The beginning of the book of Nehemiah starts with a dark scene. Aaron elaborates on the rich history leading up to this point. There is a picture in these first few chapters of a heart breaking for God’s people. We are challenged to consider what breaks our hearts. Nehemiah was a powerful figure in Israel’s…
We’ve come to the end of the book of John where Jesus reinstates Peter. Previously, Peter denied Christ three times. In a similar fashion, Jesus asks Peter three times if Peter loves Jesus. After reminding Peter of who he is and what he is called to, Jesus shares that the journey forward will be costly.…
So many products are sold with “Before & After” pictures. These pictures promote a quick and effortless change and often this appeals to us. In contrast, we see the disciples making radical changes in their lives. They go from being fisherman to followers of Christ. Yet, we also know that there was hardship along the…
People confess things for different reasons, but at the root of many confessions is a feeling of being caught. This week’s message takes a look at the disciples and their own feeling of being caught. Not caught for doing something wrong, but rather being caught in the truth that Jesus is Lord. For six weeks…
Jesus challenges us to do things that are sometimes far beyond what we believe we can do. The disciples are concerned that many people are still listening to Jesus’ teachings while it gets late. Their reasonable suggestion to send the people away to allow them to get something to eat results in Jesus responding, “You…
We’re asked to prove who we are multiple times every day. Whether in the form of passwords, asking who is at the door, or just having our ID checked at the grocery store, we know what it’s liked to be asked to show identification for who we are. Jesus approaches the disciples by walking on…
What does it take to follow Christ? Aaron takes us through Luke 5:1-11 and explains that the disciples were not called because they had it all together, had incredible qualifications, or even because they totally understood the message. Additionally, we are challenged to live our lives as followers and not mere observers or fans of Christ.…
Ecclesiastes 7:8-10 Acts 1:6-8 Matthew 28:16-20 John 4:27-38 Our mission is quite simple. We are to be witnesses. A witness is only responsible to tell what he knows. We are to tell the story of how Jesus has changed our lives. I believe our best days as a church lie ahead of us. I believe…
Read: Ecclesiastes 7:8-10 II Corinthians 13:1-10 Ephesians 5:11-16 Philippians 2:14-15 Philippians 3:7-15 Romans 12:1 Romans 6:12-14 Romans 6:19 Matthew 5:13-16 Some of you can’t wait for the good days you are confident lie ahead. In two and a half days, you will joyfully welcome in a new year of possibilities, and you can’t help but think ahead. But, what makes us think…
Read: Matthew 2:7-12 Luke 2:15-20 Consider: Interestingly, the detail Matthew focuses on in the story of the magi, beyond the star that they followed, is the moment of gift giving. Notice that the gifts are called “treasures” in Matthew 2:11. They were very expensive gifts! Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These wealthy, learned men, who had…