 In John 8:58, Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was even born, I am!” This profound statement asserts His eternal existence with God the Father. Therefore, it should not surprise us to encounter Jesus in the Old Testament, sometimes appearing as ‘The Angel of the Lord.’ The entire Old Testament points to Jesus through symbols, images, and direct prophecies, heralding His coming to earth as 'God with skin on.'
We start in Genesis 3, where Eve has an encounter with the serpent, Satan. This moment marks Satan’s finest hour, as he deceives Eve and disrupts God’s perfect plan. However, Satan's victory is short-lived. Genesis 3:15 foretells the end of Satan and his followers, spelling out God’s eternal plan for humanity. This verse is the first declaration of the Gospel, predicting the ultimate defeat of Satan by Jesus Christ through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It marks the beginning of an endless conflict between the descendants of Eve and the followers of Satan, a struggle that continues to this day. The Consequences of Sin and God’s Redemption Plan When Adam and Eve sinned, they immediately felt shame, guilt, and fear. These emotions led them to cover their nakedness, hide from God, and shift blame. Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. This pattern of covering up, hiding, and blaming continues in human behavior today whenever we sin. The Bible shows us that despite these reactions, there is a remedy to the ugliness of sin. Genesis 3:15 provides the solution, predicting the endless conflict on Earth and how Jesus would ultimately intervene and provide the remedy for our sin problem. God speaks to the serpent, declaring that He will cause hostility between the serpent and the woman, and between their offspring. The offspring of the woman will strike the serpent’s head, while the serpent will strike his heel. This prophetic message is a promise of Jesus' victory over Satan through His death on the cross and His resurrection. This promise reveals the cost involved in this victory. Satan strikes Jesus’ heel, representing the pain and suffering He endured on the cross. But Jesus delivers the crushing blow to Satan’s head through His resurrection, defeating sin, Satan, and death. This victory is the cornerstone of our faith, providing hope and assurance of God’s ultimate plan for salvation. A Battle Between Two Humanities The conflict described in Genesis 3:15 extends through history, marking a battle between two humanities: those who reject God and follow their own ways, and those who follow God and His teachings. This ongoing struggle is evident throughout the Bible and history. Followers of God, represented by figures like Noah, Abraham, and David, are contrasted with those who oppose Him, like Cain and Pharaoh. This battle continues today, with the forces of good and evil clashing in various forms. The Christian life is a challenging journey, often marked by attacks from Satan. The devil shoots fiery darts of discouragement, criticism, doubt, and temptation at believers, trying to lead them astray. However, the Bible reminds us that despite these attacks, Jesus has already secured the ultimate victory. By rising from the dead, He crushed Satan’s head, ensuring that evil will not prevail. This reminder of Jesus’ victory brings hope and joy, even in the midst of our battles. So we invite you to consider where you are on your journey with Jesus. Have you accepted Him as your Savior, or are you still on your way? If you are ready to welcome Jesus into your life, we encourage you to make that decision today. No choice is more important. Embrace the opportunity to become part of God’s eternal family, trusting Jesus alone for your salvation. - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 7/28/24.
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In the journey of faith, one of the most profound questions we encounter is: How can a loving God send people to hell? This question challenges our understanding of God’s nature and his justice, prompting deep reflection and discussion within our community.
