The World’s Hatred

Week 3

March 3, 2024 • Jon Morales • John 15:18–27

In two weeks, our nation will commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, but amid the leprechauns, shamrocks, and corned beef, does anyone remember what we’re celebrating?

Maewyn Succat, later known as St. Patrick, was born in Britain in the fourth century A.D. Shortly before Patrick turned 16, his family’s villa was attacked by pirates, who abducted him to their homeland of Ireland and sold him as a slave. It was there, enslaved in a foreign land, that Patrick encountered Jesus. After six years of harsh labor, Patrick finally escaped his oppressors and embarked on a two-year journey home. Safely returned to his family at last, the young man soon began to sense the call of God to do something absolutely mad: journey back to Ireland and share the Gospel with the very people who had enslaved him. Despite fierce opposition, that is exactly what Patrick did. Selflessly, he devoted his life to proclaiming the message of Christ throughout Ireland, by which an entire nation was transformed by the Gospel.

As we reflect on the radical, self-giving love of St. Patrick, we recognize the high calling placed on everyone who claims to follow Jesus. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message challenges how you and I respond to “The World’s Hatred” today.

More from No Greater Love - Part Two: Remaining In Jesus

Overcoming the World

March 24, 2024 • Jon Morales • John 16:23–33

If you’ve ever been in the market for a house, you know the importance of looking “beneath the surface.” While a new coat of paint, fresh flowers, and a snickerdoodle candle can make most any place feel like a dream, a wise buyer thinks twice. It’s experienced house-hunters you’ll find brushing away cobwebs around the furnace, peering close at the seals of the windows, and, most importantly, taking a good, long look at the foundation. Because no matter how modern the cabinetry or bright the natural lighting, a faulty foundation turns anyone’s dream home into a nightmare. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “Overcoming the World,” challenges us to consider what—or whom—our own lives are built on. Because if a house can’t last without a sure foundation, how can you?

Grief Turns to Joy

March 17, 2024 • Jon Morales • John 16:12–22

The great promise of the American Dream hinges on one condition: No pain, no gain. It’s in the name of this ambition that many professionals forfeit their families for the corner office. Athletes sacrifice their bodies for the title. And gamblers spend their last dollar for the chance at hitting it big. But do any of these things truly satisfy? In a world marred by longing, striving, and pain, our upcoming message, “Grief Turns to Joy,” will reveal a better way. Join us in discovering a new kind of joy – one that can’t be earned and that never ends.

The Spirit’s Help in Persecution

March 10, 2024 • Brent Buttermore • John 16:1–11

On July 4, 1918, combined U.S. and Australian infantry marched into battle at the French town of Le Hamel against a German force that outnumbered them 5 to 1. Under the leadership of Lieutenant General John Monash, the Allied forces secured a decisive, and certainly remarkable, victory against their much larger opponent in a mere 93 minutes. History celebrates stories like the Battle of Hamel because there’s something about them that lifts our spirits and fills us with hope. When all seems lost, don’t we like to believe good could still win out in the end? Our newest message, “The Spirit’s Help in Persecution,” encourages us in our battle against an enemy even greater than the Axis Powers. Together we’ll unlock the true key to victory.