The New Testament teaches resurrection––a state that will be at the same time like the life that we know––unlike the life that we know––and more wonderful than we can imagine.

Christ seeks to bring us into the Kingdom of JOY.

Christ calls us to pray persistently in the faith that God will grant justice to those who cry to him day and night.

Christ calls us to open our eyes to see and our hearts to receive God's blessings.

God answers our prayers––not necessarily with a sudden SHAAA-ZAM kind of miracle––but often by shepherding us with little nudges over a period of time––until we suddenly look around and realize that we are just where we need to be.

Jesus calls us to practice sacrificial discipleship.

The Holy Spirit is a faithful guide and teacher, so it behooves us to be faithful followers and learners.

Jesus calls us beyond our most basic needs for food, clothing and shelter, and offers to meet our deepest needs.

Today, we will examine how we are insulting God in our homes, our daily habits, our schools, and our churches.

In the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus teaches us not to celebrate our virtues but to acknowledge our need of forgiveness.

Are we guilty of the unforgiveable sin––probably not.

Jesus looks for ways to help us, and rewards persistent, humble faith.

Jesus invites us to come to him and find rest––to participate in relationship with Father and Son in a three-part harmony for the soul.

Jesus has a quiet authority that persuades us to follow him––and which makes something wonderful of our lives when we do.

Our Memorial Day 2024 Sermon

Just as Jesus was empowered by the Spirit that he received at his baptism, so God empowers us to live important lives through the power of the Spirit that we received at our baptism.

In the Bible, mothers are celebrated too! Not by official holidays or festivals, but celebrated nontheless by Jesus, as we will talk about in our message today.

In his baptism, Jesus took one of three steps down (incarnation, baptism, and crucifixion) in preparation for two big steps up (resurrection and ascension).

Baptism represents a total commitment––putting your whole self in.

Jesus received the blessing of Spirit and word while at prayer after his baptism, modeling for us that prayer is one of God's vehicles for blessing.