Sixth in series "Abide". Jesus knew that for the Gospel, the Good News be available to all, that His followers must be unified in their commitment to Him and to each other. Listen as Pastor Tommy Larson examines Jesus' prayer and demonstrates that our relationship with Him must include a loving, unified relationship with other believers.

Fifth in series "Abide". In His final instructions to His disciples, Jesus told them they would testify so that others could come to know God. These teachings are for us as well. Listen as Pastor Tommy Larson examines Jesus' words and learn how and why we are chosen to testify and that we are to do so despite opposition.

Fourth in series "Abide". As Jesus prepared for His crucifixion, He counseled His disciples to "abide in me" (John 15:4, NKJV). He went on to say, " If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." Listen as Pastor Tommy Larson examines Jesus' words and challenges us to make prayer a regular, daily part of a disciplined life.

In the early church, Deacons were appointed to assume responsibility of hands-on ministry to care for widows in the fellowship. They were identified as men "known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3). In today's sermon, on this day of Deacon ordination at JMBC, Pastor Tommy Larson demonstrates how the directives to Deacons can be applied to all members of the church. And how each member should hold onto the mysteries of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Third in series "Abide". From the early days of having to learn it's not okay to run out into traffic, to the days of learning to read and write, to practicing piano, to exercising to stay fit, discipline is necessary to achieve whatever goal that's been set. Abiding in Christ means we often experience God's discipline. As Jesus stated in John 15, we must first abide in Him -- the true vine. When we do, He (the Gardener - God) will prune (i.e., discipline) the vine (us) to keep the vine healthy and productive. Pruning/discipline is painful. Listen as Pastor Tommy Larson examines Hebrews 12:3-11 to teach us that God's discipline is an act of love, that He disciplines us "for our own good".

At some time all Christians will find themselves in the role of being the "go-to" person, or in some cases that someone who needs help. Listen as guest speaker Rev. Kevin Hinman (founder of Leadership Training International) as he challenges us to "get into the game" -- either as a mentor, or as a mentoree. Using the experience of early church members Aquila and Priscilla, Rev. Hinman demonstrates how each of us can find our place in helping each other spread the message of Christ throughout the world.

Second in series "Abide". In John 15:10, Jesus told His followers, "If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love." Listen as Pastor Tommy Larson examines the requirement of complete obedience to God's commands, His direction, His calling in our lives. And that only through loving Jesus, as Jesus loved His Father, can we be truly obedient.

First in series "Abide". As Christians, we are to bear fruit for the kingdom of God. To do so, we must maintain a close relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor Tommy Larson examines Jesus' words and demonstrates that to bear fruit, our lives must reflect the character, concern, and purpose of Christ.

Using Jesus' letter to His church in Ephesus, Pastor Tommy Larson reminds us that we are to continue our activities, our labor, and our endurance for Jesus through our church. However, he reminds us that we are not to forget our first love -- Jesus Himself. We are challenged to rekindle our love for Almighty God, our Creator; for Jesus, who sacrificed Himself for us; and for those who don't know Him, to show them the way to Christ.

As we face the new year, we are called to recognize what God has given each of us, and to use those gifts in His church. Listen as guest speaker Phillip Reinke (JMBC's Minister of Family Life), challenges us to examine our lives, to evaluate if we are using our gifts as God intended, and to use them in the best way we can.