Who needs the messiness of community? As it turns out, we do. Jesus shows Zacchaeus—and us—God's blessing to a world burdened by disconnection.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Weary of Disconnection, Blessed with Community" on September 22, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 and Luke 19:1-10.

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When was the last time you asked some how they were, and they replied with a sigh: "Busy"? When was that person you? "Come to me," Jesus calls us who are weary and burdened, "and I will give you rest." 

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Weary of Busy-ness, Blessed with Rest" on September 15, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 and Luke 12:21-31

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"The Lord is my light and my salvation.... The Lord is the strength of my life." These words from Psalm 27 inspire us, but the strength of the Lord doesn't look like muscle or might. Instead, we get a Savior who holds us close like a mother hen.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "The Strength of My Life" on September 8, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Psalm 27 and Luke 13:31-35.

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Ever heard someone say about a challenge they're facing, "I guess it's my cross to bear"? Friends, Jesus didn't carry the cross to prove patient suffering is a virtue or to earn God's love. Jesus carried the cross because he IS God's love, calling us to live fully and love dangerously.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "When Love Carries a Cross" on September 1, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Luke 14:25-35. Check out the Deuteronomy reading, since we couldn't include it in the audio file.

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Jesus' teaching about inviting to dinner those who can't repay you is uncomfortable and get under our skin, but he points us to something beautiful about God: the Most High loves to dine with the lowest and the least. 

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Where God Loves to Dine" on August 25, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Psalm 112 and Luke 14:1, 7-15.

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God does not stand far away, but gets down on hands and knees to embrace us. Set free by grace, who does God call us to come alongside in compassion and service?

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Church Unbound" on August 18, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Isaiah 58:9-14 and Luke 13:10-17.

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It's hard to describe all the heartbreak and horror in the world, and how God is moving through it. Yet God is moving through it, calling us to the kingdom and embracing us with grace.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Hard to Describe" on August 11, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 and Luke 13:1-9.

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Jesus' words about division and setting the earth ablaze unnerve us, but they push us to exchange false security for true peace in Christ. When we do, the Holy Spirit's transforming power will make us burn brightly.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Peace on Earth?" on August 4, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Jeremiah 23:23-29 and Luke 12:49-59.

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As we prepare to receive God's gift of the kingdom, it's important to remember that what's important is not what you have, but how you use it. Who knows—you might even give it all away.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Ready or Not, Here Comes the Kingdom" on July 28, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Exodus 12:1-14 and Luke 12:29-40.

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Our understanding of God and money often boils down to a list of dos and don'ts. But religion isn't about rules. It's about relationship—a relationship that reorients us to what really matters.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Eating in Darkness" on July 21, 2019, at Hector Presbyterian Church.

Scripture readings: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 and Luke 12:13-21.

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