Mark: "God Comes Near" Donny Abbott at Timberline Windsor

Pastor Donny explored the two different realities of Pilate and Barabbas in the final hours of Jesus's life. The question, "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews" is still the primary question facing us today.

Peter's denial (and subsequent restoration) serves as a model for each of us. Explore the ways we are not defined by our failures and the ways the Lord can even use them for redemptive purposes in others.

Faced with the stubborn rejection of the religious leaders, Jesus issues a clear and bold statement about his identity along with the implications for all who reject him. It is decision-time about the man and the claims that he issues: What is our choice?

As Jesus turns himself over to the religious leaders, we reflect on the necessity of endings. Biblically, we are encouraged that ‘better is an end of a thing than its beginning’, but what does that really mean? And how can I actually take that to heart?

As Jesus turns to the Garden of Gethsemane we see remarkable ways even he experiences the immense weight of his mission and the struggles he experiences with those around him. As always, such real and raw expressions are not intended to give way to despair but hope!

I would NEVER do that! Ever said something like that? We all have – The problem is that we may have ourselves fooled, but God knows us even better than we know ourselves. More than that, he does FOR US what we would never be able to do for ourselves. In light of that, we respond in allowing more of his movement in and through our lives!

In anticipation and preparation for Jesus's ultimate sacrifice, he is anointed in a surprising way by his followers. As a point of reflection, this episode begs the question: What is it that we most deeply adore? What is it that we find most valuable?

In the culminating hours of his earthly life, Jesus gives his disciples (then and now) a big-picture understanding of his mission played out in them and through them. It won’t be easy, but he has never asked us to trust in the ease of discipleship. He always gives us his presence and power along with his promise of surpassing victory.

Are you who you say you are? Sooooo many things in our culture today are fake. This weekend we will talk about that and look at some core values that can keep us on track this year.

New Year's Eve 2023 Service at Timberline Windsor