When you think that anything is possible for you, then you become willing to step into new opportunities. For many of us who follow Jesus, our picture of what it means to be a Jesus-follower is too small, not much more than going to church on Sunday morning, so then we never step into a new opportunity to follow Jesus beyond that. But what if church and following Jesus is much, much more than that? Then there will be opportunities for us to be the church and share Jesus’ love with others anywhere anytime. (Based on Acts 11:19-30.)
God-breathed 3: The Impact of Everyday Believers
January 22, 2023
God-breathed 17: The Rejected One Becomes the Cornerstone
April 30, 2023
We all need to make value choices. But how do we make those choices? By what gives us status, power or money? Jesus shows us that none of those valuations will secure our life forever. Instead, he invites us to make him, the rejected one, the chief cornerstone of our lives. In his eyes, we are living stones which he will build into a beautiful home that glorifies God. (Based on Luke 19:45-20:18 & 1 Peter 2:4-12.)
God-breathed 16: Believing in God's Grace
April 23, 2023
Far too often our actions indicate that we underestimate what God can do in our life & in the lives of others. So we use the resources and opportunities he gives us to try to keep ourselves safe. But that self-made security will be stripped away before God when we have to answer for what we did with what God gave us in this life. Jesus is offering us a better way to live. Through his interactions with others and the stories he told, Jesus shows us that God's grace can do far greater things in our life and in the lives of others. Therefore, we faithfully use whatever God gives us for growth in his Kingdom. (Based on Luke 19:1-27.)
God-breathed 15: Shameless Grace & Heavenly Joy
April 16, 2023
Sometimes the sins of others are so offensive to us that we consider them to be beyond any redemption. It would be unfair, we think, if they enjoyed life with God when we, who consider ourselves to be good people, deserve it far more than they do. But Jesus died and rose again for the sins of all people and the Kingdom of God is open to everyone who trusts in Jesus. God's grace is for those who don't deserve it and, when we realize that also includes us, we are moved to become more gracious and loving with others. (Based on Luke 15:11-32.)