teenagers to care for. How in the world do I find time to be this woman? Sometimes she might not get to all the laundry, or cleaning, or anything.. and maybe sometimes she may go, “I feel like I’m failing as a wife.” Where would I even begin?, so that I too can be a proverbs 31 perfect wonder woman? I just wonder if married women would read this and say, I feel like its impossible in todays culture. Especially for woman that work to provide a second income for the family. And then on the other hand, married men can so easily look upon this verse and say, “I wish my wife was like that. I wish she was this perfect woman who loved me and our family just like this woman in proverbs 31. And the truth to whether or not your single or married, man or woman, … we know all, that both of these circumstances of being single or married are actually an unhealthy responses to this picture of womanhood in God’s word. Because this proverb isn’t about a woman pursing perfection and a man seeking a woman that’s living in perfection, as much as its about giving us a picture of what we often lack when it comes to perfection. Right? We’re not perfect people. Amen? Maybe someone needs to hear that. Regardless of what you think.. no one is perfect. So Listen, you are imperfect. You have sinned against God. Paul tells us in Romans, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, There’s an imperfection in your life. There’s an marred identity that you have been born with. Its called original sin. And sin not only clouds and hinders, and subjects us to imperfections within our identity that we have in Christ, but it also, makes us feel lost in who we are. And because of this sin, you are separated from God as a result. Men and woman alike, you are imperfect, and God in his infinite perfect love is pursuing you. Like a husband pursues a wife, Christ loves and pursues the church. And I always find it amazing that Jesus never seeks the perfect bride at first, have you ever thought about that? IN all of his glory, and majesty and royalty as our King, he seeks a bride, and he doesn’t seek physical beauty, or what the world says to seek, he seeks the most imperfect bride to begin a relationship with. It’s like he looks to his bride and says, its not who you are now, but who you will become when we are together. Look at what Paul says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” Did you catch that? Christ 'gave himself up for her' - He initiated the relationship with His sacrifice. He cleanses us, washes us, transforms us. The church starts imperfect but becomes radiant and blameless through His love. That's the beauty of the gospel - He doesn't wait for us to clean ourselves up. He meets us in our mess and makes us beautiful. And To think, Christs loves me… in my imperfections, and he pursues me with all my quirks and shortcomings and failures. He loves me. That encourages me. Jesus calls me to himself. And I become a part of the church which is made up of imperfect men and woman seeking a perfect Christ together. That’s why Jesus went too the cross. Perfection needed to start somewhere. And it begins with the love that was shown by Jesus on the cross’s and us coming to him by faith. Friends, our imperfections are made perfect in Christ who becomes the author and perfecter of our faith. Isn’t that what hebrews teaches us? Hebrews 12:2 says, ” fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Right, so when we read proverbs 31, it’s ok to recognize your imperfection. I think its a very core part of our salvation.. realizing that we have flaws. As follower and lovers of Christ, we don’t look to Christ and go, Man, I’m so discouraged by His perfection. No, we’re encouraged! Thats what we desire as holy people… we say boldly, we treasure Christ. We don’t go, I will never be like Jesus… No, we look to Christ and we go, each day, I pursue less of me, and more of him in my life. Im going to live this day presenting myself as a Holy sacrifice. And so what I’m saying is this, we’re not perfect, but were being perfected in Christ. It’s a journey that requires a relationship. We come along side of Paul and say, If there is any good in me its Christ in me. And so, I guess what I am saying is this.. proverbs 31 isn’t about what you do to be a perfect woman, but who you look to who’s perfecting you from the inside out. And so ladies, who are you looking to? Y0ou’re husband? Your children? Other women? The world? Or to Christ, the living word who is the perfecter of your faith?

Now, For you men.. Can I just side step here and say something to you… I know were here to honor women today, but I just want to mention you for a moment. I don’t want you to listen or read proverbs 31 and go.. yeah, you need to be this christlike wonder woman… because proverbs 31 isn’t a Scripture just for women, but for men as well. Its true… why would this be in the Bible? Not just for woman’s Bible study or retreats…. This proverbs is for men as well. This proverb should enougrage you to say, I want to lead my wife and nurture her into being a christlike wife, or woman like that. And I think its so easy for men to read something like proverbs 31 and say things like, well hunny, you better get to work, because you are far form being a proverbs 31 woman. And that kind of language is not God honoring, nor is it woman honoring.Men, do you know what the Bible says about nurturing your wife??? It says, in I peter 3:7, to show honor to your wife? You are to honor your wife. I try to stay away from language that dishonors Alicia. Things like, she’s my old ball and chain. As if my life would be any better without being tied down to her.. no! Without her I wouldn’t be complete. She competes me, because through Christ, and sin Christ, we have been married to become one. Think about it… I chose to be married to her as she chose to be married to me. When Paul says, ”Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, Right off the bat, what is required? love is. And I’m not talking about the lustful love where its conditional. I’m talking about the agape love. The unconditional love only available through Jesus Christ. Why are you called to love your wife and Christ loved the church. Because Christ is going to verse 26, 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. I love this language. A husband that honors his wife, loves her as Christ would, and then seeks to point her to Christ. You’re role as a husband is to point her to Christ. SO when you see her imperfections, its not to be used as fuel to win arguments, but her imperfection are to be a means to desire to love her in such a way that you lead her to Christ in a lovingly way. And young men.. those of you unmarried. You’re role at this moment is not to find a perfect proverbs 31 woman, or even to find a woman and begin leading her.. you’re role right now, is to keep pursuing Christ yourself. You will never lead a woman if you’re not being led by Christ first.

My other favorite part about this verse is this, Jesus presents her to himself as a radiant church. Get this.. She’s a part of the body of the church. Gods words doesn’t give a woman any less honor than man. Both are made in the image of God, but yet, both must pursue Christ together. And its only through this pursuing Christ together, is when a couple can truly love one another…

Thats the church. Listen, you and I can never truly love one another unless we come to church pursing, and worshipping, and adoring Christ together. Because holiness isn’t rules and regulations, its relationship. Holiness is lived out within the body of Christ where the imperfect body of Christ worships a perfect Christ together. But Look at what Paul says, verse 28, Why do we love Christ together? 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Did you hear that? husbands if you’re looking to love yourself, it begins by loving Christ, which in turn, he gives you the ability to love your wife. Remember, Hebrews 12 says, Let us keep looking to Jesus. And so men, don't stop looking to Jesus. Make Him your prize... Make Him your desire. When you treasure Christ above all else, you'll find the capacity to love your wife the way Christ loves the church - imperfections and all.

I want to end todays message by leading you ladies with three applications to becoming a proverbs 31 woman… The first one is this: Choose God’s ways at every opportunity. What I love about this is that it requires a person to walk in God presence. In the book of 1 John 1:7, we read, "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” Its looking to Jesus, trusting him and walking with him. Thats faith. Faith is stepping out into the unknown and trusting God. Even in those moments when you recognize your imperfections, remember that grace is sufficient for you. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This verse requires a two step process. Our part is to stop and acknowledge God along the way, and His part is to direct our paths. Its the same with Peter walking on water. His part was to keep his eyes on Jesus. That’s it. The waves, and the impossibilities around him, that was Jesus job to direct the path so that Peter could make it to him. The only thing Peter needed to do, was keep his eyes on Jesus.

Secondly, Commit yourself to God daily. Our devotion to God is strengthened when we offer Him a fresh commitment each day. I try to make it a habit to begin my day by laying my hand on my heart while in bed before I get out and saying, God, you’re welcomed here today. I learned that from another pastor friend of mine. A mentor of mine. Each morning what I’m doing is this, Im giving my life to God. I challenge you to do this. And heres the thing…. I guarantee it, it will be hard for you. For years you have taught yourself to lay in bed, dreading getting up, thinking about work and what the day holds, getting up and doing your routines… I guarantee it, it will be a hard habit to break. But what if you began each day by laying in bed and saying, God you’re welcome here. Today is going to be a day full of blessing and opportunity. I will bring you’re joy to others. Nurture the habit of placing the day before the Lord, and saying, it’s yours, place the things in your life in God’s loving hands to do with them what He will. Andrew Murray was helpful to me when we wrote those words: “God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.”

Lastly, Cultivate a hot heart of burning affection for God. A godly woman pursues to have a heart burning with adoration and affection for God. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the Emaous road encounter. The woman came back and said Jesus has risen, and they didn’t believe. The men came back and said, he was not there, and they didn’t believe. There hearts were cold and Luke warm to the good news of the resurrection. And so, They were indifferent and unemotional to what what being said to them. So they turned and walked away. And in this walking away, Jesus comes up and walks with them but yet hey do not recognize him. A heart that is cold and even Luke warm wont recognize the presence of God. Ands, what these two people were doing was practicing self belief. They were not Christ centered. They had fallen into the trap that we all fall into sometimes.. A self centered hope. And so, Jesus comes up and begins telling them in the word of God, that points to him… Many times thats what needs to happen to many of us, to have a heart burning for affection for Christ, we need to be pointed to Christ by others seeking Christ. Because, listen, becoming holy as Christ is Holy can only go as far as we’re willing to surrender and focus on Jesus Christ. They were not making much of Jesus. And when they started to focus on Jesus.. they said to one another.. Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? And did you know where they went? Back to the church. Back to the group, the body of Christ. I wanna believe, that when Jesus broke bread with them, he was reminding them of the body. You need to be with the body. You need to be with you’re brothers and sisters so that this affection can be fanned into flames… and it was… when they arrived, they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”

And so, fanning into flames the faith and hope we have is first centered on Jesus, and then fanned by being in assembly together, where we encourage one another.

I pray, ladies, center yourself on Christ. Make much of being a part of the body of Christ. And become a woman, that is after God’s heart. And thats where you’ll find perfection. Amen? *

Knows the Way - Part One

I want to invite you to open your Bibles with me to the book of Jeremiah, chapter 6 and find with me verse 16. We're continuing our year-long series called "Just Jesus." Where we want to know Him, see Him, love Him, and live Him in 2025. This isn't just another teaching series - it's really about a relationship. It's about all of us, together, getting closer to the One who changes everything. This month, we begin a new mini-series called "Know the Way." And I don't know about you, but I could use some direction these days. Anyone else feeling a little lost sometimes? Have you ver took a Long car trip? I’m sure most of you have. Just trying to get form Colorado Springs to Denver on a weekend, can make for a long car trip… am I right? Our family usually drives when we go on trips. And when you drive for long period of time, it gives you a lot of time to think about life. Perhaps sometimes when you have a lot of time to think.. no matter who you are you can get a bit philosophical in your mind. Have you ever been philosophical? Let me give you some questions. Why are towels considered dirty when you get out of the shower clean? If you drop soap on the floor is the floor clean or the soap dirty? I dunno… What do you think? Who closes the bus door once the bus driver gets off?

But thinking about long road trips, I kept thinking this week, how paths have always kind of been a quiet representation of the lives we live. I mean, Think about it….. in our lives… There are inclines and declines, ups and downs. There are sharp turns and tripping hazards. There can be both fear and Joy in the path before us. And I know when we travel, we’ve witnessed all of these things. We went up the mountains and down. One time, during this season we drove 17 hours to Florida to sea world. Coming through the mountains of West Virginia on our way back to see my mom, we hit some crazy sharp turns. We’re talking about the kiss your own butt turns. We saw hazards like accidents and road construction. And as I was thinking all of this… I was also reminiscing when I was a kid, in the back of my families car, and I never had to worry about anything. I did have to worry about how I was getting somewhere mainly because I had trusted in my family in knowing the way to get there. Do you remember back in the day where we would print off like 100 pages of Mapquest directions and we actually had to drive and navigate at the same time, on our own without phones? I remember the first time I got the van back after the teens went to Main Event and in the door of the van was a road atlas. Like, I haven’t seen one of those for ages. And I’m not even sure if it was up to date. Our lives are full of noise, and choices and paths. It's true.. everyday you come to little and big crossroads in your life. Small ones like: "Should I hit snooze again?" "What should I have for lunch?" "Should I text them back right now or wait?” And big ones like: "Should I take this job?" "Is this the person I should marry?" "Where should we raise our kids?" "How do I handle this diagnosis?” And here's the thing - we're living in a time where we have more information than ever, more options than ever, but somehow we feel more lost than ever. Anybody else feel that way? You know what's different now compared to those old road atlas days? Back then, if you got lost, you had to stop and ask someone for directions. Remember that? Pulling into a gas station, rolling down your window, "Excuse me, how do I get to…?” \ And in West Virginian the answer was always, its just a little ways down the road.. but a little ways in West Virgina was like a other 30 minute drive around turns and up and down hills. Now we just trust whatever voice comes out of our phone, even when it takes us down some sketchy back road at midnight. One time, my GPS told me to turn, and I did, and I ended up turning into traffic. And I wonder... have we done the same thing spiritually? Have we stopped asking for directions from the One who actually knows the way?

And this brings us to our text for today. Look with me to Jeremiah chapter 6, verse 16. Because God knows exactly what we're going through - this feeling of being at a crossroads, this need for direction. And He speaks directly into it. "This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls'" (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV). I love how this Scripture begins, and it begins with something very relevant to our lives and our walk with Jesus. Jeremiah 6:16 begins like this: "This is what the Lord says.” What this teaches us is...Our willingness to listen for God reflects a belief that God wants to communicate with us. Think about it - if I didn't believe my GPS wanted to give me directions, I'd never turn it on, right? If we want to know God's will for our life, or even in a particular situation, or even for the future of this church, first we need to believe that God is willing and able to communicate with us. And secondly: we need to learn to hear His voice through the clatter of the world... and even through our own selfishness and our own preferences. It's like trying to hear your GPS over the radio, the kids in the backseat, and your own thoughts about "I think I know a better way.”

But, lets go back for a moment… the verse says, this is what the Lord says. Don't rush past this. We typically do… typically when reading this, we rush into what God says, but just take a moment to marvel at these 4 words. The infinite, eternal, self-existent God – the One who spoke galaxies into existence by the mere power of His word – this God stoops to speak to us. And I can’t help, but to sit here and Marvel at this reality. Like it excites me. It excites me because I think we all want to be acknowledged by God and noticed. David write is Pslanm 139, You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. ‘He knows us… he notices us. In our waywardness, in our sin, the holy Gopd, full of glory and majesty speaks. Think about it - how many times have you posted something on social media and then kept checking to see if anyone liked it or commented? We're all looking for that validation, that acknowledgment that we matter, that we're seen. He's the one who calls the stars by name. He's the God who created you and eight billion other people on this planet. He's the one sustaining your beating heart and your breathing lungs right now. The very breath you have at this moment to let you hear and think and see and respond is grace upon grace given to you by the one who wants to speak to you. And this God is speaking. To the Israelites through Jeremiah in our text this morning, yes. But He's also speaking to you right now, in this moment. While you're sitting in that chair, while you're processing whatever's going on in your life, while you're thinking about the decisions you're facing - He's speaking. Our willingness to listen for God reflects a belief that God wants to communicates with us. If we want to know God's will for our life or even in a particular situation, or even for the future of this church, first we need to believe that God is willing and able to communicate with us and secondly: we need to learn to hear his voice through the clatter of the world… and even through our own selfishness and our own preferences. When we read the Bible, when we pray, when we gather together as a body of believers,, ………God desires to speak and communicate to us. And just one aspect of spiritual growth is learning to recognize and then having a willingness to listen to God's voice. Jesus reminds us in John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Do you hear that? Jesus, God in flesh speaks…. And those who love him, hears him. And he knows them. Oh God, you have searched me and you know me. That's the kind of intimate relationship we're talking about - being fully known and fully loved.

How do in know this? Well, Another thing we learn is Our willingness to listen for God reflects a belief that God wants us to trust in Him. You know what's one of the key building blocks for intimacy? Actually, intimacy comes in many different recipes, it's true. But one of the main ingredients that must be present for intimacy - it's trust. Trust is at the heart of intimacy. Think about it - when Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and I know them," that's talking about the building blocks of a relationship. It's about knowing one another. A two way street. But Jesus doesn't stop there. He goes on to say... "and they follow me.” That's trust. Let me ask you something - would you follow someone you don't trust? Of course not. No one follows someone they don't trust. And here's the thing - we're not going to trust anyone, not even Jesus, if we don't build a deep, loving relationship with them. If we don't take time to get to know them for who they are. Or even take the time just to be with them. It's like any relationship, right? You don't trust someone deeply after one conversation. Trust grows through time, through experience, through seeing their character revealed in different situations. So how does loving that other person grow? How does trust develop? It grows when we spend time together It grows when we listen - really listen - to what they're saying It grows when we see their faithfulness over time It grows when we experience their character firsthand It grows through our small groups. And that's exactly what God is inviting us into. He's saying, "Spend time with me. Listen to my voice. Watch my faithfulness. Experience my character. And as you do, you'll learn to trust me enough to follow where I lead.”

Now, let me go back to my story. This is what I noticed when I looked in the rear view mirror at my kids sitting in the back seat of our car as we we would travel. They were at peace... They were able to be at peace and rest during the trip, not because they were wondering how we were getting to where we were going, but because they knew that their father knew the way. I was able to lead them and they could follow and be at rest the entire time. They weren't worried about: Which exit to take How much gas was left Where we'd stop for lunch What to do if there was construction They trusted me. They knew I had their best interest at heart. They knew I'd get them there safely. They knew I somewhat knew the way. Look back at our verse - Jeremiah 6:16 - God doesn't just say "stand at the crossroads and look." He says, "Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it.”

So here's the question: Will we choose the "ancient paths?” Sadly, Jeremiah's people wouldn't follow this advice. They did not consider God's way, and they paid dearly for taking the wrong path at the crossroads. I mean look at the ending of this vers… they said, We won’t! If we go into verse 17, God even send a rams horn blow to warn them, he set watchmen over them, and what’s their response… we wont listen! Eventually disaster fell upon them. Warning after warning and they wouldn’t listen. They chose their own paths. Years later, here we are. Even as a church, we have moments in our life where we're going to need to stand at the crossroads and ask... which way do we go? Will we choose the ancient paths that God has laid out for us? Or will we follow the same destructive path that the Israelites chose,, and say, we wont. Now, when I say "ancient paths," what comes to your mind? What do you think of when you hear the word “ancient. For me... it's rocks. I think rocks are ancient. Sometimes, and I know this is weird. But I have alleys been a dreamer. Ever since I was a kid on a 500 acre farm, I would at times just lay in the hay field and dream of life. And sometimes, I like to do this.. I would lay and watch the clouds, and wonder where this rock came from. How did it get here? In this place, at this moment to be sticking in my back as I lay here resting under the summer sun. But even with these thoughts, its never about the number of years, for the age os something is. The truth is, a rock is extremely old. It's ancient. It dates back to the foundations of the world.\ God calls us in Jeremiah to look for the ancient paths. For us English speakers, most of us when we hear the word "ancient," we think of something as simply being old. Like this… (Pay Phone) and yeah, that is beardless me. To some people this is phone ancient... for some of us, that's only like 20 years ago. It's like it was yesterday we had to literally put coins in a phone just to call someone. But here's where it gets interesting. Have you ever heard the phrase "lost in translation?" It happens. It's easy to lose specific truths if we don't explore words that have been translated. The word "ancient" finds its origin in a Hebrew word - O’lam. As we study the Hebrew language, we discover that this word Olam includes time, but it also considers space. So ultimately we can say that O'lam (ancient) literally means "a place hidden beyond the horizon" or "a time hidden beyond the distant time.” So when Jeremiah proclaims the Word of God, he isn't calling us just to focus on old paths. No... God is calling us to walk in His way, to follow Him, to follow Jesus. His ways are the "timeless paths" that are marked by His truth that never changes or becomes outdated. You know, even as we study the life of Jesus, we see that the closest disciples who followed Him couldn't initially answer the question, "Do you know the way?" Even while the disciples walked with Jesus, they still struggled with the question, "Do you know the ancient paths?”

So I want to show you something in John 14. Before we wrap up, I want to show you how Jesus helped His disciples - and how He helps us today - to find and to know the way. But not just any way - the timeless paths that bring peace. Turn with me to John 14. Listen to how Jesus starts this conversation: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. So right here... right off the bat... what do we see? Jesus says, "Don't let your hearts be troubled.” Now, think about what's happening here. Jesus knows He's about to leave. He knows His disciples are about to face the most confusing, frightening time of their lives. And what's His opening line? "Don't be troubled.” It's like when you're about to take your kids to the doctor for shots, and you say, "Don't worry, it's going to be okay." They're looking at you like, "Easy for you to say!” But Jesus doesn't just say "Don't be troubled" and leave it there. He immediately follows it with the antidote: "Trust in God, and trust also in me." Remember earlier.. what’s one of the building blocks for intimacy, and relationships?? Trust. Jesus is taking them right back to the foundation of their relationship. He's saying, "We've walked together. You've heard my voice. You know my character. Now, in this moment of uncertainty, lean into that trust we've built. And I think about this.. and wonder… how many times has God showed up in our life, and we recognize it.. that’s a miracle, that’s a god moment… but then… instead of hinging our trust in knowing that God is with us and in us and for us.. we forget, and we wonder off on our own way, or path. Choosing to forget what God did in our life to show us his mercy’s and love and goodness. It's like He's reminding them - and us - that the ancient paths aren't just about following directions. They're about following a Person who’ve we've learned to trust. And I think of all the people I interact with all the time.. who say they believe in God, but they have yet to trust in Jesus. Now look at what he continues to say: “There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” Now pause right there. Jesus just dropped some major truth, and I love how He frames it: First, He reassures them - "There's plenty of room." Nobody's getting left behind. Nobody's getting forgotten. Its like when your kids want more at a buffet and you’re like, just eat this and come back.. theres plenty. Trust me, they refill the cheese wontons. There will be more. Then He basically says, "Have I ever lied to you? Has he? God says, I have loved you even before you were born.. do you believe that? He says, I want to lavish my love on you… do you feel and know that love? Jesus is appealing to the trust they've already built. You see at some point, you’ve gotta start trusting in the things that God has already done in your life before you move forward. And where does that start.. by trusting in your salvation given to you by faith in Christ. If you can't trust God with what He's already done - redeeming you, saving you, placing his very presence within you - how are you going to trust Him with what's coming next? It's like building blocks - each answered prayer, each fulfilled promise, each moment of faithfulness, each moment of hardship that you give to God, and say, I want you’re will… becomes another reason to trust Him for the next step. And notice what He promises: "I will come and get you.” He's not saying, "Here's the map, good luck finding your way” He's not saying, "I'll send someone to pick you up” He's saying, "I myself will come and get you” It's like when I tell my kids, "Wait right here, I'll come back for you." They don't need to know the route I'm taking or how long it'll be. They just need to trust that Dad will come back. Look at what the verse says, In verse 2 he says, I will go… And then in verse three he says, I will return. We’re living on this ancient path right now… Think about it for a second. Jesus made a promise - "I will go" - and then He actually did it. He went to the cross, conquered death and the grave, revealed Himself to over 500 people, then ascended to heaven. He kept His word. And just as surely as He went up, we believe He's coming back. That's not wishful thinking - that's living faith. Why will He return? He tells us straight up in John 14:3: "I will come and get you.” Then He says something interesting to the disciples in verse 4: "And you know the way to where I am going.” Now, put yourself in their sandals for a moment. Jesus just said, that they know the way. But watch Thomas's reaction in verse 5:"“Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?”You can almost hear the frustration in his voice, can't you?

It's like Jesus just said, "You know how to get to my house," and Thomas is saying, "But we don't even know your address!” I think Thomas is doing what we all do sometimes. Jesus says, "You know the way," and Thomas immediately starts thinking about: Road numbers and exit ramps "Go down Meridian, hang a left, go 1 - 2miles until you see the school and turn left.” He wants turn-by-turn directions He's looking for the spiritual equivalent of Google maps. But what was Thomas missing? His focus was on a map instead of the Messiah. Jesus is saying, "Thomas, on this ancient and timeless road that you're on, you need to understand something. I'm not sending you instructions on how to find me. There's no need. If you're on the ancient road, if you are following, if you are hearing my voice, I am coming to get you.” And then Jesus drops this powerful truth in verse 6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” It's like Jesus is saying, "Stop looking for the directions and start looking at Me. Stop trying to figure out the path and start following the Person. And that is so true with our lives.. lets be honest for a moment… HOW MANY OF US MAKE OUR FAITH ABOUT WHAT WE DO RATHER THAN WHO WERE PUSUIRING? The ancient paths aren't about knowing where you're going - they're about knowing WHO you're going with." And I think that’s ONEOFTHE points of discipleship. . … discipleship is not just about what we learn, as much as it’s about who we’re pursuing, together. The way isn't found in perfect directions, but in a perfect relationship with Jesus. You’re small groups isn’t about learning as much as its about leaning in., together. Being transformed together, into the image of the one who is the way, the truth and the life.

