Our identity often gets caught up in what we want rather than what God wants.

In this episode we hear from Tim Hickson of True Shepherd, a non-profit we have been partnering with for many years now. Tim shares their heart and mission for the community and then we close with some practical ways to move forward as a church. We cover three core values that we plan to posture our lives around as we move forward. If you would like to give toward this ministry go to www.graceandpeacechurch.org/give and all donations are tax deductible and will be matched not only by our church but also a donor has offered to match any gifts that come in till the end of June.

In a world of options we find that substitutes and imitations don’t deliver. We can attempt to convince ourselves that imitations are the same but as we see in the illustration Karisa uses, that butter can not be imitated. Although we might say we can’t believe its not butter, the ingredients listed on the label are very much not even dairy. The same can be said about God and what we label as god. Dig further with us in Acts 28 as we learn about who God is and how quickly we can label imitations as the same thing.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Storms can either be seen as something to shape us or something to hide from.

Hebrews 5:8-9 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

1. How can this situation help me understand more about Christ?

2. How can God use this situation to produce humility in me?

3. What character qualities can God develop in me through this situation?

We freak out when storms hit because our “faith” or vision of a good possible outcome is limited. Let’s allow Jesus to reshape our imagination.

Psalm 51:10,12

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

One sentence can change the course of history and what we see in chapter 24 is how one sentence defines his priority and declares his defense as he is on trial. What will you be known for? What will your life motto be?

“Resurrection” “He is Risen” and “New Life” — Common phrases around Easter matter because in a world where the cultural norms of money, comfort, fame, appearance continually leave us empty, but we find new life in Jesus.

John 12:23-25 But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

What is Palm Sunday?

1. We unpack the passage a bit.

2. Jesus kingdom patterns vs. earthly patterns

3. Fire and form

We find a new identity in Jesus. An alternative way of living to what our popular culture does. Much of culture teaches us we are defined by what we bring to the table. In Christ there is nothing you have to do to earn approval and new life.

Jesus taught people to take on a new story…

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

That’s why sharing your testimony is so powerful and life changing.

Be reminded that your story matters!

If you have found following Jesus to be life transforming. Share it.

In small and big ways.

In this episode Jesse Sanderson shares his story.

Cognitive dissonance; the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes. We often desire to take action toward the injustices or needs we see but get overwhelmed and do nothing which we would all agree is also not good. So we end up with a disconnect between our convictions and and our actions and we might even talk others out of the things God calls them to do because of fear or danger. In Acts 21 Paul has a difficult road ahead of him and others try and dissuade him but he stays the course. Will you?