Pastor Sam introduced the theme of his sermon series, "Jesus Versus Religion," explaining how human religious practices can become corrupted, creating barriers to connecting with God. Drawing from Matthew 21, he illustrated how Jesus challenged the Temple's practices that prioritized commerce over worship, demonstrating his concern for inclusivity and accessibility in faith. Ultimately, Pastor Sam encouraged us to embrace Jesus’ invitation to draw near to Him, regardless of past hurts or struggles, and to participate in inviting others to experience the same connection.