"In this sermon titled "A Wake Up Call," based on Mark 14:32-50, we are reminded of the urgency to remain spiritually vigilant and aligned with God’s will. Jesus, in His moment of deepest anguish, prays a powerful prayer: "Not my will, but Yours be done." His agony was not merely a physical suffering but an intense emotional and spiritual burden, as He took upon Himself the weight of the world’s sin and drank from the cup of suffering. The disciples, however, were caught in spiritual slumber, unable to stay awake and watch with Him.

In this wake-up call, we are urged to keep our gaze fixed on the Lord and be mindful of the spiritual realities around us. Just as Jesus instructed His disciples to stay awake, we too are called to be alert in prayer and attentive to God's will for our lives. Jesus’ challenge to Peter in the garden—when Peter, in his own strength, cut off the servant's ear—reminds us that spiritual battles cannot be fought in the flesh. If we live according to the flesh, we will struggle and fail to align with God’s will. Walking by the Spirit, however, empowers us to follow God’s plan and overcome the weakness of our flesh.

The sermon asks us a vital question: Are we a roaring or snoring church? Are we awake and alert to God's purpose, or are we spiritually asleep like the disciples? We are encouraged to ask God, "What is Your heart for this? What is Your will for my life?" Let this be a wake-up call to walk more closely with the Spirit, to be aware of the spiritual battles around us, and to surrender our own will in obedience to God's plan.

#ThisIsTheGospel #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #aliveinchrist #Messiah #Guidance"

“In this sermon based on Mark 14:12-72, we are reminded of the central truths that shape our identity and faith. The passage takes us through pivotal moments in the life of Jesus, highlighting betrayal, failure, and divine love.

The sermon encourages us to reflect on the nature of our identity—who do we identify ourselves as? Is it rooted in truth or in lies? We often overestimate our own strength, as seen in the disciples' self-confidence before their failure, yet we're also warned not to underestimate God and His ability to restore, forgive, and transform. Your mistakes and failures aren’t meaningless—they're forgiven. In Christ, what you've done isn't who you are.

At the end of the day, it’s good to be needed, but it’s better to be loved by God. This love isn’t based on our performance, but on His grace and faithfulness. The sermon calls us to find joy, hope, and life in the reality of God's love and forgiveness.

Let us all consider the call to be faithful followers of Christ, living not in our own strength, but in the knowledge of God's unwavering love and forgiveness.

#ThisIsTheGospel #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #EndTimes #Messiah #Guidance"

“In this sermon, "Double Dipping," we are reminded that God's Word is not just a text to read, but a living, breathing instruction manual for how to navigate life. Too often, we rely on a once-a-week dose of Scripture—whether in a Sunday service or a brief devotional—to get us through the week. But what if God designed His Word to be more than just a quick fix for our problems? What if He wants it to be the foundation upon which we build our daily lives?

This message challenges us to ask ourselves some tough questions: Are we truly depending on God's Word for guidance, or are we just dipping in and out when it's convenient? Are we treating the Bible like a textbook to solve problems, or as the living truth that shapes every part of us? The Word is meant to cut deep, to convict and challenge us. Sometimes it should sting, forcing us to inspect our motives and reflect on why we follow Jesus. Are we in it for what He can do for us, or for the joy of submitting to Him as Lord?

PAUSE & REFLECT — How often do we go to God not as our Savior, but as our Problem Solver? And when we do seek Him, are we truly submitting to His will, or just asking for quick fixes? His Word is a daily source of life, wisdom, and conviction.

#ThisIsTheGospel #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #EndTimes #Messiah #Guidance"

"In Mark 14, we see that Mary has an extravagant act of devotion where she breaks an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and pours it over Jesus’ head. Her actions stand in stark contrast to the attitudes of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and even Judas, all of whom struggled with motives rooted in pride, greed, and the desire for self-preservation. In a world that values success, security, and the accumulation of wealth, Mary’s radical act of worship challenges us to examine what we’re truly holding onto tightly.

What are you holding onto? Is it your finances, your career, your calling, or perhaps your resentment and unforgiveness? Are you prioritizing your reputation or the things of this world. Are you willing to lay it all down for Jesus? Mary understood that the time was short, and she saw the worth in giving her very best to Jesus. She understood something profound: what we give to God is never wasted.

Judas' response to Mary's generosity reveals the darkness of greed and envy. His critique, motivated by a desire to protect his own interests, exposes the difference between a heart oriented toward self and a heart devoted to God. The church is called to live with an eternal perspective. Mary’s devotion wasn't just about the present; it was an act of worship that honored God in light of what was to come.

Do you live in such a way that your life confuses others and gives glory to God? Will your legacy be one like Mary’s—marked by a lavish, selfless love for Jesus that no one could deny? Or do you allow the world’s standards and opinions to shape your life and actions? The truth is, God is glorified through broken vessels. It’s in our brokenness, in our willingness to surrender and give all that we have, that we find life, joy, freedom, and restoration.

#ThisIsTheGospel #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #EndTimes #Messiah #Guidance"

“As we seek understanding of the end times, it is important to consider the events that will unfold during the Day of the Lord. This period marks a time of divine wrath and judgment, where God's power will be revealed to the world. The Day of the Lord is moving towards us, and while this reality may seem overwhelming, understanding it can actually bring us encouragement and strength.