At the core of this question lies the concept of free will and divine love. God offers His love and salvation to humanity. However, many reject this offer until it's too late. This narrative illustrates a crucial point: just as doors in life can close, so too can the opportunity for accepting God's love, resulting in eternal separation from Him, known as hell. This subject is not only biblical but was also emphasized by Jesus, the Apostles, and church fathers. It’s important to recognize that the centrality of the biblical narrative is not humanity but God Himself. "In the beginning, God..." sets the stage for understanding that everything belongs to Him, including the right to judge creation. From this perspective, hell is not merely a punishment but a rightful state for those who choose to reject and rebel against God's central place in their lives. One objection many raise is that the concept of hell seems like an overreaction by God to human sin. However, viewing hell through the lens of God’s holiness, justice, and grace reveals its necessity. Hell highlights the severity of sin and the extent of God's holiness, reminding us that sin against an infinite God bears infinite consequences. Moreover, it emphasizes that God's justice ensures that evil does not prevail, and His grace is magnified in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the wrath deserved by humanity. Our discussions on hell serve to deepen our appreciation for God’s immense grace and mercy. Recognizing the gravity of our sin and the holiness of God leads us not to fear but to a profound gratitude for the sacrifice made on our behalf. The real question shifts from "How can a loving God send people to hell?" to "How could a holy God allow sinners into Heaven?" This points us directly to the grace available through Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God. In conclusion, while the doctrine of hell may be challenging, it is essential for understanding the full narrative of Scripture and the nature of God’s justice and love. We invite you to reflect on these truths and consider the path of your own worship: is it directed towards the fleeting things of this world or the eternal love of Christ? - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 7/21/24. Pain and suffering are profound realities that each one of us encounters at different points in our lives. They pose significant questions about the nature of God and the world we live in. Today, we dive into this deeply challenging topic. If we believe in a loving, good, and all-powerful God, why does He allow so much suffering?
The Universal Question This question resonates universally. Pollster George Barna found that if people could ask God one question, the top response would be: "Why is there pain and suffering in the world?" It’s a question humanity has wrestled with for ages. For many, it becomes the reason—or excuse—for not believing in Jesus and the Bible. So, it's crucial that we, as believers, have a solid answer, both for ourselves and for those who seek understanding. The Theological Answer From a theological perspective, the answer begins with the reality of our fallen world. When God created the heavens, the earth, and humanity, everything was perfect. However, when sin entered the world in Genesis 3, it brought pain, trouble, disease, and death. We now live on a fallen, dying planet, in fallen, dying bodies, surrounded by fallen, dying, broken people. Moreover, we have an enemy—Satan—who seeks to cause us deep pain. Yet, amidst all this, we have a Savior who loves us and is working all things for our good. This love from Jesus is not a pampering love but a perfecting love. The Personal Answer On a personal level, suffering brings us face to face with our own limitations and the reality of a compassionate God. The Bible portrays God as our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul describes God as one who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we receive from Him. This comfort comes through the Holy Spirit, who resides within us. Understanding and practicing this dynamic of receiving and sharing comfort is vital. Queen Victoria of Great Britain exemplified this beautifully when she would silently comfort grieving mothers by simply being present with them. Similarly, we are called to "pass it on," to splash comfort and compassion on one another within the church. Lessons from Suffering: 1. Prayer is Essential: In seasons of suffering, prayer is our secret weapon. It's the means by which we receive God's comfort through the Holy Spirit. When we are weighed down by troubles, crying out to the Lord for His grace, comfort, and compassion is crucial. 2. Humility in Community: We must humble ourselves and seek the prayers of our church family and friends. The Bible reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). It's often our pride that keeps us from seeking the help and prayers we need. 3. The Need for Community: We need each other, especially during times of pain and suffering. The support and prayers of a loving church family can empower us through our toughest seasons. The fellowship we find in the body of Christ is a crucial part of God’s plan for us. A Call to Action As a church, we are called to be dispensers of comfort and compassion, just as we receive from God. Let us not grow bitter in our suffering but choose to get better by relying on God’s comfort and strength. Let’s humble ourselves, seek prayer, and find support in our church community. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 7/14/24.  Mental illness is a topic often shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma, especially within the church. But the Bible is filled with stories of personal pain, trauma, loss, grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even suicide. Figures like Elijah, David, Job, and Jeremiah experienced profound mental and emotional struggles, yet their faith in God remained steadfast. Elijah fled into the wilderness feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and suicidal. David expressed a wide range of emotions from deep anger and despair to extreme joy and hope throughout the Psalms. Job cursed the day of his birth, expressing his desire to die amidst his suffering. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," expressed profound grief and desperation over the fate of his people.
