Exclusive in an Inclusive World

Enduring The Season

December 15, 2024 • John Scally

Jesus challenged his disciples to remember that what appears hopeless is often just a process of waiting for the blessing. Jesus’ death…and resurrection would be the ultimate blessing! He wanted them to understand that often pain proceeds purpose, hurt proceeds happiness, and suffering proceeds salvation. When you are in an overwhelming season, remember the priorities of Jesus, holding onto hope pushing through the pain.

The Culture's Animosity

December 8, 2024 • John Scally • John 15:18–25, 1 John 2:15–17, 2 Corinthians 6:14–18, Acts 5:12–42, Philippians 3:10

Pressure is often the dividing line between a committed and a complacent Christian. No one truly looks to happily engage with pushback, but when it’s inevitable, the authentic disciple doesn’t run away from it! Jesus made it clear to his disciples that Christianity was NOT a movement of popularity but of purpose. Being a disciple was not going to give them a life of ease but a life of expectation.

The Source For Success

December 1, 2024 • John Scally • John 15:1–17, Psalm 80:8–11, Hebrews 12:1–6, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

The simple test of our authenticity as a disciple is whether or not we are “remaining” in Christ! Jesus made it clear that defining evidence of remaining in him is the “production of fruit” grounded in selfless love out of obedience. If you want longevity as a disciple, you must have a connection that leads to production!

The Ultimate Advantage

November 24, 2024 • John Scally • John 16, John 14, John 15

The disciples were dependent on Jesus, and Jesus was about to ascend back to God the Father in heaven. They never “signed up” for Jesus to leave them. In fact, they were absolutely not ready for it. It’s such a teachable moment for all of us. The Holy Spirit is here to comfort, correct, and counsel us. He is the one who brings conviction through our committed words of truth. We need to stop living as if we are defeated and to draw upon our spiritual inheritance! Jesus was calling his disciples to boldly stand for truth utilizing supernatural power. What about you? Are you ready to apply the Holy Spirit to your journey of faith?

Anxious Moments Call for Active Mission

November 17, 2024 • John Scally • John 14:1–14, Philippians 4:6–7, Matthew 6:33–34, James 1:22–27, John 13:31–38

Have you ever watched a person put off certain responsibilities only to be shocked when the “due date” arrived, and he or she wasn’t prepared? That was the disciples of Jesus! He had been telling them over and over that he came to die for the sins of the world. They were so infatuated with the possibilities of an earthly kingdom of power and prosperity, that they weren’t listening to Jesus’ words. Jesus was calling his disciples to “rise up” for the mission! What about you? Are you ready to tackle the pressures of the mission? Remember, God is with you!

How to Spot an Imposter

November 10, 2024 • John Scally • John 13:21–30, Revelation 12:9–10, John 12:4–6, Matthew 26:14–16, Romans 6:1–2

We’ve all seen these kinds of people. The kind that “look, act, and smell the part,” but deep down, they are imposters, frauds. God doesn’t care how sorry you feel in your sin; he cares that you repent in humble obedience. Judas was a fraud. Many people are “fans” but not true followers of Jesus! How about you?

Wash A Foot For Jesus

October 27, 2024 • John Scally • 1 John 3:18, John 13:1–20, Mark 10:35–45, Galatians 5:13–14

What about you and me? How quick are we to do the “dirty jobs” for God and his church? When is the last time that you served in an area that really tested your patience? The American church needs to get back to “washing feet,” not literally, but figuratively. The only form of leadership that God truly blesses is the kind that is driven by selfless service.

Guest Speaker Jim Spoto

October 20, 2024

Animosity vs Adoration

September 1, 2024 • Romans 13:11–14, James 1:13–15, John 11:45–57, John 12:1–11

Jesus had a vast audience in his day, and he always took advantage of speaking the truth. As a result, he became a polarizing figure. Everyone had a different attitude toward Jesus. Some loved him. More hated him. Everyone was intrigued by his words and miracles. It’s true that our attitude toward Jesus will determine our behavior “for” or “against” Jesus!

