Bittersweet - Defiance Series 7/31/2011

When we look at Jesus on the Cross, John gives us a surprising detail — Jesus asks for a drink because he is thirsty. In this sermon, we see how Jesus’ thirst shows us what it means to be in need, and how to find real meaning and hope in the midst of our neediness. Key Verses: John 19:28-29

As we continue to study the last words of Jesus on the cross, we look to words that Jesus utters as He is experiencing the greatest of His sufferings. Jesus’ cry towards God here is an expression of the internal suffering He is experiencing by taking on our sin, abandonment by God. We reflect today on this passage by looking at this suffering of Jesus and how it should impact our communion with God today. Key Verses: Matthew 27:45-46

Throughout Jesus’ life, he consistently redefines the nature of relationships and calls into something that can address the deepest needs of our hearts . In this sermon, we see how he specifically cares for two of his closest followers — Mary, his mother, and John, his beloved disciple — as he hangs on the cross. Key Verses: John 19:23-27

Throughout this series, we use the seven last words of Jesus to guide our hearts into reflection as we prepare to celebrate Easter. This week, we look at Jesus's conversation with the criminals crucified next to Him to understand better the promise and implications His words hold for our lives.  Key Verses: Luke 23:39-43

We are looking at the seven last words of Jesus and how they can guide us into reflection as we prepare to celebrate Easter. This week, we look at the forgiveness that Jesus offers us, and how he calls us to forgive others, as well. Key Verses: Luke 23:32-38

God calls us to live generously — but how? In this sermon we very practically explore what it means to set aside a portion of our resources to give away to God’s spiritual work in our earthly world. Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

When we think about a life that is transformed by God’s grace, we cannot forget to think about the importance of being generous. In this sermon we look at Paul’s words to a growing church about giving and the role our hearts play in this grace-filled practice. Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

God has called his people to live in a way that reflects his sacrifice for us—putting aside an old nature that seeks to find what is most comfortable and convenient and instead putting on a new nature where his truth dominates our hearts. With Christ as our example, we want to be a church that demonstrates kindness with a tender heart through how we speak and live.  Key Verses: Ephesians 4:17-32

God has made us with hearts that will never truly find meaning and purpose outside of him. This means that we are designed to move in spiritual directions. In this sermon, we look at the famous story of Zacchaeus and see how God draws us towards himself, and how he calls us to move towards him in return. Key Verses: Luke 19:1-10

As we begin a new year, we are taking several weeks to reflect look at some of the values that we strive for in our community of faith. In this sermon, we reflect on what it means to be a group of God’s people who worship together as a family. Key Verses: 2 Chronicles 30:6-8