Living in a world where expectations, comparisons, and images consume our thoughts, the quest to find our true identity can feel overwhelming. Society constantly bombards us with messages that tie our worth to achievements, appearances, and popularity. However, as followers of Christ, we have a distinct advantage – our identity is rooted not in the ever-changing world, but in the unchanging person...  Read More

We were reminded again in today's sermon that Jesus is our hope, and the only hope for the world. In times like these, when life seems to throw one curveball after another, it's crucial for us to hold tight to the unwavering hope we have in Jesus Christ. He is our rock, our refuge, and the wellspring of our inspiration. As followers of Christ, not only do we get to embrace this hope ourselves, but...  Read More

In the Bible, we come across some pretty amazing stories that teach us valuable lessons. One such story that hits close to home is found in Luke 21:1-4. It's a short but powerful tale about a widow who was totally neglected by society. This story forces us to take a hard look at our own attitudes towards those in need and reminds us of the importance of compassion. Let's dig into the story and see...  Read More

Hey there! Let's dive into Luke 20:1-26 because it's packed with some seriously powerful lessons straight from the Word. In this passage, Jesus is faced with a bunch of religious bigwigs who come at Him with their questions, trying to discredit His authority. But guess what? Jesus doesn't back down. He responds with wisdom and grace, showing them who's really in charge. Luke 20:1-26The Authority o...  Read More

Luke 18:18-30 is a powerful passage of scripture that contains important teachings about salvation, wealth, sacrifice, and rewards. In this passage, Jesus encounters a rich ruler who is seeking eternal life and provides some profound insights about what it means to follow him. As we reflect on these teachings, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and how we...  Read More

Hello, everyone.  We’re studying the Gospel of John.  If you need a Bible, ask for one!  Last week, we began to understand that, when we pray, Jesus is not giving us a license to demand whatever we want “in his name.”  Consider again what he says:Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.-John 14:13-...  Read More

Hello, everyone.  We’re continuing our study of John.  Last week, Jesus laid out a stunning reality about those who believe in him:“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father-John 14:12We began to touch on the sort of works Jesus is referring to and how they might be “greater.”  We o...  Read More

Hello, everyone!  We’re continuing our study of John.  If you need a Bible, ask for one!  Last week, we saw Jesus making some very clear statements about who he is, what he is doing, and what our responsibilities are.  We also saw that the disciples just didn’t seem to get it.  After hearing Jesus’ claim to be God with all his attending power and authority, Philip nevertheless says:“Lord, show us ...  Read More

Hello, everyone.  We’re continuing our study of John.  Last week, Jesus spoke some profoundly encouraging words to his disciples… and to us:  He goes to prepare a place in heaven for us to dwell with him forever and he will return for us.  As if these promises aren’t enough, Jesus is not done.  To continue, look what he says next:"And you know the way to where I am going.”-John 14:4The disciples c...  Read More

As a pastor, I love diving into the stories of the Bible and discovering new insights and lessons that can inspire us in our daily lives. Today, I want to explore Luke 24:1-12 with you - the story of the empty tomb. This powerful story reminds us of the hope and transformation that can come from encountering the risen Jesus, and I believe there are some valuable lessons we can apply to our own liv...  Read More

Hello, everyone!  We’re continuing our study of John.  As we close out chapter 13, we see that Jesus, in the wake of predicting his own betrayal (John 13:21), has asked an extremely challenging question: “Will you lay down your life for me?”  He’s also answered that question with alarming accuracy: “The rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times” (John 13:38).  These are stunning th...  Read More

Luke 16:19-31 is a parable that Jesus tells about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. It’s a story that has been retold and interpreted in many different ways, but at its core, it’s a warning about the dangers of greed and the importance of showing compassion for others. The Rich Man and Lazarus“There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. But...  Read More

Hello, everyone.  We’re studying the Gospel of John.  If you need a Bible, ask for one!  Last week, Jesus made a prediction… that he was going where his disciples couldn’t follow (John 13:33).  He then follows this prediction with an extremely important command… that we who claim to follow him should love one another.  This command is so important that Jesus ties our very identity as Christians to...  Read More

Hello, everyone!  Last week, Jesus again unambiguously claimed to be God… worthy of glory.  This astounding claim is only the beginning of a very long conversation.  Spanning more than four chapters, this is one the most important conversations ever recorded.  Jesus, the man claiming to be God in the flesh --and backing that claim with miracle after miracle, has a lot to say to his disciples… and ...  Read More

Hello!  If you want to join our study and need a Bible, ask for one!  Last week, we saw John’s account of what happened after Jesus predicted that Judas Iscariot would betray him.  This account is contained in John 13:21-30.Immediately following Judas’ departure, Jesus says something profound about himself:When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in ...  Read More

Do you ever wonder about your purpose in life? It's a question that we all grapple with at some point, and it can be both daunting and exciting. The good news is that the Bible has a lot to say about our calling, and when we understand and embrace it, we can live with purpose and passion, knowing that we are making a difference in the world.So, what does the Bible say about our calling? Let's dive...  Read More

Hello!  We’re so glad you’ve joined our study of John.  Last week, we saw Jesus’ 20th “truly, truly” statement recorded by John:After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” -John 13:21What follows in John 13:22-30 is an eyewitness account narrated by John himself --the one “whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23).  It’s...  Read More

Hello, everyone.  Last week, after predicting his own imminent betrayal, Jesus makes a profound claim about himself (and us!) in his 19th “truly, truly” statement:Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”-John 13:20Jesus claims the authority to send and to have been sent himself.  Friends, this might be the most ...  Read More

Hello!  We hope you find this study encouraging.  If you need a Bible, ask for one!  We’re moving on with our study of John 13.  Jesus promises a blessing to those who hear him and do what he says.  But then he has something dire and terrifying to say:I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me...  Read More

Hello, everyone.  We’ve been examining John 13 and Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet.  How does this physical act of humility translate into our experience today?  We’ve been given an example to follow (John 13:15)…  what does it look like?  Should we actually literally wash the feet of people we invite to dinner?  We could…  some have… with marvelous –and maybe a little awkward-- results....  Read More

Hello, everyone!  We’re studying John 13.  If you need a Bible, ask for one!  Last week, after some back-and-forth debate, Peter agreed to allow Jesus to wash his feet.  Jesus has much to say about this act:When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are righ...  Read More

Luke 14:25-35Now great crowds were traveling with him. So he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.“For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calcu...  Read More

Luke 14:7-14He told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they would choose the best places for themselves: “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don’t sit in the place of honor, because a more distinguished person than you may have been invited by your host. The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in humi...  Read More

Luke 13:22-30The Narrow Way22 He went through one town and village after another, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 “Lord,” someone asked him, “are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able 25 once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door. Then you will stand...  Read More