Some truths from the Bible make for uncomfortable conversation. How do we stand for those bible truths we’d rather not mention? This message reveals truths that culture hates. How can we be true to our faith and true to our friends?

The cross was never designed to be a work of art. But it’s work was oh, so important! Today’s message informs us that the uncomfortable history of the cross is what molds our faith.

Jesus was counter-cultural in a culture that was very religious. We are also to be counter-cultural in a culture that is religious - to a point. This message looks at how our comfort being a Christian needs to be shaken, so that we can embrace the life He modeled.

The greatest showing of grace and mercy was Jesus seeking out the disciples who abandoned him, denied him publicly (Peter), and doubted his love and power (Thomas). Jesus remained faithful (2 Timothy 2:12-14, the ultimate example of faithfulness, loyalty, love, and friendship.

Group betrayal involves a crowd of people believing a narrative that casts the betrayed as evil and in need of removal. But the Easter story also shows a group of doubting disciples that learn to believe the true narrative, not based on rumors, but evidence. All of this challenges those today who must decided whether to succumb to the tale of a mythical religious savior, or the evidence of a risen Messiah!

We don’t like traitors. Whether it’s someone not being loyal to a team or an American spy that sold secrets to our enemies, traitors are vilified. This message looks at the betrayal by Judas, and we discover that Jesus remained faithful to Judas as He remains faithful to us in our betrayals of Him.

What if there is another story that, while less tangible or physical, is more real and alive than the one we think we're living? Jeremiah knew the greater narrative of God's faithfulness in the midst of judgment, he saw the story behind the story, and part of his ministry was to reveal it.

We often struggle with the idea that sins have consequences, even though we've been forgiven. But sin does have consequences, and in this message, Jeremiah takes the difficult position of proclaiming that truth, and modeling for us how to navigate truth among those who deny it.

It is difficult to seek peace for those who want no peace for you. In today's political divide, it is natural to want those to be silent who are desiring to silence those who oppose them. It is difficult to seek the welfare of those who appear to be a threat to ones own welfare. That is the challenge given to the people of Jeremiah's message in this week's text.

There is a wisdom that must be used when we choose the religious beliefs that steer our lives. The issue is not whether our religion makes us feel good. The real question is whether it is trustworthy and thus able to bring us to our hoped-for destination of eternal life with God.