Journey RVA Podcast

So you've been redeemed. Now what? To answer that question we have to explore the dual intent of Jesus' grace: Redemption & Transformation. Jesus didn't come to harm us. He came to save us. God's grace is an extraordinary intervention to anyone's story. When we don't allow him to use our redeemed story for the potential benefit of someone else then there is a loss. So what role does God want to you play in someone else's story?

We are all born with dreams and endless potential. Then life happens and our stories become less simple, more dynamic. When it feels like not every day has purpose and not every year produces progress, it's not uncommon to begin to wonder: does my life really matter, how many times can I fall and still get back up, does my story still have a chance to be a great one? In this message, you'll be reminded that Jesus – who is full of grace – never backs away from the dynamic patterns in our lives.

When it comes to finances, it's normal to go into debt so deep that you can't see the way out. But there's a better way. If you want to live with financial peace you have to flip the script to your financial story.

What is the wise thing to do? That simple question is very powerful in every aspect of life - even in the area of finances. When it comes to financial decisions, what if you were to simply ask, "Is this the wise thing to do financially?" And how would you know if it were? You might be surprised to know that the best financial wisdom comes from the Bible.

Our financial stress, worry, and obsession is less about our external experiences and more about what is going on inside of us. Is it possible that a shift in internal perspective would greatly reduce – or eliminate – our worry and stress?

Money strikes an emotional response in everyone and plays a significant role in our lives, in our nation, and in every government around the world. In fact, nations have gone to war over it. In our own lives we've stressed about it, fought about it, and obsessed over it. Imagine what it would be like to never worry about it again, never fight about it, and have a sense of peace in this area of your life. All of these things are possible with a mindset reset.

Jesus has been dividing people since the days of his ministry. His claim to be the Son of God and to be "the only way" to the Father was and still is startling. Interestingly enough, 42% of the Gospel of the John focuses on Jesus' last week of his ministry; before the crucifiction. John provides vivid detail of Jesus' last days. Why, because Jesus was predicting his own death and resurrection. And, anyone who can do this is someone we should pay attention too.

Jesus was a rabbi, but he was different than the rabbis of his day. During his ministry, Jesuswas available to people and was very approachable. The culture of his day avoided peoplethey deemed "unclean" - people who had diseases, despised tax collectors, sinners, andGentiles in general. Jesus broke down barriers and gave free access to all those who wouldcome to him.

Jesus talked a lot about love and forgiveness, but his message was more bold than what people think. He was an equal opportunity offender that challenged the actions of every group during his ministry. And we learn through the scriptures that anytime the Kingdom of God clashes with the kingdoms of this world it is dangerous and costly.