Understanding mental illness begins with acknowledging that it is a health condition involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior, associated with distress and problems functioning in daily life. It's easy to view mental and physical health as vastly different, but they share significant similarities, including symptoms' impact on daily life and the possibility of recovery. According to the National Estimates of Recovery-Remission from Serious Mental Illness, one in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, and one in 5 will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. With treatment, lifestyle changes, or various interventions, people can thrive. The Church has a crucial role in supporting and helping individuals with mental illness thrive, embodying the compassionate care modeled by Jesus. In Luke 10:27-37, Jesus shares the parable of the Good Samaritan to answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?" A Jewish man is attacked by bandits and left for dead. A priest and a temple assistant pass by without helping, but a despised Samaritan stops, tends to his wounds, and ensures his care. Jesus challenges us to ask, "What kind of neighbor am I?" rather than "Who is my neighbor?" This shift in perspective encourages us to show compassion and help anyone in need, regardless of their background. When it comes to mental illness, we must avoid judgment and instead offer support and understanding. Mental illness is not necessarily a result of bad choices or a bad home life, and it is not simply cured by having more faith. Though God works through supernatural means, more commonly He works through natural means, including medical treatment, therapy, and supportive communities. So, what can we do as a church community? First, we must lean in. Move closer to those who are hurting rather than pulling away. People who are ill don’t need a judge; they need a friend. Second, we need to be open to learning. Educate ourselves about mental illness and remove stigmas or judgmental attitudes. Third, we should show love by meeting practical needs. Just as we support those with physical illnesses, we should offer similar support to those facing mental health crises. If you are struggling with mental illness, remember that recovery is often a long journey. Be persistent, as healing takes time. Be honest about where you are in your journey, acknowledging your struggles and seeking the necessary help. Surround yourself with a supportive community that honors God and promotes healthy mental practices. Your struggle with mental illness does not define your faith or your value. God’s love for you is unwavering, and you have a purpose and belong in His kingdom, even in your brokenness. As the Church, let's commit to leaning in, learning, and loving those who struggle with mental illness. Let’s be the compassionate neighbors Jesus calls us to be, providing support, understanding, and care to everyone in our path. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 7/7/24. In our ongoing series, "Burning Questions," we address some of the most pressing and controversial topics within our faith community. This week, we grapple with a question that deeply affects many: "How Should Christians Interact With The LGBTQ+ Community?" This inquiry challenges us to navigate a delicate balance between adhering to Biblical truths and expressing Christ-like love.
The Challenge of Balance This question presents a significant challenge. If we strictly embrace a conservative stance, we risk losing compassion, gentleness, and Biblical love. Conversely, adopting a modern perspective might lead us to compromise God's Word and the sanctity of His design for marriage and sexuality. The crux of our challenge is to answer without leaning too far in either direction—avoiding unloving truth on one side and truthless love on the other. To navigate this, we turn to Ephesians 4:14-16, where the Apostle Paul encourages us to "speak the truth in love." This is a mature, emotionally healthy step for followers of Jesus. Many of us, due to our upbringing and personalities, naturally lean towards either truth or love, often neglecting the full Biblical narrative. Paul admonishes us to grow out of immature behaviors and be grounded in the truth of Christ, who is the head of the church. Speaking Truth in Love Learning to speak the truth in love is challenging, especially in a world that often dismisses such efforts as archaic or judgmental. Yet, we are called to do so for the spiritual welfare of others, not as a suggestion, but as a command. Fear often hinders us—fear of losing friendships, fear of rejection, and fear of not knowing what to say. However, with prayer, preparation, and growth in Christ, we can overcome these fears and fulfill our calling. The Necessity of Understanding Why is it so important to find this balance? Statistics show a significant increase in the number of young people identifying as LGBTQ+. With each generation, these numbers double, indicating a need for the church to adapt its approach. The old methods of condemning and shaming are no longer effective and often drive people away from the church and the Bible. To address this issue, we must quit throwing "Biblical bombs" and instead, seek a balance of truth and love. This requires homework—deepening our understanding of Scripture and the issues at hand. It also means addressing our own sexual sins and hypocrisies. Jesus taught that before we point out the splinter in another's eye, we must deal with the log in our own. A Call to Action We need to honor and respect everyone, recognizing their intrinsic value as God's creations. Romans 5:8 reminds us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Jesus interacted with societal outcasts with honor, respect, and a call to repentance. Similarly, our jokes and derogatory comments about LGBTQ+ individuals must cease. Instead, we should move towards them with kindness, grace, and a listening ear, understanding their stories just as we do for those struggling with other issues. Conclusion Our goal is to firmly hold onto God's design for marriage and sexuality without compromising an inch to cultural pressures. At the same time, we strive to be a church where anyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, can experience Jesus Christ and choose to follow Him. This involves wrestling with what it means to surrender our lives and our sexuality to Jesus's leadership. We encourage everyone to do their homework, understand God's Word fully, and get their own lives right with Jesus regarding their sexuality. We also need to examine our hearts and ask Jesus to help us honor, respect, and love the sinners around us. Let's lean in with love first and pray for opportunities to speak truth with tact and grace. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 6/30/24. Today, we are excited to launch a new series of posts dealing with burning questions. Our first question in this series is one that has sparked much debate: How would Jesus want us to approach politics? As we navigate through an election year, it’s essential to understand how followers of Jesus should relate to human authority and how we should discuss our leaders.
