We continue in our Step into the Story series this week as we focus in on the story of the Ten Lepers found in Luke 17. The ten lepers can teach us much about how we are called to response with gratitude towards that which God has done in our lives. Gratitude calls us not only to feel it, but to live it, as we display to others what God has done for us.

As we continue in our Step into the Story series, today we will make a stop at Tel Dan. Dan was the northernmost city of the Kingdom of Israel which belonged to the tribe of Dan. Here in Dan, King Jeroboam erected a golden calf and told citizens to cease their pilgrimages to Jerusalem and reamin in Dan to worship the calf as their new god. In Dan, we see false worship, "a garbage heap." We are called to throw our garbage on the false altar and turn back to the worship of our true God.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to the whole house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." As Christians, we are the light of the world and we are called to reflect God's light as God's light lives in us. Here are five steps to being a light for God:

1. Grow - Grow in the Word, grace, and love of Christ.

2. Go - Go into all the world and make disciples.

3. Groan - Groan over the sin of the world and be a people of prayer.

4. Give - Give of your talents, finances, and time for the advancement of the Kingdom.

5. Glorify - Glorify God in how you live your life.

Caesarea Philippi is situated at the base of Mount Hermon, northeast of the Sea of Galilee. It was probably the point farthest north to which Jesus traveled. It was originally call Panias, because it was the center of the pagan worship of the Greek fertility god, Pan. Because of the close associations with pagan worship, it is significant that Jesus chose Caesarea Philippi as the place where He asked His disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13, Mark 8:27). and, here He elicited from Peter, through revelation, "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matthew 16:16). From here a spring flows, which is one of the principle sources of the Jordan River. 

Jesus is calling you to hear from Him, hear His Word, receive His salvation, and GO! Listen to this sermon as we continue in our Step into the Story series and visit the city of Chorazin.

Acts 2:38-40 reads, Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call." With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

Just as Peter did that day, we extended the call to repent and be baptized and our Salem family witnessed 21 people declare their faith in Jesus Christ through baptism this Sunday!

This week, we stop into the recently unearthed city of Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene. By her life we discover the value God has placed on women and the role they play within the ministry of Jesus Christ through the church. We will be studying Luke 8:1-3, John 20:18, and other selected scriptures throughout this sermon.

Mary Magdalene:

She was delivered by Jesus.

She was declared of value and worth by Jesus.

She was devoted in her commitment to Jesus. (Before the Cross, At the Cross and Beyond the Cross)

She was deliberate in her care for Jesus.

She was dispatched on mission by Jesus. To share the good news!

This week, we stopped in the familiar town of Capernaum. Capernaum experienced much of Jesus' ministry and was also the location of Peter's house. Here, we see the importance of meeting together and doing life together. Christians are not meant to do life alone, but in community. Each week we have multiple LifeGroups meeting on and off campus and we encourage you to get connected to one. At Salem, LifeGroups are a way for us to make the connections we need with the fellow believers within the larger church body for the purpose of intentionally developing disciples.

Life can be chaotic and full of struggles. Everyone knows it. But how do you stand when you face trials? Don’t give up. Find hope in Jesus: that he never gave up, that He’s worth it, and that God can use your struggles for His glory as your faithful to Him! Join us as we take a break from our Step into the Story series and study 2 Corinthinas 4:5-18.

We all know there is a difference between liking something and loving something, but have we thought about this in the aspect of our life and faith? Do we like Jesus or do we truly love Him? Do we simply like the idea of Jesus or do we love Him and His Word and display that through our actions?

Through the story of Peter, his denial before Jesus' crucifixion and his restoration in John 21:15-19, we are reminded about four main principles:

1. When fear comes, God is with us.

2. When fear comes, God gives us His power.

3. Agape love must start with the Holy Spirit.

4. Agape love is shown through its actions.