The Contrast of Christ
Jesus' entrance into this world was filled with contrasts against the everyday expectations.
Are you someone who mirrors the contrast of Christ... or do you blend in?
Luke 2v4-21
Compassion.
Compassion has us responding in our world when we see something that isn’t how God intended it to be.
Mark 6v30-44
How Can I Break the Power of Addiction?
Addiction is more prevalent today than ever. It doesn’t discriminate against age, gender, race, religion, employment status... Addiction can affect us all. And whether it is a struggle with a substance or a specific pleasure, overcoming these impulses can be difficult and extremely frustrating. But there is hope!
So, how can you break the power of addiction in your life?
Exodus 32:1-6; Acts 7:39-42
Live without walls.
Israel could do it like they always wanted: a temple, a city, and only the Jews. But God had planned something bigger: a Savior, a city without walls, and salvation "to ends of the earth".
Israel had to wrestle with an uncomfortable and self-less change in living... and so do we.
Zechariah 2:1-5
Sharing our lives…
When Jesus shared his life, people experienced love, acceptance, and a new way of living. They felt saw a greater purpose for life and experienced a connection with God. When we share our lives with others, they should feel the same way.
Luke 19:1-10
Celebrate!
God is still at work all around us! Let's Celebrate His work within this community and the world.
Psalm 145:1-7
The Song of Zechariah.
Zechariah, an aging priest, received unbelievable news -- yet his response was based in doubt.
Given the gift of silence, Zechariah had the space to see God's redemption plan happening all around him, and his song of celebration reveals that his doubt had been transformed into faith!
Luke 1:5-20; 57-79
Count the Cost.
Many have made a complete miscalculation of what’s required for living as a disciple, some exchanging divine necessities for temporary luxuries.
But Jesus shows us the way to follow Him. The way where He is put before everything!
Luke 14:25-35
A Firm Foundation.
In his final point teaching on the Mount, Jesus shows listeners that there are two types of foundations to build your life off of: rock and sand.
The wise builder will hear Jesus' words and put them into practice.
Matthew 7:24-29
Abide.
Are you living connected to Christ or are you trying to do life on your own?
Jesus invites us to live connected to Him and experience a life-giving relationship with God. “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:1-8
Don't you know me... even after I've been with you?
Jesus asks the disciples a question that is more than a question of the knowledge of God, but one also of recognizing His presence in front of us. "Don’t you know me, even after I have been among you such a long time?”
I wonder if God is standing right in front of us, and we’re missing it?
John 14:1-11
What do you want?
The first words of Jesus in the Gospel of John are actually a question: “What do you want?” This question carries a weight in our lives and points the way of Jesus to those who are listening.
John 1:35-42
God Stories.
There is nothing like a good story. Stories captivate us through memorable characters, ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments that make us smile, cry, or even laugh out loud.
But more often than not, negative stories from our lives and the world take center stage in our hearts and minds.
How can you put God back at the center of your story? What would change if you started sharing God stories each day?
(Psalm 78:1-8)