Compass EFC

What do we do when feelings come to the surface? The invitation from God is not to cover over them or be overwhelmed by them, but to create space for them.

Can we be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature?

Romans 7:1-6

What do emotions do? Can we trust our emotions? Does God feel emotions?

On the first Easter, Jesus moves toward a disappointed disciple.Thomas refused to have anything to do with Jesus. How does Jesus respond? He creates space for Thomas. Jesus’ kindness challenges us. Will we give him our allegiance?

Text: John 20:24-29

We’ve all heard the question before, “What about all the contradictions in the Gospels?” Did the Satan tempt Jesus to turn stones to bread, throw himself off the temple, then worship him (Matthew)? Or did the Satan tempt Jesus to turn stones to bread, worship him, then throw himself off the temple (Luke)? How many women were present at the resurrection? Three (Matthew & Mark) five (Luke) or one (John)? How did Judas die? Craig responds to these questions and more.

How do bread and wine change our hearts? On Thursday, Jesus and His disciples celebrated a familiar meal. Together, they shared the same elements that they had shared with their families as children, the same tradition Israel had celebrated for over a thousand years. This rich symbolism and tradition was about to be changed forever.

There was one person during Jesus’ final days who realized what He was worth. The religious leaders, the people who studied God’s Word, did not recognize Jesus. The disciples who had followed Jesus may have known who He was, but they didn’t realize what He was worth. On Wednesday, when Jesus went to eat at the house of a former leper, there was one woman who realized what Jesus was worth to her. What she realized changed everything.

What does the Messiah look like? When the Jesus came to the Israelites, they certainly did not recognize Him. He came preaching the Gospel, performing miracles, and teaching God’s Word, yet His own people did not recognize their Messiah standing in front of them. After Jesus had been interrogated by the teachers of the law, He turned to teach them about the true identity of Israel’s Messiah.

How can a fig change the world? After Jesus entered Jerusalem on Sunday, the Gospel of Matthew says that Jesus cleansed the temple and went to Bethany for the night. The next morning, Jesus and the disciples were walking back into Jerusalem when Jesus entered a terrible conflict with a tree. What happened between Jesus and that tree is a convicting message for all who dare to listen.

It can be hard to believe God desires connection with us. Isn't God distant and distracted? On the first Palm Sunday oppressed people saw Jesus as their promised political savior. But Jesus has something else in mind. Is Jesus distant and distracted? Or is he dying to connect?

Scripture- John 12:12-36