As Peter comes up… I just want to say.. Church… what I want you to see and gather from today is this… You are standing right now on the ancient paths. You are in this moment between Jesus going and coming. You’re standing on the crossroads of life. And just as Jesus reminded Thomas that it’s not about having a ticket punched or having a map… it’s about pursuing the guide. Or in this case.. it’s about pursuing the Messiah. Jesus didn’t come to offer a map. It’s not about how many hours you log into coming to church. Or how much you gave in your tithe. It’s not about coming in here and having your self righteousness ticket being punched to show others how dedicated you are….. Listen, Jesus isn’t in the business of passing out tickets anymore than he is interested in passing out maps. Jesus has come to lead us home. He has come to teach us and to place his Spirit upon us that we may truly find peace for our souls. You see our eternity isn’t determined by a map or a ticket. Our eternity is found in a person who is the Lord Jesus Christ. It is for this reason that He proclaimed “I am the Way. I am the truth. I am the Life.” So, Church… do you know the way.. this morning? Or are you eyes till trapped in waiting for a map. "Heavenly Father, Thank You that You don't leave us to wander aimlessly through life. Thank You that You speak to us, that You offer us ancient paths that lead to rest for our souls. For those standing at crossroads today - whether in relationships, careers, health decisions, or faith itself - speak clearly to their hearts. Help them to hear Your voice above all the noise of this world. Lord, forgive us for the times we've demanded maps when You've offered Yourself as our guide. Forgive us for seeking directions when You've invited us into relationship. Help us to trust You more. Not just with our eternity, but with our everyday decisions. Remind us that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life - not just in theory, but in practice. For those who are weary from trying to figure it all out on their own, grant them the rest You promised. For those who feel lost, be their compass. For those who are afraid to take the next step, be their courage. May we leave here today with a renewed commitment to walk the ancient paths, to listen for Your voice, and to trust You as our guide. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who is the Way. Amen." *

Jesus as Our Hope

I want to invite you to open your bibles with me to Colossians chapter 1. Today we're going to look at seven words that is a very present reality for those in Christ. I’ve been thinking alot about Easter, and the celebrations. I spent time this week listening to some of my pastor friends speak of baptisms, and people coming to Christ, and lives being changed and all those moments are personal moments that I pray we witness here at Community Church. And we have… We have so much to celebrate as a church, with an anticipation for more to come. But I got to thinking about easter, and this mountain top moment we experience, as we celebrate the resurrection, We celebrated how Jesus conquered death. How He rose from the grave. But today I want to talk about what that means for your life right now - especially when you're walking through a valley. I often wonder, how many people left churches all across the world, right back into the reality of life. Right back into the valley.. right back into the darkness. And I know… from my own heart, these mountain tops moments don’t last very long. And I think of Paul writing this truth in chapter 1 and verses 13and 14.. listen to this. "He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Get what he is saying.. he rescued us. You were once in DARKNESS - complete spiritual darkness - and God physically RELOCATEs you. He didn't just improve your situation. He didn't just make your darkness a little brighter. He completely transferred you into an entirely new kingdom! And Think about that phrase - "in Christ." Paul uses this al across his other letters to. He talks to the Ephesians that you were once without Christ. But now, you’re in Christ. This isn't just about following Jesus or believing in Jesus. This is about being POSITIONED IN Christ. It's like God picked you up and placed you IN Christ Himself - a position of complete safety, security, and new identity.

But here's the thing - we often still live like we're in bondage. It's like someone who's been in prison for decades. When they're finally released, they still think and act like a prisoner. The cell door is wide open, but they hesitate to walk out. We do the same thing spiritually. Jesus says in John 3:19 that "Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light." We've been transferred into God's kingdom, but we keep glancing back at the darkness, wondering if maybe we're missing something. But in Christ, we've been transferred to a kingdom dominated by LIFE! Paul makes this clear in Ephesians 5:8: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” And then, did you catch how he finishes this thought… its my favorite part: "So live as people of light! It's like the Nike version for Christians - just DO it! Or better yet, just LIVE it! Live like you're redeemed. Live like Christ lives in you. Think back to last week, with Mary at the tomb. Her hope was crushed. Everything she believed in seemed dead. But she showed up anyway. And because she was willing to be vulnerable one more time, she became the first person to see the risen Christ. This is the pattern throughout Scripture. When we surrender to Christ who dwells in us - when we live as people of light even in our darkest valleys - Christ shows up. And not only does He show up, He gives us purpose. He makes us messengers of hope to others still sitting in darkness. Which brings us to verse 27 back in Colossians. … Paul describes this as a mystery that's been hidden for ages but now revealed. And here it is - those seven life-changing words: "Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Say it with me: "Christ in you, the hope of glory.

So here's what I want you to write down and this is our overall truth for today. … Our personal relationship with Jesus prepares us for the valley. Let me say that again: Our personal relationship with Jesus prepares us for the valley. Not avoids the valley. Not eliminates the valley. PREPARES us for the valley.

I came across this quote recently from actress Spencer Kayden: "I choose to live without hope to protect myself from disappointment. It's very effective!” Ever felt that way? I have. Hope feels risky, doesn't it? When you hope for something and it doesn't happen, the disappointment can be crushing. So we protect ourselves. We lower our expectations. We prepare for the worst. We build emotional walls. And you know what? It works! No hope, no disappointment. Problem solved, right? But at what cost? I think… life without hope is a life without joy, without anticipation, without the possibility of something better. It's existence, but it's not really living. When I think of a life without hope.. I think of a life that struggles to moves forward.

So if Christ in us is our hope, what does that actually mean for your life? I mean, what does that mean to me. How does that truth live out in our everyday life… Let me share with you what I believe is the first essential truth about having Christ in you as our hope: YOUR HOPE IS ONLY AS STRONG AS ITS FOUNDATION When we build a house, the foundation determines everything. You can build a beautiful mansion with the finest materials, but if it's sitting on sand, what happens in the storm? It collapses. Jesus himself talked about this in Matthew 7:24-27: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” The storms WILL come in your life. The question isn't if you'll face a storm - it's what foundation your hope is built on when the storm hits. Jesus says, in this life there will be trouble. That a promise. But it’s not the trouble we should focus on, its the solution. The antidote to our trouble is Christ. Our rock and solid foundation. Many of us have built our hope on sand. We have… have you build your hope on any of these? Hope founded on circumstances: "Everything's going well right now.” Hope founded on feelings: "I feel good about the future.” Hope founded on other people: "I know they'll come through for me.” But here's the problem - what happens? Well, circumstances change, feelings fluctuate, and people fail. That's why hope built on any of these foundations will eventually disappoint you. But Christ in you? That's hope built on bedrock. That's hope anchored in the One who has never failed, never wavered, never abandoned His promises. This hope endures. Don’t believe me.. read the gospels. From birth of creation, to the birth of Christ… all the way to the cross… and the promise of His return… Christ finished the work he set out to do. Jesus has never abandoned HIS PROMISES. And now, we live in a hope for his return.

Let me ask you something. Have you ever noticed how hard it is to love others when you're afraid? When you're worried about protecting yourself? When you're consumed with your own needs and concerns? Fear and love rarely occupy the same space. Think about it - when you're afraid of rejection, how open are you with others? When you're afraid of loss, how generously do you give? When you're afraid of being hurt, how vulnerable are you willing to be? This is where hope changes everything. Look at what Paul says right here in the same chapter of Colossians 1:4-5: "We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Did you catch that connection? "Because of their faith in Christ. And their love for others.. …” Their love for others didn't come from trying harder to be nicer people. It flowed naturally from the hope they had in Christ. listen, When your hope is anchored in Christ who lives in you, you stop seeing other people as threats. You stop seeing relationships as risks. You start seeing people the way Jesus sees them - as precious, worth loving, worth sacrificing for. Worth losing your very own life for. And this isn't just theory. How would you love someone who stole form you? Would it bring forth joy? Would you rejoice? I bet the answer is no… some one took something of mine.. I lost something. I remember one time in the oil and gas field we had a temp person who worked with us… and one day, all kinds of things went missing… food from lunch boxes, money, every drink and before long, my charging cord for my phone went missing. So of course, a committee of guys got to gather and began searching the trucks and found within this others guys truck, all of our stuff. Everything.. even my missing cord. And so they wanted me to go to the supervisor and report it with them. And I couldn’t… because for some reason, in my heart, I didn’t know why he did it. What if he needed it more than me. Ya know, proverbs say, People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. For me, its not that my charging cord would help him feed his hunger, but deeper, spiritually, he was starving for Christ. And sometimes, those starving min life need grace even more. And I need to remind myself of that often. Especially when people wear men down emotionally and mentally. Just as I need grace, they need it to. Look at the early Christians in Hebrews 10:34. They "joyfully accepted the plundering of their property." What?!!! Why? Because they knew they had "a better possession and an abiding one.” Think about that - their homes were being ransacked, their possessions stolen, and their response was... joy? How is that possible? Because their hope wasn't in their stuff. Their hope was in Christ. And its the same with our life… This is why marriages fall apart when hope is misplaced. When I put my hope in my spouse to fulfill me, to complete me, to never disappoint me - I'm setting them up for failure and myself for heartbreak. But when Christ in me is my hope, I'm freed to love Alicia without the crushing weight of expectation. I can love her as a gift, not as a god. The same is true for parenting. When my hope is in my children's performance or behavior, I'll either become controlling or crushed. But when Christ in me is my hope, I can parent with grace, with patience, with unconditional love. So, Here’s the 2nd truth,: You will never love others well until your hope is properly placed. As long as you're seeking from others what only Christ can provide, your love will always be contaminated by fear, by need, by self-protection. But when Christ in you becomes your unshakable hope, you're freed to love others not for what they can give you, but for who they are. You're freed to love like Jesus loves - sacrificially, generously, and unconditionally. I dunno about you, but that is how I want to be loved. And to be honest, I want to love others that way too. Because that is the heart of Christ. He lived, sacrificially, generously, and unconditionally. And it changed lives.

There's something I've noticed as I've studied Scripture that has absolutely changed how I view valleys in my life. Here it is: God consistently shows up in ways that directly counter the circumstances His people face. Its true. When Israel was in the desert facing pitch-black nights, God didn't give them flashlights - He became a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21). During scorching days, He became a cooling cloud. When the disciples were caught in a life-threatening storm, Jesus didn't just calm it - He walked on top of the very thing threatening to drown them (Matthew 14:25). When religious leaders were crushing people with endless laws, Jesus didn't offer a simpler rulebook - He offered rest: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). Do you see the pattern? In darkness, He becomes light. In heat, He becomes shade. In chaos, He becomes peace. In bondage, He becomes freedom. So if you're in a valley right now, don't miss this: God isn't absent - He's about to show up in the way you need Him most, as the exact opposite of what you're facing. When you feel weak - His strength shows up. When you feel abandoned - His presence shows up. When you feel confused - His wisdom shows up. When you feel inadequate - His sufficiency shows up. And when death surrounds you - His life shows up. That's why Paul can write with such confidence in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. This is the hope we have in Christ - not that we'll escape the valleys, but that in our darkest moments, He will be our hope… listen to this third truth… GOD SHOWS UP OPPOSITE OF HIS SURROUNDINGS. He does.. but what is our part when we know God is present. How do we live a life where we tend to have valley moments? How to we live with "Christ in us, the hope of glory" in our everyday lives?

Well, first, Draw Near With Confidence. Hebrews 10:22-23 gives us the perfect first step: "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings... Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Did you catch that? Draw near. Then hold on. Kind of like Bull riding. Get on, draw near and hold on. For years, I had it backward. I thought I needed to fix myself first, clean myself up, get my act together - and then I could draw near to God. But Scripture says the opposite. We draw near first - with whatever mess, whatever doubt, whatever fear we're carrying - and then we find the strength to hold on to hope. I remember when our kids were little and they would fall down and scrape their knee, or they would get a splinter in their foot or hand. What do they do? They would run strait to Alicia and I with tears in their eyes. They didn’t stop to bandage themselves up first. They didn’t try to clean the wound themselves. They brought their hurt to someone they trust. That's what drawing near looks like. It's bringing your valley, your fear, your disappointment directly to God - not with hesitation, but with "the full assurance that faith brings.” When you start by drawing near instead of trying to fix everything yourself, everything changes. I promise you. Everything changes. I challenge you this week… look for ways to draw near… and then apply it in your life by holding onto that truth… get into the Bible… pick one verse… hold on to that truth.

Secondly, Name Your Valley, Claim His Promise. Let's be honest. Most of us do this thing where we try to pretend our fears aren't real. We spiritualize them away. When we get scared, sometimes we just say, ”Good Christians don't worry about that." Or we generalize them. "I'm just stressed, or tired. So many of us are carrying around burdens that can be easily lifted by just sharing them. But what you don't name, you hide….. And what you hide grows in darkness. Think about Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. After they sinned, what did they do? They hid. And when God asked them what happened, Adam didn't name it. He blamed Eve. Eve didn't name it. She blamed the serpent. This is still our pattern today! We hide our valleys. We hide our fears. We hide our struggles. We hide our sins. And the enemy loves nothing more than for us to keep them hidden, and instead of repenting, we run and hide them.We bury them deep down.. But listen, when we hide, we're essentially saying, "I don't trust Christ in me to handle this." We're saying, "I'll deal with this on my own." But here's the truth - we can't. But Christ in us can! 1 John 1:7 tells us, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Listen churhc, Walking in the light starts with naming what's in the darkness. It starts with bringing our valleys out of hiding and into God's presence.

What in your life are you hiding. Two verses later in 1 John, look at what he says. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Its making known what we’ve been hiding. But its not just confessing sin to God, look at what James says. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. I truly believe that we are always one apology away from fixing our relationships with others who have hurt us. Think about that for a second. ONE apology. One moment of vulnerability. One act of naming what you've been hiding could be the very thing that breaks the chain of hurt that's been binding you for years. This is why our prayer wall matters. This is why naming our valleys matters. When we bring these things into the light - when we acknowledge them before God and trusted others - that's when healing begins. Some of you have been walking around with unforgiveness in your heart, and it's become a part of your identity. Some of you have been carrying guilt that God forgave long ago, but you haven't forgiven yourself. Some of you have been trapped in patterns of sin that have power only because they remain in darkness. Look, church…..on the other side of that confession, that vulnerability, that naming of your valley - there's freedom. There's healing. There's the life-changing reality of "Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

And lastly, Live From His Victory, Not For It This is where the rubber meets the road. This is where "Christ in you, the hope of glory" becomes more than just a nice Bible verse. Romans 8:37 tells us, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Notice it doesn't say "someday you will be conquerors" or "if you try hard enough, you might become conquerors." It says we ARE - present tense - MORE THAN conquerors. For years, I misunderstood this. I thought being a Christian meant fighting to achieve victory. But the gospel isn't about achieving victory - it's about receiving a victory that Jesus has already won! Think about it this way: When Jesus said "It is finished" on the cross, He meant it. The victory over sin, over death, over fear, over shame - it's already been accomplished. It's done. It's complete. So the question isn't "How do I win this battle?" The question is "How do I live from the victory Christ has already secured?” 1 Corinthians 15:57 declares, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Did you catch that? He GIVES us the victory. Not "He will help you earn it if you're good enough." Not "He might grant it if you pray hard enough." He GIVES it - as a gift! When you're in the valley - when the diagnosis comes, when the relationship fails, when the money runs out - you're not fighting FOR victory. You're fighting FROM victory. And This changes everything about how you face your valleys. Instead of praying, "God, please give me victory over this fear," you pray, "God, help me live from the victory You've already given me. And then after naming it, confirm it through his word. Romans 15:13… make it personal.. “the God of hope will fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in him, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. that is within…

Do you see how radical this is? You're not hoping to someday reach victory. The victory of Christ is IN YOU right now! This isn't positive thinking. This isn't mind over matter. This is living in the reality of "Christ in you, the hope of glory. Let me confirm something… Your valleys are real. Your struggles are real. But the victory of Christ in you is even more real! Amen? When you draw near with confidence, when you name what you've been hiding, and when you live from His victory instead of for it - you experience the full power of "Christ in you, the hope of glory.

As Peter comes up… and we close today. I want to give you an opportunity to put these truths into practice right now. In a moment, Peter is going to play some music. As he does, I invite you to come to the front where we have our prayer wall and tables set up. On the paper provided, I want you to write down one valley you're facing right now. One fear. One struggle. Be specific. Be honest. This is between you and God. Fold your paper and place it on our prayer wall. As you do, simply pray: "Lord, I draw near to You with this valley. I name it before You. And I choose to live from Your victory, not for it.” I want you to know that this isn't just a symbolic act. Our prayer team will be praying for each of these requests throughout the week. Real people, lifting up real prayers, for your real valleys. You can choose to add your name, or first name, or no name… Some of you have been carrying these burdens alone for far too long. Today is your day to remember that you're not alone. Christ is in you. His victory is in you. His hope is in you. And your church family is standing with you in prayer. And for those who prefer to remain seated, its ok.. Just remember no obligation for others to pray for you, only opportunity. you can still participate If you choose to remind seated. Use this time to pray, to name your valley to God, to thank Him for the victory that Christ in you has already secured.I want to leave you with this. The valleys you're facing might be deep, but Christ in you is deeper. Your struggle might be long, but Christ in you is eternal. Your pain might be real, but Christ in you is more real. The world says, "No hope, no disappointment." But Jesus says, "I am your hope - and I will never disappoint.” Christ in you. The hope of glory. Seven words that change everything.

Father, for those who are drawing near to You today with their valleys and fears, thank You that You receive them with open arms. Thank You that when we name what we've been hiding, You don't turn away in disappointment - You turn toward us with compassion. Lord Jesus, help us to live from the victory You've already won rather than striving to win a victory on our own. May we leave here today with the unshakable confidence that comes from knowing that Christ in us is our hope - in every valley, in every struggle, in every circumstance. And Holy Spirit, fill each person here with power to live as people of light, even in the darkest valleys. For Your glory, and in Jesus' name, Amen.

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Buds of New Life

Good morning church! He is not here! He has Risen! He has risen indeed! (Say it with me) He is not here! He has Risen! He has Risen Indeed! Amen... Do you believe that? I mean, do you really believe it? Like, if someone were to ask you tomorrow at work or school, "Why do you seem different?" would you have the courage to say, "Because Jesus is alive"? That is the absolute truth, and today there is no doubt that Jesus has risen and he has risen indeed. It is so good to be able to celebrate Easter together here at the church. You know, it's amazing how much our gatherings have changed over the last 6 months. Looking around at all your faces this morning reminds me of how precious community truly is. I don't know about you, but I never want to take this for granted again. Just being here together... it's a gift. And I'm reminded that wherever Jesus is, there is going to be life. Not just existence, but actual life. Speaking of life, I've been walking and trying to get more steps in lately. Anyone else tracking their steps these days? My Dr. keeps telling me I need to move more, so I've been trying! But as I've been walking, I've been doing something else too. I've been looking for signs of renewed life. Signs of Easter. Signs that remind me of the resurrection. This week, I got to spend a sabbatical day of rest at Glen Eyrie. Anyone been there? It's this amazing place just outside Colorado Springs. And as I was walking around the property, I began to think about all the new signs of spring. The turkeys there were full of gusto and excitement. And the trees were blooming everywhere. But then... I noticed something that just opened up my soul to the thought of new life... (voice softens) I saw this budding tree. Just a simple tree with tiny buds. Nothing spectacular by the world's standards. But in that moment, God used it to speak to my heart. I was reminded of that Scripture in Luke where Jesus says: "When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near." (Luke 21:29) You know what struck me about those blooming buds? They were coming from branches that looked completely dead. If you'd seen that tree in January, you'd have thought, "That thing is done. It's over." But God... God had a different plan. Under that seemingly dead surface, life was stirring. Preparation was happening. Renewal was coming. And isn't that just like Jesus? To bring life from places we've written off as dead?

I believe with all of my heart God led me over to that tree. Not by accident. Not as some random coincidence. He led me there intentionally because He knew that I forget things easily. Anyone else struggle with spiritual amnesia sometimes? God led me to this tree to minister to my soul—to remind me of something so fundamental to our faith: Jesus takes barren things, things that are dead, and He puts buds of new life within them so they can grow. Think about that for a second. The God of the universe cares enough about my spiritual growth that He'd use a simple budding tree to teach me that life can come from dead things. You know, it reminds me of that powerful truth we sing about—how we were once spiritually dead but now have been made alive through Christ. That transformation from death to life isn't just something that happened in the past. It's happening right now, today, in your life and mine. See, I stood there looking at those tiny green buds pushing out from what looked like dead branches, and I thought, "That's me." That's all of us. We were dead in our transgressions and sins. Dead. Not sick. Not struggling. Dead. And there was nothing we could do about it on our own. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love—He makes dead things live. He takes what's barren and breathes His Spirit into it. And suddenly, where there was nothing, there's life sprouting up.

That's the kind of God we serve. And in the midst of this—this perceived death that the tree represents and the challenges we all face in life—I was overwhelmed with remembering that God spoke this tree into existence through His Son, Jesus Christ. The same Word that created everything we see is the same Word that brings dead things back to life. You know what happened? I stood there.., looking at those tiny buds, and my perspective began to completely shift. It was like God whispered to my heart these words: "There are buds of new life happening all around you, and Jesus is the gardener who is bringing all of these buds into full bloom." Do you see it? Do you see the new life trying to break through in your own story? Maybe it's just a tiny bud right now. Maybe you've been feeling spiritually dormant. Maybe you've been looking at your life thinking, "This area is dead. It's over." This relationship with that person is done…. But what if—just what if—the Master Gardener is already at work beneath the surface, working on bringing life to that moment or situation?

If you have your Bibles with you, and I hope you do, let's open them up together to John chapter 20 and find verses 11-18. Go ahead and turn there. If you don't have a Bible, don't worry - just lean over and look on with someone near you. Today, we're celebrating something radical - that the power systems of Sin, Self, and Shame have been completely broken. Think about that! Because of the resurrection of Jesus, these strongholds that once had full control; over life - sin, shame, and the self-centered life - they can no longer hold you in bondage. Death has been arrested. The enemy can no longer keep you where you are. You know what that means for you and me? It means you've been saved! You've been resurrected in Christ! And that's why we're here today celebrating that the tomb is empty and the stone has been rolled away. Three days passed since Jesus was laid in that tomb guarded by Roman soldiers, and then - BAM! - everything changed. And here's something we often forget - when there's real change, there's usually confusion that follows. Isn't that true in your own life? Think about every morning when you wake up… often times we never wake up completely aware. It takes time.. sometimes it takes coffee or a hot shower to get us fully functioning. But with every change, there does come confusion. And it’s the same with our faith. When God does something unexpected, doesn't it sometimes mess with your mind before it blesses your heart? This particular adversity isn't about physical strength - it's adversity in the mind. It's confusion. And there was plenty of confusion lingering in the air that first Easter. Let's read our text to find out what was going on. (Read John 20:11-18)

So the book of John gives us John's firsthand experience of the resurrection. And have you noticed something interesting? He doesn't actually name himself in the account. Instead, he shows this little bit of humility by calling himself "the other disciple." But - and this makes me laugh - I don't know if it's actually humility, because did you know in this very chapter he makes sure to include this one part where this, “Other” disciple was the fastest disciple? It’s true…. Look with me at verses 3-4: "Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first." Isn't that just like a guy? If I'm going to write a book, I'm definitely going to throw in some sort of competition! I can almost guarantee you that if Peter had won that race, "The Other Disciple" would have never mentioned it. But… why am I pointing this out? It's because details matter! Its true.. details matter. John isn't just throwing in random facts. He has important things to share with us, but he can't tell us everything. There's actually too much to tell. He admits this himself in John 21:24-25 where he writes: "This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate. Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written."

