There are certain times in life that allow for more clarity. A natural disaster like Helene is one of those times that allow us to recalibrate our lives. I believe God wants to offer us a hard reset rather than just resuming our old ways. We can walk this path of resetting into a healthier pathway by eliminating the non-essentials in our lives and turning from sin as we embrace the New Way of Jesus. We can’t reset our lives in our own strength, of course, but Jesus is our reset button. Press into Him, and reset your life around things that bring the abundant life instead of things that produce stress, toxic thought patterns, and destructive priorities in life.

Sometimes we can take our forgiveness in Christ for granted. We can lose perspective on just how great a gift Jesus and His redemptive work in our lives really is. In Luke 7, Jesus encounters a self-righteous man and a woman who was a notorious sinner in her city. Though the host neglects the customary kindness of greeting Jesus, providing a washing basin for His feet, and anointing His head…this sinful woman, broken by shame, but freed by forgiveness, does all of this in extravagant fashion. This encounter teaches us that Jesus can erase our shame and reframe our life, regardless of where we’ve been, what we’ve done, or what others think about us. There’s more mercy in Christ than sin in us!

When Jesus encounters perhaps the most despised man in the city of Jericho, the unimaginable becomes reality. Jesus not only speaks to Zacchaeus, He invites Himself to the tax collector’s home. The hated outcast and the savior of the world. The compassion of Jesus transforms the wicked traitor into a generous, joy-filled child of the new kingdom. Jesus changes everything!

A real encounter with Jesus changes everything. When a handful of people decided to risk it all to get their paralyzed friend in front of the healer from Nazareth, sins were forgiven, bodies were healed, and preconceived notions about the authority of Jesus were obliterated. This famous story teaches us about the power of Jesus, the faith of friends, and living in awe of the one who speaks and changes everything forever.

The Bible is foundational to everything that disciples of Jesus believe, but is that foundation solid? How can we know? Hasn’t it been translated countless times and changed over the centuries? We’ll discuss at least five reasons we can trust the Bible and confidently build our lives on the truth God has revealed about Himself.

Even though Joseph had forgiven his brothers years prior, they continued to live in fear after Jacob’s death. We too, need to be reminded of the forgiveness we possess in Christ, despite the feelings of shame and condemnation that assault our hearts at times. Joseph’s response to his brother’s ill-founded fear teaches us invaluable spiritual truths like: leaving justice in God’s hands, trusting the providence of God’s goodness over man’s malice, and leaving a legacy of hope for future generations. A life well lived for the glory of God is the “good life” we all seek!

After 22 long years, Jacob is finally reunited with his long-lost and treasured son, Joseph. The details of this reunion account are packed with deep spiritual insight for the people of God even today. Lessons like: • When God calls you, go all in! • God’s past faithfulness propels present confidence • We should bless the culture around us • Delight in God stills earthly fears • Embrace the pilgrim identity (this earth is not our home)...and so many more! May God do a deep work in us, just like he did in Jacob so many years ago, both for our good and His glory!

What does it look like to forgive and seek reconciliation in the Kingdom of God? In these chapters, we see Joseph finally revealing his identity to his brothers. Would he respond from his woundedness in anger and exact justice? Joseph teaches us what it looks like when we forgive as forgiven people. Forgiveness allows reconciliation to flow into restoration. And ultimately, this picture points us to the cross – where ultimate forgiveness flowed into ultimate restoration.

More than Enough - Jeremy Woods, Guest Preacher 08 04 24 by New Life of Asheville

Hold on to the Hope - Brody Medford, Guest Preacher 07 28 24 by New Life of Asheville