Sins are not atoned or PAID for, they are forgiven. The blood of Christ doesn't change God's mind it changes ours. Rodeen Williams: "We do not invoke his presence, He captures our awareness"
The table is a place to encounter the living Christ, who is present and active, not merely remembered. The Eucharist and Scripture work together to reveal Christ… Scripture and the breaking of bread both play a role in opening eyes.
Sacraments are more than symbols; they are acts in which God is present and active. A sacrament is more than a symbolic ritual; it is God acting through the sign to accomplish what it signifies. In sacramental Christianity, we believe that God is not only present in these moments, but He is working to do what these symbols represent.
We want to explore the idea of sacraments—what they are, how they work, and what they reveal about the presence of God in our lives. Sacraments are more than symbols; they are acts in which God is present and active. As we explore baptism, communion, and the broader sacramental reality, we will see how these practices invite us into a deeper encounter with God.
Throughout this series we've emphasized the distinction between true faith and the dangers of magical thinking, particularly in the context of prayer. True faith is relational—focused on deepening communion with God, rather than seeking control over circumstances.
Magical thinking in prayer seeks to control outcomes, focusing on manipulation rather than submission. Intercession isn't convincing God, it's freeing ourselves to participate in God's providence and trust that He will do what's loving and redemptive.
True prayer is a deep surrender to God, beyond the expectation of outcomes. It is not about controlling events but allowing God to be God in us.
2 Cor 5:16 "Therefore, from now on, I no longer know anyone according to the flesh. I no longer see people from a human point of view. This is a radical and most defining moment. No label that could possibly previously identify someone carries any further significance.
"The ultimate touchstone of friendship is not improvement, neither of the other nor of the self, the ultimate touchstone is witness. The privilege of being seen by someone, and the equal privilege of being granted the sight of the essence of another." (David White)
Join us as we challenge a flawed perspective on humanity, God, and our fallen world! . . . this Sunday @10:30a: "You Do Not Have a Sin Nature!"
Each person is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to get to the bottom of. 1. Diminisher - individuals who either make others feel small and unseen. 2. illuminator - someone who shines a light on them, making them feel valued and respected.
This Sunday, we're exploring a profound journey that many of us can relate to: moving from despair to hope. In these challenging times, it's essential to understand how we can transition from moments of darkness to a place of light and optimism. Our talk is titled "From Despair to Hope: A New Path," and we will delve into three primary points: recognizing despair, discovering hope, and walking the new path.
Discover the peace that comes from trusting in God's provision as we explore Jesus' teachings on anxiety from Matthew 6. Learn how to let go of worry, knowing that trouble has an expiration date and God's care is everlasting.
It's not about "replacing" our thoughts, as is commonly taught, but rather about starting from a different perspective. It's more about discovery and uncovering than any effort to replace them!
Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength. In this talk Jeff will explain the primary way worry gains it's leverage and three principles Jesus gives us to defeat it.
Often at the expense of your feelings and reasoning comes crashing in a common cliche, “just trust the Lord with all your heart.” Is this right? Is this what God requires?
The most important question we can ever ask is, who is God" (Malcolm Smith) This message from Pastor Korsen will open the eyes of willing hearts to see God as the endlessly good and loving Father that has ALWAYS been!
Do you believe God has a word for His people, and specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community?
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," 17 then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (the Apostle Paul)
“The very taste of forgiveness seems somehow wrong. Even when we have committed a wrong, we want to earn our way back into the injured party’s good graces. We prefer to crawl on our knees, to wallow, to do penance, to kill a lamb—and religion often obliges us.” (P. Yancy)
Christianity is not a doctrine or collection of doctrines to follow but a Person to follow. A relationship to that Person we’re following.
Our mission is to lead people into a growing faith in Jesus Christ... to be a gathering where God's presence is experienced in love and power. We trust your faith in Christ will grow as a result of these messages.
What if the destination is wherever you are? What if the journey is the destination?
The Bible doesn’t give us a blanket of certainty, instead it gives us a quilt, a patchwork of life stories and God moment where we learn life is a journey, and God is by our side, helping us navigate the difficulties. God Desires Our Trust More Than Our "Correct" Beliefs”!
In this enlightening talk, we explore the concept of "transactional faith"—the belief that specific actions on our part can compel God to respond in predictable, controlled ways. Through an examination of scriptural insights and theological principles, we will delve into the dangers and misconceptions of approaching our relationship with God as a series of transactions, rather than as a deep, enduring partnership.
Have you ever felt out of place? Whether it's within communities, religious groups, or various belief systems, do you find yourself feeling like an outsider? This persistent feeling of rejection and self-loathing can only be transformed when we change our perception of our relationship with God. Today, we will challenge the false belief that God disapproves of us, and explore how understanding His true nature can lead to healing and acceptance.
The Lie of Determinism - Does God predetermine all things, present, past, future? NO! NO! NO! God is love. Everything God does, everything God wills, everything God purposes emanates from his character of love. "Evil has no meaning; it is parasitic on the good, and has no direct function in God’s economy." (John Crowder)
Misunderstandings about the concept of "New Birth" (or receiving Jesus into your heart) have created considerable confusion through the years. The idea of the New Birth most often requires a transaction... if I DO THIS, God will RESPOND by doing (giving) THAT! Salvation isn't about receiving Jesus into your heart… its about how God has already received you into his!
How to stay connected to your faith when you feel like you're loosing yourself!
It is not about you inviting Jesus into your life; it is about Jesus already including you in his." (Baxter Kruger). Deeply Trusting Jesus in Prayer expresses itself in; a) total surrender and b) outward acts of love and service.