Don't you find that amazing? Jesus did so many incredible things that all the books in the world couldn't contain them! I like to believe that Jesus did a lot of things we have no clue about. (Voice gets thoughtful) I believe Jesus told jokes and laughed. I mean, why not? He was real and authentic, just like you and me. Don't we all have joyful moments in our lives? Times when we experience something and feel this deep joy within our hearts?

I know a lot of people have there own thoughts about the series the chosen, but what I love about it is that it gives me a very good example of the human side of Jesus. There are so many scenes, that are scripted in that show that shows Jesus having a sense of humor. It's refreshing, isn't it? To see Jesus portrayed not just as this solemn, serious figure, but as someone who laughs, who enjoys life, who has this incredible warmth about Him. Here are two of my favorites.

I think about those scenes where Jesus is just hanging out with the disciples, or that moment when He's talking with the children, and there's this genuine joy on His face. It changes how we see Him, doesn't it? You know, the Bible doesn't explicitly say "And then Jesus told a joke and everyone laughed," but when you read between the lines - when you see Him with children, at weddings, in homes with friends - I can't imagine those moments without laughter and joy. Think about this, Jesus is the originator of love and joy - …. So of course He experienced not just our sorrows but our joys as humans too. The Bible says He was tempted in every way we are - don't you think that includes being tempted to take life too seriously and forget to laugh? I know personally, I struggle with that sometimes. Getting so caught up in responsibilities and problems that I forget to experience joy. But here's what's amazing about Jesus being the Gardener of our lives - He doesn't just want to fix what's broken. He wants to bring life, overflowing jo to our lives and in our lives. He wants our lives to bloom, not just survive! And so, Details matter. And one detail in this resurrection story has captured my attention for years. Let's look at it together. If you don't mind, go back to chapter 20 and find verse 15. It says: "Dear woman, why are you crying?" Jesus asked her. "Who are you looking for? She thought he was the gardener. 'Sir,' she said, 'if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.’" In this conversation, John writes something remarkable. And if we don't slow down, we'll miss it completely. You see, in the midst of this exchange between Jesus and Mary, John inserts this little insight, this little detail that's easy to overlook. Notice how Jesus speaks to Mary with such tenderness. Two direct questions: "Why are you crying?" and "Who are you looking for?” Ya know, I am never surprised by how Jesus is always just so tender and kind to people. Especially people who are deeply hurting. When was the last time someone approached your pain with that kind of gentleness? I think we all need to learn to be kinder to others. Especially in our words towards one another. But here's what I really want you to see today. Before John gives Mary's answer, before he tells us her reply to Jesus, he includes and inserts these six words: "She thought he was the Gardner."

I dunno about you, How many times have you read this passage and just glazed over these six words? I have! I mean, don't they just seem like a throwaway detail? Like, John is just giving us some background information before getting to the important stuff? But John isn't just writing a book for the sake of it. He's writing his account of Jesus, and every word matters. Every little detail is important for us to grasp the bigger story. Remember what we just read? John couldn't possibly write down everything Jesus did - the world couldn't contain all those books! So when he chooses to include something specific, it matters. What John includes in this gospel, in this moment, in this conversation - it's important. And it teaches us two things: a place in time and a radical truth.

Let's look at the first one - a place in time. The first thing John is pointing out is that "Mary's assumption that Jesus was the Gardner shows us an important insight about the location of the tomb.” Do you see what he's telling us? When Mary thinks Jesus is the gardener, it's not just a case of mistaken identity. It's John's way of letting us know exactly where this encounter is happening. Her words tell us a location. And not just any location - a location with deep significance. When we read Mary's words, we immediately should see that Jesus and Mary are in a garden. And it's not some tiny garden - it's big enough for Mary to assume there's an actual Gardner working there. John gives us another crucial detail about where they are in the previous chapter. In John 19:41 it says: "The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.” The tomb is in a garden. You know, I've been to the garden tomb in Jerusalem. I've stood in the tomb that they believe could have been the tomb of Jesus. And I can tell you - there really is a garden there. It's absolutely beautiful, big enough to need a gardener, and yes - there is a tomb, and it is empty! IN fact, my first ever communion as a pastor was in the garden of Gethsemane. As I took my turn to go into that tomb, I can't really explain the feelings that washed over me. Before I left for Israel, a woman in our church who has this amazing prayer life told me I was going to meet God there. She said that while I was in Israel, God would meet me in a special way. And of course, I was like most of us would be - I was waiting for writing in the sky or some theological mind explosion. Something extraordinary and unmistakable. But what I actually received were two quiet moments that became really special to me. The first was on top of Masada, just before we went into Jerusalem. I got my picture taken and there was this dove behind me with all wings spread out. And then while I was in Jerusalem, something incredible happened. I strolled away from our tour group for a moment, and this stranger just appeared out of nowhere. He walked up to me and began teaching me a parable about a caterpillar. Then he just looked at me with the most gentle eyes, said "Shalom" and walked off. I believe with all of my heart that in that moment, I met Jesus. He was teaching me about patience. After these two experiences, as our time in Israel was ending, I walked into the garden and into that tomb. And I began to get emotional. Because there's something so intimate about believing in Jesus, believing that the tomb is empty, and then standing in that place - witnessing both the reality of Jesus and the empty tomb in a place where He actually walked, and prayed. It was such a humbling moment because it reminded me that I was standing in a garden... and guess what?….all of humanity began in a garden too. But that first garden was called the Garden of Eden. You see, today I want you to see Jesus not just as a gardener, but as THE gardener. I want you to grasp the significance of seeing Jesus as our Gardener. It begins all the way back in Genesis. In Genesis chapter 2:7 it says: "Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground." Did you catch that? We see God playing in the dirt! Then look at what the Bible tells us… "He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person. Where did he place the man? Well, look down in verse 8… Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made.”

Now, fast forward back to the garden with Jesus and Mary. Where do we see Mary? Standing in a garden with tears running down her face. I can just imagine her pain. She has this deep hurt within her heart. She's crying so hard that her eyes are overrun with tears - they're red and swollen. I can picture those broken eyes, filled with tears that are literally impacting her ability to see clearly. And now, you and I can begin to understand why John includes those six words in the middle of Jesus and Mary's conversation. I believe it was to show Mary as representing the brokenness of sin, the fall in the garden. Mary's brokenness represents the broken world around her. A broken woman, broken by sin, standing in a garden from the old creation. And that gives us something intense - a truth that we can take with us today.

Mary's assumption that Jesus was the gardener gives us greater depth in discovering the truth of the Resurrection. And Get this - stay with me here. John is about to tell us about the broken-hearted Mary who is standing in the middle of a garden assuming Jesus is the gardener. But could her assumption actually be correct? What if it wasn't a mistake at all? You see, Jesus isn't just "a" Gardner but he is "THE" Gardner. Our English translations tell us that very reality. Go ahead, read it again in your Bible... I bet you in your translation of John 20:15 it says she thought Jesus was "the" Gardener. WATCH THIS… In the King James Version: "She, supposing him to be 'the' gardener, saith unto him” ESV: "Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him” Let's get radical.. right lets throw in with some paraphrased Bibles… The Complete Jewish Bible says: "Thinking he was the gardener, she said to him” The Message paraphrase says: "She, thinking that he was the gardener” Isn't that amazing? All these different translations, with different approaches and philosophies of translation, all agree that these six words have meaning and they can't change them. What if Mary was truly right in her assumption that Jesus was THE Gardener? "What do you mean, pastor?" Get this... in the midst of the two of them standing in the old creation, there is something new beginning to bud. A new tomb was sitting in an old created garden. Mary weeps because of her reality in the old creation. She is painfully aware of the price that was paid for Adam and Eve's rebellion against God. It's death... a death that she has experienced throughout her entire life, with loves ones and friends and strangers. The old life, the sinful life, the life that had rejected God was full of brokenness. Brokenness was a regular part of her life, and let's be real... brokenness is truly a part of our lives today too, isn't it? And here is Mary, who thinks Jesus is a gardener. And then John is choosing to share this detail in his story is not an accident or wasted words. It's intentional. I believe with all my heart that John is intentional in these six words. What John is doing is linking together the present reality of the resurrection with the beginning of the story of creation. In the midst of that old creation is a new tomb. No one has ever been put in this tomb before Jesus. This new tomb was a borrowed tomb... why? Because this was a unique death that no longer followed the rules of the old creation!

Out of the new tomb comes the resurrection and the life. There is a new creation bursting forth in the midst of the old! You know, for many of us... we can totally relate to this story. For me, it hit home when I was just walking around Glen Eryie and even where we live. God literally guided my eyes to these little buds on this tree that looked completely dead a few weeks ago. And it was like He was saying to me, "See that? Life can come from death. That's what I do.”

But here's the thing - and let's be real with each other - you and I, we both live in a broken world, right? It's all around us. We see it every single day. The death, the hurt, the pain, people we love getting sick, relationships falling apart, dreams dying... all these fears of what might happen next... they just seem to be constantly trying to crash into our lives the moment we let our guard down. Anyone know what I'm talking about? But in the middle of all our tears... in the middle of all our brokenness and grief that we're facing... God is whispering something to us. He's calling us to see this amazing truth: The Master Gardener specializes in growing life where death seemed certain.

Can I tell you something crazy? I actually believe that. I really do. I believe that the same God who raised Jesus from that tomb is looking at the dead places in your life right now and He's saying, "Oh, I can work with that." He's not intimidated by your impossible situation. He's not shocked by your failures. He's not giving up on your broken relationships. Or even the dreams he has placed in your heart. Churhc, He’s the Master Gardener! This is what He does! He brings beauty from ashes and life from death.

And I'm asking you this morning, on this day—this day we celebrate the resurrection—don't you see it happening? (Voice softening) Maybe not fully yet... maybe it's just the tiniest little bud right now in your life. Maybe it's just a shimmer of hope left in your heart that your relationship with your spouse or your boyfriend or girlfriend can be restored. Maybe there's still a dream flickering inside you that this relationship can be transformed. You know what? The Master Gardener isn't finished with that relationship. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to bring life back to what looks dead in your marriage. The same God who rolled away the stone is capable of rolling away the hurt and pain that's built up between you and that person you love. Maybe it's not a relationship. Maybe it's a dream you had that died. A calling. A purpose that got buried somewhere along the way. And you've been standing at the tomb of that dream weeping, just like Mary asking God, where’s the life in all of this? But what if—what if today is the day Jesus calls your name? What if today is the day you turn around and realize it's not just some random gardener standing there, but it's THE Gardener who specializes in resurrection? Can I tell you something? He's already at work. There are buds of new life happening all around you, even in places that still look completely barren to your eyes. Because that's what resurrection is all about—life bursting forth where only death seemed possible. Look at us and where we have come form in the last 6 months… Every Sunday, I get to wake up and come here and see the buds of faith and love happing in your life. The buds of excitement and joy and anticipation of what’s to come. I hear it in all of your voices when you speak of relationships being mended and forgiveness being offered, I’m literally watching life bud among us. There are buds of new life happening all around us and Jesus is the gardener who is bringing these buds into full bloom. The Master Gardener specializes in growing life where death seemed certain. And so, as Peter comes up to lead us in our closing… I need to ask… Have you responded yet? Have you truly responded to this resurrection message? You see, church, what happens next in the story is what gets me every time. It's found in verse 16. Jesus calls Mary by name with an exclamation! He doesn't just say her name casually. He says, "MARY!" Like He's breaking through all her grief and confusion in a single moment. And what does Mary do? She responds by clinging to Jesus and calling out His name. "Rabboni!" Teacher! Master! She recognizes Him. But then, Jesus says something that might seem strange at first. He says, "Don't cling to me because I haven't yet ascended to the Father." And then He gives her instructions - instructions that Mary immediately fulfilled. We read in verse 18: "Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, 'I have seen the Lord!' Then she gave them his message." What message? What message did she give them? She gave them the message of Resurrection! He has risen! He has risen indeed! You see, in that moment, Mary's perspective was completely transformed. The death and brokenness that surrounded her was changed in the blink of an eye. All she could see before was the brokenness around her as she stood in that old garden. But then Jesus - THE Gardener - shifted her focus from the old creation to the new creation that is found only in Him. Her perspective was changed... and because her perspective was changed, her message to others changed too.

Should we not have the same reality in our lives if we've heard the message of Christ? We believe in the resurrection because of our faith... but what are we doing with that belief? Jesus gives us the same assignment He gave Mary - to go and tell others about His resurrection. To be witnesses of new life. Instead of looking at the death of the tomb, our hearts, souls, and minds can focus on the life buds of Jesus Christ - and we can be gardeners for THE Gardener of life! You know what that means? It means we don't just celebrate resurrection on Easter Sunday - we live it out every single day! It means when we see people trapped in brokenness, bound by sin, weeping at tombs of dead dreams and relationships, we don't just walk by. We say, with our hearts aflame.. and passionate, "Hey, let me tell you about the Gardener I know. The one who specializes in bringing dead things back to life.” I once was dead.. but now I am alive…

Who needs to hear that message from you this week? Who in your life is standing at a tomb weeping, not recognizing that Jesus is right there with them? Maybe it's a coworker who's lost hope. Maybe it's your neighbor whose marriage is falling apart. Maybe it's your child who's walking through a season of doubt. God has positioned you - yes, YOU - to be a gardener for THE Gardener in their lives. To point them to the One who brings resurrection life. How will you respond? Will you respond like Mary did? Will you go and tell them, "I have seen the Lord!"? Will you share the message of resurrection with a world that desperately needs to hear it? The tomb is empty, friends. And that means there's hope for every dead place - in your life, and in the lives of everyone around you.

Instead of looking at the death of the tomb,…… our hearts, souls and minds can focus on the life buds of Jesus Christ and we can be a Gardner for the Gardner of life. Lets stand together, and pray, and then worship one last time. *

Presence Matters Most

Good morning church family. You know, there's something beautiful about a snow day. Everything slows down. The world gets quiet. And while this weather might keep us from gathering in our building today, I think God has something special for us in these moments. Sometimes when our normal routines are interrupted, it creates space for us to think about deeper truths. And today, I want to talk about something I've learned largely through the teaching of the man who was my district superintendent - something that feels especially relevant when we're all scattered in our homes: what it means to carry God's presence wherever we are. You see, the church was never meant to be confined to a building. Even on a snowy morning like this, when we can't physically be together, each of us can be carriers of God's presence right where we are. And that's what I want to explore with you today. So, if you have your bibles with you… open them up with me to Acts chapter 1, and find verse 8 with me.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus makes this incredible promise. He says, 'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses.'

You know, I want us to pause right there for a moment. Notice Jesus didn't say 'you might receive' or 'you could be' or even 'try to be.' He said 'you WILL receive' and 'you WILL be.' That's not a suggestion or a maybe - it's a promise. There's power in those words 'you will.' When Jesus says 'you will,' He's not hoping it might happen - He's declaring what He's going to do in us.

And then, look at what Paul tells us in Philippians 2:13. He says 'God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.'

You know, I've always noticed something both as a Christian and as a pastor - the people of God always crave the presence of God. Have you felt that? That deep desire within you to want to pray? That hunger to read the Scriptures? That drive to study, to know more, to seek answers? That's exactly what Paul is talking about here. These desires - they're not coming from us. They're coming from God Himself. He plants these holy longings in our hearts. And here's what's beautiful - we have a choice. We can either feed these desires or starve them. But they're God's gift to us, His way of drawing us closer to Himself. It doesn't say God might work in you, or God will work in you if you get everything right. It says God IS working in you. Present tense. Right now. This very moment. And He's not just giving us the power - He's giving us those desires too. Isn't that amazing? We don't have to drum up these spiritual longings on our own. God is already at work, placing His desires in our hearts and giving us the power to live them out.

Presence, Not Performance

Think about this - every morning when we wake up, we have a choice. We can either try to face the day in our own strength, or we can say, like Moses did, 'Lord, if your presence isn't going with me, I'm not going.'

There are two things I love about this moment between God and Moses - First, God was giving Moses everything he had already promised. You can have the land of promise, I will make a way, just go.. but yet, I wont go with you… Moses knew presence was more important than the present of comfort in the new land. But secondly, we learn that it takes the pressure off of us to perform. We don't have to have all the answers. We don't have to be perfect. We just have to be available and willing to carry His presence.

I was struck by this illustration recently - you know how a fish lives in our pond? Well, the pond also lives in the fish. That's what God wants for us - not just to live in His presence, but to have His presence living in us.

Showing Up

Now, you might be thinking, 'That sounds great, but what does it actually look like?' Well, it's beautifully simple. Sometimes it's just about showing up and being present. Maybe it's taking time to really listen to someone who's hurting. Maybe it's sending that text to check on a friend. Maybe it's just bringing God's peace into a tense situation.

You see, when we carry God's presence, we become like mobile sanctuaries. Every room we walk into should feel different - not because of us, but because of Who we bring with us.

Living It Out

Today, even though we're physically scattered because of the snow, we have an opportunity. Each of us can be carriers of God's presence right where we are. Whether that's with our families at home, on a phone call with a coworker, with the garbage man that shows up weekly, or even in how we interact with the person plowing our driveway

Remember, it's not about what we can do - it's about being available for what God wants to do through us.

Presence Matters Most

You know, on days like today when snow keeps us physically apart, I'm reminded that God's presence isn't confined to our church building. We had a saying in the Philadelphia district that goes like this… ’presence matters most.' When we get up tomorrow morning, and the next day, and the day after that - we have this incredible opportunity. We're not just going into another day; we're carrying the presence of the living God where ever we go.

Remember - performance isn't the goal. Perfection isn't the requirement. God just wants us to be available, to show up, and to let His presence flow through us to others.

Do you want to know what the single most important objective is when it comes to connection? It’s simply Two words… to care.

Simple right.. yet that is what we witness in the life of Jesus. To simply care for others around us.

I hope you all have a great week. And I hope the snow melts and life gets back on track. But more importantly, as the church, I hope we become people that are called and sent out into our community to care. God bless.

Bread of Life - Week 1 - John 6

Let’s open our bibles together to John chapter 6. The holidays are coming. For some of you, that sentence just brought a smile to your face. For others, I saw you physically tense up. Because while Hallmark shows us perfect family gatherings and Pinterest promises us stunning table settings, many of us are carrying a different reality of when it comes to the holiday season. Let me tell you a story… ”I’ll never forget my most depressing holiday season. I was in college, living with my best friend and his mother. They had become like family to me, which made it all the more painful when they left for their holiday festivities without saying a word. No invitation. No explanation. Just... silence. In my own family, we didn’t grow up with family traditions. So there I sat, alone on Christmas Eve, watching my friends' AOL Instant Messenger statuses scroll by. Each message was like a tiny digital knife: 'Making cookies with mom!' 'Best family Christmas ever!' 'So blessed to be home!’ I sat in darkness, hungry – yes, for food – but even more than food, deep down I was craving relationship.and connection, and even belonging. ”Do you know what's interesting?

Two thousand years ago, a crowd of people chased Jesus around a lake because they were hungry too. Earlier in this chapter, they had just experienced something amazing – they had been part of a crowd of 5,000 that Jesus fed with just five loaves and two fish. But less than 24 hours later, they were hungry again. And Jesus was about to teach them – and us – something profound about what we're really hungry for.”

Over the next seven weeks, as we move into and through Thanksgiving and then into the Advent season, we're going to be looking at Jesus's seven 'I Am' statements. Now, these are moments when Jesus tells us exactly who He is and what He offers. And it's no accident that we're starting with 'I am the bread of life.’ Because while traditionally we speak of gratefulness and being thankful during this season, and we focus on Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope during Advent, but here's the hard truth: For thousands of people gathering this holiday season, these words will feel hollow. Or Empty. Or Maybe even painful. Think about the people you see everyday… people you know, or even people you don’t know.. People at, At work. Your neighbor. People in the grocery store. Everywhere you go, you’re going to find people feeling: Broken Lost Hungry Ashamed & Disconnected from others” And one truth is this… we live in the most connected generation ever, but also disconnected at the same time. Let that sink in… we’re the most connect, but also the most lonely. And as a Christian… you will have the opportunity this holiday season to speak life into people and share the story of God’s faithfulness, and love. To be an encourager to them.. or to even invite them to something deeper and more meaningful. Where they can be connected, and loved, and find purpose. So let's look in our Bibles together to John chapter 6, and beginning in verse 22. And as we read, I want you to put yourself in this story. Keep in mind, that these aren't just ancient words on a page. This is about real hunger – yours and mine – and the only thing that can truly satisfy it.

Read John 6:22-3 One of the greatest truths about our faith is understanding that: "God wants to be the center of our greatest desires."

"Now, here is what fascinates me about this passage. Just when these people thought they had Jesus figured out – when they thought they knew exactly what they wanted from Him – Jesus completely shifts the conversation. Look with me at verse 26: 26 Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Jesus begins with what I call a divine reality check. And watch how He does this – it's brilliant. He starts with loving confrontation. Sort of like with the woman at the well… He essentially says, 'Let's be honest about what's really happening here.'. Now, put yourself in their shoes for a moment. These people had just witnessed something extraordinary – the feeding of five thousand people from a little Hebrew boy's lunchable. They were there. They saw it. They ate the bread. They experienced the miracle. But Jesus says something shocking. He says, 'You're not here because you saw the signs. Now, Wait… what? Of course they saw the signs! They were there! They witnessed the whole thing! But here's what Jesus is getting at – and this is where it gets personal for us: They saw the miracle, but missed it’s meaning. Right? They experienced the provision, but missed the Provider. They wanted the bread, but missed the Baker. You see, Jesus isn't just giving them a harsh reality check. He's inviting them to go deeper than just whats on the surface of their faith. It's as if He's saying: 'Yes, you saw me multiply the bread, But did you see me multiply grace? Yes, you saw me feed bodies, But did you see me offering to feed souls?’ This is where loving confrontation becomes transformational invitation. Jesus isn't just pointing out their shallow seeking – He's inviting them to discover something far greater than free bread. He's inviting them to discover Him. Do you wanna know what I think is remarkable here? In this one conversation, Jesus exposes something profound about human nature. And this leads us to the first crucial truth we need to understand: We're all on a journey to find something to fulfill us. Think about what's happening in this story. These people crossed a lake looking for Jesus. They put in effort. They showed initiative. Why? Because they were hungry - not just for another meal, but for something more. Life is a journey. But it's not just any journey - it's a journey filled with desires we're trying to satisfy. These people seeking Jesus? They were pursuing Him because He had met one of our most basic desires. Do you know what our three most basic needs are? Shelter, clothing, and food. And so these people are following Jesus to meet a basic need. But here's what's fascinating: God created us that way. He deliberately designed us with desires, with needs, with cravings in our lives.”

