 Imagine sitting at that dinner table, witnessing the Creator of the universe, washing the feet of His followers, even the one who would betray Him. It's a scene that flips the script on what leadership and love look like in the most upside-down way possible.
The heart of Jesus’ message wasn’t about the act of foot washing itself but the posture of humility and service it represented. In a world where status and power often dictate actions, Jesus introduces a radical notion: true greatness comes through serving others. This act wasn't just a one-off lesson but a call to a lifestyle where serving is not an obligation but an identity. Imagine serving someone who has wronged you, with the same tenderness Jesus did. It's a hard pill to swallow, yet therein lies the path to true freedom from bitterness and a step closer to living like Jesus. So, what does this look like practically in our lives today? It's about finding joy in the small acts of kindness, understanding that every opportunity to serve is an opportunity to reflect Jesus' love. It’s about allowing others to serve us, recognizing the mutual blessing in both giving and receiving service. And it's about embracing service not just as something we do but as who we are, following in the footsteps of Jesus. As we serve like Jesus, we’re invited into a journey of transformation, one that challenges us to rethink leadership, love, and what it means to live a life of authentic service. - Adapted from sermons preached arcoss our 3 campuses on 3/3/24.
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Let’s dive into a story that might just shake up our idea of faith. It’s about a Roman centurion who, believe it or not, leaves Jesus pretty amazed. Imagine that... impressing the Son of God himself! This isn’t your everyday faith; it’s something special, something we can all learn from.
So, what’s the secret sauce here? Humility and recognition of Jesus’ authority. This centurion, a man of power and prestige, comes to Jesus not with arrogance but with a humbling acknowledgment of his own unworthiness. He doesn’t even feel worthy to have Jesus under his roof but believes just a word from Jesus can heal his servant. That's faith that doesn’t just talk the talk; it walks the walk, believing in Jesus' power from afar. What does this mean for us? It’s all about how we view Jesus in our lives:
This story challenges us to rethink our faith, to help, plead, and honor in ways that show we truly believe in the One who’s got the whole world in his hands. Let’s be inspired to live out a faith that not only believes Jesus can do the impossible but also acts on it, serving and loving others just as he taught us. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 2/18/24. In the heart of a bustling city, imagine a scene that unfolds, like the one from John 8:1-11, where Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. This story, ancient as it is, mirrors the complexities and the harshness of our modern society's judgment. The scene is tense, charged with the anticipation of condemnation. Yet, in this moment, Jesus introduces a radical narrative of grace and redemption that feels just as revolutionary today as it did back then.
Let's move in a little closer. The crowd, armed with stones and righteous indignation, represents the all-too-familiar voices of judgment and shame that echo in our own lives. Whether it's through social media, gossip, or our inner critic, we're often quick to judge others and ourselves. But Jesus, bending down to write in the sand, shifts the focus from condemnation to reflection. His response isn't just about avoiding punishment; it's about inviting us to consider our own flaws and the grace that covers them. This moment isn't only a pause in the narrative; it's a mirror held up to our collective soul. What's truly compelling about this encounter is Jesus's approach to the woman. He doesn't ignore her actions, but He sees beyond them. "Go and sin no more," He tells her, a statement that carries the weight of forgiveness and the promise of a new path forward. This interaction embodies the essence of grace: it acknowledges our fallibility while offering a way out. It's a lesson in empathy, a reminder that we're all walking this journey, stumbling, and getting back up again, supported by the grace that Jesus extends to us daily. As we consider this, let's be the ones who embody this grace in our own interactions. It's about more than just not throwing stones; it's about offering our hands to help others up, understanding that we too have been in need of grace. It's about creating a community that mirrors the compassion and forgiveness that Jesus showed. So, let's take this to heart, and live it out in our own lives, making grace and redemption our narrative. Let's be quick to listen, slow to judge, and always ready to extend the hand of grace that has been so freely given to us. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 2/11/24. Have you ever felt like your life was getting flipped upside down, and somehow, amidst the chaos, you found a silver lining you couldn’t explain? Well, that’s kind of what happens when you have a close encounter with Jesus. And guess what? We’re diving deep into this concept with a new series titled Close Encounters with Jesus. Imagine, for a moment, walking side by side with Jesus and watching Him work miracles in the lives of everyday people. Sounds incredible, right?
The heart of this series is to explore nine life-changing encounters with Jesus. These aren’t just any stories; they’re about real people, like you and me, whose lives were transformed after meeting Jesus. It’s fascinating to see how Jesus, with His custom-made approach, meets us right where we are. He doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all solution because let’s face it, we’re all unique, and our struggles and dreams are too. Take, for example, the story of “Wild Harry” from Mark Chapter 5. This guy was dealing with more than just your average bad day. He was tormented, isolated, and seemed beyond help. But then, Jesus steps in. What blows my mind here is the lengths to which Jesus went to reach him. Crossing a stormy sea, Jesus reached this man, bringing peace and restoration. It's a vivid reminder that no matter how stormy our lives get, Jesus is willing to step into our chaos. The challenge for us is to think about our own encounters with Jesus. Have we allowed Him to step into our storms? The transformation Jesus brought into Harry’s life is a powerful testimony to the hope and change Jesus offers to each of us. It's about believing that no matter our past, our struggles, or how isolated we feel, Jesus’s presence can bring about a radical change. But here’s the kicker: embracing Jesus's presence in our lives often means allowing Him to turn our world upside down. It’s about letting go of our fears, our plans, and sometimes, our comfort, to find a peace and purpose that only He can give. So, what’s your story? Have you experienced a close encounter with Jesus that has changed your life? Or are you still on the fence, watching from a distance? Whatever your story, know this: Jesus is actively seeking a close encounter with you, ready to step into your boat, calm your storms, and lead you to a life of profound transformation. Let’s be real; change can be scary. But the story of Wild Harry shows us that no matter how lost we feel, there’s always hope for a new beginning. So, as we journey through these close encounters, let’s open our hearts to the possibilities that await when we allow Jesus to work in our lives. Who knows? Your story might just be the next one to inspire a transformation in someone else’s life! - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 2/4/24 |
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These are powerful posts adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons.
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