First Baptist Church’s Pastor Chris Prater directs our attention to Luke 6:27-28. Because we serve a God of action, we are to be people of action and listen to (not just hear) Jesus’ instructions to love, do good, bless, and pray. Will you listen and act?

For part 4 of Pastor Cana’s Teachings of Jesus series, we go to Matthew 5:4. In the text from Jesus’ Sermon of the Mount, we receive the Beatitude “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”. Mourning is a reality of life, even in God, but so are blessings and comfort realities for those who mourn.

For part 3 of Pastor Cana’s Teachings of Jesus series, we go to John 10:7-10. In the text, Jesus teaches us about the possibility of a life of abundance that He offers. We can rejoice that we can come in, and go out, and find the pasture of abundant life by the voice of the Lord.

For part 2 of Pastor Cana’s Teachings of Jesus series, we go to Matthew 18:23-33. In the text, Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant shows a king forgive a slave with an insurmountable debt, but the slave did not extend that mercy to one with a debt to him. What we learn is that God’s mercy is given so that we can offer it to others, and it is our responsibility to extend the mercy we’ve received.

For part 1 of Pastor Cana’s Teachings of Jesus series, we go to Luke 6:27-36. In the text, Jesus gives His Sermon on the Plain and instructs listeners to live a life of love. Showing love to our friends and family is easy, but it’s when we love our enemies that we model Christ.

Pastor Cana’s sermon text (Genesis 50:15-21) shows Jospeh’s brothers, who sold him into slavery, beg him for forgiveness following the death of their father. In response, Joseph grants them forgiveness and promises to provide for them and their families. In a similar fashion, when we transgress against God and repent, God offers us the gift of full forgiveness.

Pastor Cana’s sermon text (Matthew 28:16-20) covers Jesus’ final statements to the Disciples before His ascension, giving us a chance to think about authority and power and ask what Jesus is saying. Jesus, God-of-God, has full authority to send, forgive, and teach humanity. We get to act in God’s triune authority to do the same.

Pastor Cana’s sermon text (1 Corinthians 12:3b-13) shows Paul asking the divided church in Corinth to come together. After all, the Spirit’s work in the church is unity and the Spirit’s gifts make diverse unity possible. We have the ability to use our diverse gifts of the Spirit to unify our church community.

Pastor Cana’s sermon text (Luke 24:44-53) describes Jesus’s final teachings to His followers and His ascension into heaven. From this, we are taught about God’s presence, promise, and power and in our understanding, we can react as the disciples did: worship in joy and bless God.

Pastor Cana’s sermon text (1 Samuel 25:23-34) recounts Nabal’s refusal to provide David’s men, protectors of his shepherds, for the feast day. David’s wrath dissipates as Nabal’s wife Abigail offers gifts and reminds him that for his restraint, God will deliver His vengeance. Vengeance is not our place but God’s, because His is the better timing and judgement. We are to trust in His retribution.