And so, to understand this journey, we need to go back to the beginning. Back to the Garden of Eden. You know, sometimes we have this misconception about this oasis of paradise that we call the garden of Eden. We think, 'Well, in the Garden of Eden, when everything was perfect, man had no needs.’ And That’s not entirely true… Now, don’t get ahead of me. Think about Adam: He needed air to breathe He needed food to sustain him And most significantly, God Himself said, 'It is not good for man to be alone’ He needed companionship. You see, God intentionally created and wired us with cravings, with needs, with an empty stomach that needed to be filled. And this leads us to two crucial truths about desire: First - desires are not bad. They're part of God's design. But second - and this is key - in the Garden, it wasn't that man didn't have needs. The picture in Eden was that man had needs that were intended to be met only by God, in the way God designed. But then something happened, right?. Something that would change everything about how we handle our desires. Look with me in Genesis chapter 3, verse 6. Watch how desire gets distorted: 'When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make ones wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.’ This passage is absolutely dripping with desire. Do you see the language? She saw - thats a desire of her eyes. It was good for food - which means meeting the basic needs A delight to the eyes - there was attractive pleasure And the tree was to be Desired to make on wise - so now theres the intellectual craving to know more. then ……. She took - this is the action that is driven by her desires. And I want to point out just for a moment.. men.. before you think about pointing to the woman and saying anything about, oh man.. the woman messed it all up… you know for a fact every man in this room has the same desires that she had. In fact, if we're being honest, some of you are thinking about what you want for lunch right now. And lets be real, how many of you made a decision this week based purely on what your eyes wanted? You see, whether we're men or women, we all face this same battle with desire… And so, right here in Genesis, we witness something unmatched in human history: for the first time, the cravings of humanity drive them to meet their needs outside of their Creator. She took, and the action of her desire that was outside of his and her creator is the center of their sin. But don't miss the trigger of sin in this story. The trigger of sin is looking to things of this world to satisfy us apart from our Creator; it is thinking that something is good, or better than God. Now, think about it. Every sin I've ever committed. Every sin you commit. We sin because we think it would be good. We think it would be delightful. We desire comfort, and we long to be filled…. The truth is…….. “No one wants to be empty.” But did you know what it means to be filled? It means to be in its grip. That's what it means to be filled. Even when we feel empty, we're not. Because you can be filled with almost anything from physical food to internal emotions. And so, we desire things: Material things Adultery & lust Greed & Envy Theres a whole list of things in the book of Galatians that we can be filled with. We desire these things because we believe they will fill us, while also fulfilling the longing within us. But it's not the truth. What we end up doing, when we fill our lives with desires that are not of God, and look to this world to satisfy us apart from our Father, we end up running from the one our souls long for and need most. I don't know about you, but I am tired of running. I'm tired of being tired. I'm tired of running away and being controlled by things that do not satisfy me. Now, think about this.. if being filled means to be within the grip of something.. How different would Ephesians 5:18 hit when we hear the word of God saying to us, “Be filled with the Spirit.” We can either fill ourselves, by our own desire, by our own power with all the things this word has to offer, or we can surrender our lives to Christ, by faith, and be filled by the Father with the very presence of Christ. And just a reminder, you can fill yourself with things of Christ.… we’ve got to surrender that need, that desire, and we come by faith and say, God I want what you want. You fill me.. Now, come back with me to John chapter 6. Because watch what happens with these people following hard after Jesus. Now Don’t forget… these people were running in the right direction. They had a desire, they needed it to be filled, and they were running after Jesus. But yet even in their running and following and seeking Jesus, they missed what Jesus was trying to teach them. Jesus gives them a phrase that will completely go over their heads. Look with me at verse 27 'Don't work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.’ Did you catch it? The key word here is 'eternal life.' In fact, twelve times in this chapter alone, Jesus says 'eternal life.' And these people? They're still thinking about that last amazing lunch they had with Jesus. It completely goes over their heads that they are following Jesus for the wrong reasons! They just don't understand it. They are following him to meet a physical need, and Jesus is saying no.. you’re real need is eternal. Now, here's something fascinating about the Greek language. There are two different words for ‘life’: First, there's 'bio' - that's where we get our word 'biology' from. It's about physical life, breathing, and existing. This life is about our natural biological bodies and it’s needs. But then there's 'Zoe' - and this is something completely different. This means the absolute fullness of life. Real, genuine life. Active life. Life that is devoted to its creator. Life that is filled by grace, and mercy.

Now, if you were to go through this entire chapter, you'd discover something remarkable. Jesus never uses 'bio.' Not once. But 'Zoe'? He uses “Zoe” twelve times! He keeps saying: I am eternal life (Zoe) I am the bread of life (Zoe) I am the active life devoted to the Father (Zoe) I am the fullness of life (Zoe) And they're asking Jesus the same question every single one of us asks when we come to faith in Christ….. What do we need to do to get it?’ Whats the recipe? What do I need to do to fill my life, my way, when I want it, and how I want it to give me Life. Can you imagine? Jesus saying, 'I'm offering you the secret to life itself,' and they're arguing about their grandparents' bread recipe! That's like my wife Alicia telling me she knows how to cook something I love, and me responding, 'Well, my mom used to make it this way.’ And we all know that's a no-no in marriage. You never tell your wife that mom made it better! Can I get really honest with you for a moment? When you came to faith in Christ Jesus by faith, and you heard this phrase, 'it's by faith alone, not by works'... what did you do? I almost want to bet many of you made it about what you did…Because I know I did. I didn’t know any better. 'How do I live by faith? Oh, I know…' 'I go to church when I felt like it’ 'I gave…when I could.’ 'I show up for worship when I had time' I served, when it benefited me. So often, We make faith about what we do rather than us becoming like Christ. That means these people in our story were focusing on what they did, more than being transformed from within, that controls all of our desires, and hungers, and passions. "How many of us has, or had turned 'faith alone' into a new to-do list?” "It's like we traded one performance system for another. I went from performing in my old life, to adopting how to perform a Christian life. And so, They weren't getting it! They were so focused on what they desired and asking what they could do to get it, that Jesus must have been thinking, 'People, are you not listening to anything I'm saying?’ The people even bring Moses into the conversation in verse 31 - 'Well, Moses fed us in the wilderness.’ And Jesus is like, 'Uh, no... Moses didn't feed you. MY Father fed you.’ And then Jesus does something beautiful. He says, just as manna came down from heaven, the Father sends the Son down from heaven to be the bread for ZOE - eternal life. 'I am that bread. I am the bread of life. I am the one God the Father has sent down like the manna, and I am now here with you. And whoever comes to me will never go hungry or thirsty again.’”

But here's the real problem in our sinfulness: we are prone to desire the world more than we desire God. It's true. Think about it. Every day, even every week, we can get completely wrapped up in things that don't ultimately matter. We get excited when our football team wins, depressed when they lose. Our emotions swing wildly over things that have no eternal significance. Right now, people are fighting over the election. But there is One who does matter. And He deserves more than just our intellectual belief - He deserves our emotional affection as well. He deserves our desires, our joy, and our complete satisfaction. The danger is, if we're not careful, we'll fill our stomachs and gorge ourselves on everything this world has to offer - things that don't matter to our eternal security in Christ. And just like these people who were seeking and following Jesus, we can get so caught up in our busyness that we miss the point of His teaching - that we're to be desiring and seeking the one the father sent above all other things in this life. ………Jesus is trying to teach us that we need to get the taste of this world out of our mouths and begin to have a thirst and a taste for the things of God, for Christ Himself. You see, in this story we read, they never get it. They're willing to follow Jesus around, get free meals, feel connected with a large group of people. But they never realize that their faith needs to go deeper in trusting, believing, and abiding in Jesus. Isn't that what we experience in this life and in the churches we attend today? Churches are filled with people following hard after Jesus but never truly going deeper in their faith. Theres no cost to the grace that many of them desire. Even Paul talks about this in Corinthians when he calls them 'Carnal Christians' - divided, arguing, smearing others' names, without realizing they're pursuing their old life instead of the holy life Jesus offers. We live in a world where we get caught up in just being like these people.... Do you want to know what they're really doing? They’re just... existing. To them, bread is just to sustain them to exist, but there is no living life within them. And many times in our world today, we find Christians just coming to churches, living lives all week long, trying to just exist. Don't you want to live? To feel alive! To have purpose and meaning in your life? Because in this life, if our greatest desire is to just exist, our life will always be indifferent to what Jesus desires for you. In our constant chase after being content, our eyes become set on resources we don't have rather than what God is already willing to give us.

"Are you empty this morning? Before we close our service, I want to ask you two searching questions. And I want you to really sit with these: First: What are you already filled with that leaves no room for Jesus? You know, there's an infinite fountain of satisfaction to be found in Christ, but so often we don't come to His table because we're already stuffed with other things. It's kinda like showing up for our thanksgiving dinners but stopping at a fast food drive-through first, before we arrive. Some of you here and online will leave or sign off of here today unchanged. And you know what? During this holiday season, you might come across that familiar verse in Luke that says: ‘And they laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.’ And I wonder... is that still true today? No room? No room for Jesus in our lives? Maybe it's busyness. Maybe it's worry. Maybe it's the constant noise of social media. Maybe it's just settling for less because it's all you've known. Which leads me to ask: What will you choose to fill yourself with instead? Have you ever noticed that faith has choices? That's the beauty of faith. God doesn't force-feed us. He sets before us a feast and invites us to taste and see that He is good. Think about it: Moses told the people, 'Choose this day whom you will serve’ Joshua declared, 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’ Even Jesus asked His disciples within this chapter said, 'Do you also want to go away?’ Every day, every moment, we're making choices about what we'll fill ourselves with. What if every time you felt hungry - physically or spiritually - you saw it as a sacred moment of choice? And here's the beautiful thing about these choices: even when we choose poorly, God's grace keeps inviting us back to the feast. "Here's what I want you to remember as you leave today: You don't have to figure this all out perfectly. The same God who created you, who knows exactly what satisfies you, is drawing you to Himself. He's not just offering you better bread - He's offering you Himself as the Bread of Life. And when Jesus Christ becomes your satisfaction, when you believe He is all-satisfying, He will transform the way you live. Amen?

Amen. Let’s stand together for our bebidection. Benediction "And now, may the Lord who is the Bread of Life Fill your deepest hunger with His presence, Satisfy your greatest longings with His love, And transform your ordinary existence into abundant life. May you taste and see that He is good, Finding in Him the satisfaction your heart craves, Until your life overflows with His fullness, And others see in you the feast they're searching for. May you go from this place not just fed, but transformed, Not just existing, but truly living, As you make Christ the center of your satisfaction Today and all the days to come. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, the true Bread of Life, Now and forever. Amen.” *

Unveiled - Week 2

Let’s open our bibles together to John chapter 14. Last week we began a new series called, Unveiled. And the purpose of this series is to dive into some of the characteristics of what Holiness is. One truth we learned last week is that when it comes to experiencing something new, like a new career or perhaps even new relationships, or even when it comes to walking by faith, we want the rules. We want to know how to do it, where to do it, when to do it, and we just want a road map to whatever it is we’re trying to do. And we learned last week, Jesus didn’t come to give new rules, He came to give a new identity. And that truth is rooted in what we’re going to explore today in Johns gospel. Read with me in Johns gospel, and look at chapter 14, and we’re gonna start reading together in verse 8. 8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us. 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does his works.

So that’s the image part. He’s telling Philip the one who has seen me, has seen the father. Jesus is saying, the Father and I are one. Here in a moment, Jesus is going to begin to link the rest of the story where he’ll tell the disciples that soon, you and I will be one, through the Holy Spirit. That’s what Paul tells us in Galatians, that, by faith, so faith is the connection here. By faith, God the Father will put the Spirit of His Son within His people whom come to him by faith, and the Spirit of the Son will cry out Abba Father within them. Right? So, Jesus in this moment is, in my opinion, speaking of his own holiness with the Father. Listen to his words, We are one, He is in me, and I am in him and the Father does his will thorough me. What was Jesus saying? He was saying that the image of God the Father was in him. Lets continue further to root out the Scripture our topic for this morning. Verse 11,

11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves. 12 “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Now, here is where the image begins to produce something. Jesus just a moment ago mentioned works. He says, You know the Father is in me because of the works themselves. Because of the fruit being produced. Jesus is speaking on a faith that works. It’s very important that we understand that salvation comes by faith alone, not by our works. And There two types of faith, There is Living faith, and also, dead faith. In the book of Matthew Jesus says, you will know them by their fruits. Living faith, faith with the Spirit of God within us, produces fruit. This fruit is produced through abiding in Christ. Dead faith is the opposite. Dead faith doesn’t have fruit. And Specifically, dead faith does not care for the poor. Dead faith focuses on what I can do, and then focuses on who gets the glory for what I did. Well talk about that another time, because thats not the emphasis on unveiling holiness for us this morning… but I will say this, When we have the image of Christ we will alway reflect his compassion to others. That fruit…. hes; talking about is us living a life o compassion for others… But listen to what Jesus says, about it… verse 15… Jesus says, 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commands.

Jesus is talking about obedience. In others versions we can read, If you love me, you will obey my commands. Now, Notice what Jesus didn’t say, Jesus didn’t say, If you do this task, It shows that you love me. Jesus didn’t say, If you come to church and pay tithes, or sing certain songs, you will prove your love for me. He didn’t say, if you say a prayer, or live your life in any way.. no, he says. if you love me…. You will keep my commandments. When it comes to obey, we must understanding that, Obedience is fueled by love. Can I ask.. do you know, as your shepherd, what my prayer is for Momentum Church? My prayer is this… that we would be rooted and Grounded in God’s Love in 2024. It comes from Ephesians 3:17. And that prayer begins with two emphasis… The first emphasis is this… I pray that we as a church family would be captivated by Gods love for us. Because that is where Love begins… Love begins with God, and we receive that love through our faith. Our love for God becomes our most inner burning desire where there are no more idols fighting for that love, not even the idol of self. To be glorified, to be justified, to be lifted up above anyone else. I John tells us, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And so we are.” We are loved, because we are the children of God. We’re known. We’re loved. I wish some of you listening would really realize that…. That you are known and loved by God. We should desire to be a church that filled and compelled by God’s love for us. And that’s more than doing, it’s an act of worship that springs form a heart thats been changed and the Spirit of God now resides within us. Our life, together, as the body of Christ must be an act of worship. Remember Romans 12:1-2, that we live as living sacrifices. Living sacrifices means that our everyday life, our getting up and laying down is an opportunity for worship. And that leads me to share with you the second emphasis I’m praying for and it’s this… , Not only should we be compelled with God’s love for us, but we should also be compelled by God’s love for others. If we cant be a church that first loves God, and I mean we love him together, as a body, then loving others isn’t possible. We’ll hope others come, and maybe we’ll pray for others to join us, but would we truly love them when they come through those doors? Would we serve them? Would we put their needs over our own? Would we accept them, whether they are rich or poor, or anything else. Would we recognize that the gospel is meant to be shared among the congregation and the community we live in. Did you hear that? The gospel isn’t just for us in here. I need the gospel just as much as those out in the community far from God. I still need the gospel just as much as anyone else does. And that’s what drives the core statements, For others. 1 John goes on to say, in verse 11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Ans so obedience, it comes from a life that first has the love for the Father, because the Son resides within them, and obedience is an act of worship rather than just duty. When obedience is outside of love, it becomes about duty rather than authentic care and connection with God and with others.

So, how do we choose obedience? First, begin by leaning to listen. Theres a verse in I Samuel that I always think it’s funny, because Samual is hearing a voice and he things it’s his mentor Eli, and so he keeps going to Eli and saying, Are you calling for me? And Eli, recognizing that God might be talking to Samual tells Samuel the next time you hear the voice calling for you, instead of coming to me, respond by saying, Yes Lord, You servant hears. And so, Samuel went back to bed and again he heard the voice calling out to him, Samuel, and he responds back, yes Lord, You’re servant hears and it was God calling to Samual. What I love about this verse is that, “As Christians, we should strive to humbly listen to God with open hearts and open ears.” When I read I Samuel for the first time, I remover saying, I want this posture to mark my life on a daily basis. Don’t you want it to mark your life, where you are open at every moment to however God might speak to you through his word, through his spirit, and even through other people? That you have a soft heart toward God. That you are sensitive to his word and to his Spirit’s leadership in your life. This is a life of humility, this posture of listening to God is vital to experiencing intimacy with God. So listening is learning to loved find to seek for the voice of God. Jesus says, the sheep will know my voice. And to be honest, we have to many voices playing king of the hill in our minds and in our hearts. I remember one time, I was preparing for worship at family camp, and I sat in the back where all the other holy people sit, and right before service, I was reading myself and praying. To be honest with you, I was feeling rejected. Unloved, and I was being really down and hard on myself. And I heard a voice say in my heart, you worship to loudly. Throwing your hands up, and your voice carries over all the other people, and sometimes you even sing the wrong words… have you ever thought about being more meek and humble in your worship. And I was hurt. I began to cry, and I ran out of the tabernacle as worship began. All the people in the tabernacle were worshipping, and here I was outside ashamed, because I was feeling unloved, and unappreciated, and now convicted that my worship was too loud and sloppy. At the end of the service I went to Kerry and told him what I had heard, and he looked at me and said I don’t think that was the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Who are you listening to? And do you listen more to your self doubts than the goodness of Gods word, more than what God says about you.. that you’re wonderfully made. That he loves and cares for you. That he delights in you?

Because answer that question leads us into the second aspect of obedience, and it’s this, its trust. Proverbs says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5–6. Did you know that trusting is the currency of relationships? I remember back in January of 2021 when I was praying over the year. I wrote in my journal, if there is no trust, then your faith and relationships will rust. What that means is when trust is taken away we begin get hard. A hard heart towards God, or towards others stems from a heart that doesn’t trust. And maybe it’s from being hurt? Or maybe it was someone saying something to you that you trust, but even their perspective can be subjective, and wrong. I remember one time, in the oil and gas industry this big muscle dude came out of the store and I was sitting in the front seat and he reached into the window, grabbed me by the chest and say, I was told you were worthless piece of… you can use your imagination to finish that sentence… Some months later, he came to me one day and said, Im sorry. I was told by someone else that you were worthless, but honestly, your a hard worker. Just remember, you are not always what other say about you. Proverbs is what I call a foundational Bible verse. But let it soak in as if its the first time hearing it. God is saying, trust him with all of your heart. I just did the testimony video for Robyn and Jordan Morales, and the things they had to go through to get their son Nike from Haiti were just God led, and God trusting moments. And when it came to obedience and trusting God, they put their trust in listening for God and by faith hearing him say to them both, Trust in me with all your heart. And so they did. This is what it means to live by faith. It means to trust God with everything that’s happening in the world and everything that’s happening in our world, in our lives, with all our heart. Even when others mistreat us because of something they heard, put your trust in God, who knows all, sees all, and loves all… even the people who are saying the untruthful things about you. How are you trusting God? In everyday life, how are you leaning on him? God will never direct you in ways that are ultimately bad for you. No, always, always, always, he will make straight our paths. Does it mean the path will be easy or smooth? No. But it does mean that it will ultimately be good, and purposeful. And finally,

The third and final aspect of obedience is, commitment. What would happen, if today you came to the conclusion that you need to go all in with your faith? Where you would say, God, My life is a blank check, and you sign, and cash me however you wish? What would the look like for you? For me it was in the summer of 2010 when I had felt every urge to not pursue ministry. Where I had this bad dream that the enemy of our soul was saying, if you pursue your calling, I will not ravish you, but I will Ravish your family. And oh.. has he ravished us. And I remember going to church that Sunday, and sitting in the choir between two old ladies and when we began to sing amazing grace, tears began to flow and I began to uncontrollably sob. Later on that morning, the pastor gave the altar call and I went up and told him about my dream, and how I was fearful for my family. And he said, Matthew you need to be entirely sanctified. You need to give your life to God in full commitment to what he’s calling you into. And so, I did. I write on a piecing of paper, June 6th, everything. My life is now your life. My money is now your money. My family is now under your care and protection. I gave God the blank check of my life and my heart, and I said, I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” And just let me be honest with you.. its been a hard road. The enemy has often come to ravish my family. My wife has been hurt, my kids have been hurt by people claiming to be Christians. Often times, people will abandon you when you do the things God is calling you to do. Sometimes, just like Moses leading people out of slavery is dealing with people who refuse to repent, and give their life to God in full utter surrender. I cant make you submit to God, I cant make you love him, but I can live a life of faith where you can see the reflection of his grace in my life and perhaps, just maybe, you’ll want to pursue Christ with me. You see, friends, commitment isn’t just to God, but it’s also to those God calls you to love unconditionally. I believe the test of our commitment to God is whether or not we’re losing our neighbor as we love ourselves. And that begins right here in this worship setting. If we cant be committed to God and loving each other here, and understanding we all make mistakes, then how will we ever truly love those outside of this church?

But did you notice something in all three of these aspects of obedience… Listening, trusting, and commitment all require love. And so, obedience isn’t just doing, obedience is us living our the love of God, in our life, and extending it, and reflecting it out into the world for others to see Christ.

God is calling you and I into obedience…. To listen, to trust and to commit our lives to be the body of Christ, all through the love of Christ, for the glory of Christ, to build the kingdom of Christ… But question is… are you listening to the Holy Spirit, and will you come and give your life to him today?

*

A Memorial Message

I just want to take a moment, to let you all know how much I am proud of all of you. Just to sit here and listen to how sweet and kind the words were for the woman you are remembering today, and how much she had impacted your life. I’m proud of you. If she were here, at this very moment. I didn’t know her, and I never met her. But I can also guarantee you, just by seeing all the love and appreciation from you all today, she would probably be super proud of each and every one of you.

People always say you can’t really explain why you feel a certain way about someone. Why you click with some people more than others or why you suddenly feel connected to a stranger. Have you ever taken a moment to think about that? That, the girls and the staff who are in this season of your life, might be God putting people in your life because at some point you’re going to need whatever it is that, that person is teaching you.

You see, I believe God puts people in our lives, and brings us closer to certain people because these are the people we need in our lives right now. It reminds me of Jesus and the woman at the well. Which is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Tucked into the beginning of John’s gospel in the new testament. Jesus gets wind from his Father that he needs to go through Samaria.

And it’s kind of funny because normally, the Jewish people don’t go through Samaria, they go around Samaria. These two groups of people hated each other. The Jews hated Samaritans so much that the Jewish people would consider them dogs. But while Jesus was there at the well, he meets with a Samaritan woman coming to draw water in the heat of the day. And do you know who this woman was?

She was an outcast. She’s different. All the other women would get up early, and together they would go down to the well to draw water for the day, but this particular woman that is now in front of Jesus, she lived a promiscuous life. She lived a life different and she didn’t feel worthy to be there with the other woman. She came to the well when she knew no one would be there to accuse her, to talk about her, to laugh at her.

She came at noon, in the heat of the day, to isolate herself from the shame. But guess who was waiting for her? Jesus was. Now remember, God puts people in our lives, and brings us closer to certain people because these are the people we need in our lives right now. Jesus begins to pour life into her. He engages with her about living water, water that only He has, and only he can give.

So she’s surprised, not only to see someone there, but because that ‘someone’ would engage with her, Someone who, connects with her, breaks through her isolation. Someone that sees through her shame, and through all the walls she had put up because of past hurts to protect herself. And what’s beautiful about this moment… This woman has her eyes opened and realizes that Jesus wasn’t there to engage her shame, he was there to engage her heart.

Jesus sees her. She’s not invisible to him. He loves her. In the world of Jesus, she is NOT excluded; not isolated, She’s not a dog. And in that inclusion, she is brought back to life. All because the father, sent Jesus through Samaria and not around, SO that Jesus could be a part of her life. God sends people into our life for a reason. For a purpose. We all have well moments in our life where we meet people.

This is a well moment in our life. Now, comes the hard part. When we come to the well, and we meet those God sent to meet us there, are they in our life temporary, or permanent. You know, the woman at the well, when she realized that Jesus was the messiah, she turned around and ran back into town, back into the society that she first ran from because of her shame.

But this time, instead of being clothed in shame, she let her heart swell with life as she shared life with others. You see, at some point in this season you are in. You’re not going to be here anymore. That’s not the question I have, but the question I have is this… when you do leave here, will you leave here better than who you were than when you came?

I believe so… because you all met her! And she taught you some special things about living life, and caring for others, and loving on everyone. You see, if I go back to the truth that, God puts people in our lives, and brings us closer to certain people because these are the people we need in our lives right now. I would say, she was a part of your life to teach you some amazing truths about life.

When you leave here, you’re gonna be able to love people where they are. Just like Jesus loved the woman at the well where she was, and just like how she loved you where you were, right here. And the truth is, Jesus only stayed two days in Samaria. He had to leave. Jesus was a temporary person in their life for that moment. I can imagine the Samaritan woman and the town didn’t want Jesus to leave, but he had to.

If Jesus didn’t leave, there wouldn’t be the healing of the sick, the washing of the disciples feet, or the cross. We can become frustrated when temporary people leave because we can’t let go, sometimes we don’t want to let go. We don’t understand why God would take away something so beautiful or someone who’s healed us in some way. But those we meet in the present, help us and prepares us for whenever God sends us forever people into our life.

In essence, learning to let go is faith. That’s what letting go means. You ever heard the phrase about relationships… if you let them go and they return it was meant to be? It takes faith to let go of people in our life trusting that God knows what’s best for us. And here’s the cool part about Jesus. The bibles tells us that if we put our faith in Him, he will never leave us.

He promises us that, by faith, His presence would be in us, so that he becomes a permanent person in our lives. I didn’t know her. But if she was anything like what I am seeing in your life right now…. Kindness. Gratefulness. Love, appreciation.… Sounds to me she was a great person to be around, and who she was is now permanently instilled in you. What I am trying to say is this..

You’re young. Live in this moment. Live with these people around you. Celebrate with one another, laugh with each other. Tell jokes about how big the spiders are in the dorms. Let these moments draw you closer together. Learn from each other’s stories. So that when the wind of change comes, by faith you’ll be able to let go. Take this moment and this season in your life to see the uniqueness in each person the way she saw it in them.

