Completing our Parables of Jesus Series, we come to one of most famous parables of all: The Good Samaritan. It's so famous in fact, that most of us probably have it memorized and feel we understand the point Jesus was trying to make. But as guest pastor David Burke points out, this story was (and is) so scandalous, it should leave us deeply challenged: are we willing to also show mercy on those we hate.

As we begin our new series on the Book of Romans, the hard questions start in Chapter 1, Verse 1. Many translations have Paul introducing himself as a "servant of Christ". Some have it as "bondservant". A few dare to translate it more closely to the original Greek word: slave. And that's a word with a ton of baggage behind it, both in Biblical and modern contexts. As Pastor Josh demonstrates though, context is important... but choice is everything.

In the Parable of the Talents, a master leaves for a long journey, entrusting valuable resources in the hands of his servants with the expectation that they'll invest in his kingdom with them wisely. Sound familiar? God has given us so many gifts, abilities and talents for the express purpose of demonstrating His love and growing His kingdom. But if we bury them, what good are they and what does it say about how we feel about the one who gave them to us?

Continuing the theme of our last message, this week we examine the Parable of the Talents – a picture Jesus uses to explain what He expects us to do while we wait for His return. Guest Pastor Dan DiSabatino walks us through five things we have each been entrusted with by God to steward. The only real question is, are we doing it?

Jesus is coming back. The Bible assures us of this and in the Parable of the Virgins in Matthew 25, He gave us and illustration of preparing ourselves for that day because it could be at any time. But as Jesus states, there will be many of His people on that day who profess to know Him but were never ready.

"A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home." There are many reasons Jesus said this statement and this week Pastor Josh unpacks a few of them and relates how, like Jesus, we too will face rejection from the very people we came to help...

This week in our Parables of Jesus series we examine the Parable of the Net, which Jesus uses to explain what the end of the age will be like... and it's an uncomfortable picture. As Pastor Josh talks about the painful reality of hell (as much as we can understand it), he also reminds us that the fear of hell isn't a good motivator. Love is a far better choice.

Today in our Parables of Jesus series, we come to two very short, very connected parables: The Treasure in a Field and The Pearl of Great Price. While not long stories, their imagery is vivid and the questions they stir up are incredibly deep. You will gladly sacrifice anything to have the thing you value most. The question is do we value the gospel as much as the picture Jesus is painting for us?

It doesn't make a lot of sense that God would use such small things – mustard seeds and yeast – to describe how his kingdom works. This is the God of the universe after all, the most powerful being in existence. But then it doesn't make typical sense that God would use such seemingly insignificant people simply operating in whatever community they're in to make such huge impacts on the world. As Pastor Josh shares this week, we clearly underestimate how God can use us...

Today in our Parables of Jesus series, we examine The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. What is a tare? Great question! As Pastor Josh explains, once you understand what a tare is you'll see why it's so important to today's lesson. Because it teaches us that what we think has been planted, isn't always the case...