In this sermon we explore the dynamic of addition by subtraction. Jesus shows us that his followers have to constantly simply their lives by eliminating things in their lives that cause them spiritual harm.

Guest Pastor Andrew Park of Living Way Presbyterian Church talks about John 1:43-46

What is true greatness? Some people think of greatness in terms of talent, achievement and success. But Jesus challenges us to think of greatness in terms of service and sacrifice. Only when we give ourselves away, will we be ultimately free.

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus in the 21st century? Mark teaches us that a key element is faith. But the faith that God uses isn’t a perfect unwavering faith that contains little doubt. God also uses fragile faith, faith mixed with doubt, faith that asks God to use us in midst of our unbelief. It’s not ultimately the power of our faith but the power of a glorious king.

We live in a chaotic world filled with noise, work, and social media. The result is lives that are often overworked, addicted and empty. Jesus teaches us how to come alive by listening to his voice which brings an ultimate peace in midst of the storm. The glory of Jesus can come to bring us meaning in a mad world.

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus in the twenty first century? Does it simply mean being a fan? In Mark 8 Jesus tells a growing crowd the essence of discipleship - an utterly costly yet profoundly rewarding relationship with the King.

There is a longing, a lostness, a homesickness in all of us. Isaiah’s ultimate message was the coming of the Servant who will make a broken world into a true home. The message of Christmas is that Jesus has finally come to our broken world to bring heaven down. This week’s episode is only a partial recording.

What happens in your life when everything has gone wrong? Where do you find your hope in dark times? Isaiah shows us the glorious hope of Advent. There is a coming Shepherd who has come to comfort us, forgive us, and lead us into glory.

Advent is a season for longing for change, justice and ultimate peace. Isaiah tells us that there will be a coming world in which a righteous judge makes all things right. That hope gives us the ability to live faithfully, peacefully and courageously in a world of injustice.

Faith seems like simply a feeling, an instinct an intangible practice of blindly believing. In Mark 7 we meet a woman who demonstrates the power of faith. Her faith causes her to be tremendously bold, humble and ultimately blessed. Her life is a model for us to become people of gratitude who live in God’s grace.