We live in a world that places a high value on freedom and yet, we haven’t always thought through what real freedom is. In this message we’lll explore the powerful paradox of how not doing whatever we desire in a moment and surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus actually leads to the freedom our hearts most crave.

Maybe you’ve felt the tension between wanting others to know you're a follower of Jesus and the more insidious desire to be admired for how you live it out. Jesus addresses this tension in the Sermon on the Mount, warning that this mindset can get out of control and rob us of the Kingdom life He offers. In today’s message, we’ll explore what Jesus says about this temptation and consider how we can shift our hearts and motives in a new direction—while still taking His command to shine as His followers in the world seriously.

Victorious and overcoming is how we typically like to see ourselves. We are often most comfortable in winners’ circles and at the top of the heap. But the example of Jesus would have us become better acquainted with our own mortality as a way to experience true strength and power.

Famously, Jesus proclaims to the weary an easy yoke and a light burden. Yet a yoke is a tool made for a beast of burden. What about the freedom in Christ claimed by Paul? More personally, what about the heaviness we often still endure? How do we daily choose the yoke of Christ in a world that bids towards self-determination and indulgence? Please come all who are weary and hear again of the freedom in Christ that is only found in his right-sized yoke.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:34:35 How do we live as disciples of Jesus considering the paradoxical nature of the cross?

Rick McKinley closes our series by discussing the uncertainty experienced by the disciples, followed by Peter's declaration in Matthew 16:13-20. 

Rick McKinley continues our series by discussing the uncertainty experienced by Daniel while exiled in Babylon in Daniel 1:1-21

Rick McKinley continues our series by discussing the uncertainty experienced by David in the Wilderness in 1 Sam 22. 

Rick McKinley opens our series by discussing the uncertainty experienced by Abram and Sarai in Genesis 12.

Dr. John Johnson closes our series by discussing the importance of the spiritual practice of Joy.