Guest Speaker Rick Green
April 14, 2024 • Guest Speaker Rick Green
Tell Me The Story Week 6
May 26, 2024 • Pastor Anthony Purpero
Embracing Redemption: The Power of Coming Back to Jesus In the journey of faith, it's not uncommon to encounter moments where we stray from the path, entangled by our own mistakes and missteps. Yet, the story of redemption and return is central to the Christian experience. This exploration delves into the profound lesson of returning to Jesus, even after a period of backsliding, and how His open arms restore and renew our commitment to Him. The Challenge of Persistent Mistakes Life often finds us in cycles where we repeat the same errors, despite our best intentions. Whether it's mundane habits like cluttering our space despite knowing better, or more profound struggles such as lapses in our spiritual disciplines, these patterns can lead to feelings of frustration and inadequacy. The echo of Apostle Paul’s reflection in Romans 7:15, "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate," resonates deeply in these moments, highlighting the universal struggle with sin and the human condition. Understanding Jesus' Response to Our Failures In the face of our failures, the natural assumption might be to expect reprimand or rejection. However, the Gospel reveals a different picture—Jesus' response to our backsliding is not one of anger but of invitation. Through stories like that of Thomas and Peter, we see that Jesus doesn’t chastise or turn away from those who doubt or deny Him. Instead, He invites them closer, offers proof of His resurrection, and reaffirms His love and mission for them. Jesus' approach is encapsulated in His gentle invitation, "Do not disbelieve, but believe" (John 20:27), underscoring His patience and readiness to forgive. The Role of Faith in Reconnecting with Christ Faith plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between our estrangement and our return to God. It involves not just a belief in the existence of God but a trust in His character and His promises. Faith is what fuels our steps back to Jesus, trusting that He accepts us not because we are perfect, but because His grace is sufficient for our imperfections. This faith is not blind but is supported by the evidence of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the transformation seen in the lives of countless believers. Renewal Through Repentance and Reaffirmation The process of coming back to Jesus is marked by repentance—a heartfelt return to God, acknowledging our wrongs and committing to follow Him anew. This journey is mirrored in the actions of Peter, who after denying Jesus, reaffirms his love for Christ and is restored to a place of trust and purpose. Jesus’ question to Peter, “Do you love me?” repeated in John 21, is a poignant reminder of the need for personal reaffirmation of our commitment to Christ. The Open Invitation of Jesus The message of hope for the backslider is clear and profound: Jesus’ invitation remains open. His call to return is not just for the wayward but for all who seek deeper communion with Him. Whether we have strayed in small steps or lost our way entirely, the path back is always available, marked by Jesus’ enduring love and the promise of renewal.
Tell Me The Story Week 5
May 12, 2024 • Pastor Ron Hoffman
The Essence of True Worship: Beyond Traditions and Rituals In the heart of Christian discipleship lies the essence of true worship—a worship that transcends rituals and traditions to touch the very core of our relationship with God. This reflection delves into the profound message of Christ's teaching, emphasizing the importance of a worship that is genuine and rooted in love rather than mere outward expressions. Confronting Empty Rituals The story of Jesus challenging the Pharisees over their adherence to ritual without heart reveals a critical aspect of spiritual life. The Pharisees were criticized for their emphasis on external practices like hand washing (Mark 7:1-23) while neglecting the deeper, moral imperatives that those rituals symbolized. This encounter underscores the danger of allowing tradition to overshadow the true essence of our faith—love and obedience to God. Jesus' pointed question, "Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?" challenges us to examine whether our worship is truly honoring to God or simply a fulfillment of human-imposed rules. The Heart of the Matter: Internal Purity Jesus emphasized that true defilement is not a matter of external uncleanliness but arises from within the heart. He stated, "What comes out of a person is what defiles them," highlighting that evil thoughts and actions are the true measure of one’s spiritual state. This teaching redirects our focus from superficial purity to the transformation of the heart, urging believers to cultivate inner righteousness that reflects through their actions and words. The Role of Tradition in Spiritual Life While traditions themselves are not inherently negative and can often provide meaningful expressions of faith, Jesus’ teaching reminds us that they should not become the primary focus of our worship. Instead, they should point us towards a deeper relationship with God, enhancing our understanding and expression of faith without replacing the heartfelt devotion that God desires. Living Out True Worship The call to authentic worship involves more than just attending church services or following religious protocols; it is about living out the principles of love, justice, and mercy in every aspect of life. It challenges believers to reflect on how they can embody the love of Christ in their interactions with others, in their pursuit of justice, and in their expressions of mercy. Embracing the Heart of Worship This exploration of what it means to truly worship God invites believers to strip away the layers of empty tradition and rediscover the heart of their faith. It calls us to a deeper, more genuine relationship with God, where our practices and traditions are infused with true meaning and directed by a heart fully committed to God. As we reflect on our own practices, let us seek to align our hearts with God’s desires, ensuring that our worship is not only pleasing in His sight but transformative in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Tell Me The Story Week 4
May 5, 2024 • Pastor Ron Hoffman
The Journey Through Trials to Triumph: A Testimony of Faith and Provision In the narrative of life, where challenges and hardships are inevitable, the Christian faith shines a light on the power of God's provision and the importance of relentless trust in His plans. This exploration delves into the transformative journey of faith, highlighting how adversity can lead to unforeseen blessings and deeper spiritual insight. Facing Life's Storms with Resilience Life's trials often come unexpectedly, testing our faith and resilience. The story of Nora, a woman who faced immense personal adversity, including a devastating divorce after a long marriage, exemplifies how life can throw the unexpected at us. Yet, it is in these moments of apparent defeat that the potential for significant spiritual growth and reliance on God's provision becomes most evident. Nora's journey from the depths of despair to a place of profound faith and dependence on God underscores the scriptural promise found in Philippians 4:19: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." The Role of Community and Scripture in Overcoming Adversity As Nora navigated her trials, the role of her faith community and the scriptures became her sustenance. Through the support of her church and the relentless study of God's Word, she found the strength to rebuild her life and eventually thrive, moving beyond her past to a future filled with hope and new beginnings. This transformation highlights the importance of a supportive faith community and the power of scripture in providing comfort and guidance during life's most challenging times. Witnessing God's Provision Through Generosity Nora's story also speaks to the miraculous provision of God when we commit to trusting Him fully. Despite having minimal resources, Nora's life was marked by generosity and faith. Her commitment to God's word and her community eventually led to unforeseen blessings, including a successful career and the ability to travel the world, illustrating the principle that when we give selflessly, God replenishes our stores, often in ways we could never anticipate. The Impact of Faithful Witness Nora's legacy is a testament to the impact one life can have when anchored in faith and guided by the scriptures. Her story is not just about overcoming adversity but about the ripple effects of her faith on those around her, including her family and community. It is a powerful reminder of how a life lived in faithful witness to God’s love and provision can inspire and uplift others. Embracing God's Narrative in Our Lives The narrative of Nora’s life encourages us to view our trials through the lens of faith, recognizing them as opportunities for growth and increased reliance on God. It calls us to be active participants in God’s narrative, where each challenge is met with faith, each act of generosity is a seed planted, and every trial is a testament to God’s unfailing provision and love.