Take advantage of it now, because you never know when the wind of change will come. Maybe these girls, and this staff around you are temporary people that God has brought into your life to teach you a lesson or to heal you in some way. Maybe these young ladies and staff are also teaching you how to let go, how to detach from things that hurt us. So that we can embrace the things that will help us, heal us, and strengthen us for the life ahead.

Maybe, this moment is teaching us….. How to have faith. How to realize when someone’s a part of your story, and by faith you’re able to love those permanent people who God will bring into your life, even better than before, because of what you’ve shared with the temporary people you’ve met at this moment, right now. She isn’t gone. Her life is carried on by your memory, and by you being the best of who she was in this life.

To me, that’s being just like Jesus. Loving, caring, kind, gentle, and joyful. Be light… and go shine.

PC - Week 2 - Money and Treasure

I want to invite you to open your bibles with me to Lukes Gospel, and find with me chapter 12. Today, we’re going to continue our series called, Pursuing Carrots: The endless chase for more. And We’re examining, things in our life that we chase that do not bring us closer to God. Carrots are the things in our life that we chase and just when we think we’re gong to get it, its just out of our reach again, and we just keep pursuing these carrots that brings us no satisfaction.

And What we recognize is this: Life is full of endless lures. All around us are lures the world puts in our way or in front of us to say, come get this, go get that. And these lures lead us in these meaningless attempts to waste our time, money, resources, and even happiness. These things that we pursue never satisfy us, but we tend to fall for the carrot on a stick and chase after them, and sometimes we never realize how fruitless or vain our attempts are at getting that next thing.

Last week, we examined the carrot of fame and the danger it is to seek to have our name praised above GOd’s name. Today we’re going to examine the carrot of Money and possessions. What does to mean to be rich. Luke chapter 12, and find with me verse 13. 13 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 “Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 Then he told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive.

17 He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? 18 I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. 19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool!

This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ 21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Prayer… Heavenly Father. We have many treasures in this world. Guide our hearts this morning to witness and reconize the greatest treasure of all, you… Help us to pursue you above all things in this life.

In the name of your son, Jesus… amen. Blind Spots. Everyone one of us have them. We put in a lot of miles in this weekend. we wanted to take Gabriel to Pittsburgh to check out this college for flight school. He wants to be a pilot and they had offered an open door opportunity to check out this community college that just got two brand new flight simulators. But on the way, theres traffic everywhere and of course, in every car there are blind spots where there can be someone beside you, and unless you actually take your eyes off of the road and look behind you, you can make the mistake of trying to merge into another lane where there is a car hidden from your sight.

And when You try to merge, they honk and they’re like you jerk, and I’d be like.. sorry. I didn’t see you. It’s amazing to me that in our car, we have two systems to help prevent accident with our blind spots. We have this little triangle in our side mirror that lights up when there is something present in your blind spot, and if you turn on your blinker, the second warning system they put in place when there is a car in your blind spot, our car will turn down the radio and give off a beeping warning sound letting me know there is someone beside me and it wont turn off until they are cleared.

And then its safe to merge into their lane. If you think about it, thats really true in our lives as well. There are blind spots in our life where we are deceived, and we don’t even know it. And heres a hard truth about that. Listen… There might be blind spots in your life that has deceive you and you don’t even know it, and only other people can see it in your life.

I was thinking about it this weekend as I was driving and chewing on this message. Other people can usually see blind spots in our lives more easily than we can. We need other people in our lives to help point out our blind spots to us. Let me show you what I mean… This Scripture that we read in chapter 12… we learn something from Jesus about blind spots in our life.

Look with me… again in chapter 12 and verse 13…. 13 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Now, look at how Jesus responds to this persons question. 14 “Friend.. I love that. I tend to call a lot of people friend when I come into contact with strangers. Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” What was this persons blind spot?

It was greed. He wanted more. Have you ever noticed in a pursuit of being rich, we always want more. And if one would ask the question, what does it mean to be rich.. I would ask.. How rich is rich.. isn’t the answer always, well, its more. Its more than I have now. No one would say, Rich is having less. So, What is rich? Well, being rich seems to me to be a moving target.

Rich always means more than you have now. I remember being younger and thinking “If I could just cross this threshold of income that will be enough…” only to either get a new job, or to get a raise and when I crossed that threshold, it was never enough. The line moved again and then again, and then again and… every time I got more,.. the line moved, and I always needed more.

How much riches and material things do you need to be happy and satisfied? Most people would say “just a little bit more.” Thats what this person was doing.. they wanted just a little bit more. And What they needed wasn’t more, but a friend to look into their life and go, you have a blind spot. And what did Jesus say about this blind spot, and about the desire of more wealth?

He said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” But there is something we recognize about the worlds perception of wealth. THE WORLD’S UNDERSTANDING OF BEING RICH MEANS TO HAVE MORE. This desire for more becomes a carrot being hung over our eyes. This never ending pursuit of more… this pursuit of, if I just get this next bit..

if I get more, my life will be different… but it doesn’t get different does it? It gets harder. For me, when I got more from my job , it also meant more responsibilities. More time away from my family. And this is how we think as American Christians. We are accustomed to think of wealth as a blessing. God is saying to us right now, “Wealth? Beware. Be on guard.

It’s dangerous to want more. Life doesn’t always consist of more things, more possessions.” It’s dangerous.. but is it bad? I don’t think so.. I mean, remember last week, fame wasn’t bad. It’s the same for wealth… Wealth isn’t bad. Abraham had great wealth, but he was counted as a man of faith. David had wealth. He was a king.. but he was a man after God’s own heart. So wealth isn’t bad, but it becomes bad when it becomes the primary focus if our pursuit.

And when you feel like you don’t have enough.. and that feeling of always wanting more, and never getting that satisfaction will cause fear and anxiety in our life. I’ll show you this here in a moment.. but before I do.. lets ask another question. What does this pursuit of more do to us? Well, Wealth leads to keeping more than you need. That’s what this person did in the parable.

Wealth can become an illusion that we are safe, and can bring a life of peace. This parable from verse 13-21 that Jesus told says, that this person was so abundant in their crops that they tore down their old smaller, barns and made larger ones… in hopes for what? Verse 19 says, to take it easy, eat, drink and enjoy yourself. The climax to what this person was doing is found in verse 21…

he was storing for himself treasures in the world, and not being rich towards God. Laying up treasures.. thats what we’re hearing. “Store it up so you can relax, eat, drink and be merry”—isn’t that what our culture exalts. This is success in our American culture. This is the dream for which we should live: make money, store it up, so that when you’re older you can relax, eat, drink and be merry.

That’s success in our culture. The world’s understanding of being rich means to have more, and to have comfort. Stock pile it.. and its hear this, it’s not bad to save.. thats not what I am saying… Proverbs 6:6-8 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” In other words, God words says, it is wise and righteous to save and to do so as you’re able.

God was NOT mad at the guy because he was rich. God was not mad at the harvest. God was not mad at the barns being torn down and built bigger and better. God was not mad at the wealth. But judgment fell because the farmer was not rich in the things that mattered most – the things of God! And heres a truth.. the more we have the less we tend to ask God for.

I wrote in my journal this week, I’ve come to learn that the less I have the more desperate it makes me for God, and that is good. The lack of a sense of desperation for God, is so deadly to our faith… Don’t fall into that trap of not being desperate for God. Keep desperate for God.. And listen, If we are not desperate for God, we will be desperate for everything else in this world.

And when we become desperate to everything else in this world.. our natural tendency is to hoard it. To covet it. To desire it, to be desperate for it, and to keep it. Think about how powerful these words are… you have laid up treasures for yourself, you have stored up treasures for yourself, Do you See the self-centeredness here. You’re using your wealth to fill your heart’s desires. To take it easy, to eat and drink and enjoy yourself.

This person in this parable had little to no desire to do God’s work. James talks about this.. In James chapter 5 which talks about the warning to the rich oppressors.. he writes, It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! We are living in the last days. Listen, Life is not guaranteed. You’re never guaranteed tomorrow. Life is precious! This could be today for any one of us.

Jesus could come back at any point. Jesus is saying, “You’re about to meet God and you’ve got all these resources that you’re wasting, that you’re holding on to, that you could have been using for good.” What does that have to do with others? Well think about it.. they too are living the last days just as we are. They’re about to meet God as well. Wealth leads to the neglect of others in need.

Just picture it… take a moment to think about this.. Jesus could come back at any moment. And right now, there are all of these people living today who have not heard the gospel. We think just because we live in this bubble of a country where we’re all in a Christian country, and everyone is saved its so wrong… people are dying everyday, babies are being born, everyday, the old is leaving and the new generation is coming..

there are new generations everyday that are being born into families that do not believe in the gospel. Right here in our own backyard. We have people all around us that do not know the gospel. And how will they come to know if there isn’t anyone taking it to them? And that takes resources. There are people in our own community that have not heard the truth of Christ. In our own country,.

Not to mention the other countries that need to hear it as well… In our storing of wealth, We could have gotten the gospel to them; we have the resources in the church to get the gospel to all of them. But we didn’t. Instead. we stored up more and as a result, we’re leaving them in an eternally dangerous position. So, Don’t miss the point here. Wealth in the hands of people wanting an easy life, leads to keeping more than they need.

Is there any evidence of that in your life? neglecting others in need? Is there evidence of this in your life? And if so.. lets ask.. How would we become rich towards God. How do we not store wealth for ourselves but we become rich towards God… Well first… it begins by examining our own hearts. Jesus tells us in the next section of chapter 12, in verse 34, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Being rich towards God means you examine what you value. What you value points to what your heart desires. What do you value in life? I value my wife and kids, and my family. I value my own life. I value those close to me. Those I love, those I care about. Those I shepherd. But do I value others that I don’t know. Can I value the life of someone who’s a stranger, or even my enemy?

Can I value their life or do I put them in my blind spot. Out of sight out of mind.. right? We can't care for others if all we do is only care for ourselves and those we value. Micah 6:8, tells what God values – Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you:. to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.

In the New Testament we learn about the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:8). Why is this a value? Because The Lord … is not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). When we examine our wealth, we are confronted with a choice… what are you valuing. Most often when it comes to wealth.. money lies to us. If you lose me, you lose a very large part of your life.

If you lose me, you lose what life can be for you. I am your life. Do you realize how big I am? Life will be real life — truly life — if you have me.” That’s what the inheritance was saying to this person. Paul knew that’s what riches say. Which is why he told the rich in 1 Timothy 6:18–19, “Be rich in good works . . . be ready to share .

. . take hold of that which is truly life.” That leads me to the second truth I want to share, and its; l this.. Once we examine out hearts, make a choice. Will you live in fear and anxiety over your wealth, or peace and joy. Jesus in the next section, in chapter 12 verses 22 - 34 teaches us that there are two emotions that occur when we choose to worry about our wealth…

Look with me in verse 31… Do not be afraid, little flock. What is the threat in this verse? Jesus says, do not be afraid.. what is it that were being afraid over? Well, the answer is found in front and in the back of this verse. You can find the answer in either direction. If you go backwards to verse 30, they fear not being like other nations. They fear not being like the world, with wealth and possessions.

And if you go forward.. in verse 33, they fear giving away their possessions. Jesus says, don’t fear these things.. but seek what? The kingdom. Thats where the choice comes in… we need to make a choice on something we stop doing and something we start doing. We stop focusing our quest on things, and we start selling what we don’t need and turning our stockpiled resources into ministries of kingdom-bringing love.

That’s so the early church.. they would sell their possessions and land, and resources to further the gospel. And in doing this Jesus says we provide true treasure for ourselves in heaven. The cure for anxiety and fear is making a choice to let go of what we think is more valuable in this life, and pursuing what actually is of great value that is available to us right now… and that to be kingdom people.

I just want to ask you.. what kingdom are you building? I don’t want to live with this blind spot in my life. “I don’t want to live deceived anymore. God, I want to do, whatever you’re calling me to do.” I want what you want. And for us, as Christians, he’s calling us to go against the grain of the world.

To not fear losing what the world says is treasure. To not fear giving away things in our life to those in need. We all got to make major changes in how we give, how we use the wealth God has blessed us with. He knows what you need, he knows where your heart is. You will never regret trusting God with use of your possessions. And so, I want to end like this..

here are some questions to pray over as we close … God, how are you leading me to change my saving or spending patterns? God, how are you leading me to change the way I save and spend money? God, how are you leading me to give more to that which is eternal? God, how are you leading me to use the wealth I have on behalf of the poor and oppressed, spiritually and physically for the spread of the gospel and the care of people’s physical needs?

Ask yourself these questions… “How are you leading me to change my saving and spending patterns? How am I building my life on you… Do you know what it means to pursue the kingdom of God… it means falling in love with Jesus. That’s the path to the kingdom. It’s falling in love with the King. Prayer. *

Grace and Truth

I wan to invite you to open your bibles with me to the book of Acts, and find with me chapter 15. Certain individuals came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This is pretty serious. If you’re If you are unfamiliar with this term . . . Just know this, that was a high standard.

It meant that salvation came through surgery. And it was an old standard. There was a controversy over whether or not, new gentile believers would need to be circumcised. And people were fighting over it. You think people in the church fighting over carpet, or how something is moved or anything else… try being in a church that says, you can only be saved if you have surgery. So watch what happens.

Verse, 2. This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. This was a hard issue for them. Because Paul had been teaching salvation came by faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son . . . rose from the dead. That’s it! These gentile were having genuine and authentic salvations moments. Hearts were being changed. People were being saved. So, Paul and barnabas were sent to Jerusalem to speak about this question on circumsision.

Verse 4.. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church (here is this word e ̇kklhsi÷a again ) and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. 5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” Right, so they had to change.

Right.. the laws required these gentiles to change everything. There were ceremonial laws, and original laws, and laws how to dress, and laws how to eat and laws how to behave. And to be honest, it was all of this outward appearances of holiness, but they were forgetting the fact that the heart of these people were changed. Can you imagine what it would be like to change instantly everything about your life, in one day.

It would be overwhelming right? V. 7,. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. Theres Peter again… giving good truth.

Peter knows all about this.. earlier he was sent to a gentiles home and witnessed first hand the grace within the heart of this man. V. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Is it possible to have a changed heart, but still live with bad habits? Perhaps. I think Peter thought so. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?

11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” There’s the gospel. You are saved by grace through faith. IU just think its funny, heres Peter giving the gospel, to those there. And then James chimes in. Look with me in verse 19.. 19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” Three laws are given here…. Two of which are what? For the unity of the church. One was for sexual purity.

So what do they do.. well look in verse 30.. 30 So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. I wan to ask everyone soemrhign… Do you believe that a church can have controversy? That we can disagree? Do you remember what was the early churches first big controversy was?

And its not just a one time controversy, it would become a controversy that would surface in every church, and in every generation, and even surfaces in our own generation, today. The controversy was this… How good does a person have to be in order to be a part of the church? Just this week, Every morning of family camp, I meet with two other pastors who are my closest friends, and we had the same conversation come up.

How perfect does a person need to be, to be a member of the church of the Nazarene. And heres the other part of that controversy. Who is the church for? Most of us know the story, but if you do not, Saul was persecuting the church. And its wasn’t just a man picking on people. But he was going farther, he was putting Christians in prison, and putting them to death.

He was sort of like a bounty hunter, and he was hunting Christians. And in the middle of all of this, Jesus appears to him and He got saved. But heres the thing, not only did he get saved, but he did something that was frowned upon… he took the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles. So heres the issue. These gentiles, they weren’t Jewish. They didn’t know the traditions. They didn’t know hardly anything about the temple, and the laws, and the procedures of church.

They came from lives where they didn’t act int her way as their jewish brothers and sisters. They were literally people living in utter and total sin, and having and experiencing a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. And so, the controversy was, Many Jews assumed that since Jesus was Jewish and fulfilled Jewish prophecy, then to become Christian you must first become Jewish. Now heres my hunch… this can very easily be found in the church today.

If you've had a bad experience with a church, it might very well have been related to this issue. In this moment, you had jews who knew the truth. But you had gentiles that needed a lot of grace. And what we recognize is this. How do we navigate within the church the crossroads where grace and truth collide? Theres a book called, the grace and truth paradox which was written by Andy Alcorn.

And Andy helps us understand what happens when truth and grace can become one sided. He says, “Truth without grace breeds a self-righteous legalism that poisons the church and pushes the world away from Christ. Grace without truth breeds moral indifference and keeps people from seeing their need for Christ. What Andy is saying is this… when it comes to truth without grace, we can become legalistic. Do this, don’t do that, and if you fail, you’re out.

Thats what the pharisees did. They created over 600 laws to follow. You broke them, you’re out. Now, let me ask… Are you a truth person? Truth people are easy to admire. They have convictions and principles. They believe in right and wrong. They set standards. They speak out against injustice, oppression, and evil. But without grace, telling the truth can become an excuse for being abrasive and even abusive to others who are not following the standard that they live.

On the other side, Are you a person of grace? Grace people without truth are pleasant to be around, but we wonder if they really like us or if they are just trying to be liked. Grace people are really easy going people. They are very tolerant of right and wrongs. Grace people are people who may not take a stance on a issue. If you are a grace person you are most concerned about being loved.

If you are a truth person you are most concerned about being right even it means being unloved. But In the church… where does grace and truth collide? It collides with Jesus. Where Grace and truth was embodied. John tells us in John chapter 1, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” It’s not 50 / 50.

It’s not 50% grace and 50% truth. It’s 100% grace and 100% truth. 100% all the time, in Jesus. Jesus was all grace and all truth. He welcomed sinners and tax collectors and ate with them. He had compassion on the crowds when they were hungry and far from home. He let children be children. He healed, he loved, he laughed. But He was also truth. He condemn the hearts of many leaders.

He told many, this life following me isn’t going to be easy. Amen. Is anyone here living an easy christian life? Jesus prophesied judgment on Jerusalem for their unrepentant hearts. We need grace, we need to hear “come to me those of you who are weary and I will give you rest, and we need truth, where Jesus says, the truth will set you free. And he tells us, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin…But if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed” We need truth.

We need grace. We need Jesus. And so, heres what is happening in the early church. There was this great controversy over outsiders becoming a part of the insiders, the gentiles becoming a part of the Jewish Christians, and together, both groups becoming a part of the body of Christ. There arises within this crossroads of grace and truth, a real danger to the unity of the local church… Whats the danger?

Well The danger is… When it comes to the drift, The church will tend to drift towards those who are insiders and away from those who would be considered outsiders. Have you ever watched little kids play soccer? It’s fun, but as a competitive person, it can become just as frustrating because as you watch those 5-8 year olds, they have a tendency to do what? They have a tendency to clump together.

The coach puts them on the field, and they are spread out, but once one kid kicks the ball and the game starts, all the kids on the field clump together around that ball. And As a parent, you keep trying to tell them, spread out. pass the ball to one another. Work together to make a goal. They drifted from being spread out, into a clump. And lets be honest..

we know that’s not a healthy strategy. Its the same way for the local church… Listen, A church doesn’t drift into greater health or better focus. It doesn’t. You’ll never see a church or any organization for that matter. just drift into goodness, and unity, and love. It takes sacrificial leadership. It takes service and commitment and a willingness to listen. When grace and truth work together, what we tend to see is a breathing church.

A church that expands, but also contracts. Grace keeps us ;ovine and compassionate… Truth keeps us grounded in what is right and wrong. And when grace and truth is at work together in the local church it creates a community that is both loving and accountable. Because heres the issue. Not only is there a danger of drifting inward, but we also tend to drift more towards truth than grace within our circles it creates within.

Look with me in verse 9, He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. I remember in my own life before Christ. I lived in sin. I lived in darkness. I lived how I wanted, and did what I wanted to do. And Do you wanna know something… God changed my heart way before he changed my habits. And itsthe same with you, “God changes your heart way before he change your habits.” And I began by coming to Christ by faith.

I didn’t walk in His statues right away. I didn’t become entirely sanctified within a few weeks of my salvation. I got saved in December of 2002, and baptized in March of 2003, but I still lived for many years in my old habits. And to be honest, I didn’t want to give up my swearing at first. I didn’t want to give up tobacco. I didn’t want to love and forgive others that were mean to me, or hurtful towards me.

My heart needed to be changed and it took truth and grace over a period of time. We can become so inward focused in the church, that often times we can look at new Christians and go they are no where near where I am. They don’t look like my holiness, or sound like my holiness or act like my holiness… but yet we can forget we too were once lost and learning as well.

We can forget where we began. We can forget that we too once needed grace from God and grace from others walking with us in this journey of holiness and faith. In my own life, With time, as I learned truth, through discipleship and being honest about where I was, ya know, repenting and turning from those convictions in my life, and believing God loves me, and is sanctifying me each and every day, I had to learn that if the truth was going to set me free, grace was the key to the shackles that prevented me from growing.

The truth was, I was a sinner. The truth was, apart from Christ I can do nothing. The truth was, I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. But it was by grace, that I was forgiven. For it is by grace I have been saved, through faith—and this is not from myself, it is the gift of God.

Grace is what gave me the ability to move forward, to grow, and to become more like Christ. Otherwise all I would ever do is sit in my sin that I was freed from. And listen church, we can put so much emphasis on truth that we forget to even be in the conversation with others who are needing grace. Listen, none of us will ever outgrow our need to receive grace, and God’s plan for us to give grace to others.

We have such a natural drift to forget where we began ourselves and we tend to take truth and force it on others who need grace. This weekend, we spent the week at family camp and I cant begin to tell you how amazing family camp was. But, we got to go to the beach and if you’ve ever been to the beach, you know, that there’s three things. Sun, sand and waves.

I didn’t go swimming this year. I’m not a big fan of sand either. Perhaps, clams can get a sand grain lodged in its mouth and create a pearl… and its beautiful and valuable. But when I get sand lodged into places, it doesn’t create pearls. Its uncomfortable. So, I tend to sit in my chair and watch the kids play. But I was watching Grace and Abby on their boogie boards while riding the waves.

And You could see how they would be out there in the waves, facing us, and before long, they would be so far from us, we’d haft to kind of get their attention and tell them, “Hey! You need to get back up here in front of us.” And they would sand up, and walk up the shore where it was easy for them to walk, and then they would head back out into the waves, and before long, they would end up off course again and down the beach.

And I remember, the first day we were out there, Grace had gotten out of the waves, and she was walking away from where we were seated. She was so off course, she was bitterly going the wrong way. And so, I walked patiently behind her until I yelled out, Hey grace, Behind you! And then she turned, saw me and, we walked together to where everyone was. We need to remember, that as a church we can very easily take our eyes off of Jesus and drift.

We can make programs and turn inwardly, and focus more on preserving than advancing. We can become consumed with doing things our way, and not being careful where we are going, or what were doing. Sometimes, just like our kids out there in the waves, we need to adjust ourselves to be back on course. Sometimes, just like grace, she needed to hear a familiar voice helping her find her way.

Isn’t that just like Jesus? That often times we get off course, he calls us by our name and leads us back on course, and he leads us into the community. Sometimes, we’ve got to work hard to swim agains the current. And We have to work hard not to be a church where grace and truth conflict, but coexist. SO heres three challenges I have for you this week.. Let’s be concerned with not only with those who we are keeping, but also with those who we’re reaching as well.

Ok? Lets make sure were not too inward focused that we forget the outward call to go and proclaim the gospel. Secondly, when we tend to lean toward what is truth, lets not forget that we also need to lean towards grace. Remember where you began in your faith journey. Remember your testimony and what Christ has done in you over the years, and remember that people need to start somewhere.

When it comes to truth and grace, make the commitment to journey with others.. do you know what walking with others require? It requires a commitment for longevity. To being and staying in the conversation with others. And thirdly, lets remain openhanded towards all people. Ya know, James was a pretty smart guy. James in our Scripture today in verse 19 said, we shouldn’t make it difficult for those who are turning to God.

When people are with us.. when God draws people near us… By His grace perhaps they will experience both the grace and truth of our Savior. You see, generosity is more than just giving material things, its also being available. Amen? *

Father's Day

Let’s open our bibles together to Johns Gospel. And find with me chapter 9 and we’ll being in verse 7. This morning, on this Father’s day I want too explore a topic that is a bit tender for my heart because I grew up without a father. And so, this morning I want to examine two things… I want to speak a little on the voice of the heavenly Father and how we hear him and recognize his voice, and Secondly, what of those moments when the fathers voice is absent from our lives? What do we do? How do we handle the silence of God. Lets read together, “Truly I tell you, anyone who doesn’t enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.”