I AM - Resurrection & Life

August 25, 2024 • John Scally • John 11:1–45, Luke 2:9, Luke 7:11–16, Hebrews 4:14–16, Philippians 2:12–30

When Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, saw Jesus after Lazarus’ death, all they could say is “why!” Jesus showed them the “why” when he raised Lazarus from the dead, and the Bible says that “many people trusted in Jesus” after seeing the miracle. You and I may not be so blessed to receive such a miracle in this life. One thing we do know, because of Jesus, we have eternal life to look forward to, and that my friends is greater than even perfect health and happiness in this life! Jesus is true life…now and forever!

Give Us Proof

August 18, 2024 • John Scally • John 10:22–42, Psalm 23, John 3:14–15, Psalm 30:4–5

Our culture is filled with people who claim to want to know answers, when in reality, they want their own self-styled answers. We must fight the urge to resemble these religious hypocrites. See what God has done all around you in circumstances and people’s lives! The evidence shouts out loudly! Understand that Jesus is God in the flesh! Sent from the Father on mission to save the world, he is worthy of our full belief that leads to selfless sacrifice!

I AM - Good Shepherd

August 11, 2024 • Manning Brown • John 10

Jesus used the image of a shepherd speaking of his compassion for his disciples. A shepherd gets so close to his sheep that he knows their smells, sounds, and struggles. He protects them from impending doom when a wolf or another vicious animal approaches. He is fully aware of their shortcomings, as sheep have been known to literally walk off of a ledge to their own demise. Does that sound like you and I on the brink of making a poor decision that will alter our lives? It sure does.

Undeniable

August 4, 2024 • John Scally • John 9, Proverbs 3:12, 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Philippians 3:10–11, John 3:17–21

The story of Jesus healing the blind man is filled with different perceptions of what had happened and who had done what. As Jesus continued to teach and preach, there were times when he showed the power of the Kingdom of God by healing those who were unable to heal themselves. He did so that people would be convinced that he was who he said he was. He did so to point the glory back to God the Father. Each one of us is faced with “what to do with Jesus.” We can be skeptical of what we have seen. It is easy to “believe in action” that God is limited to “heal” our lives, family, or friends. Sometimes we even get jaded thinking that God only helps others, while never helping us. Remember, God may be waiting to perform a miracle in your life for just the right time – the revelation of his glory! There were many reactions to what Jesus did, but only one bold and audacious response. When challenged by the hypocritical religious leaders of the day, the transformed man declared that it was the power of Jesus who had changed him. Ultimately, the man’s physical healing led to his spiritual healing. He didn’t care what those powerful leaders thought of him, and it cost him his right to worship and learn in the Jewish synagogue. It didn’t matter. He was exchanging corrupt religion for a confessing relationship. He was exchanging man’s perception for God’s power. When God moves in your life, it will be undeniable! Are you eager to see this happen? When it does, give God all of the glory!

Unlocking True Living

July 28, 2024 • John Scally • Romans 8:8–9, Galatians 5:16–17, Psalm 150:6, John 8:31–59, James 2:21–24

Sometimes, God has to “rock our worlds” to get our attention! Are you going to be humble when that time comes? For the arrogant crowd, they missed a golden opportunity for freedom. When God exposes your sinful heart, accept his words, and you will truly be set free!

I AM - Light of the World

July 21, 2024 • John Scally • John 8:12–20, Isaiah 49:5–6, Isaiah 60:19–22, Mark 7:20–23, 1 Peter 2:11–12

When Jesus declared himself to be the “Light of the World,” that was a significant statement! He was in fact declaring himself to be the Messiah, God in the flesh! This reality holds a lot of significance for his true followers. It gives us hope that he is the One that lights our paths. We must trust him day by day. It also reminds us that we will be opposed by the darkness, just as he was opposed by the darkness. Don’t fear the darkness! Instead, stand up to the darkness! We are living in a time where disciples of Jesus are being called to be bold in our faith! Remember, darkness has already been defeated!