Why is solitary confinement torturous? Why is loneliness so severe? After walking with Jesus, the Apostle John observed that the Father and Son’s relationship is one of with-ness. This message heralds this union, hints at how this union answers the questions above and points to how it models an intimacy with God similar to what we can also have.
Sermons by Dean Wertz (Page 13)
It’s hard to watch a runner drop out of the race, and it’s difficult to see those we love step away from God when life gets tough. Just like an endurance coach helping a runner make it through the finish line, this message equips us to remain with God in a way described in Hebrews as “running with endurance.”
Most of us struggle with a secret hope to be recognized and the reality that much of what we do goes unnoticed. This tension can frustrate us when others are praised and attempts to point out our own achievements are seen as arrogant. In this message we discover how walking with God in three specific ways caused Moses to be described as the most humble person on earth (Numbers 12:3) and how this type of life with God is the divine resolution to our human struggle.
It keeps us awake, diminishes our creativity and reduces our ability to love others. What is the antidote to fear? In this message we will discover God’s strategy to empower us to live in freedom rather than fear.
We’ve come through a rough stretch. How are you doing? Having seen one thing after another not right in the world, how have you responded? Did you hide and deny, fight to fix and/or experience despair? What did you dwell on in the most difficult times? Years ago, on the first day of the week, at early dawn, God gave us something new to consider. For though the wrong seems oft so strong, there is a Ruler yet.
Woody Allen acknowledged, “I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens” and Solomon observed, “the fear of man will prove to be a snare.” What if our fears are actually opportunities for growth? In this message we grapple with the realities of fear and discover from an ancient story how to grow in freedom, trust and courage in the legitimate concerns of 2021 and beyond.
Photobombing and birth are alike. We unknowingly enter a story. Did you know that you, like the people in the Bible, were created to walk into a divinely authored adventure? In this week’s message, you will learn about an ordinary person who entered the joy of God’s story and discover how you can do the same!
Religious liberty is a gift we enjoy in most countries around the world. So, why did Jesus say that His followers should expect to be persecuted for His name? What did He mean and how is this relevant for us who can worship and follow Jesus freely in the 21st century? In this second message from the life and death of Abel, we discover a reality about opposition that all who walk with God must know, remember and embrace as we seek to live and die in union with God.
Some lives are brief. Too brief. Way too brief. It was this way for Abel. Though his life was cut short, he lived carefree with God and as an inspiration to all who desire to walk moment by moment in the presence of God.
Does God prefer that we walk with Him or work for Him? A fuller look at Enoch’s life points us toward God’s thoughts on this all important question.