In Johns gospel, in verse three, Jesus says, and the sheep hear his voice. And so we begin here, the voice of God can be recognized. One of the interesting things about parent hood is the fact that mothers and fathers can recognized their kids voice. It’s like a built in, super power that in the midst of all kinds of noises and voices, a parent can recognize their kids laughter, or cry. Of course, I remember the moment where Chloe fell from a bridge in Puerto Rico and you can hear her cries for help to get back up on the path. We have video of Alicia and I running to the rescue. I cant tell you how many times one of our kids would be playing when they were little and maybe they had fallen or gotten stuck and we would hear and recognize their cry from another room, and we would come running to help. I’m sure, for most of you, as parent you probably have some funny stories of how your kids got into curious situations and needed help, and you heard their voice calling for help. Jesus in this moment, says, the sheep hear his voice. Theres a recognition there…. Sheep are recognizing His voice. That means, theres identification happening. Its like with twins. The more I get to know Matt and Mike, the more I was able to recognize their differences and also, I was able to now know them by name and I can distinguish their voices. For the longest time, I couldn’t recognize them, I couldn’t identify them. But now, I can hear their voice and make a 50/50 chance of getting it right… Ya know, I was thinking of a late friend this week, and I was remembering his laugh. I miss his laugh. I miss him. I miss him because he was my friend. I think of many of you… you have voices that you remember and miss. Maybe it’s your father, or grandfather, or someone you’ve loved very deeply. And I love the fact that we live in an age where we can have recordings of voices of those we’ve loved and has already passed on that we can play and replay and remember the relationship we once had with them. Thats what recognition requires, recognition takes relationship. To know something, or to know someone, takes spending time with that person. To know and to understand them. I believe most of our misunderstanding with other people can be understandings if we would just take the time to listen to one another. Most of our marriages wouldn’t end in divorce if we would just take time to listen to now another. Most often friendships would be saved if we were patient in listening to one another. Because in the process of listening you’ll learn so much about the other person. If you don’t like someone….. why not get to know them.. Learn about them.. learn why they say and so what they say and do. And I’m a firm believer of this, the more we know someone, the more were willing to extend grace to one another. How true is that.. aren’t we more prone to extend forgiveness to those we know, than those who we don’t know. You see, Relationships matter when it comes to recognition. Do you know the story of young Samuel in the old testament? Samuel was the son of Hannah, who had desired a son very badly and prayed to the Lord for him. At one time, she was weeping in prayer for a son, and the priest Eli sees her and he’s like, woman, why are you drunk? I mean, already in the story we see that Eli has no awareness of the situation… theres no relationship him and Hanna. So he just jumps to conclusions and self assumptions that this woman must be drunk. But Hanna, is like, I’m not drunk, And I would be like, Ya know Eli, if you actually took the time to get down and kneel next to her, and pray with her, you’d find out that her heart was breaking over the fact that she really wanted to have a son. She’s weeping because she has a broken heart. She’s brining my prayers before the Lord, in hopes that he would bless her with a son. Eli makes no attempt to be empathetic towards her .. other than, when she confessed that she’s not drunk, and why she was was weeping, Eli just say, go in peace and may God grant your desire. She makes a prayerful vow to give her son over to the Lord once he is weened and guess what, the Lord responded and gave Hannah a precious baby boy, who she named Samuel So, once Samuel was old enough, Hanna gives her son over Eli and Samuel begins training in the temple under the apprentice ship of Eli. And In 1 Samual, chapter 3, Samuel wakes up in the middle of the night when he heard someone call out his name. I mean, goosebumps right? Samuel’s hearing voices. And so, Samuel runs to Eli because he thought Eli was calling him. Eli said that he hadn’t called his name and Samuel should go back to bed. And so Samual heads back to bed, and guess what? Soon he hears a voice call his name again, so he gets up and runs back to Eli. Again, Eli told him that he hadn’t called him. Samuel went back to bed. Now, here is where it gets interesting, listen to what the word tells us in I Samuel chapter 3, beginning in verse 7. 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” I think its interesting that Samuel did not yet know the Lord. You see, there was no relationship, and if theres no relationship, then there’s no recognition of who’s calling him. Where did Samuel go? He went to the one where there was a relationship. He runs to Eli…. Did you call me.

And by this third time, Eli catches on.. because look at what verse 8 continues to say, Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”

Samuel goes and lays down… And I want you to hear this.. When it comes to the recognizing God’s voice and the relationship with him, we need to be where God wants us to be to hear from him. I senses, theres a lot of people, perhaps here in the midst of our congregation, or even listening online that you’re wanting to hear from God, but your not where you need to be to hear from him. Some of you want to hear from God, but you haven’t done the last thing you’ve heard for him. The more you listen for God, the better you'll get at recognizing His voice. Wouldn’t it be totally awesome to hear from God this morning? The good news is that we can. We can hear from God. Some of you are hearing him within your heart right now. Some of you have already built a relationship with him, to hear his voice. To know him. Thats the promise in our Scripture this morning, is that Jesus says, The Sheep hear my voice. Do you know where this begins… it begins with love.

Do you know where love originates? It originates and begins with God. I John chapter 4 says, 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. So, love is born within the person when they are born again. Love is so powerful that it can even fuel our faith in moments where our faith is being tested. It does. If you find yourself slipping in your faith, and you’re walking away from God, what draws you back to God… it’s remembering His love. It’s love that persuades and allures us into the wilderness to be alone with God. For what purpose? Listen, often times, we are led into the wilderness so that we can hear the voice God. He’s calling us.,. wooing us… back to himself. Away from the love of the world. Which is the love we’ve known since our birth. Hosea writes, Therefore, I am going to persuade her, lead her to the wilderness, and speak to her tenderly. Love is drawing the person back, and away from the world, and into the wilderness so that the one who’s so confused over all the voices trying to get your attention and love, and affection, can all be silences so that the heart can hear the faithful calling of our God, saying, believe in me… put your faith in me. Because often times faith requires us to to step out into unknown moments. Thats what faith is. Faith is not knowing what will happen tomorrow, but we’re willing to go into the unknown with the known God. Faith is going into the shadow knowing its not darkness but the train of God’s righteousness. Faith in a relational context is being willing to step into a place of uncertainty, because it’s in that space that a relationship has the opportunity to grow. I wish we would see our wilderness not as a place of suffering, but as a place of growth. It’s within the wilderness that Moses met God and within the bush that was burning and was not consumed. Its within the wilderness where he led the Israelites and he lived by faith and yearned for nothing but God’s presence. Its within the wilderness that Abraham by faith, went into, and away from his family and home to be led into the unknown. And his wife Sarah followed her husband by faith. Its within the wilderness that God hears the cries of Hagar and by faith she returns back to Abraham and Sarah. Its within the wilderness that Jesus goes to be tempted, and he trusts in the word of God. It’s within the wilderness where the early church gathers together, and finds the strength in the Holy Spirit top proclaim the gospel to a generation that was lost and needing hope. It’s within the wilderness that John is thrusted upon to right the book of revelation of things to come. Its within the wilderness where you and I grow in our faith, and we grow in our trust in God, and it’s in theses moments where our love for him is truly put to the test.

The wilderness are moments in our journey where we are reminded to have the courage to step into those place of uncertainty. Through love, we find that faith is to keep seeking God in all of our circumstances. No matter what.. Its to know these words, Be still and know that I am God. And to trust, by faith that we will hear the voice of Christ . my sheep will hear my voice. It’s within the wilderness we must go to make highways for those who are lost in the wilderness.. 'Isaiah writes, ’In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God’” We hear and come to know the fathers voice through Christ, who lives in us and calls us To be the hands and feet and the mouth pieces of our God, to seeks the lost who’s trapped in a land that is dry and desolate.

But theres a problem….. What happens to our faith, and trust in the moments where we don’t hear from him? When we ourselves are in the wilderness? Where were not recognizing God’s presence, or His voice in our life? What happens when the wilderness gives off no light, but darkness surrounds us? Is it possible to be in a situation, or a place in your life, where you know God's presence is there, but yet, you do not sense him… nor hear from him? I say yes… it is possible. And since it is possible it’s also heart breaking. Because, When Christ has become you’re bread. And in these moments where you’re looking for the bread of life, and you can’t find it.. and you yearn for it… you feel helpless and hopeless and lost yourself. Just a half year or so ago, I remember telling a dear friend of mine.. I don’t sense Gods presence I my life. I don’t sense him in the church when I preach. I don’t feel him. I feel like, I’ve been blinded. And it’s lonely… and I feel helpless…and hopeless… I’m not recognizing God's grace in my life. And sometimes, I feel like… yelling, with my fist clinched, God why have you departed from me… where are you… in this moment… and trust me… when I had confided in my friend, the next three months didn’t get better, it got worse.

Jesus says, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. And here I am, asking, and seeking and yearning for His will, for my nourishment comes from doing the will of the Father, but I’m not feeling His presence in my life. How would you live if the substance of your nourishment went away? How would you feel if you never felt the warmth of his love in your life for a season? I think of widows.. and their pain when they’ve lost a spouse. Do you know what it’s like to embrace and sit next to a woman thats grieving for her lost husband? It’s heart breaking. It’s as if their whole life has been ripped from them. What would you do when life feels dark around you? Would you stop praying? Would you stop reading your Bible? Would you give up on church? We need to understand at times, in those moments in our relationship with God, we need to remember that God often withdraws his presence from us, not because were bad, or we’ve done something wrong, but often it’s to test and purify our faith. What I want us to see this morning, is something good in the book of Isaiah. it’s called the servants song, and I want to read this you.. listen to these words….. It says, Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. You see, relationship is hallow if there is no trust. It’s absolutely possible to be in a relationships where there is no trust between the two people. And let me just say, and I think we all have had broken relationships before… it hurts doesn’t it, it hurts when our trust has been broken. And I think sometimes, when we come to Jesus for salvation, sometimes because of our past relationship experiences and failures and hurts, we’re afraid that when God doesn’t show up, or answers our prayers, or in these moments where we don’t feel him… … We’re …afraid to step out by faith. We’re believers… We’re Christian…and we want to believe. We want to feel. We want to know.. we want to hear the voice of our God, in the midst of our trials. And tells others, God is here. He’s among us… do you sense him… But yet, there are moments where he seems to be absent, those are moments where God is wanting your faith to grow.. and your faith to trust in him a little more today than yesterday.. He will leave you at times in utter darkness. Leave you without anything to sustain your hope or your faith except your knowledge of who he is and his faithful character.

I've been in those moments. Those moments like Peter stepping out by faith on the water while the other disciples watched him begin to sink. I’ve been in those moments… Where friends have hurt and left me. Where colleagues have not been there for me in tough times, or have hurt me, or broke my trust, or watched me drown without holding out a hand… saying brother… Grab hold. I’ve been in moments Where God’s presence felt distant and I’ve felt alone and the tempter comes to tempt my faith and love for Christ. And I asked myself… all the time. Why not give up. Why not give up and turn from God? Why not return to my old life. YOLO… right? Why? Because my love for Christ is greater than my love for who I once was. That’s why… because I desire holiness. And theres no holiness without Christ! It's in these dark moments where God is wanting you to trust in his character, and in his faithfulness, and in his word. And it’s in these moments where you don’t return to a life of sin or return to the world around you, but you wait for him.. I believe it’s in these moments where God looks to the angels, and the heavenly multitude and goes, .. you see him… you see her… that’s my faithful servant who loves me more than just feelings my presence. That even when I am gone, they love me. “Look at them… my servants who walks in darkness and they have no light but they trust in my name.” Do you see him? Do you see her… that’s my beloved. What they thought was suffering and a pit of despair was actually a well of opportunity to glorify my name in the midst of their darkness more than if they had all the miracles and wonders, and feelings in the world knowing that I am near them. Thats real and genuine and authentic faith. A faith that loves and trusts in my name.

My prayer for you today, fathers… is this… Be a man that yearns for the voice of God, because God is speaking. But also, be a man that lives by faith even in those moments that are hard. Those moments where your faith is tested.. Because if you haven’t heard it in a awhile, …… Hear this… The heavenly Father is proud of the godly man you’re becoming. He loves you. He’s there for you and in you and with you. Amen? Let’s stand together and hear our benediction together. Benediction for Father's Day 2 (based on Jeremiah 31)

Listen to what the Lord says: “I have loved you with an everlasting love, and still I maintain my unfailing love toward you. I will lead you beside quiet streams, and down smooth, uncluttered paths so that you do not stumble. For I have become a Father to you, and you are my firstborn child.”

Go from here in confidence, knowing that the love of God the Father, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, goes with you. Amen.*

Grace on Display

So, why is this so important to us? Well, today is a celebration. Baptism is a celebration of grace. We are celebrating that Christ has taken our sin upon Himself, so that, through faith in Him, we can be forgiven of all of our sins, all of our trespasses. Paul said in our Scripture, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” We’ve been buried with Christ!

His baptism is showing us a picture that we are dead to sin because He has conquered sin on our behalf. He died on a cross as our substitute, took our place, died for our sins, and then He rose from the grave as our Savior. Baptism is a celebration of that. Baptism is a celebration of the fact that we have been made right before God because of what Jesus did, not because of what we do.

I like to think of it this way… “baptism is grace on display.” Think of it like this… how can anyone around you know of the Spiritual work that took place in your heart if they do not see the work of that spiritual world being lived out and on display for the world to see? How would you live out grace so that the world can see? In Genesis chapter 2 and verse 17, God instructed Adam and Eve: “From the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.” The truth about death created a truth about judgement, but it also created the possibility of grace.

In Genesis chapter 3, that possibility became a reality. In verse 6, “The woman saw the tree was good for food; it was a delight to the eyes; it was desirable to make one wise. She took from it and ate and gave to her husband with her, and he ate. The eyes of both of them were opened; they knew they were naked; they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.” In their own power, this was their way of covering their shame.

This was their way of covering their guilt and their iniquity. But we see down in verse 21, God had a better way. “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.” That’s grace….. Man makes an inadequate attempt to cover his guilt, and God comes, and you witness the first instance of death as God executes an animal, a picture of the lamb of God who would one day come, in order to provide a covering for these two sinners.

And the rest is history as we would witness it through the word of God. The Bible is God’s way of unfolding the story of grace. I dunno about you, but does it not mean anything to know that you’re a part of that story? That your life is a part of the amazing story of grace. And it all ends in amazing fashion…. In revelation 22:17 and 18 it says: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” So ask the question this morning…

Is my life a continuous celebration of the grace that took place? Why is that important to answer? Well, because Not only is it grace on display and a celebration of grace, but Baptism is also a beautiful tangible illustration of the gospel. I was reading an article one time of this town in Arabia where the Muslim religion was strong… and it began to talk about how one by one, people began having dreams of Christ.

And, so the Lord sent a person to give the gospel to help explain Christ. And before you know it, there was a small band of Christians in a town full of Muslims. In secret…Right… if anyone found out that Jesus was being preached, or found out that you were a Christian, you would be instantly killed. So, in this article they asked the question… well then how do you evangelize the gospel?

And the person said, by how we live. Our life is the gospel on display. By that, they meant. The love, and compassion and care for those who are the least of these. I’m like wow! Can you imagine living here in our own town and not being able to go to church, and if they knew you were a Christian you could be instantly dragged out into the street and stoned. I mean…

we take what we do in American church for granted. The music is good, it’s bad, the sermon is long or short. It’s too hot, it’s too cold. Should I go to church today… or should I stay home. I wonder… what would our life and how we live it for Christ say about the gospel being on display. Our life is the gospel on display… Baptism is a picture of the gospel displayed before all to see.

If you were to look at a picture of my three children, you would probably think those are three really amazing and cute kids. But here’s the truth. Those pictures are not my kids. My kids, are at this moment serving in this church. One is serving downstairs with my wife in pre-school. One is serving in the back with one of our leaders. Why? Cause we taught our kids, that church is a place where you come to worship and you come to serve.

I love Joshua when he said, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. And why would you not want to serve? My life has utterly been transformed and changed by the gospel. I illustrated that change in my baptism, but now, I live out that illustration in my every day life as a servant. In the same way, with baptism. When a brother or sister of ours is baptized, this is not salvation taking place.

It’s a picture; it’s a representation; it’s an illustration of our salvation that has already occurred in their life. The truth is…… salvation has already taken root in their heart. Baptism is a picture for the whole world to see what Christ did in our hearts. Let me ask you… does your heart still show the love and grace Christ shown to you? One of the first ways we actually illustrate what the Holy Spirit does within us, is by showing the world that I am no longer bound to sin, but now, I’m kin to Him…

Baptism is such a beautiful reminder… of the gospel… but it doesn’t end there. We live it out in service to one another. In kindness to one another. In patience with one another. In forgiveness to one another… Didn’t Jesus say, I believe it’s in Matthew… You will know they are of me, by the fruit they produce. For many, the seed of life has never truly been planted. The gospel is just what we’ve always known.

My grandparents were saved, and my parents took me to church… so I must be in.. I must be a christian. I choose Jesus. There’s a lot of people who have chosen to know about Jesus who really do not know him personally… because to know him is to be connected to him…. And when we are connected to him, that life, of grace will be on display for others to see.

Lastly, baptism is a proclamation of the glory of God. It’s a public announcement. Not just to us, but to the church and to the world. What are we proclaiming? We’re proclaiming the Glory of God. Psalm 19 verses 1-2 says: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands…. “ When I pray this Scripture… I add…. “And in my baptism and walk Lord, I proclaim the work of your Spirit in my life.

The fact is… we’re called to be worshippers. We’re designed to be worshipers. And a worshipper is someone who proclaims the goodness of God. And all that God does.. not just here in the church… but even in our homes, in our lives and we proclaim him in our baptism. A.W. Tozer once said: “We are saved to worship God. All that Christ has done in the past and all that He is doing now leads to this one end.” That’s why we’re here today….

We’re here for many of us because God has saved us and we’re here to worship. Worship is from the heart. Heart worship is what God is looking for; those who will worship Him in Spirit and truth (John 4:24) Many of us need to check our hearts. By that I mean, you need to check your motives. The Father knows why you’re here… he knows whether or not your heart is tuned to his grace.

The truth is… you can’t receive grace and not be willing to give it as well. You can’t tell others Jesus is within you but have no grace to give to others. Baptism is a proclamation to the world… I am his… and He lives in me. And what Christ is, I am too. This is the beauty of baptism. Baptism is an essential and joyful declaration to the world that we belong to Jesus.

Let me tell you a story about this wedding ring right here. It wasn’t really that romantic and a bit chaotic. I wanted to ask Alicia to marry me. I knew from the moment I saw her sitting in my dorm room at college this was the one. We would talk for hours on the phone and AIM and MSN video messenger and then one day, three months of continuous phones calls…

I would get the chance to meet her. Love at first sight… well at least for me… I can’t speak for her.. but I’m sure she just looked over at me with those big brown eyes and went… man… he’s such a stud. I at least imagine that. Now it might be where in the world did 17 years go. But Everything in my life changed the week I first met her.

We met in Lock Haven and I remember how nervous I was to kiss her. I mean, I still remember watching her walk upstairs from her room and it was like God’s light was shining on her… she was wearing these open toed heels, blue jeans and this pink top. The closer she got the more nervous I got and of course I’m a guy.. so I was wondering… when do I hold her hand?

How do It do it? When can I kiss her. Finally after she paraded me around her campus to all of her friends, we were alone and it happened… our first kiss. Then that led to a late night run to Dunkin’ Donuts. Magical moments… for kisses and donuts. Because of our first encounter I knew, I just knew we were meant to be together. Every time I was around her my heart would just flutter.

I was in college and every time a girl would flirt with me, I would get this queasy feeling that I was going to be unfaithful to her. And I didn’t want to mess that up. That summer I would propose to her and I couldn’t afford a ring.. so I took a twisty tie and placed it on her finger. And if you think that was romantic… wait for this….

I proposed to her in the most romantic fashion… I proposed to Alicia, in the front seat of the black 2001 Ford Focus, that she had bought me that summer. And as I was dropping her off at college and hoping for that special goodbye kiss, I popped the question. Will you marry me. Like I said, not the most romantic way to propose. But I wanted this love I had for her to go further.

I had planned that summer to take her to a scenic overlook and get down on one knee and make it all special…. But it just didn’t work out that way. Then, in May of 2005, barely a year after we first met, I stood at an altar with her, and I took the vow, with this ring I thee wed. Thankfully she said the same. And we placed rings on each other’s fingers and we publicly declare on that day, before God, family and our friends that we belong to each other.

But listen church. Love was not created on that day. Love was born in our hearts long before we were engaged, and married. Now it was declared very clearly to everyone in such a way that, whenever you see me, you will see this ring on my finger, and you will know that I belong to her, and whenever you see her and see that huge rock, that you can’t miss on her finger, you will know that she belongs to me.

I want you to see, church, listen, I want you to see in a much more beautiful way, the God of this universe, by his grace, has reached down into your heart. He has changed you, he has transformed you, He’s forgiven you and cleansed you from all your sins, delivered you from sin and given you new life with Him. Why would you not want to identify your life with Him through the picture that He has given us in Scripture?

Why would you not want to celebrate His grace… why would you not want to illustrate the gospel for others to see and to come to know Jesus better, and why would you not want to proclaim his glory… Baptism is such a joyful declaration to the world… I belong to him. As our worship leader comes up and prepares our last song.. I want you to think about that.. do I belong to him?

For many of us here we’ve been baptized. God has already reached down into our hearts and placed his seal… his ring… he placed the Holy Spirit into our lives to say… he or she belongs to me. But here’s the question of questions… have you been faithful. Have you shown others the same grace God has shown you? Have you forgiven others as God has forgiven you? Has God received your whole heart in worship today?

I don’t know your heart… but God does… for many of us we’ve gone all week long and for some you may have gone weeks and months being unfaithful. Don’t miss the beauty of today to rededicate your life and to come and be baptized, but also don’t miss the beauty of what the sacrament means. Here in a moment, I am going to ask you to give your heart to Jesus and when you’re ready..

come… and take the elements prepared for you here at this table. You have to come to be a part of what God calls us into… Revelation 22:17 says: The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. The bread represents the body broken for you, and the juice represents the blood spilt for you….

The elements are a reminder of that grace broken and poured out.. and freely given to you.. without cost. God isn’t going to force His grace upon you… you must, with a willing heart, come to receive it. So as our worship leader leads us, come, drink, eat when you’re ready and witness God's grace in your life today and celebrate the illustration of the gospel for the glory of God.

We Are the Church - Week 2: Power

I want to invite you to open your bibles and return with me to the book of Acts chapter 1 and 2. Last week, for those of you online and here that missed last weeks message. We begun a new series called, We are the Church. Its a phrase that reminds us that when the day of pentecost came, when the Holy Spirit showed up as we see in Acts chapter 2, the local church was born. And we learned last week, that the Holy Spirit gathers all kinds of people together. Not just the believers, but also the unbelievers.. if you recall, there were the believers of Jesus, the devout Jews, and those who sneered at them. In this gathering, as the Spirit draws people together, he seeks a response. Peter stood by faith, preached his first sermon, with the first line being, “They’re not drunk! It’s only 9:00 in the morning.” What an amazing first line to a sermon. Now, Peter goes on and preaches about Christ and he comes to this point at the end to which he finishes his sermon with this amazing point, if your wanting to follow along, you can see it for yourself in verse 36 where the Bible tells us, Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” The Bible continues to say, after hearing this, these people were cut to the heart. And Peter finishes his first sermon, by giving an altar call, saying to the people in verse 38, Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And look with me in verse 40, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!” And in a moment, those who received this message were saved and baptized and we learn that 3,000 people were added to their numbers. Thats an amazing growth. Think about it for a moment. 120 people, seem drunk to others, they are off, they are different than the crowd, something is going on with them, and those looking upon them can only equate that to them being drunk. But yet, in the power of the Spirit, Peter stands up with the eleven behind him and he preaches this message pointing people to Jesus, and in a moment 3,000 souls say, I want that. I want what you have. Now that I know whats going on, I want what you have. And If you do the math, thats a 2500% increase in church attendance in one day. And now, get this.. if that were to happen right now. We would see roughly 250 people following us through that door to be baptized and to be a part of this fellowship. I dunno about you, But wouldn’t that be an amazing day!