While growing in knowledge of these events, it’s essential to remain grounded in the truth found in Scripture. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Thessalonians 2:2 that we should not be easily shaken by deceptive teachings or rumors about the end times. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can stay firm in our faith, understanding that God is sovereign over all things. He will guide us through the trials ahead, and with His truth as our foundation, we can stand confident and unshaken.

As we prepare for His coming, we should anticipate the return of Christ, living in readiness for the fulfillment of His promises. Though the Day of the Lord will bring great tribulation, it also brings the hope of redemption and the final victory of good over evil. Therefore, let us hold fast to the truth, be prepared for the challenges ahead, and keep our eyes fixed on the ultimate hope that Christ's return offers.

#ThisIsTheGospel #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #EndTimes #Messiah #Guidance"

"Our faith hinges on a critical question: Is the life of Christ truly living within you? We must look at the fruit of our lives as a reflection of this reality. Are we genuinely alive in Christ, or merely existing?

As we navigate the complexities of our times, particularly in light of eschatology—the study of the end times—it's vital to center ourselves on Christ. He is our anchor amidst the uncertainty that surrounds us. The end times, often referred to as the Day of the Lord, will unveil God's ultimate plan and His wrath against sin. As Christians, it’s so important to be discerning about the signs and events around us.

We can trust the Bible as our guide through these revelations. The term "apocalypse" signifies the unveiling of what is to come, reminding us that God has not left us in the dark but has provided a clear vision of the future.

In this End Times Survival Plan, our focus must remain on Christ, ensuring that His life is seen in our own. As we remain alert and discerning, we can navigate the challenges ahead, empowered by the truth and life that only He can provide. Let us live with intention, allowing the life of Christ to flow through us and bearing fruit that reflects His presence.

#ThisIsTheGospel #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #EndTimes #Messiah #Guidance"

“In a world where parenting often feels like "shooting arrows in the dark," it's crucial to seek guidance beyond societal norms. Psalm 127 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, our efforts are in vain. Are you engaging in parenting without welcoming God into the process? Dependence on the Lord is essential; relying solely on our own strength and wisdom can lead to emptiness and broken families.

To aim your parenting effectively, consider these three strategies:

1). Make sure the aim isn’t on them - We must be cautious not to program pride into our kids, but instead cultivate humility and character.

2). Make sure the aim isn’t on you - Submitting your will and desires, while laying aside personal pride, allows you to model Christ's example for your family.

3). Make sure the aim is on God - Emphasizing His principles over cultural expectations helps protect against the contamination that culture has on shaping our view of what family should look like.

By leading your family with a posture of rest and intentionality, you can navigate the complexities of parenting while nurturing a faith-filled environment.

#ICanRelate #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #Relationships #Divorce #Marriage #Forgiveness #Guidance"

“Do you find yourself straying from the Good Shepherd?

When we stray from the provider of our peace, our joy, and our hope, we will experience a sense of lack.

First, we may become lost in longing and feel constantly discontent. This often stems from comparing ourselves to others, which leads to jealousy, pride, and dissatisfaction.

Second, we can get lost in labor, focusing too much on work and neglecting the importance of relationships. Building meaningful connections requires time, investment, and vulnerability. If our lives feel out of balance, it’s a sign that we need to realign our priorities and foster deeper connections with others.

Psalm 23 reminds us that following the Good Shepherd leads to peace, fulfillment, and guidance, helping us navigate both our desires and our relationships with a balanced heart.

‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ Psalm 23:1

#ICanRelate #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #Relationships #Divorce #Marriage #Forgiveness #Guidance"

“Who do you need to forgive?

As we grow older, we often become accustomed to both physical and emotional aches and pains as a normal part of life. We may learn to live with these discomforts, viewing them as inevitable rather than taking action to address them. The Word of God is like a two-edged sword, cutting through the things we’ve normalized, revealing the necessity of addressing issues like unforgiveness.

In a culture marked by offense, we as followers of Jesus must adopt a posture of forgiveness. While forgiveness may seem unfair, it's important to remember that Jesus endured a punishment on our behalf. The entire gospel reveals God’s heart to love and forgive despite it being unfair for Him to do so.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

When we withhold forgiveness we unjustly fail to reflect the grace we've received from God. Forgiveness is ultimately a personal journey; it’s less about the person we forgive and more about our own healing and freedom. Unforgiveness acts like a prison for our hearts and minds, but choosing to forgive is liberating.

Remember, forgiveness is a decision, while healing is a process. We encourage you to ask the Lord to highlight those you need to forgive!

#ICanRelate #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #Relationships #Divorce #Marriage #Forgiveness"

“Are You Comparing Your Relationships to Others?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our relationships to those around us. However, what people present publicly often differs significantly from reality. We only see the moments they choose to share, which can lead us to feel discontent with our own relationships.

In a world filled with various responses to relationship dissatisfaction, divorce is an option many consider. If we’re not careful, we might begin to view it as the norm or the solution. As followers of Jesus, we must resist the temptation to measure our relationships against worldly standards. Instead, let us look to the Lord to guide our thoughts and decisions regarding our connections with others.

The aim of this relationship series is to offer you truth, clarity, and hope as you navigate your interactions with others. May we all seek contentment in our current circumstances, trusting that God calls us to follow Him and love others.

#ICanRelate #SermonSunday #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #Church #Hope #Prayer #Abide #HolySpirit #Community #Bible #TheWordofGod #Relationships #Divorce #Marriage"