Sermons

Are you LOVED? Do you BELONG? Where do you belong and with whom do you belong? Your answer points to a powerful source of your identity and life purpose. Maybe you feel like the last kid picked on the school yard or that who you hang out with simply tolerate you being there. The good…

Religion. Most people in the world follow one. They are looking for a warm teddy bear hug but find it is actually a cold boa constrictor squeeze. Using the legalistic constraints of the Pharisees Sabbath laws, Jesus frees us from "I have to" religion to a "I want to" relationship of loving God and people.

Child abuser. Wife-beater. Abortion. Racism. Adultery. Human trafficker. Obscene wealth. What is on your "worst sins" list? The scandal of grace is that Jesus did not come to call good people who avoid these sins, but sinners like these. It's time for new wineskins or your view of salvation will tear, burst and be destroyed.

Shame. It's a powerful emotion that cripples many. Freedom from shame is found when two important questions are answered. First, can I be forgiven of my sins? Second, who can forgive me of my sins? Run to the One who heals paralyzing shame.

"If it goes viral, it is a success to chase after!"  "If it is a viral disease, stay away!"   But not for Jesus. Jesus withdrew from celebrity and was drawn to leprosy. Why? Jesus' priority is unexpected, the reverse of this world's priorities, and a healing balm for our souls.

Have you heard the phrase, "power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely?" Authority is the right to exercise power. We all rebel against authority in our lives, because many times it is used to abuse us for the authority's selfish gain. Jesus is different. His authority is supremely over all others and He uses his power…

It's all unexpected. Jesus is announced as the Messiah-King, the Son of God. The prophets, promised forerunner, and God himself affirm it. But then King is led to temptation, his forerunner is arrested, he proclaims a strange message, and chooses common workers to be his ambassadors. Yes, Jesus is on an uncommon mission.

Mark knows that if his Roman audience was to accept the story of the King they would expect a credible herald to announce His arrival. No one arrived and said, "I'm the King, and I'm here." There was always a forerunner, an entourage, that would prepare the way and make the people ready. Are you…

In light of Jesus's resurrection, Jesus sends out his church with a task—make disciples. They are tasked to baptize and teach, knowing that Jesus's presence will remain with them. What does such a task mean for our churches today? How do these commands apply to each of us as individual followers of Jesus?

BEGINNING. It’s a reminder of Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1. Something new and exciting has occurred. The word gospel means a message of good news or of joyful tidings. It indicates the coming Savior who would provide the salvation promised by the prophets. The time of God’s salvation has arrived! God has kept His promise…