Have you heard the saying "let the children come to me"? Have you heard the saying "that would be harder than fitting a camel through the eye of a needle"? Have you heard the saying "it might be impossible for us, but it's not impossible for god"? All of these sayings are attached to one another around a teaching of Jesus about money and stuff. - Rev. Joel L. Tolbert preaching Luke 18

The same God who created the world and put breath into all people did so for a purpose. In the Hebrew bible and the New Testament both, that purpose is shown. But, too often we God's people, especially Christians, forget god's purposes. So what are they? - Rev. Joel L Tolbert Isaiah 42 and Ephesians 1

"Solomon is often remembered for his wisdom, but the wisdom he used might not be the wisdom he was granted by god. Theres a difference between discerning right and wrong and judging right people by wrong people. Solomon's way didn't divide a baby, but did divide a nation." - Rev. Joel Tolbert preaching 1 Kings 3

WWJD... the bracelets are coming back. They stand for "What would Jesus do?" We might think of Jesus as always sweet, kind, forgiving. But this week, in Mark 8, Jesus calls his best friend tempter, when Peter tries to suggest Jesus not preach so boldly, not lead so courageously. Are we ready to really do what Jesus did, even if it means our family or friends do not understand, or stand against us? Rev. Joel L. Tolbert preaching Mark 8

Jesus has compassion on the people, sees them for their hunger and exhaustion. Then, he turns to his disciples and invites them to see them as he does. They hesitate. How could we help? Jesus asks them, what do you have? Their meager belongings offered to Jesus change thousands. Let's give what we have, let Jesus break it down, and watch as thousands are fed, with baskets left over. Rev. Joel L. Tolbert preaching Mark 8.