Intersections: Faith and Culture

There were two trials the night Jesus was arrested. One was illegal but formal. The other trial was in the court of public opinion. Peter didn't do so well in his trial.

Let's go to a parade in Jesus' honor.

There are times when we take things for granted. They're too familiar, easily overlooked. Disciples of Jesus can fall into that trap if we're not careful.

Watch out for fakes! Whether we're talking about counterfeit products from the internet or people, the results are similar. We're disappointed, angered, distrustful. The fake stuff just doesn't live up to the expectation we have. For disciples of Jesus, becoming the "real deal" is vital. In today's message, we'll see what happens when Jesus interacts with people who think they're the real deal but in truth, are just fakes.

Bob Dylan famously wrote, "But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you're gonna have to serve somebody." As disciples of Jesus, we must choose daily who gets to be king in our life. This is particularly relevant in the fractured and contentious world of 21st century American politics. Jesus is confronted with a similar question in a 1st century context. Which king do you follow?

To see the video I reference in the message, go here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRwt25M5nGw

We often find ourselves putting people in "boxes." We make assumptions based ethnicity, gender, body type, the list is endless. And it's limiting. We put limits on our expectations of others and ourselves when we box people in. As we follow Jesus, we get to watch him "blow up" the box around a man born blind.

February means Valentine's Day. Expectations run high for many. Others, from previous experience, may expect nothing. What's a disciple of Jesus supposed to do with this holiday?

How much is enough? What do we do and where do we turn when we're afraid we don't have enough of (fill in the blank)? Jesus confronts his disciples with an enormous challenge to feed 5,000 people. But there's not enough. Now what?

We can know the price of an item but not necessarily understand what it's going to cost us. Jesus asks us to make and informed and deliberate decision about deciding to follow Him by outlining what it's going to cost us. (spoiler alert: it's everything - but it's worth it.)

Unexpected things happen at weddings. Some are fun and humorous, some are embarrassing and hurtful. As we continue to following Jesus as His disciples, we find ourselves at a wedding where a potentially embarrassing situation turns into an abundant blessing!

You can contact me at:

email: lanny(at)tcccfamily.org
Facebook: @preacherlanny