Jesus asks, “But who do you say that I am?” It is the most important question that any human can contemplate, and the most consequential answer of your life and eternal life. Our culture and environment shape our view of Jesus. But who is Jesus really? What’s the benefit of following Him, and what will it really cost you?

Discernment is the ability to judge well in regard to spiritual direction and understanding. The most important truth to discern is properly identifying Jesus and His gospel. And we need to discern sound (good) doctrine to know and grow in Him.

Compassion is concern for the pain of others that moves to action to relieve. Compassion is the most frequent expression of Jesus’ emotions. Jesus models compassion to those in relationship with God and those who are not as an example for us.

Religious rituals can be a great benefit to the worship of God. They can also be obstacles to worship. Can rituals make us right with God? How are we made right with God? What is the place of religious ritual in the worship of God?

Our Teaching Pastor for this morning's sermon is Hunter Poulson. He's one of our Youth Ministry Directors that assists with Haven, Journey, and the bridge. Hunter is continuing the Matthew series teaching about Jesus miracle of feeding of the five-thousand.

Calvary Nexus Youth Pastor Vince Nardi teaches through the next section in our study through Matthew.

Warning labels: there are some that we pay no attention to. For example a coffee cup that warns the contents are hot – I hope so. Sometimes we push the warning boundary (e.g. 25 MPH curve). Sometimes we ignore the warning and experience consequences (Wash only in cold water or it will shrink). Sometimes we respect the warning because we understand the risk (e.g. Don’t walk on thin ice over cold lake). (bruce re: bike on treadmill in garage). What are some of the reasons why people reject warnings? Today we’ll discover the benefits of heeding the warnings.

Jesus uses a series of three parables to help you understand: God’s great love for you, to warn unbelievers of God’s judgment, and to encourage us to understand, apply, and share what we learn.

True believers, who experience true growth nurtured by good doctrine, are blessed by God and a blessing to others. On the other hand, false believers, false growth, and false doctrine are like plastic fruit - it may look nice, especially from a distance, but don’t nourish soul. Discover the importance and benefits of being true believers committed to Christ...