(Matthew 16:21 -17:13)
Jesus’ transfiguration verified his identity as the Son of God. So what does it look like to accept Jesus’ identity? Like his disciples, we must listen to him, no matter the cost. We can take comfort and strength in the pattern that Jesus set for us - suffering now, glory later. Our future glory is secure in Jesus.
(Malachi 1:1-14)
The beginning of the book of Malachi is heavy. It can feel like God is trying to make us feel guilty for not being good enough. But that is not what this passage is about at all. The good news is that God loves us deeply. And because of His great love for us, He wants to make us aware of our serious heart issues that keep us from living in right relationship with Him. When we don’t value God like we should, we are in danger of giving God less than our best.
(Romans 8:31-35)
We are all broken sinners but we don’t have to live in guilt and shame. Instead, we can use our past mistakes to glorify God because of Jesus’ saving work on the cross. After dying on the cross to save us from our sins, Jesus continues to intercede and pray for us. So we are set free to be less defensive, to be for others instead of for ourselves, to fail freely, to lay down our accustions, and to intercede for others.
(John 15)
In John 15, Jesus teaches that he is the true vine. This image is still true for us today. When we abide or remain in him, we will bear fruit. What will that fruit look like? Love.
(Acts 11:1-30)
(Mark 4:35-40)
(Matthew 14)
(Ephesians 2:11-22)
The human tendency is to ask, "where do I belong?" In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds Christians that Jesus broke down the walls that kept people from God, bringing unity and transformation in our hearts.
This Sunday kicks off a series of sermons by various speakers and pastors.