Relating to Human Authority Romans 13:1-8 serves as the foundation for our discussion. Paul instructs the church to submit to governing authorities, reminding us that all authority is established by God. This teaching is particularly striking when we consider the context in which Paul wrote these words—during the reign of Emperor Nero, a ruler known for his brutality and debauchery. If Paul could advocate for respect and obedience under such a regime, how much more should we be willing to show respect to our current leaders, who, by comparison, are far more benevolent. The passage challenges us to rethink our approach to authority. We often feel justified in slandering those we disagree with, believing it’s our right to do so. However, Paul’s message is clear: as followers of Jesus, we should be the best citizens, quick to obey and submit to authority, setting an example for others. This doesn’t mean blind obedience, especially when human laws directly conflict with God’s commands. There are biblical examples of justified disobedience, such as Daniel in the lion’s den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. But these instances are rare and should not be used as excuses for general disobedience. Unity in Diversity Jesus exemplified a love that transcends political and social boundaries. He chose disciples from various backgrounds, such as Matthew, a tax collector working for Rome, and Simon, a Zealot vehemently opposed to Roman rule. Through His love and grace, Jesus transformed their hearts and lives, demonstrating that His love reaches across party lines. This teaches us that we, too, must love and respect all people, even those who vote differently than we do. God has established three key institutions: the home, the church, and the state. He has given explicit instructions on how each should operate and how we should relate to them. While many Christians are familiar with God’s teachings about the home and the church, we often know less about what God says regarding the state. Romans 13, along with passages from 1 Peter, Titus, and 2 Timothy, provides a clear framework for understanding our role as citizens. We are called to be model citizens, honoring and obeying our leaders because they are appointed by God. The Bigger Picture Ultimately, our allegiance is to Jesus Christ, who reigns as King of Kings. Regardless of who controls the White House, Congress, or the Senate, Jesus is on the throne, and His plans and purposes will be accomplished. As we approach the upcoming elections, let us remember that our primary calling is to love one another unconditionally. Our goal should not be to defend our political positions but to win souls with the love of Jesus. We encourage you to reflect on how you speak about and interact with authorities. Be mindful of your words on social media and in conversations, especially when discussing leaders you disagree with. Show honor and respect, knowing that they are appointed by God. Let’s pray for our officials, asking God to give us the grace to love our neighbors and demonstrate His love in all our interactions. In closing, let’s commit to being the best citizens, showing respect and love to all, and trusting in God’s sovereign plan. Let’s pray together for wisdom and love as we navigate these challenging times. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 6/23/24. In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son, a tale not just of a wayward child but of a Father whose actions reveal deep truths about divine love. Often overshadowed by the son's struggles, the Father's role in this parable is a powerful example for all dads, showcasing love, patience, and forgiveness.
