When we take the example of Paul in Athens, we get an idea of how the Holy Spirit wants to use us to engage our world. When Paul observes the idol worship in Athens he is moved to share the gospel in a way the culture would understand and respond to. He doesn't insult them but learns their culture and speaks boldly about the risen Christ. What are the idols we see in our culture? How might God want to use us to engage our cities as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit?

Why do we sometimes live as if we are still under the power of the curse? Through Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit we are invited to participate in the Divine nature of God as free people, out from under the weight of sin.  As we continue to plumb the depths of our relationship with God, he will continue to shape us and grow us further and further in sanctification. 

As we talk about sanctification and being formed into the image of Christ, the temptation can rise up to drift into legalism; the idea that somehow my works sanctify me. Our own sanctification is too heavy a burden to bear. There's a reason why Jesus says, "My yoke is easy and my burden in light."

There is more to the Christian faith than being saved and waiting for heaven. God wants you to experience holiness right now. When we decide to follow him we start the process of becoming holy as he is holy. 

Message from Pastor Gina Nicola

The ending of Mark is unique and gives us an opportunity to learn how the Bible was formed and made it to us today. One thing is clear, Jesus is alive and he's given is a calling and mission in this world!

We don't always like to think of Jesus in his humanity. We like to focus on his divine nature...however, without the burial of Jesus, we can't experience his resurrection. Without the burial, there's no hope for new life. Jesus' burial shows us that it's possible for dead things to come alive! When we lay those things at the altar we can see God breathe life into them...and into us!

Jesus is crucified. Darkness fills the land. Is hope lost? Just the opposite. Just as darkness and chaos was there at creation...we hold our breath in anticipation for NEW CREATION. Jesus' death ensures that we won't be separated from our God. The veil is torn. Our place in new creation is secure!

Before Jesus is crucified, he's mocked relentlessly by 3 different groups of people. Through their example, we learn that we become mockers when we don't understand, when Jesus doesn't fit into our mold, or when he threatens our comfort and stability. 

What does it mean to be saved? The story of Barabbas gives such a clear picture of the exchange that takes place between us and Jesus that leads to salvation. 

When we decide to follow Jesus we become NEW creations. However, we often drift from this good path and our lives become misaligned. Lent is a season of realignment as we come to God to adjust our hearts and minds back into alignment with his heart and his work of making all things new.