Prophets and ancient writers called forgiveness a mark of the people of God. This week, Pastor Mia talks about what forgiveness is and isn't. Forgiveness is tricky and it's necessary.

Forgiveness is an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger. Being outraged is okay. The way you handle your feelings is what matters. When you've been wronged, do you retaliate or move on?

For abuse victims the idea of forgiveness can be a twisted, loaded concept. When they've been told, "If you were a good Christian, you would forgive," without any repentance, they are really being told to pretend the abuse didn't happen and even allow it to continue. That is not forgiveness. It's actually cooperation with evil.

Forgiveness and reconciliation are two different things. Reconciliation happens when the wrongdoer takes responsibility and makes amends. Forgivess is foregoing retaliation while holding the wrongdoer accountable. Ulitmately, we forgive not because of the wrongdoer's action or inaction, but because Jesus has forgiven each of us.

When we do something wrong, many of us handle the unpleasant consequences with the anxiety of avoidance rather than the misery of confession. The fear of the unknown can override our thinking and morality. The disciple Peter let that happen.

Peter betrayed Jesus three times following Jesus' arrest. Then heavy guilt settled in. After the resurrection, Peter evaded Jesus until a moment of reconciliation at the end of a fishing trip. That’s when Peter understood that Christ’s love outweighed his sin.

Peter went on to become the head of the church. It was his failing as a disciple that made him a good Christian leader. This week, Pastor Mia shows us that because God promised compassion, failure can be a springboard to success.

Have you ever thought that fear is the opposite of faith? Healthy fear alerts us to danger and keeps us safe. However, fear can also be damaging when it causes us to override morality and ethics. Even when we want to do the right thing, fear gets in the way. Faith, on the other hand, isn’t believing in God’s existence. It’s trusting in God’s capacity and power. Once we understand that God is the Lord of this universe, fear changes to faith. When we move our source of safety from our limited strength and power to our trust in God, doors open. In this week’s message, Pastor Mia shows what you’ll find on the other side.

David and Goliath have a lot to teach us about fear and anxiety and faith. Learn from their example and the testimony of others on how to approach anxiety, letting it serve you but not overwhelm you. Guest preacher: Rev. Lura Kidner-Miesen.

Jesus gave us the mission to go out and make disciples in the world. With that said, who is our mission for and who is the neighbor? Who is Jesus telling us to love? If those questions make you uncomfortable, there’s a reason. Throughout the history of the Church, we’ve wanted to know who to exclude. This week, Pastor Mia reminds us that how we live out our mission matters. Basing church membership on who isn’t welcome is not faithful.

Finding your purpose gives life meaning and it makes your life worthwhile, but it doesn't promise wealth or ease or lack of problems. That life just doesn't exist. Jesus understood the difference between getting everything we want and a saved life that gives us everything we need. Christian faithful who have come before know understand that too. Pastor Mia unfolds these truths in this sermon.

Boredom is a gift from God. That’s right! When we’re bored, our subconscious and conscious minds connect and creativity is born. This week, Pastor Mia examines engaging in the play of spiritual life. Having fun and being creative can help us connect to God and boost our faith formation.

When we work with our heavenly family for the common good, we find personal happiness. Each of us has a unique role in the Kin-dom of Heaven, and it might shift over your lifetime. This week, Pastor Mia explains that when you notice a need, your own giftedness, and feeling of discontentment, you’re discerning your purpose. Living your purpose isn’t always easy, but it’s amazing and thriving.

When we try to answer the question, “Who am I,” we often define ourselves based on our successes and failures. However, the story of the disciple Peter demonstrates how God’s love restores us. Just before the crucifixion, Peter denied Jesus three times. Instead of turning Peter away, Jesus doesn’t let that great failing define Peter. This week, guest speaker Randall Feaster explains that the story of Peter illustrates a fundamental truth. We aren’t defined by highs and lows. We’re defined by God’s unwavering love.

Pastor Steve Tollefson guest preaches on how God gives us a purpose, not as benevolent dictator, but as the one who guides and nurtures. God gives each one of us a unique song to sing, and our purpose can change over our lifetimes.