Messages

We can easily think of “the world” as other people who live differently from us. But the Bible brings the matter much closer to home. Sometimes the world means the people God loves so deeply that He gave His Son for them. Other times it means the desires,…

We are part of the household of Christ, and that is a wonderful place to belong. Jesus calls us His brothers and sisters, and we have a place in His family. But Hebrews also gives us a serious warning. We must hold firmly to our hope and faith…

Our identity is not found in what people think of us, in our failures, or even in the hardest parts of our past. We belong to Jesus Christ, and because of Him we are God’s beloved. The same Jesus who is worthy of all honor and glory knows…

We can grow so used to the gifts of God that we forget their wonder. In Nazareth, the people hear Jesus teach with wisdom and know of his mighty works. Yet they see only the carpenter whose family lives nearby. They take offense at the very one who…

In the story of Esther, we see God caring for his people, even though his name is never mentioned. A king’s sleepless night and a queen’s place in the palace serve his purpose. When evil seems strong, we remember that God remains in control. His plan to save…

As we come to communion, we see our sins and feel how far we fall short. Yet we need not stay lost in thoughts of our own weakness. We turn our eyes to Jesus, who dies for our sins and rises again. Our hope rests in his victory,…

We cannot keep Jesus at a safe distance. He asks more of us than respect, good words, or outward religion. Like the rich young ruler, we can come near to Jesus and still walk away when His words reach into the part of life we do not want…

Sometimes life grows dark enough that we begin to wonder whether God has forgotten us. Our thoughts can turn against us, and trouble can make us feel alone. Yet Romans 8 gives us something solid to hold onto: if God gave His own Son for us, then we…

The Bible uses the word “world” in more than one way, and understanding the difference helps us understand what God is asking of us. Sometimes the world means God’s creation and the people He loves. Other times it means the systems, values, and ways of thinking that stand…