The story begins with the younger son demanding his inheritance, essentially wishing his Father were dead. In the context of a patriarchal, agrarian society, this was a shocking and scandalous request. Yet, the Father, instead of reacting with anger or authority, grants his son’s request and lets him go. This act of open-handed love, despite being rejected, illustrates the father's willingness to lead with love rather than leverage. As the son squanders his wealth in wild living and eventually finds himself destitute, we see a different dimension of the Father's love. He allows his son to hit rock bottom, understanding that sometimes the best way to help is not to intervene. The Father's patient waiting, his refusal to send for his son, and his readiness to embrace him upon his return, all underscore a love that persists through darkness and separation. The Father’s joy and immediate restoration of his son upon his return highlight that his love was always present, waiting to be accepted, not earned. Embracing Unconditional Love In the parable, the son experiences the fleeting pleasures of sin, only to be left empty and longing. His return home is a moment of humility and repentance. The Father, seeing his son from a distance, runs to him with compassion, breaking cultural norms to embrace and restore him. This act of running, considered undignified for a patriarch, underscores the Father's disregard for societal judgment in favor of expressing his deep love and joy. The Father’s response to his son's rehearsed apology is profound. He doesn't allow him to finish his plea to become a servant. Instead, he restores him fully as his son, celebrating with a feast. This highlights a crucial point: the Father's love was never contingent on the son's actions. It was always there, waiting to be received. The son's journey teaches us that divine love doesn't need to be earned through deeds but accepted with an open heart. Lessons from the Parable This parable is a metaphor for God’s relationship with us. Through it, we learn that God loves us unconditionally, even when we reject Him or wander away. His love remains steadfast as He waits for us to return, and He celebrates our restoration without holding our past against us. Here are 4 key takeaways about our Heavenly Father’s love:
A Call to Action For those who feel distant from God, this parable offers hope. No matter how far we’ve strayed, God is always watching, waiting, and cheering for our return. His love is patient and ready to embrace us, regardless of our past. If your life feels messy or broken, remember that you are exactly who Jesus came to love. Embrace His love today, knowing it is freely given and not something you need to earn. For parents and grandparents dealing with a prodigal loved one, this story offers guidance. Sometimes, the most loving action is to let them face the consequences of their choices, trusting that God’s love will ultimately draw them back. Enabling their behavior is not love; true love is patient and waits for genuine repentance. Embracing God's Love Together So let's reflect on the lavish, patient love of our Heavenly Father. This Father’s Day, may we all be inspired by the parable of the prodigal son to embrace and extend the boundless love of God. Happy Father’s Day! - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 6/16/24. We believe that being a witness for Jesus is a calling for every believer, but it doesn’t require being a theological genius. Just as witnesses in a courtroom are vital for presenting the truth, Christians are essential in sharing the hope and truth of Jesus Christ.
The Importance of Witnesses Witnesses in a court case don't need to know everything about the law; they simply need to share their firsthand experiences. Similarly, Christians are called to share what they have seen, heard, and felt about Jesus. Yet, many believers react in two unproductive ways when asked to share their faith: they either try to impress with their knowledge or remain silent out of fear. Neither approach is effective. Readiness Over Genius Peter encourages believers to always be prepared to explain their hope, but in a gentle and respectful manner. This readiness is not about having all the answers or being the smartest person in the room. It's about being genuine, kind, and respectful, and most importantly, being ready to share the personal impact Jesus has had on your life. The Traits of an Unready Witness We identified seven traits of an UNREADY witness (based on the opposite of what the Apostle Peter exhorts believers to be like in 1 Peter 3:13-17):
Becoming a Ready Witness On the other hand, here's how you can BE READY to share the hope of Jesus (based on how the Apostle Peter exhorts believers to live in 1 Peter 3:13-17):
Practical Steps to Readiness To be a ready witness, start by seeking opportunities to do good, even in small ways. Embrace difficulties as part of your spiritual journey, and let your life revolve around Jesus' plans for you. Practice sharing your faith story so it becomes natural. Approach others with empathy and respect, and let your actions reflect a life yielded to God. Conclusion It doesn't take a genius to share the hope of Jesus; it takes readiness and a willingness to let your life be a testimony to God's goodness. By embodying these traits, we can effectively witness to others and share the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Remember, your story and readiness can make a significant difference in someone's life. Join Us! We invite you to join us in this journey of becoming ready witnesses for Christ. Let's spread the hope and love of Jesus in our communities and beyond! - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 6/9/24. Being a witness can feel intimidating, awkward, and even unsettling for many of us. We often associate witnessing with an uncomfortable sales pitch, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus has given us a mission, but He also provides us with the power and wisdom to fulfill it authentically. Our mission never changes, and neither does the message about Jesus, but there are various ways to share it.
