Branches OC

When we look at John 3:16, it's so familiar that it has lost its wonder. To know the love God has for you, His reckless love, must be caught not taught.

Jesus said to his 12 while He was in great distress, "“Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He didn't just say it once but twice. If even Jesus needed others in the family of faith, how much more us? In this message, Pastor Boog teaches on the truth that when we belong to God we belong to each other and what that can look like in the real world.

5/23 Michael Bischof, the Pastor to Pastors, challenges us to think about the 'loads' Jesus warned about us putting on other people that they are not able to bear. "They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." (Matthew 23:1-4.) We are equipped to lighten people's loads by giving grace, love, kindness, etc.

“You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas (Rock)”- Jesus. "You Are - You Shall Become." You are known, loved, and have a purpose. Like Peter, we need to be reminded of this truth.

With some of his last words, while on the cross, Jesus chooses to address the role of motherhood. Motherhood is sacred. There is a need for the gift of motherhood to be used and for all of us to realize our need for mother figures in our lives.

This is a message for the members of Branches as we move into a new season of exciting and scary change. We turn back to the words of Jesus, "I am the Vine, You are the Branches" to guide us.

When you're quiet, is it still loud inside of you? Do you find yourself, because of your behavior, feeling like someone needs to put you in timeout? Do you feel like someone else needs a detention? Both? Let's listen into our Lord, the master of both nature and our souls - Jesus.

What would God command us to do? Have you had the realization of being in God's presence and then having your unholiness come to the surface. Peter did. What does Jesus command him to do?

In this New Series, Listening at the Feet of Jesus, we will focus on just the words of Jesus. But, what does it mean to "Listen at the Feet of Jesus?" Not what you think.

It is possible to believe again. Happy Easter!