I thought maybe I should title this sermon series “Salted Nuts.” The world does think we are nuts. “You believe all of history hinges on the life of one Jewish man who lived 2,000 years ago and died on a Roman cross?” Yup. “You rest your life on the Bible as though God delivered it to you when all of us know it is anachronistic, scientifically-disproved spiritual fluff?” Yeah, kinda. We do stand out. Jesus told us we would stand out. The Christian life stands in stark contrast to the regular patterns of the world. But this is just where the gospel slips in. Don’t lose your salt. Speaker: Jim Edwards

With our roots deep in the soil of the Spirit of Christ, we are overflowing with his fullness. We are not living on the dregs, we are full of the divine life. We don’t live from a posture of lack and scarcity, but from the overflowing “more than enough” of the life of Jesus within us. The fullness within also makes us hungry for the world to be put right, for all the world to be full of the grace of God as the waters cover the sea. Speaker: Tim McConnell

This is an odd verse. In some way or another, our sufferings contribute to the fullness of the divine life. We are connected to Christ, and even share in his sufferings. This life is a contest. We are pitted against evil forces that destroy life. As full children of God who flourish in the divine life filling us up from within, we overflow to fill up the gaps in the world. Wounds become sources of healing for others and we can be agents of flourishing in the name of Jesus. Speaker: Tim McConnell

You cannot make too much of Jesus. It is not possible to say too much. What is Jesus but the fullness of God made manifest to us? What are we but the emptiness of sin without him? All of God’s fullness is pleased to dwell in Jesus Christ. When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you are drawn into his fullness of life. You are connected with the source of all being, the fountain of God’s goodness and grace. Speaker: Greg Hartnett

Do you believe in the fullness of life? Can it happen to you? It has less to do with your external circumstances and more to do with the attachments of your heart. Paul has the same attachments of the heart whether he is free or in chains, comfortable or suffering. Fullness happens within. You will know streams of living water flowing from within you (John 7:38) when Jesus pours out his Holy Spirit in you. Speaker: Dave Steane

The seed is the Word of God. The parable of the soil is not determinative. Jesus expects that you have the ability to change your soil, to alter the soil of your heart. How is that done? How can you soften your heart to receive the good news of Jesus and bear fruit a hundred fold? “Come to me in your weariness and distress,” says Jesus. “Take up my yoke. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Walk along with me.” Take up the spiritual practices that keep you near to Jesus. When you do, you find that your heart opens up and softens to God’s purposes. Speaker: Michael Thornton

John 10:10 says, ‘'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus is accused of using satanic power to manipulate satanic forces. Actually, he uses divine power to destroy Satan’s purposes. Are you aware that there is a spiritual battle for your soul and the souls of your family and friends? (C S Lewis, Screwtape Letters) There is no rest in the temptations of the evil one. Rest comes from turning to Jesus and joining his Kingdom, and becoming part of his family. Speaker: Michael Thornton

Family is not always the easiest to navigate. Friends can sometimes be a burden. Jesus drew the disciples near and made family of them. Jesus suffered difficult family dynamics among his own brothers. Jesus can get in the middle of your most trying relationships. Jesus cares about our relationships with others. We can bless one another or curse one another, but with the love of Jesus within us we can find great rest in relationships and peace in the brotherhood of believers. Speaker: Tim McConnell

The fact that Jesus is the source and cause of our salvation and healing is actually an affront to the religious leaders. We can live with a god who tells us what to do and helps us achieve the goal, even one who defines our goals contrary to our personal desires. What we cannot tolerate is the idea that we need Jesus as our Savior. Where does true healing start? We try everything. Diet. Exercise. Travel. Where do we find rest for our weary souls? In bowing down before Jesus, throwing ourselves down prostrate before him, and letting him save us. Speaker: Tim McConnell

Maybe this summer is the summer of sabbath for you. What is the sabbath? Why does God command it? The regular practice of the sabbath alters our lives demonstrably for the better. It honors God, serves neighbor, promotes justice, and betters the earth. But it can also be a temptation to earn God’s favor through legalism. It is neither Jesus’ intent to push us into legalistic and performative behavior, nor to leave us neglecting the healthy practices woven into the fabric of creation. Let Jesus be Lord of your sabbath. Speaker: Tim McConnell