Recent Sermons

This message points out the importance of being single focused in your pursuit of Christlikeness. We have more to distract us than ever. Being single minded allows us to eliminate the unimportant and focus on the most important things.

Why did Jesus choose to use a large fishing net to represent his actions in the day of judgment? Do you think that the furnace of fire as described in Matthew is real or symbolic?

Although conflict with the world is inevitable for the true disciple, Jesus did not leave his disciples without hope and good news. Though he was going away, he would send them the Holy Spirit whose unique ministry would not only change their lives but the entire world.

Jesus never promised his disciples that the world would love them. Although most of us want to fit in and get along with everyone, Jesus promised his disciples that they would be hated and persecuted because of their association with him. The world hated Jesus, yet he brought them the truth. The world will also hate his disciples, yet Jesus expectation is that his disciples will also take the truth to the world.

Jesus elevates the status of his disciples from servants to friends. Yet, he also gives the characteristics that must be a part of the lives of his friends. Not only does he describe the benefits of being his friend, but also the mission that he has chosen his friends to accomplish. Are you the friend of Jesus that he describes in John 15?

This parable has been call "the crown and pearl of all parables." Charles Dickens described it as "the finest story ever written." But the question remains, why did Jesus share this parable? In this heart-warming story we will see not only the compassion, mercy and grace of the Father but also a sharp rebuke for the Pharisees due to their arrogant attitude of superiority towards the sinner.

Of all of the names and privileges that the Bible gives to Christians, one of the most special and intimate is that of the friend of Jesus. Just prior to going to his death, Jesus shares with his disciples that he does not consider them to be servants but friends. However, to be the friend of Jesus, we are given four characteristics that must be a part of our lives.

Our lives are built around our relationships, family, friends, co-workers, etc. In John 15, John discusses our relationship with Jesus, our relationships with one another and our relationship to the world. Of all of these relationships, the nature of our relationship is critical since it will determine our relationship to God, our eternal destiny, and will impact all of the other relationships in our lives. So the question remains, what is your relationship to Jesus Christ?