Whether we are single or married, God warns us about hard hearts. With hard hearts, we are not whole people - we're frustrated, bitter, and hurt. God wants to make two people into one, which is the same thing he does for one. He makes us one whole person. Let's pursue that and enjoy it. 

If we follow Jesus, there are consequences. We can see that from Jesus himself. He died for bringing good news. We've can be ready to endure whatever consequences come our way because Christ experienced the worst consequences for us. 

Jesus brings his new kingdom with his life, death and resurrection. It's a life of forgiveness, deliverance, and renewal. Since he has fed our souls, we join him in his new work. 

A sermon on Mark 6:30-44

A great group is amazing - motivated by a common cause, united around a common creed, developed by common tactics - a great group impacts people. The greatest group is gathered by a supernatural spirit. God gathers such a group. 

Safety is an understandable, basic human need. We want to be physically and emotionally safety. Jesus does not deny this need. He risks everything he is and has for us, so that we are guaranteed an eternal safety. What risk will you take? 

Love is the most important or essential part of our security. It's the one thing, more than anything else, that enables actual living. Only the love of Jesus - a love that is so great that he calls us friends - is great enough to fill our lives. John 15:9-17

Sometimes nonreligious people are better at doing good than even religious people. Simon recognizes the incredible power of the Holy Spirit and he wants it. But only the power of the Holy Spirit in him can change him so that the Holy Spirit works through him. 

The story of Easter, the story of the death and the resurrection of Jesus, is the one story that speaks to all of us. Jesus both confronts us and raises us up through it. No one is excluded. We can all celebrate this story. 

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead gives incredible hope for this life and a life to come. 

There is a big difference in how you treat an acquaintance, a friend, and a partner. You don't make a partner dig into your life or wait to find out what is going on. Your spouse or best friend gets to know what is going on because you need help. That's what a priest does. That's what Jesus does. Check out Hebrews 5:7-10