Lessons on Love

We hear so often “Love is the answer,” that this response has become a predictable cliché that goes in one ear and out the other. The problem is not that love isn’t what is needed to resolve complicated differences between people, the sticking point is that everyone seems to have a different idea of what love is. Some people say that love means there is no judgment. Others talk about tough love. Still others simply say, “Love is being nice to each other.” But that leaves us with the question, “What exactly is it to be nice?” And then there are those who equate love with sex. But reality shows us if sex is love, we might need less of that kind of love to eliminate some of the tragedy in our world!

If you’ve been singing the old song, “All You Need is Love”, but aren’t really sure how love practically plays itself out in your day to day life, join us for our Sunday morning worship service. A man named John who was very, very close to Jesus Christ wrote extensively on this subject of love. You might not like everything he says about it, but you will have a clear understanding of the kind of love that actually rocks our world.

Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am

“The Surveillance Camera God”

A woman recently complained that she was brought up with the idea that God was like a surveillance camera, constantly filming everything we do, holding over us the continual threat of vicious retaliation should we step out of line. As a result, this individual decided that God was not for her and embarked on a life of pretty much doing whatever she wanted.

Whatever it is people hear about the God of the Bible, the whole concept of a Big Bully in the sky shouting at us, “Behave or else” is skewered when compared to how He has revealed Himself to humanity.

This weekend we are going to be studying what the Apostle John, the disciple who knew Jesus best, wrote about why Christians live as they do. Ironically, fear of punishment is not the primary motivator, but instead our relationship with Christ. Make no mistake, John is very big on living like a Christian. We won’t find any, “It really doesn’t matter how you live” from him. But his motivation is so different from the “Surveillance Camera God” mentality. Rather than fear, John reminds us of who God has made us – part of his family. He takes us to the cross and shows us the contrast between good and evil which cannot be compromised. For John, it wasn’t a matter of “I have to live like a disciple of Jesus,” but, “I want to”.

If you find yourself identifying with the woman described in the first paragraph, join us for one of our weekend services. Your relationship with God is too important, too good to be spoiled by an “I have to” life.

Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am

The Uncompromising Jesus

At a time when people prefer the question, “How does it make you feel?” to “What is true?”, Jesus can come off as uncompromising. There were a lot of people that disagreed with the claims he made about himself when he lived as a human being on this earth. Some were incredulous, “That man just called himself God!” Others showed disdain, “Who is this guy from Galilee who claims to forgive sins?” And still others were mocking, “It took 46 years to build this Temple and you are going to rebuild it in three days?!?!”

But Jesus never backed down. He was not all that concerned that what he said upset people. His priority was to enable them to understand what he was saying about himself and their need for what he was offering them. Christ never diluted his message. In fact, at times he stated the truth in a way that was so clear, so in your face it infuriated people. One might ask, “Why would Jesus do that?” On reading the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life, there can be only one response: He was totally convinced he is the true God, the only Savior from sin and death, the only eternal hope for human beings. It really doesn’t matter how those statements make us feel, but it is absolutely necessary for us to know they are true.

Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate proof that what he said about himself is trustworthy. Because the events of the first Easter Sunday are historical, we cannot compromise on Jesus. But why would we? Who Jesus is and what he did for us is too good to change.

Join us for one of our weekend worship services. Discover why you wouldn’t want a compromised Jesus.

Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am

Belief Matters

While there are some people who disdain the concept of beliefs, saying that the only principles which can be trusted are those that are demonstrated and replicated in a science laboratory, the issues which cause the most conflict among us are all based on beliefs. Whether people are discussing immigration, the legalization of marijuana, abortion, LGBTQ rights, end of life issues and many others, peoples’ concept of right and wrong are based on beliefs. And they feel very strongly about their beliefs, stating they are right and people who disagree with them are wrong.

When there is division over right and wrong, it could be that everyone is wrong, but there is very little chance everyone can be right. And that fact should motivate us to think seriously about our beliefs in regard to right and wrong.

Two thousand years ago an old man named John wrote a short letter to some Christians he knew very well. This John had been a follower of Jesus Christ and had personally seen Jesus many times after his resurrection from the dead. In this letter John explains why belief matters, especially when it comes to right and wrong.

If you find yourself confused by the information you’re getting about the current controversies of our day and are wondering if there actually is a right and a wrong, join us for one of our weekend services. Things just might clear up if we go beyond ourselves and our limitations to find a solid foundation on which to base our beliefs. Reading John’s letter gives us that opportunity!

Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am