Let’s Get Real!
Many non-Christians would describe American Christians using words like judgmental, hypocritical, or self-righteous. As Christians, we might be tempted to get defensive, or brush off such opinions as ridiculous. But might it be good to do some soul-searching to identify if there are ways that Christians are giving that impression? Largely, it will depend on whether we're being "real" in our lives of faith, or whether we're insincere. Listen as Jesus tells a story that forces his listeners to wrestle with that question: Is my spiritual life real? Or fake? Sincere? Or insincere? And how can we "get real" in our lives of faith?
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Jul 30, 2023Let’s Get Real!Let’s Get Real!Many non-Christians would describe American Christians using words like judgmental, hypocritical, or self-righteous. As Christians, we might be tempted to get defensive, or brush off such opinions as ridiculous. But might it be good to do some soul-searching to identify if there are ways that Christians are giving that impression? Largely, it will depend on whether we're being "real" in our lives of faith, or whether we're insincere. Listen as Jesus tells a story that forces his listeners to wrestle with that question: Is my spiritual life real? Or fake? Sincere? Or insincere? And how can we "get real" in our lives of faith?
- Jul 23, 2023God Isn’t FairGod Isn’t FairWe all want things to be fair. Especially when we feel like we aren't the ones who are being treated fairly! That's why it might seem strange that Jesus tells a story that paints God as seemingly "not fair." However, the fact that God isn't fair, in the way the world views fairness, is the best news possible for us! Watch Pastor Troy's sermon to find out more!
- Jul 2, 2023The Compassion of the Christ(ian)The Compassion of the Christ(ian)When we see someone that is hopeless and helpless due to sad physical circumstances, we feel compassion for them and have a desire to help. In today's sermon text, we also see Jesus' compassion for the crowds. But it wasn't just because of physical circumstances that he felt such compassion for them. And he didn't just feel compassion for them, he took action to show compassion to them! One way he did that, and does it still today is through the Holy Ministry of God's Church!
- Jun 25, 2023The Confidence to Be ConfessionalThe Confidence to Be ConfessionalOn June 25, 1530, a gathering of religious and political leaders took place in Augsburg, Germany. What happened at that gathering has caused repercussions for us, even 493 years later! Watch Pastor Troy's sermon to find out what more, and how that gathering impacts us still today!
- Jun 4, 2023Too Inconceivable to IgnoreToo Inconceivable to IgnoreGod tells us some pretty inconceivable things about himself in his Word. One of them is what we celebrate today--the Holy Trinity; that there is only one God, but that one God exists as three distinct, separate, and equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For many people, the inconceivable nature of such a teaching is a dealbreaker. But in Pastor Troy's sermon, he points out why the inconceivable nature of such a teaching isn't a dealbreaker, but rather, a comfort and encouragement that this doctrine can make us that much more certain he is the one true God!
- May 30, 2023Unity, Diversity, UnityUnity, Diversity, UnityOn Pentecost, we celebrate the gift that keeps on giving, as the Holy Spirit, first poured out on Jesus' followers that day, continues to give diverse gifts to His people. And we get to use those gifts to bring more people into the unity of faith in Jesus--the greatest gift that the Holy Spirit gives!
- May 21, 2023It Takes a VillageIt Takes a VillageIt might seem like telling others about Jesus is a one-person job. And yet, God's Word reminds us of the importance of community, and that when it comes to Joining Jesus on His Mission, it takes a village! Find out why in Pastor Troy's sermon on Acts 2:42-47!
- May 14, 2023You Glorify Jesus With That Mouth?You Glorify Jesus With That Mouth?Obviously, our words matter when it comes to sharing God's Word with people. But even beyond God's Word, when it comes to Joining Jesus on His Mission, our speech matters! Words are powerful and impactful, either for good or for evil. Likewise, our speech has the ability to draw people closer to hear the Word of God, or to drive people away from hearing the Word of God. Therefore, we need to take God's encouragement to heart when he tells us to "flavor our speech."
- May 7, 2023Mission FuelMission FuelIt might seem like the most important aspect of being "on mission" with Jesus would come from our speaking--what we say, and how we say it when people are watching what we do and listening to what we say! And that's certainly important. But today, we see an even greater priority. Before we can talk about Jesus, we first need to listen to Jesus!
- Apr 23, 2023The River MovedThe River MovedIt's no secret. In the past, Americans tended to be Christian, and make attending and serving in the church a priority and expectation in their lives. But that's shifted quite a bit over the last few decades. As more and more people walk away from Christianity, and more and more people declare themselves to have no religious affiliation, what is the church to do? Sit on our hands and hope things change? Keep to ourselves, and stay safely within the four walls of our church where we can feel comfortable? Or see ourselves, and live like what we've become--missionaries living in a vast and growing mission field of people who don't know or don't care about Jesus. Today, we watch him as he shares the good news with a Samaritan woman, and see how we also can seek to share the Gospel of Jesus with people who aren't looking for it!
