In Galatians, Paul passionately contrasts a life of Faith that leads to being filled with The Spirit versus a life in the flesh that keeps you a slave under the law. For us today, God’s plan is for us to live in freedom, in The Spirit, and no longer be slaves to our controlling religious striving. We must trust all that God has said and walk in Freedom as Sons and Daughters of God.
Things are not right in the world and in us. The Bible reveals the cause of this reality to be sin and the remedy to be faith in Jesus as Lord. This remedy is good news and is difficult for us to accept. In this second message from Paul’s letter to the Galatians we discover that, though hard to believe, the gospel in a word is Jesus.
How can we begin and cultivate a life with God? Today we begin a series through Paul’s letter to the Galatians because this letter was penned by a man who grappled with this question, sent by a community that wrestled with this question, received by churches that were uncertain how to answer this question and now, it is given to us who must be clear and resolute in answering this ultimate question, “How can we begin and cultivate a life with God?”
We will be exploring the end of the gospel of John where we find the culmination of the entire book as Thomas proclaims that Jesus is God. We will try to understand the implications of that statement for someone like Thomas and ourselves.
Jesus resurrection is a historic reality and so much more. After rising He ascended and sent the Holy Spirit. So, today and every day is an opportunity to enter the story of Resurrection by living in the presence and power of the Living Jesus through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit.
Has God ever worked differently than you expected? Expectations were high in the the crowd, Jewish leadership, Roman officials and Jesus’ disciples on Palm Sunday. Yet, it was on this day that Jesus revealed that He is King. A Lord different than expected and better than imagined.
In Bethany Martha serves Jesus, Lazarus eats with Jesus, Mary anoints Jesus, Judas critiques Mary and John writes to tell it all. Why would Jesus take time to be with such a complicated group on His way into Jerusalem’s Hosannas, hate, trial and crucifixion? Maybe this story is more than a positive example of extravagant worship in the presence of greed. Maybe we all have something to learn about the guest and His love in that home and ours.
Today’s message of hope comes in two courses. From the parable of the Prodigal Son we are reminded of God’s desire and plan for us to live with Him. The second course, delivered after communion, presents the vision for our church to offer more hope in Jesus’ name to more people in Denver and beyond. Trigger warning: This second phase includes a challenge to the Hope family to give sacrificially beyond our ongoing offerings toward our 2-month Expand Hope campaign. May God bless you as you are encouraged to both seize and extend the hope of Christ to others.
We often feel the urge to seek the approval of many people in our lives. This often occurs in our relationship with God too. Yet Jesus reveals there is something more to be discovered. What was the good portion Mary found? What audience are we living for? And, what audience should we be living for? The answers might surprise you.
We continue our journey to the cross with Christ, as Jesus is warned that Herod may take his life. In the city that kills the prophets of God, Jesus is moved with compassion for the people and remains committed to his mission of redemption and salvation.