In Acts 1:6-8, Jesus promises that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be His witnesses everywhere. This empowerment isn't about avoiding rejection or removing risk but about being genuine in reflecting who we are. Jesus’ presence and power are no longer confined to one man in one place but are given to all His followers worldwide. Being a witness requires two things: following Jesus and living in the power of His Spirit. This involves declaring Jesus as Lord, believing in His resurrection, and living a Spirit-filled life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Growing in Relationship with the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a person we should cultivate a relationship with. Many Christians mistakenly view the Holy Spirit as a force to channel rather than a person to know. Our access to the Holy Spirit’s power comes from our relationship with Him. This relationship involves intimacy with God, holiness, and faith. Intimacy with God means walking closely with Him, learning to hear His voice, and being aware of His presence in every aspect of our lives. Holiness involves being set apart for God, both from the world and for Him. It means saying no to sin and anything that stands in rebellion to Jesus while also devoting our hearts to God through prayer, Bible reading, fasting, worship, and service. Living a holy life doesn’t mean adhering to a list of rules but allowing Jesus access to our hearts and lives. Faith is trust, and the best way to grow in faith is to take risks. A risk-free life is a trust-free life. To be effective witnesses, we need to step out in faith, whether it's praying for someone, bringing up Jesus in a conversation, or inviting someone to church. These risks help build our trust in the Lord and create space for the Holy Spirit’s power to work in mighty ways. Intimacy with God + Holiness + Faith = Power To grow in our relationship with Jesus and live in the power of His Spirit, we need intimacy with God, holiness, and faith. This equation is crucial because it’s through the Holy Spirit’s power that we can effectively witness to others. Without this power, no one comes to know Jesus, and we’re just playing church. The Holy Spirit equips us with the wisdom to speak the right words at the right time and helps us understand the unique needs of those around us. If we’re not close to the Holy Spirit ourselves, how can we be led by Him to reach others? The most powerful way to draw people to Jesus is by loving like Him, which is only possible through a deep personal relationship with His Spirit. So, my challenge for you this week is to take your relationship with the Holy Spirit seriously. Remember, intimacy with God, holiness, and faith lead to the power we need to be effective witnesses for Jesus. Let’s embrace this mission with the confidence that we have the Holy Spirit guiding and empowering us. Let’s pray for the courage to take risks, for the wisdom to know how to share Jesus authentically, and for the strength to live lives that reflect His love. Together, we can advance His Kingdom and bring more people into His embrace! - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 6/2/24. Living as Salt and Light
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe Christians. The world is like a meal needing salt or a dark room needing light. Christians are that salt and light, not because we try to be, but because we already are. Salt enhances flavor, and light dispels darkness. Similarly, Christians reveal what the world tries to conceal. We have a unique source of flavor and illumination: Jesus indwelling us. This enables us to bring out the best in people and cultures, and to display God's greatness. To be effective, we must be different from the world, bringing out the best in those around us and making the world a more flavorful place. Christians should be the most innovative, encouraging, empowering, and uplifting people, reflecting the image of God within us. Just as salt makes food taste better and light brightens a room, our presence should enhance and illuminate our surroundings. But how do we do that? What does salt and light look like in the life of the Christian? Here Are Some Practical Steps
The Power of Balance Balancing grace and truth, compassion and conviction, is essential. Compassion without conviction can fail to convey the importance of the Gospel, while conviction without compassion can harm relationships. We need both to effectively reach people for Jesus. By being salt and light, we reveal the goodness and greatness of God, inspiring others to praise Him. Embracing Our Role Jesus called us to be salt and light. Salt enhances flavors, and light reveals colors. Our role is to bring out the good and reveal God in the world. We are here to be witnesses to His goodness and greatness, inviting others to savor God's goodness and submit to His greatness. By living this out, we fulfill our calling to reveal what the world tries to conceal. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake Campus on 5/26/24. |
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These are powerful posts adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons.
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