And so, I want to take this moment and ask… what do we call this moment in church history? How do we define what these people were experiencing? Because, we do call this the beginning of the church. And in many of your bibles, I’m sure just like mine, the header to these paragraphs say something to the effect of this being, A generous and growing church. So, here is this word church and we look into verses 42 through 47, and I dunno about you, but I sense that theres a little difference to what we’ve been taught what the church is and how we think church should look like, verses what we’re noticing in these scriptures on how the early Christians experienced church. Because I would ask when it comes to this word church, how would you define it? In the midst of these verses we learned last week, lets ask the question… What genre of music were they listening to? What Bible translation were they using? What were they wearing? Did the apostles wear suits or jeans? Did they have pews or chairs? Did they wear robes or use hymnals? What liturgy did they follow? How big was the building? What programs did they have? How many small groups did they create from the 3,000 people? How do they define “Church?” Because When I read these verses, I see nothing about a building, rows, pews, robes, hymnals, bands, liturgy, etc. I see devotion. I see unity. I see joy. I see communion and prayer and compassion….. and I see my heart saying, I want that. But what do you call it? Well, in the Bible this word is called ekklesia. When Jesus said, “I will build my church”, he said, I will build“my Ekklesia” He was not talking about a building; He was talking about people: about YOU and me, when we gather, we’re a church. Some scholars believe that it was around 300ad when the word church was described as this German word “KIRCHE” which means lords house. The problem with this really bad translation is that church becomes about a place rather than a movement of people or gathering. It was tamed. Localized and Controlled by the people who controlled the building. But when Jesus says, I will build my church, he was simple meaning this movement was to be where people gathered together, and what did they believe? They believed in this one belief: that Jesus was the risen Christ, the son of the living God.

So, what does this movement look like? Well, turn with me to chapter 4 of the book of acts. As your turning there, let me set the scene. The church has just been born a couple chapters ago. Peter and John tell a lame man that money and gold they do not have, but they will give what they do have to the man who needs a miracle. They offer him Jesus, and guess what, the lame man is able to walk. But yet, not just walking but he begins to leap for joy into the temple. Making this huge scene, and of course, just like any group of people, whispering begins to happen and people begin to ask.. isn’t that the dude always begging outside of the gate called beautiful? What happens? When the people see the commotion with the lame man who’s holding onto Peter and John, they start running towards them… again, remember, the Holy Spirit draws people. And Peter and John give the gospel message of Jesus and a calling for what? For a decision. Theres this pattern, preach the gospel, offer a decision. By the time we get to acts 4, we have two reactions… the first one were told in verse 4 of chapter 4, that 5,000 people receive Jesus as their savior, and then there are some people who get pretty upset. They start to approach Peter and John. They pull them away from the crowds, put them in jail and the next day they bring them before the Sanhedrin and basically they are starting to make threats against them. They tell Peter and John, You can’t stand up and proclaim Jesus! And so they experienced persecution and suffering on a level that they had not experienced to this point. And I think… about these things.. Peter was known as a runaway when things got tough.. Right? Peter was always bold in the gospels until it came to associating with Jesus in his death. He was known to give in to the pressure of persecution. But what does he do in this moment, in chapter 4? He boldly proclaims the name of Jesus. And I live how he finishes his little sermonettee. In verse 12 it says, There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”Now, what

Amazing! Such boldness. Like I picture Peter doing a mic drop in this moment and going boom! But u mention this because hear this…. What kind of super Christian does it take to do that? To stand I boldness in the Holy Spirit and proclaim Jesus… it takes just ordinary people like you and me.

Look with me in verse 13. Verse 13 says, this after Peter proclaims the gospel… When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. Two things I want to speak into about this moment… the first thing is this: They were untrained and uneducated men. Untrained and uneducated meant they were ordinary people. Why are we here today? We’re here today because God is gracious to us. And so, hear what I am about to say with kindness and love, you and I are not that special. There is nothing in you or myself that makes us different than anyone else. Every single person in this room and listening online, are people who have fallen short of the glory of God. Everyone of us has been born of sin. We deserve to be separated from God, yet in our sin we’ve been reconciled unto him, through Jesus Christ. Brought together, by his grace and through the Spirit of God. And so, the church, is a movement of ordinary people saved by grace by an extraordinary God. And that goes against our whole existence, or at least from my experience, in what this world teaches us from the day we’re born that we need to be special to have any kind of meaning. To have a purpose in your life there must be something special about you. And we gravitate towards special people, and we make our life about mimicking how special they are. We make so much effort into becoming recognized, being the best, and having it all that we forget that being like the world is our demise. Because in the midst of the gospel, we can confirm Jesus words, And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Peter and John were ordinary men, with an extraordinary person living within them. And so, in boldness, as ordinary men, as uneducated and untrained men, they stand up and proclaim the gospel.

The second thing about this movement, is the second part of this Scripture that is so important to understanding where their boldness came from… it says, When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. How would you react if the people around you began seeing nothing but Jesus in you? What in your life do you want to be recognized for? Maybe its being the best sports player? Or the smartest, or prettiest, or strongest? Maybe its being the best mom, or wife, or husband or father. Maybe it’s being the best at your job or the best in school. We’re always told in our life to be the best at everything we do. I remember one time, I was working for Halliburton in Colorado, and I went in for my yearly review and I just knew this year I was going to get exceeded expectation. Within the year, I moved to Colorado, I took all the engineering classes they would offer, I worked the most, and put in the most overtime. I learned everything I needed to learn, and even created a new fluid solution that would save the company millions. I stepped into the office for my review, and this was what was written, “Matthew Waggoner met expectation.” I was devastated. I poured everything into this job to be the best. I created things no one else had ever created. And heres the thing, I was an uneducated and untrained guy doing the things that other people had gone to college for…. And they saw that as meeting expectation. Do you want to know what my manager told me… which was the only negative remark I got on my review… Written on my review were these words…. Matthew is an over zealous worker. My pursuit to be the best, to work the hardest, to make myself available was negatively seen as being to zealous for the company. Because being over zealous meant I was showing too much energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.

What were Peter and John known for? This verse in acts 4 says, they were untrained and uneducated men, who had been with Jesus. Man, thats what I pray for. That when people see me, they don’t see Matthew, a pastor with extra-ordinary abilities and gifts at this or that. Wouldn’t it be awesome to be just known as a person who has been with Jesus. That, The Holy Spirit in us just oozes out of us, and we reflect, His character, and His life, in our life. And I believe this is the Christian life. A oneness with God. I think about Galatians 2:20, “I’ve been crucified with Christ. I no longer live. Christ lives in me,” and when that becomes a reality, then it will be evident to others around us. I think of Moses, when he came away from God's presence and his face was shining, and everyone who sees him knowns he’s been in God's presence. And so, in this moment, we’re seeing like a glow here. Something is different about Peter and John because they’ve been with Jesus because the spirit of Jesus is in them. And just think… just think for a moment… not only in them but the people coming to a saving relationship with Christ as well. Becoming a part of this movement, this fluid movement. This body. I pray, May that be said of you and me, that when we leave this building today, that people will be drawn to us because the Spirit is drawing people, and maybe we wont see a group come, like seeing 5,000 people being drawn to us in this instance, but what if, we left here today and went out to eat, and the waitress comes and somehow sees a difference in you. Maybe they witness some compassion or gentleness like no one else they are serving? Or maybe, you swing by Weis to grab some food for memorial day lunch tomorrow and you begin a conversation with someone in the check out line and the opportunity to say something about Jesus comes up. Maybe, they wonder to themselves, What makes this person so different? Why am I drawn to them? And within a conversation you go, im a christian.

What if the seeking the lost and growing the body of the church isn’t so dependent upon our church building programs. Because we can accomplish a lot without the Spirit of God. We don’t need the Holy Spirit for programs to keep people busy. We don't need the holy Spirit for witnessing to others, we have advertising for that. But what if, evangelism is others recognizing Jesus in you…. They’ve been with Jesus.

Because lets talk about that. What happens when ordinary men and woman who’s been spending time with an extra-ordinary God. The outcome is that they become witnesses. Think about this… Jesus promised the Spirit would come. If you recall, in Lukes gospel Jesus says, And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.” This power… is the same power we witness when Jesus says in acts one verse 8… Think about how Jesus gives this instruction..… Not only will you receive power when the holy Spirit is upon you, but that power will be used so that you will become my witnesses. You’ve all heard me say it… What is the first gift you receive after coming to a saving relationship with Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit… the first gift you and I receive is our testimony. Its our testimony on what Jesus has done for us and in us. Now get this scene… In acts 1 when Jesus is telling them that this power to be witnesses is coming… what do you think was going on in their hearts? I mean, were just 50 days after the resurrection. Some were leaving, some were doubting, some had given up and walked away to go fishing, and Jesus has now brought the gang back together. And so, hear these words and put yourself in the same sandals of these witnesses. Jesus says, “All right, guys. Here’s the plan. We’re going to start right here in Jerusalem. Once you get this power of the Holy Spirit we’re beginning right here. The same place where they have just crucified me. The same place where the angry mob came to take me to an unfair trial. The same place where they killed me because of their selfish desires for power and control. And If you’re listening to Jesus say this, I can imagine all kinds of thoughts going off in my head… and most of them start like this.. what if… what if I get wrongly accused. What if, I get martyred for my faith. What if, they think of me in the same way as you, Jesus?… What if I fail? I think of Thomas wondering if he’d doubt again... I think of Peter, wondering if he’d fail again. I think of John wondering if he’s still the one Jesus loves. I think of any one of the 120 wondering if they will walk away discouraged or fail. I think of myself.. will the people in Montoursville believe me? Will I be able to take a gospel to a whole community. To reach the lost. How will I even do that? Who in the church I shepherd will be willing to go all out to reach the lost around us? How would we as a small church of 10-12 step out by faith and reach people who might already hate Christianity? We’re talking about lost people.. people who don’t know why we do what we do.. because we’ve been changed from the inside out. There were powerful men who hated Jesus in Jerusalem… But Jesus says, you will be my witness here in Jerusalem, and Judea and all of Samara, and to the ends of all the earth. And so hear this.. Jesus is saying, here’s the plan.. you’ll begin where they hate you, and go where you hate them, thats Samaria… before you’ll go where they do not know you.

I need to remind myself.. the power given to me is the power to testify of Him… And so, I want to urge you on this memorial weekend. Where you might be at gatherings with others… Will you see that as an opportunity to proclaim Jesus? Here’s what I want to call us to do this week. In light of what we’ve just seen in God’s Word and the movement that we are a part of as a church, a body of believers, I want to challenge you to invite somebody in your life who does not know Jesus to be here next Sunday. Would you do me a favor, would you bow your head and close your eyes with me… Right now, would you be willing to Start picturing their faces right now. Think of them…. Would you pray for them, and ask the Spirit to give you the opportunity, and the strength to talk to them, to reach out to them. Maybe to get a cup of coffee this week, or invite them around your table. Look for ways to share your testimony. Because thats the first gift you get when you recieve the Spirit of God… the power to tell others what he’s done for you. Lets pray…. *

We Are the Church

I want to invite you to open your bibles with me to Acts chapter 2. And I want to begin in acts chapter 2, and we will begin together in verse 1. When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them.

4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them. Now, thats the picture of pentecost or what we call sometimes, the upper room experience. Jesus ascends into heaven, the people were gathered in one place, the upper room praying and worshipping, and the Spirit came and filled the room, and filled the people. Now, watch what happens. Look down to verse 14..

14 Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “Fellow Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning. So, after the Spirit filled the people in the upper room, Peter stands up with the eleven, and proclaims the gospel.

Over the next few verses from verse 15 to verse 36, Peter stands up by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit and gives a message pointing people to the Old Testament, and he shows them that they are not drunk but filled with the Spirit of God. Which was a prophecy that the people were waiting to be fulfilled. But it wasn’t the only prophecy.. they have also been waiting for the Messiah as well.

So, Peter, points them to the resurrection of Jesus. He’s like, King David is dead and buried, but Jesus has been raised to life, and now sits at the right hand of God. And when we get to verse 37, he gives a call to repentance. What was the response of the people from hearing the gospel? Well, in verse 37, it says, they people were pierced to the heart. Right..

so this message that Peter is giving is landing on the hearts of the people in such a way that it moves them to ask the question, what should we do? So, How do the people respond? Look with me down in verse 41.. 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them. One moment.. with one Spirit, with 120 people but one person stands up with 11 others standing top with him to support him and proclaims the gospel to a large group of people and within that group,3,000 souls were baptized and saved that day.

Now you have a large church. Lets see what happens to these people. Look with me in verse 42, They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Very simply.. this Scripture is such a beautiful example of biblical discipleship. They were devoted to the teaching… to fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. Everything you need to be a disciple of Jesus is right here.

Now, before we get into the meat of the message today, I want to take another journey over to Acts chapter 13. And I want to read verses 1-4… So, chapter 14 in the book of acts and then look with me in verses 1 through 4. Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off. My aim today isn’t to show you a road map on how to grow the local church. My goal, today is aimed toward being and making disciples together and being on mission together.

That’s my goal, today. If we’re doing this—if we’re making disciples and leading more and more people to know and follow Jesus—then we will inevitably multiply as a church. And I want to be very careful about this.. because hear what I am saying, Because I’m not saying I don’t want the church to grow. I want that. Theres not a pastor in the world that would go, Oh God.. I hope you don’t bring us more people.

Stop bringing in people. But our culture is very numbers driven. And in the culture that more is better, or bigger is better when it comes to numbers, we can, get caught up in how many people come to the services and events. And we can look at How many people participate. How many for this and how many for that. And I think we can very easily get discouraged when the numbers don’t match our expectations.

So, what can we learn about being the church today… So first of all… Lets begin with this truth… The Spirt of God gathers people together. God is always drawing people together. Just like today. I don’t believe you’re here by accident. I believe you are here because the Spirit has lead you to be here this morning, or has lead you to listen in online. Maybe its to repent. Maybe its to hear this message of being a part of the family of God?

Maybe its to be loved and to know you’re wanted in this family. Regardless of your failures, regardless of your physical limitations.… regardless of what sin holds you back… this is a place where rich in grace where God will do amazing things to a heart that would surrender to Him. Maybe it’s to be a discipled deeper to fulfill a calling on your life. Whatever it is.. I am sure, by faith the Spirit is laying it on your heart right now.

But heres the question, how are you going to respond to whatever the Spirit is saying to your heart? All throughout the Bible, and even in the midst of our scriptures today, like in acts chapter 2 where we actually see many different kinds of people gathering. First, the Spirit gathered the disciples in the upper room. Verse 1 of chapter 2 says, they were gathered together in one place. So the Spirit is drawing people together.

Think for a moment, In chapter two verse 6, where the Bible says, When this sound occurred, the crowd came together. And you have two kinds of people in this crowd…. You have people who are devout from all over the world, and also you have undevout people in this crowd as well. Right.. those we could say that are unbelievers. Because when you get down to verse 12, you find some were astonished, and some sneered.

But the fact still remains, the Spirit was drawing people together form all walks of life. Have you ever noticed, that in the new testament, some of the great things God does, he does when he drew people together. I mean get this picture using your imagination, of Jesus walking down the road…He’s leading the disciples. Right.. Where Jesus goes they follow. Like every time I read any story in the gospels, and it’s Jesus leading and the disciples following, each time I read this, I go, this is such Great example of what the leading of the Holy Spirit is like.

That’s what I see… men and women drawn together on Christ, following Christ. And it’s the same for men and woman drawn together in Christ. To be the body of Christ. With the Spirit of Christ within them. People are being led by the Spirit. And heres the thing.. The Spirit of God, is always going to lead you to seek to do the Will of the Father. And sometimes its tough…

Right? How do we know its tough.. we’ll life is hard. Jesus said, in this world there will be trouble… and just think.. Jesus knew this first hand. Because the The Fathers Will led Jesus to the cross. But his disciples didn’t follow. I think sometimes, Even in the midst of our failures while following Jesus or being led by the Spirit, the good news for many of us, is that Jesus didn’t leave to walk alone.

He didn’t discard us. Just like in the gospels, and after the resurrection, Jesus comes back to bring those who were scattered by failure back together. When Jesus was resurrected, what did he do.. he didn’t leave his sheep scattered, but he drew them together. He heals their hearts. The Emmaus road.. he goes after them, points them to himself, they have a heart of worship restored within them, they break bread, and they return to the group…

can you imagine… some of them almost missed this moment of the outpouring of the holy Spirit. Like, when I read acts 2, I’m encouraged because, the fact that this same Holy Spirit who did this on that day is the same Holy Spirit who lives in you and me today. Just let that soak in. The Holy Spirit who came down at Pentecost dwells in every single follower of Jesus.

And it all began because the Spirit has been drawing people to be in one place together with others. I can look to you and you can look to me and we can go… were here because God has drawn us together. Different people with different lives, all coming to one place to dwell in the presence of God, together. I wish God’s people all over the world would see Sunday mornings as more than just coming to a church service…

but as a moment in our week, that is a holy moment where the people of God are seeking and treasuring the presence of God, together. How awesome would that be… treasuring God together. I remember, just last year at this time where we had our three days of revival, and we had a filled sanctuary. And I sat back at the sound booth with this on my heart, the people of God, were gathering and treasuring Christ together.

People from all different walks of life, people who loved different styles of music, all gathering together, to treasure Christ. And in the midst of this gathering, we had burning hearts and we had some people who didn’t know Christ. And I believe with all of my heart, that they were led to the church to hear the gospel, and make a response. Because the second truth about being drawn together is that the Spirit is seeking a response.

In our Scripture, the first response was what? People were astounded, perplexed and some sneered. And since were talking about, we are the church.. how did the people respond when the gospel was preached by Peter… they were cut to the heart, and responded with, “What shall we do”… and Peter says, repent. I always loved this moment.. because repenting meant that forgiveness was coming. It meant that there was going to be a place where the soil was rich in grace, and love and where there is forgiveness, there is unity.

I’m a firm believer that most division is due to a lack of forgiveness. But there needs to be a response. So Peter says to this crowd, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And with every response, there is a reaction… For some, those that sneered, perhaps they left that day witnessing the Spirit move, but rejecting the gospel.

Such a sad moment if that is true… but then there were 3,000 people that heard and responded. And what we can gather from this moment is the church in it purist form. Think about how beautiful a new born baby is. In its purest form. Adorable, and moldable, and teachable. Here in acts 2:42. Right.. you now have almost 3,000 new Christians. It means we get to see, in the midst of acts 2 what it means to be a new believer in its purist form.

This is a picture of a church before it had the opportunity to be affected in any way by the sinfulness of people. And it doesn’t take long for sin to come into the church. In acts 5, we witness self-seeking and self-service and dishonesty on the part of Ananias and Sapphira. In Acts 6, we find people who were murmuring and complaining. In acts 8, we can see bribery and a person wanting the Holy Spirit to glorify himself.

But right here, in acts 2, is such a beautiful newborn church. And we ask the question, where do we go from here? Well, these new christians invested in the body of Christ. These christians in their purest form did four things… First, they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching. Secondly, they did life together. You may have heard this word before… it’s the word “koinonia.” It means “association with, participation with, partnership in or sharing in.” What were they partnering in or sharing in?

One, is authentic worship. And this wasn't just any worship.. but worship the sprung from a heart that was redeemed. Sacrificial giving was another. Its here where the Bible says, they were selling off property and houses and land to make sure everyone in the congregation is taken care of. And let me just say, before I move on.. this isn’t a communist thing.. like, hey, church, go sell your property and bring it to the church.

This was not a sell everything you’ve got and give it to the church kind of deal. They weren’t being forced to sell. But the point of a sacrificial giving and generous heart was to make sure everyone within your church was cared for. This was a group of people that was so committed to one another that they were willing to leverage everything they had in order to supply the need of someone else who didn’t have anything.

And so, heres the thing… they were constantly assessing the needs of others. The Bible says here, they had a genersou heart. Do you know what that means? This is the only time it’s used in the New Testament. It’s used nowhere else. Do you know what it means? It means… “Free of rocks.” Like when it comes to authentic worship and caring fro each other, generous hearts meant that they were free of rocks.

They were bent on worship in gratitude to God and it gave them generosity. Generosity poured out from a heart of worship. It compelled them to say, “I want to come together and put that together with the rest of these people and exalt the Lord.” That’s why we come and we do this. That’s why we play instruments and sing songs and pray prayers. We come praising God and we do it with hearts that are bent on worship.

And we combine those with the hearts of other people who are bent on worship as well because our God deserves it. Thirdly, they took Communion together. And fourthly, they prayed. Theres so much I can talk about prayer and communion. But in these moments being devoted to, the teaching, the generosity, communion and prayer, they were four emphasis to grow as a disciple. And here is where I want to bring us towards our closing…

theres a maturing process that takes place for the believer who’s devoted to these four things., because there’s a calling on your life to be on mission for God. Listen, a christian wont be on mission for God if they do not make much of the local gathering. Because with all of my heart, I believe that God gathers people to send them out. And when they are sent, they return to the local church and give an account to what God has done.

That why I chose acts 13… Because in acts 13 we see this pattern of the local church… It says, in verse 1 of chapter 13 that there were prophets and teachers. That means these people were gathering around the word of God, they were being taught. We see over and over again this one foundation in the church: The Word of God is proclaimed and taught. The church was not built by man, but through the word.

They are gathering around the word. Then in verse 2, it says, they were worshipping and fasting. Within this worship, I believe there is generosity, and authentic worship from a heart that wants to know God more, but even in the midst of this word worship, theres without a doubt communion and praying happening. They were yearning for God’s will together. And heres the beauty, they ended up laying hands on Barnabas and Paul, and sending their best people out form among them.

Verse 3 says, they “Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off” What if… this growth we so desire within the church wasn’t in adding more programs, or more attractional things into the setting of the local church… what if, we put an emphasis on, Devoting ourselves to the teaching of the word of God, loving one another, communion and prayer as the holy Spirit draws people in to hear the gospel…

What if ,the success of a church is not determined by how many people come into a building, but by how many people leave that building to take on the world with the gospel? And we witnessed pentecost happening in living rooms and coffee shops all over our community and the world? What if the most important metric in a church is not how many seats we can fill to capacity, but its sending capacity?

What if we became a missional church, living on mission right here where we are. What if, every Sunday we gathered together, and left here with Matthew 28:19-20 on our hearts. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I guess the what if would depend *

Mother's Day

Before I begin, I just want to remind you, Mothers that before you leave, please make sure you grab a car bag from the church. Alicia has spent some time the past couples weeks seeking little special gifts and tokens of our appreciation for you, and she found these little bags with encouraging scriptures on them, and filled them with hand creams, and some facial masks, and other little things to remind you of how much we love you here at Momentum Church.

Today, I want us to hear, God’s word together specifically to and about woman. I use the word woman, because I know many families that struggle to have children. And so, there are a lot of women in our midst that struggles with days like today, because with all of their hearts, they want to have children. And for whatever reason, days like today are a struggle for many of them.

And so, this day isn’t just one of joy, but also I want to acknowledge that theres hurt on this day too. I want to be sensitive to their needs and hearts too. And so, I want to spend some time today, speaking on womanhood, and how special it is for godly woman to be in our midst, and to be caring and loving wives, and girlfriends, or just friends. How amazing it is that God has blessed us with women to show his love to us in unique ways.

I always like asking this question, who his greater, man or woman? And the answer is this, man is far more superior than a woman, at being a man. And a woman is far more superior than a man, at being a woman. And its true, God has created man and woman in his image, to reflect his glory, and his mercy and his grace, in unique ways, that are specific to their genders.

That’s the beauty of Genesis chapter 1 where God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the sea and over the birds of heaven, and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on earth. So, God created man in his own image, and in the image of God, he created him; male and female he created them.

When I read this verse, I am usually zeroed in on the fact that God uses this word created, three times. It’s this Hebrew word Called, Bara… it means to be shaped and created. It’s as if, God is making a point here. He created, he created, he created them.. So I hope you hear and understand what the texts is saying… you’ve been a shaped and created by God. For what?

