Have you ever been confused about life? Have you wondered where God is in the midst of your daily struggles? You’re not alone: Jesus’s disciples felt the same way after his crucifixion, something Jesus prepared them for in John 14:23-29. Here is a link to Pastor David’s sermon on this passage, presenting this week’s gift from Jesus to his disciples: peace for the confused.
Purpose for Those Who Follow
A disciple is one who follows someone else. What happens when the one being followed disappears from the scene? This is the situation foreseen by Jesus in John 13:31-35, a passage dripping with emotion in which Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure through crucifixion. How does Jesus’s gift of purpose for his disciples affect us in the church today? Here is Pastor David’s message on this passage.
Clarity for Those Who Listen
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and his sheep know his voice. Do you consider yourself one of his sheep? Do you make a practice of listening for the Lord’s voice? Take a few moments to read John 10:22-30, and then listen to Pastor David’s message on this passage. God is still speaking to his people; let us be diligent in listening!
Restoration for Those Who Fail
Peter failed miserably by betraying Jesus three times. Yet after the resurrection, a miraculous catch of fish, and a lakeside breakfast, Jesus restored Peter three times – and gave him work to do. How does this story (John 21:1-19) relate to our struggle to deal with failure in our lives? Click below to hear Pastor David’s sermon on the gifts Jesus gave his disciples in this passage:
Grace to Those Who Doubt
This week we begin a series on “What Jesus Gave” – that is, what Jesus gave to his disciples, and what he gives to us. This Sunday, Pastor David helps us look inside the story of “Doubting Thomas” (John 20:19-31) to discover four life-transforming gifts that Jesus provides for his followers. Click the link below to listen to this message!
Is This Just Crazy Talk?
On Easter Sunday, we remember and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It’s a truth that forms us as people of faith, but have you ever stopped to wonder: is this just crazy talk? Are we expected to believe something that’s just simply ridiculous and unbelievable? Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s message on Isaiah 65:17-25, an Old Testament passage with similar “crazy talk” characteristics.
Neighbor and Self
On this Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, we shared the Lord’s Supper together just before Pastor David preached on Luke 22:52-62, the story of Peter’s denials of Jesus. What assumptions do you make about this passage, about Peter’s intentions, and about how Jesus turned and looked at Peter when the rooster crowed? Click below to hear Pastor David’s message on this passage.
All Your Strength
The smell of bacon…the smell of flowers…the smell of skubala?! When Mary anointed Jesus’s feet in John 12:1-8, the smell of the extravagantly-wasted perfume filled the whole house. How do this passage and our sense of smell help us to reflect on loving God with all our strength? Here is Pastor David’s message on this passage:
All Your Soul
What does it mean to love God with all your soul? What is your soul, anyway? And what did Jesus mean when he talked about denying yourself and carrying your cross daily in Luke 9:18-27? Here is Pastor David’s message on this passage. Let’s love God with all that we are!
(Note: This is the complete sermon, recorded on Monday, March 11. It is more than what was preached in church on Sunday, March 10. Pastor David only had a few minutes on Sunday to summarize the sermon, because our report from the Guatemala trip last month was so full!)
All Your Mind
What are you thinking about right now? Are your thoughts guided by your walk with Jesus Christ? How can an ancient passage of scripture (Deuteronomy 11:13-21) guide your thinking in everyday life? Click below to hear Pastor David’s sermon on this passage, and let’s continue working on loving God with all our minds.