When you think about what it means to follow Jesus, what comes to mind? For many of us, it seems to involve adjustments to our weekly routine, our moral obligations and perspectives, our strategies for dealing for anxiety or grief, and joining a like-minded community of Jesus-followers. However, when we look at how Jesus talks to Peter at the end of the book of John, we see that following Jesus is a more monumental and beautiful lifestyle than we might expect.
Part 8 | Zacchaeus, I'm Coming To Your House
July 30, 2023 • Pastor Marty Scales • Luke 19:1–10
Zacchaeus' story is a wonderful story of a wealthy man who was rejected by his neighbors because of his traitorous choices, but welcomed by Jesus who invites himself into the home and life of this sinner. Not only had the Son of Man come seeking to save the lost; but Zacchaeus sought to be found by Jesus. In one amazing moment, everything changes for Zacchaeus.
Part 7 | Bread From Heaven
July 23, 2023 • Pastor Kevin Timmons • John 6
After Jesus feeds the five thousand, a crowd finds him and asks for more bread. He confronts their motives, saying what they really need is him. Jesus is the bread of life, which has come from heaven. All who come to him and eat of his flesh will not hunger. Even if those in the crowd won't, all that the Father gives to Jesus will. The crowd finds this hard to understand and difficult to believe. Many who were following him turn back and leave. Jesus asks if the Twelve will leave too. But Peter answers, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
Part 6 | Marriage Supper of the Lamb
July 16, 2023 • Pastor Travis Marsh • Matthew 22:1–14
Jesus presents a parable that identifies three responses to a King's invitation to a grand Wedding Feast. Jesus is referring to a Wedding Feast that He is hosting in heaven. Looking at the responses Jesus presents in the parable indicates how he sees people responding to his own invitation to come to his own feast.
Part 5 | Mary and Martha
July 9, 2023 • Pastor Kevin Timmons • Luke 10:38–42
Two sisters, Mary and Martha, host Jesus in their home. Mary sits at his feet and listens to his teaching while Martha is busy making sure she is a perfect host. Anxious and troubled, Martha commands Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus doesn't. Instead he says that it is Martha who should be joining Mary, not the other way around.
Part 4 | Uninvited, Jesus Knocks at Your Door
July 2, 2023 • Pastor Marty Scales • Revelation 3:14–22
This passage is often thought of as a picture of Jesus standing at the heart's door of a non-believer asking to be allowed inside. But the context tells us that Jesus is standing at the heart’s door of Laodician Christians who have turned lukewarm in their faith. What causes a Christian to become lukewarm and lose their fervent attitude toward Christ and even refuse to invite him into parts of their life (to share a gracious meal with him) when he knocks on their door?
Part 3 | Simon and the Woman of the City
June 25, 2023 • Pastor Kevin Timmons • Luke 7:36–50
A Pharisee named Simon invites Jesus to dine with him. At the meal, a sinful woman breaks all social norms by showing up uninvited and anointing Jesus' feet. This shocks Simon, lowering his view of Jesus. But Jesus indicates that it is the sinner, because of her love, and not the religious leader, who sees him most clearly.
Part 2 | Celebrating the Lost Being Found
June 18, 2023 • Pastor Marty Scales • Luke 15:11–32, Luke 15:1–2
When a wonderful and hoped-for event occurs it's natural to gather our friends and family and have a meal and celebrate with joy. Jesus says that all the angels in heaven joyfully celebrate when one lost human repents and returns home to a relationship with the Father.
Part 1 | Matthew Honors Jesus
June 11, 2023 • Pastor Marty Scales • Luke 5:27–39
Jesus calls Matthew the tax-gatherer to follow him as one of his disciples (which is highly irregular). Matthew throws a party to honor Jesus and celebrate him with all his irregular friends. The Pharisees grumble and question Jesus. Can a man of God eat with sinners? Jesus answers and we see his mission and how different he is from other rabbis. Jesus says, “I’m a physician going to the sick”. Luke 5:32 “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
