1 Thing Matters

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Many love to quote these words of Jesus and misapply “truth” and “free” rather generically to suit whatever ideology or agenda they are promoting. But Jesus shed light on the real meaning of these words just a few verses later when he also said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). So the “truth” is this: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection have freed us from the condemnation of sin, the control of Satan, and the dread of death. Now that’s freedom!

During November, we have been giving our attention to what a difference-maker our freedom in Jesus really is. If you had the choice, would you rather be free or be ruled? That's pretty much a no-brainer. But, what if both could coexist... and you'd be better off because of it?

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Many love to quote these words of Jesus and misapply “truth” and “free” rather generically to suit whatever ideology or agenda they are promoting. But Jesus shed light on the real meaning of these words just a few verses later when he also said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). So the “truth” is this: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection have freed us from the condemnation of sin, the control of Satan, and the dread of death. Now that’s freedom!

During November, are giving our attention to what a difference-maker our freedom in Jesus really is. That freedom determines how we face death. Without it, the thought of death is terrifying - and rightly so! But through the freedom that only Jesus offers, the dread of death disappears. Being free in Jesus means being free to face death.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   

Many love to quote these words of Jesus and misapply “truth” and “free” rather generically to suit whatever ideology or agenda they are promoting. But Jesus shed light on the real meaning of these words just a few verses later when he also said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). So the “truth” is this: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection have freed us from the condemnation of sin, the control of Satan, and the dread of death. Now that’s freedom!  

During November, are giving our attention to what a difference-maker our freedom in Jesus really is. Today we are reminded of the sobering reality that every one of us will face judgment. When we are made aware that the only standard God accepts is a 100% perfect track record, we have reason to be afraid! But Jesus makes all the difference. Being free in Jesus means being free from fear of judgment.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

Many love to quote these words of Jesus and misapply “truth” and “free” rather generically to suit whatever ideology or agenda they are promoting. But Jesus shed light on the real meaning of these words just a few verses later when he also said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). So the “truth” is this: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection have freed us from the condemnation of sin, the control of Satan, and the dread of death. Now that’s freedom!

During November, we will be giving our attention to what a difference-maker our freedom in Jesus really is. Today, as we celebrate the ongoing blessings of the Reformation, we give thanks and we stand guard. We give thanks that our freedom is only by faith in Jesus, and we stand guard against the lie that freedom could ever be achieved by observing the law.

The parables of Jesus are much more than just stories; they are spiritual truths. Through parables, Jesus deepens our understanding of who he is and who we are. 

The best banquet imaginable is in the works, and you’re invited. So is everyone else. Sadly, many are not interested and will miss out. Sadder still, many would love to attend - even expect to - but will miss out because they won’t be properly dressed. Will you?

The parables of Jesus are much more than just stories; they are spiritual truths. Through parables, Jesus deepens our understanding of who he is and who we are.

A vineyard is planted for one reason: to produce fruit. In this parable, Jesus uses the picture of a vineyard and its workers to teach us that he is looking for the same thing in his followers. What kind of fruit are you producing in his vineyard?

The parables of Jesus are much more than just stories; they are spiritual truths. Through parables, Jesus deepens our understanding of who he is and who we are.  

A father and two sons. Recalcitrance and repentance. Deceptive disobedience. Are we the first or the second son in Jesus' parable, and why does it matter? As Jesus himself asked, "What do you think?"

The parables of Jesus are much more than just stories; they are spiritual truths. Through parables, Jesus deepens our understanding of who he is and who we are.  

In his parable today, Jesus helps us understand how his kingdom operates. His is not a kingdom made up of "good people" who have been dubbed such by good intentions, best efforts, or hard work, but a kingdom governed by grace. That's good news because grace is for everyone, which means grace is for you.

Virtually everyone has some thought or opinion on what church is or isn't, or what it should or shouldn't be. There's one perspective that matters more than all of them, though, and it belongs to the One who established the church in the first place. This is the fifth and final message in a five-week series that focuses on the church and God's purpose for it in our lives.   

If you wish to see what makes Christianity so different from every other religion, look no further than the matter of forgiveness. How does one get it? How does one give it? The answer is the same: Jesus Christ. His Church, made up of forgiven sinners, is also a Church of forgiving saints.

Virtually everyone has some thought or opinion on what church is or isn't, or what it should or shouldn't be. There's one perspective that matters more than all of them, though, and it belongs to the One who established the church in the first place. This is the fourth in a five-week series that focuses on the church and God's purpose for it in our lives.   

Those who care about us are not afraid to tell us like it is. And, though it may be difficult to hear, we appreciate hearing what needs to be said when those who speak up have our best interests in mind. That's where the church comes in. It is a place where we care enough about each other to judge, without being judgmental.