First Free Methodist - FFMC

The Golden Rule of Jesus is, "treat people the same way you want people to treat you." Too may times we live our lives each day as if they are some kind of transaction with other people. We judge and size up others all the time. Jesus invites us into a deeper way of sharing our lives with others. This new way of living is born out mercy, grace, and love. It is a hard way, but it is the only life-giving way.

We each bring our longings and hopes in life. In Luke's version of the Sermon on The Mount (Plain), we Jesus bring new hope and life to all those that long for a new day.

Jesus' invitation to his first followers was one built on a transformative experience of Jesus. Jesus does not invite ideologues to be his disciples. Jesus seeks those who who devoutly follow him even when everything does not make sense the way we might like. This week's episode explores what it means to respond to Jesus' call with action.

Sometimes our own exceptions of what we want from others and even from God can keep us stuck. This is true for Jesus' visit to his hometown of Nazareth. When confronted with their privilege and expectations, the Nazarene's have tables turned on them by a truth-seeking Jesus. This week's episode explores the danger of letting our own expectations when they get in the way of God's perfect love.

We often use words to convey ideas, persuade others, or influence situations. Too may times our words focus on what we might wish or want to be true. Jesus offers something quite different as he begins his ministry. He makes proclamations about what he has already done. His words are descriptive. Words point to his actions. From that foundation Jesus can then make clear where his ministry will go. We may need to learn some of these lessons on integrity from Jesus. He points the way toward harmony between our words and deeds.

Relationships are at the very heart of our being with God and one another. This reality is on full display in the baptism of Jesus. What we so often seek from God is a "role"...healer, warrior, etc. But Jesus reveals to us the most valuable relationship we can have. it is a role of being a child of God. This week's episode explores Jesus' baptism from the perceptive of union and the power of "being with."