And why? Well, in the midst of this creation, you’ve been created in the very image of God. And the word says, he blessed them. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you as a woman, you are a blessing. Not as an hindrance. You’re not a created being, that has no calling or purpose or part in God's divine plan.. you are a blessing. And so, the first stop on our journey today is this: You are uniquely honored and created in the image of God.

You’re honored and created in the image of God. And that’s such an important point to make to all women listening today because that means theres an identity that is valuable, and honored, and loved, and cherished. You’re dignified. You deserve a place of honor. And lets just take a moment to let that sink in… You’re not dignified by what the world says about women. You’re dignity is not dependent upon your career, or martial status or any other woman's or mans opinion - and even your own opinion for that matter.

Listen, ladies, could it be possible that you do not see yourself as a honored woman of God? I would say, yes. It is possible. Theres so many things out there trying and competing for your attention, and often times we can believe what others say…. But the truth from God’s perspective is that, you are created by God , and God says, you are to be blessed because of the image you bear.

Because you are made, in his image. In the very image of God, who created you. What a blessing that is to know. And, yet I am saddened. Because I know this world has such a horrible thought, and image of what a woman should be, and shouldn’t be. The world goes to so much effort to make you believe that you’re only worth something if you’re physically beautiful, and our culture is screaming in thousands of ways, buy this and do that to enhance your image.

Thousands of dollars and thousands of hours by businesses and the entertainment industry go into making sure they convince woman of all ages their need for esteem and fulfillment and significance is to look and feel a certain way. Just the other day, I was watching the national news and Miss USA resigned her position because they were subjecting her to things that were against her own morals and standards. And SO the world says, phycosal beauty is to be honored, or promiscuousness is desired.

And when you’re neither of those things, the world would claim that you’re undesirable. But that has nothing to do with what Gods word says about women.. God’s word in proverbs 31 lays out this amazing, I dunno.. Maybe road map… or glimpse, or maybe engourbment to live up to about a Woman's image that is honoring, and loving and cherishing, and faithful.. is and the weird thing, is that in this proverb for women, it mentions nothing about beauty.

I’ve asked one of our women to come up and read for us these verses… and I would like for all of us, even men, to Listen to what this proverbs says that a good honorable woman looks like.. Nothing about physical beauty… but we do read about being a good cook, Amen, right? and a good manager of her home, and how wonderful she is with being a good wife.

She’s a homemaker, and cares for her kids, She gets up before everyone, and never lets the lamp burn out, and she’s confident and humble, and a servant leader. She’s strong, and even a good business woman, making deals and buying property for the benefit of her family. And on top of all of that.. she’s compassionate, and gives to the poor. Doesn’t this woman sound like wonder woman? Like she’s a super woman.

Like who can compete with a woman like that? Or most would say, she’s all that and a bag of potato chips?… hahaha… But heres the thing.. I can only imagine, a woman, reading or hearing this list of what a good godly christlike woman is to be like, and thinking, how perfect this woman is…. And then I would read or listen to that and go, how in the world is that possible for me.

There is no way I can be like that. And you can read this passage and be more discouraged or tempted to say, I will never become worthy of being a godly woman, because the requirements are impossible. And then think of the men listening and reading it… because. single men can look upon this verse and have almost an unrealistic perception on what a woman should be like. So, On one hand, you may have a woman saying I can never be that kind of perfect woman, and on the other hand, have a man saying, “I want to find a wife whose perfect like that.” And so it’s like you have two people so far apart because they both are looking in the wrong direction for love.

One feels unequipped and not enough, and another setting a high standard that could be unachievable, and both looking in the wrong direction for identity. Then I think of married men and woman.. On one hand, a married woman can look at all of those characteristics and go, “I don’t even know how that is even possible.” I think of Alicia saying…. I have three kids, and two dogs, and two ducks, and 8 chickens care for, and on top of that, my husband is working two or more jobs to keep food on our table.

Sometimes she might not get to all the laundry, or cleaning, or anything.. and maybe sometimes she may go, “I feel like I’m failing as a wife.” Where would I even begin?, so that I too can be a proverbs 31 perfect wonder woman? I just wonder if married women would read this and say, ”I feel like its impossible in todays culture.” Especially for woman that work to provide a second income for the family.

And then on the other hand, married men can so easily look upon this verse and say, “I wish my wife was like that. I wish she was this perfect woman who loved me and our family just like this woman in proverbs 31.” And the truth to whether or not your single or married, man or woman, … we know all of these are actually an unhealthy responses to this picture of womanhood in God’s word.

Because this proverb isn’t about a woman pursing perfection and a man seeking a woman that’s living in perfection, as much as its about giving us a picture of what we often lack when it comes to perfection. Right? We’re not perfect people. Amen? Maybe someone needs to hear that. Regardless of what you think.. no one is perfect. So Listen, you are imperfect. You have sinned against God. And because of this sin, you are separated from God as a result.

Men and woman alike, you are imperfect, and God in his infinite perfect love is pursuing you. Like a husband pursues a wife, Christ loves and pursues the church. And I always find it amazing that Jesus never seeks the perfect bride at first, he seeks the most imperfect bride to begin a relationship with. It’s like he looks to his bride and says, its not who you are now, but who you will become when we are together.

And To think, Christs loves me… in my imperfections, and he pursues me with all my quirks and shortcomings and failures. He loves me. That encourages me. And so, Jesus calls me to himself. And I become a part of the church which is made up of imperfect men and woman seeking a perfect Christ together. That’s why Jesus went too the cross. Perfection needed to start somewhere. And it begins with the love that was shown by Jesus on the cross’s and us coming to him by faith.

Friends, our imperfections are made perfect in Christ who becomes the author and perfecter of our faith. Right, so when we read proverbs 31, it’s ok to recognize our imperfection. As followers of Christ, we don’t look to Christ and go, Man, I’m so discouraged by His perfection. No, we’re encouraged! Thats what we desire as holy people… we say boldly, we treasure Christ. We don’t go, I will never be like Jesus…

No, we look to Christ and we go, each day, I pursue less of me, and more of him in my life. Im going to live this day presenting myself as a Holy sacrifice. And so what I’m saying is this, we’re not perfect, but were being perfected in Christ. It’s a journey that requires a relationship. We come along side of Paul and say, If there is any good in me its Christ in me.

And so, I guess what I am saying is this.. proverbs 31 isn’t about what you do to be a perfect woman, but who you look to who’s perfecting you from the inside out. And so ladies, who are you looking to? The world? Or the living word? Hebrews 12:1-2 says, Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

And men… Can I just side step here and say something to you… In know were here to honor women today, but I just want to mention you for a moment. Don’t listen or read proverbs 31 and go.. yeah, you need to be this christlike wonder woman… because proverbs 31 isn’t a Scripture just for women, but for men as well. This proverb should enougrage you to say, I want to lead my wife and nurture her into being a christlike wife, or woman like that\.

And I think its so easy for men to read something like proverbs 31 and say things like, well hunny, you better get to work, because you are far form being a proverbs 31 woman. And that kind of language is not God honoring, nor is it woman honoring. Men, do you know what the Bible says about nurturing your wife??? It says, in I peter 3:7, to show honor to your wife?

You are to honor your wife. I try to stay away from language that dishonors Alicia. Things like, she’s my old ball and chain. As if my life would be any better without being tied down. I chose to be married to her as she chose to be married to me. How do you honor your wife? Listen to the words from God in Ephesians 5:25-28 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Right off the bat, love is required.

And I’m not talking about the lustful love where its conditional. Im talking about the agape love. The unconditional love only available through Jesus Christ. Why are you called o love your wife and Christ loved the church. Because Christ is going to,, verse 26, 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

I love this language. A husband that honors his wife, loves her as Christ would, and then seeks to point her to Christ. You’re role as a husband is to point her to Christ. SO when you see her imperfections, its not to be used as fuel to win arguments, but her imperfection are to be a means to desire to love her in such a way that you lead her to Christ in a lovingly way.

And young men.. those of you unmarried. You’re role at this moment is not to find a perfect woman, or even to find a woman and begin leading her.. you’re role right now, is to keep pursuing Christ yourself. My other favorite part about this verse is this, Jesus presents her to himself as a radiant church. She’s a part of the body of the church. Gods words doesn’t give a woman any less honor than man.

Both are made in the image of God, but yet, both must pursue Christ together. And its only through this pursuing Christ together, is when a couple can truly love one another… Thats the church. Listen, you and I can never truly love one another unless we come to church pursing, and worshipping, and adoring Christ together. Because holiness isn’t rules and regulations, its relationship. Holiness is lived out within the body of Christ where the imperfect body of Christ worships a perfect Christ together.

But Look at what Paul says, verse 28, Why do we love Christ together? 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Did you hear that? husbands if you’re looking to love yourself, it begins by loving Christ, and loving your wife. Is that not what the Bible teaches us? To love God with all of our being, and to love others as ourselves?

Once, you take your eyes off of Christ, you will not be able to love your wife, or yourself… because all you will see is hers and your imperfections. And this is such a pandemic in our world today, because we’re created people, made in God’s image that sin within us marks Gods image and we never see ourselves where we want to be, we’re struggling to love ourselves and in this struggle if we cant love ourselves, we cant love others.

Remember, Hebrews 12 says, Let us keep looking to Jesus. And so men, don’t stop looking to Jesus. I want to end todays message by leading you ladies with three applications to becoming a proverbs 31 woman… The first one is this: Choose God’s ways at every opportunity. What I love about this is that it requires a person to walk in God presence. In the book of 1 John 1:7, we read, "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” Its looking to Jesus, trusting him and walking with him.

Thats faith. Faith is stepping out into the unknown and trusting God. Even in those moments when you recognize your imperfections, remember that grace is sufficient for you. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This verse requires a two step process. Our part is to stop and acknowledge God along the way, and His part is to direct our paths. Its the same with Peter walking on water.

His part was to keep his eyes on Jesus. That’s it. The waves, and the impossibilities around him, that was Jesus job t direct the path so that Peter could make it to him. The only thing Peter needed to do, was keep his eyes on Jesus. Secondly, Commit yourself to God daily. Our devotion to God is strengthened when we offer Him a fresh commitment each day. I begin my day by laying my hand on my heart while in bed before I get out and saying, God, you’re welcomed here today.

I learned that from another pastor friend of mine. A mentor of mine. Each morning what I’m doing is this, Im giving my life to God. I challenge you to do this. And heres the thing…. I guarantee it, it will be hard for you. For years you have taught yourself to lay in bed, dreading getting up, thinking about work and what the day holds, getting up and doing your routines…

I guarantee it, it will be a hard habit to break. BUt what if you began each day by laying in bed and saying, God you’re welcome here. Today is going to be a day full of blessing and opportunity. I will bring you’re joy to others. Nurture the habit of placing the day before the Lord, and saying, it’s yours, place the things in your life in God’s loving hands to do with them what He will.

Andrew Murray was helpful to me when we wrote those words: “God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.” Lastly, Cultivate a hot heart of burning affection. A godly woman pursues to have a heart burning with adoration and affection for God. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the Emaous road encounter. The woman came back and said Jesus has risen, and they didn’t believe.

The men came back and said, he was not there, and they didn’t believe. There hearts were cold and Luke warm to the good news of the resurrection. And so, They were indifferent and unemotional to what what being said to them. So they turned and walked away. And in this walking away, Jesus comes up and walks with them but yet hey do not recognize him. A heart that is cold and even Luke warm wont recognize the presence of God.

Ands, what these two people were doing was practicing self belief. They were not Christ centered. They had fallen into the trap that we all fall into sometimes.. A self centered hope. And so, Jesus comes up and begins telling them in the word of God, that points to him… Many times thats what needs to happen to many of us, to have a heart burning for affection for Christ, we need to be pointed to Christ by others seeking Christ.

Because, listen, becoming holy as Christ is Holy can only go as far as we’re willing to surrender and focus on Jesus Christ. They were not making much of Jesus. And when they started to focus on Jesus.. they said to one another.. Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? And did you know where they went?

Back to the church. Back to the group, the body of Christ. I wanna believe, that when Jesus broke bread with them, he was reminding them of the body. You need to be with the body. You need to be with you’re brothers and sisters so that this affection can be fanned into flames… and it was… when they arrived, they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true!

The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” And so, fanning into flames the faith and hope we have is first centered on Jesus, and then fanned by being in assembly together, where we encourage one another. I pray, ladies, center yourself on Christ. Make much of being a part of the body of Christ. And become a woman, that is after God’s heart. And thats where you’ll find perfection.

Amen? *

A New Heart

You see, in all of the lawyers rules, and traditions, and doing the right things… he still misses the point, that holiness isn’t about rules, or traditions, but about relationships and how we interact in those relationships. And so, in the over all context of this story… it’s not just about loving your Neighbors, or serving your neighbor, but this is a story about needing a new heart and examining the heart to find what kind of mercy we have, and what kind of mercy we extend to others.

Did you know mercy doesn’t begin with us? I cant tell you how many times I’ve done merciful things and I It begins with God. Real much begins with Jesus.

Mercy is a really interesting attribute of God and one, that I would say can only come from a right relationship to God. Because in my natural sense, I would not show anyone that I don’t know, or anyone I don’t love, let alone, anyone that is my enemy any kind of mercy. But how is that even a reflection of Christ in me? Because mercy begins by examining who we worship. I believe it really does come down to that.

I mean, come on friends… why do you cling to just the hem of Jesus when you can embrace Christ fully and what he fully is design to give to you? I’m saying theres a deeper life “in Christ” that’s available?

I was convicted of this. At district assembly we had to read our prayers and I read mine lat week so you all could hear the prayer ive been praying for us as a church. But another pastor got up and his prayer convicted me and showed me that I wasn’t being merciful towards those who have hurt me. And so, heres my prayer, Abba Father, in the name of your beloved Son, yes His name is Jesus. i repent of any emotion that betrays the love, presence and power of my mighty God. Amen! I want living a merciful life. I cant claim Christ in me, and holiness and being devoted to Christ, when I'm just living my life no different than the lawyer, priest and levite. I can’t claim a deeper life when mercy is only conditional to my own well being and own comfort. So I.. repented. Holiness as we’ve learned the last three weeks, is taking on the identity of Christ that is within us, Being obedient through love, and living a life of repentance. And now, God was showing me a part of my heart that wasn’t merciful. Why would you not pursue it? Why would you not want that? I get it if you’re not really saved, and you’re wondering and asking questions.. it might not mean much to you. I mean to be honest thats the question every church needs to ask every person who has put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. What if there was more.. would you want it? And if so.. What would you be willing to give up to have it? I believe with all of my heart, God has so

Right… what if I told you today, that you could experience a greater love than the love that you have experienced up till now? What if I told you theres a deeper life, and a deeper calling than the one your holding onto…. And the first thing I would ask you is this, what is your mercy like towards those who love you verses those who hav harmed you in some way? You see, in all of the lawyers rules, and traditions, and doing the right things… he still missed the point, that holiness isn’t about rules, or traditions, but about relationships and how we interact in those relationships. And so, in the over all context of this story… it’s not just about loving your Neighbors, or serving your neighbor, but this is a story about needing a new heart and examining the heart to find what kind of mercy we have, and what kind of mercy we extend to others. This story isn’t just about loving God and neighbor, and serving both, it’s about needing a new heart. So, I want to show you very, very simply, two steps toward a heart of mercy that will lead you into a deeper life in Christ…

First part is this…. Mercy begins with a new heart. One of my favorite verses in the Bible comes from Ezekiel chapter 36. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."—Ezekiel 36:26 I think most Christians knows this verse. Its one of the first verses I had learned. But right before this, the Bible gives us the reason why, a new heart is needed. And its found in verses 22 and 23, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. 23 I will show the holiness of my great name,.. So a new heart is needed to show, or to reflect God’s own holiness in our lives. What kind of heart is a new heart? Well a new heart is a tender heart that listens. One of the stories we find in I kings is the story of Solomon where he makes a treaty with he pharaoh of Egypt and marries the daughter of the Pharaoh. And he heads to the high places to offer sacrifices to the Lord because the temple hasn’t been built yet. And while he was there, the Lord met him in a dream and said, ask for anything and it will be given to you. Sounds amazing right? What would you ask for? If you had one request that you know God would answer, what would it be? New car. More money? I thought about it this week.. I think I would ask have, a closer walk with him. To know his presence. And so, Solomon answered, in I Kings chapter 3, verse 9… 9 Give to your servant a listening heart to judge your people, to discern between good and bad, because who is able to judge this, your difficult people?” I can see this as my life because often I don’t always know what to do. I don’t always know how to lead my family well and how to shepherd these children’s hearts to know God. I struggle with wanting to teach them about God, but also wanting them to seek God themselves. I don’t know how to carry out this duty of being your pastor. Yes, I know what God’s words says, and its a timeless word, and God is always speaking to us through his word, but there are times where I ask, I don’t know how to think about the hate we see in our colleges right now. I didn’t know what to do about covid. I didn’t know how to handle some circumstances in life with relationships. I struggle at times to know without a doubt how to carry out my responsibilities of knowing how to shepherd you well without always feeling like I am failing you in some way. I want to walk step by step in his word, and in his grace but I just don’t always know how. All day long, in my prayers feel like I’m always pleading for wisdom and forgiveness. And perhaps that is how our relationship with God is meant to be? Coming to God like a child with questions, and readily being willing to listen to His words of wisdom. Solomon asked for a listening heart but eventually ended up listening to the wrong voices in his life. Solomon would end up listening to his wives to worship false Gods. We have such a natural desire to listen to the wrong things in our life. And perhaps, when David says in the Psalm, the be still and know God, it’s a word for us to patiently listen to what God is wanting too tell us. Because often, he will give us moments to see if our hearts are reflecting his holiness or not. That leads me to the second point, a tender heart is a heart that wholeheartedly seeks to worship. Just as it’s easy for us to listen to the wrong voice, it’s also easy for us to misplace our worship as well. The lawyers worship was in what he knew, which was the law. He was proud of the fact that he knew the law, but what Jesus exposed was the fact that you can know something, and still not be propelled to do it. Like, my kids know without a doubt they have chores. Alicia and I shouldn’t need to get up everyday and say, you’re chore is this, your chore is that. I mean, we even have a chart on the door in our dining room. But yet, we find ourselves always reminding our kids, you need to get this done. This is how our walk with Christ is so often. We can know what we should be doing, but choose not to do it. And it becomes a habit, a pattern to not do what we should be doing.

This story is about needing a new heart. Not just helping people. If it was just about helping people then the conversation would have looked different I think… the text points us to ask what began the conversation, and it was, how do I inherit internal life. And Jesus was saying, you need a new heart that is full of mercy… SO, church, I'm asking, how do we get that? How do we become a beacon of hope within our community where people of our community look at this church and say, man, thats a church where mercy flows? Those people, those people have so much mercy for others. SO much compassion for others? I was reading Psalm 126 this week, and theres a moment in verses 1-3 where joy is about to be restored as God restores the fortunes of Israel. And the Psalm says, the mouths are filled with laughter and shouts of joy. And right at the end of verse 2, it says, the Lord has done great things for them. And what the Psalmist is doing is showing us that other people are witnessing the joy coming from a heart of the worshipper because God has restored them. And the people around them are witnessing it and saying, I want that. I want what they have…. Whatever it is.. I want that. I’ve done that at restaurants.. where I saw food go by, and it looks hot and delicious, and I'm like waiter or waitress… I want whatever they are having.. because it looks good, and pleasing, and fresh, and I can see the joy on their face as they dive in and eat. The restraint has done great things for them.. and I want what they have. Jesus is showing the people, you’ve got to have a new heart and with a new heart comes, new desires. And it’s having these new desires, that begin with receiving God’s mercy to offer mercy to those around you.

So, what does a family of faith filled with mercy look like? Well first, we are a family that seeks to receive God mercy. *

Obedience Fueled by Love

“If you love me, you will keep my commands.” - John 14:15 (CSB) Jesus placed love at the very center of his command to obey. I mean, the entire chapter just shows us the intensity of Jesus’s love. Just moments earlier, he says, “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Did you know that it is the Father's will for you to abide in Jesus? Have you ever read a book called “The Purpose-Driven Life?” by Rick Warren? It’s a great book about finding your purpose and living a meaningful life. I guarantee that you will begin to create a roadmap to knowing God's purpose for your life. What about the book, “What’s Next?” It’s a book about the journey to know God, finding freedom, discovering purpose, and making a difference. My favorite book about finding purpose turned out to be one I bought because I heard about the author and thought it was about being a godly husband, father, and man. It's called the "Purpose of Man." When I began reading that book, I realized quickly that it was a book on wisdom rather than a self-help book on being a better man for God. In all reality, the book did teach me to be a better man—a man in love with God.

In my opinion, A.W. Tozer's book would be the closest to finding purpose, because our purpose in life is to know Jesus more. The Father's plan for your life is to know Jesus better today than yesterday. This is what Jesus was saying when he said, "The Father and I are one." Jesus was telling young Philip the Father and I are one, his identity is my identity. Here soon, that becomes our reality with the Holy Spirit within us. Christ’s identity becomes our identity. And so, God’s plan for your life is to abide in Christ.

Another way we can see this truth is in John, chapter 6, where Jesus teaches that he is the bread of life. Think about that moment. Jesus has just fed the people fish and loaves, and now he's gone to the other side of the sea, where they follow him. Jesus recognizes the need to nourish their hearts once more, prompting him to explain that they require genuine eternal life, not the fleeting life that bread provides. But they need the bread of life, which is Jesus, And what was their answer? What can we do!? Jesus replies, "It's not what you do, but in your believing in the one the Father has sent." We focus so much on what we do. Most of the time, our actions determine our holiness. Do I dress holy? Does my language sound holy? Do my actions seem holy? Holiness is based on just this or that kind of music. But very often, we never see the pursuit of holiness as God wanting Himself to be the center of our love. And I think this is the danger that so many Christians are trying to find the rules—that they try to put God at the center, but he has no control over our lives. God becomes center along with everything else they have put center. We naturally look for rules. We seek ways to change the sins within us, on our own, but in the end, they never really change us or transform us, as much as we find rules and ways to suppress and hide the truth that we need a savior from our sin. And so, sin stays very rooted in the hearts of people until their life becomes consecrated. You see atonement isn’t being at one with myself, but being at one with Christ that is in me. And there must be a change, or a turning or even better, a surrender. I think surrender is such a beautiful word because it’s a Jesus word. Jesus surrendered. Not my will but yours be done. That’s surrender. It’s a surrender that knows the Father’s love. And Jesus knows the Father’s love. Look at verse 9 in John chapter 15, Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me.” Just think about that. How much does the Father love the Son? A lot. An infinite perfect love. Jesus says, As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.

If anything today, I can bask in the light of these words, as the Father has loved the Son, and the Son has loved the Father, through Faith, the Father has placed the Spirit of the Son within my heart that cries out, Abba Father. Holiness is becoming one in Christ, as Christ is one in the Father. All through Faith, and the Spirit of Christ that is within me.

And so I bask in that truth, knowing that Jesus loves you and me with the same intensity and the width and depth of love which the father loves him, and he loves us. Let that soak in today. Live today in God’s love for you. Don’t doubt it. Live in it! How do we do that? Verse 10 says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” Which Jesus echoes in verse 15, If you love me, then keep my commandments.

Obeying isn’t following rules, it’s everyday taking on a new identity. I’ll leave you with this… obeying invites three habits into our life,

Learning to Listen. Ha! Leaning into some of a friend’s thunder here and leaning into the district assembly. As Christians we should strive to listen for God just as much as we strive to obey him. Because heres the thing, listening requires patience but it also requires me to put aside my thoughts, to make room for God’s. I struggle with a bad sense of self. It’s not that I think of myself less, but I think I am worthless at times. Listening gives me the opportunity to pray and read the word to see what God says about me. That he loves me. He lavishes his love on me. Who are you listening to? Secondly, Learn to trust. I love the familiar verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understandings.” Trust is really the currency of relationships. And without trust, our faith will rust. Lastly, Commitment. Commitment often requires us to be fully devoted to God because sometimes we don’t always get what we want. The verse continues to say, “In all of your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” God will never direct you in ways that are ultimately bad for you. He will always make the path straight. Does it mean the path will be easy or smooth? No. But it does mean that it will ultimately be good, and purposeful.

You see, obedience isn’t our doing, it’s through love. Trusting, listening and commitment all come not through what we do, but through the love we have for God and for one another in this relationship we call faith.