As we celebrate Baptism Sunday, we are reminded that baptism is not the means of salvation, but the outward sign of an inward transformation. It is the public declaration that we belong to Jesus, much like a wedding ceremony publicly affirms a private commitment made in the heart. Baptism marks the beginning of our journey as disciples, launching us into a life of following Jesus and making Him known to the world.

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth of Jesus' resurrection and its implications for our lives. Throughout history, many have claimed divinity, but only Jesus came down to meet us in our brokenness, embodying Emmanuel, God with us. His journey from heaven to earth was not just to be among us but to find us in our struggles and offer redemption. This is the essence of the resurrection: Jesus, who was sinless, took on our sins, was crucified, and rose again, defeating death and offering us eternal life.

In today's message, we explored the profound connection between God's wrath and His love, a concept that may initially seem paradoxical. The Garden of Gethsemane serves as a poignant backdrop for this exploration, where Jesus, fully aware of His impending betrayal and crucifixion, experiences deep anguish. This moment is not just about the physical suffering He anticipates but the spiritual weight of bearing the sins of humanity. The "cup" that Jesus refers to is symbolic of God's wrath, a theme recurrent throughout the Old Testament, where God calls His people to repentance. This wrath is not arbitrary but is the flip side of His love, much like a loving parent who would fiercely protect their children from harm.

In the upper room, Jesus didn’t ask the disciples to strive—He asked them to sit with Him. To be present. To prepare a table and abide. As we explored John 15, we saw the power in remaining in Him, trusting that He remains in us. And in Jeremiah 29:11, we were reminded that the heart of God is for us—His plans are filled with hope, peace, and purpose.This message called us to rest, to dwell, and to sit with Jesus—not just in the sacred moment of Passover, but in every moment we are invited to abide.

In "Made by Moments," we reflected on how pivotal moments shape our faith and future. Mark 14:1-11 shows us the powerful moment when a woman’s act of worship prepared Jesus for His burial, while Genesis 50:20 reminds us that even what others intend for harm, God uses for good. This message challenged us to trust that God knows what He is doing with our lives—even in difficult seasons. When we surrender control and keep our hands off the plans, we allow God to deliver us through every moment, shaping us for His greater purpose.

We explored the profound call to perseverance in our Christian journey, as highlighted in Mark 13:13. Jesus speaks of enduring to the end, emphasizing that our walk with Him is not a sprint but a marathon. This journey requires steadfast faith, especially amidst trials and tribulations. The darker the world becomes, the brighter our light should shine, pushing us out of our comfort zones to be a beacon of hope and truth. Perseverance, or "hupomenos" in Greek, means to remain or undergo, and it involves suffering patiently while remaining steadfast in faith. This is not a passive endurance but an active engagement with our faith, relying on God's strength rather than our own.

In today's exploration of Mark 12:41-44, we delve into the profound lesson Jesus teaches about giving and the heart behind it. As Jesus observes the treasury in the temple, He witnesses the rich contributing large sums and a poor widow offering two small copper coins. This scene is not just about the act of giving but the spirit in which it is done. The rich gave out of their abundance, seeking recognition and validation from others, while the widow gave out of her poverty, offering all she had to live on. This act of faith and sacrifice caught Jesus' attention, prompting Him to highlight her offering as more significant than all the others.

In life, we often find ourselves in moments of chaos and confusion, much like my experience in San Antonio, where unexpected encounters with snakes disrupted what was meant to be a relaxing vacation. These moments of chaos can be likened to the dilemmas we face in our spiritual journey. When life becomes chaotic, our focus can become diluted, and we may find ourselves struggling to maintain our spiritual bearings. This is where we find ourselves in Luke 24, with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, grappling with the aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion and the confusion of His resurrection.

In "Theology vs. ME-ology," we examined the contrast between a God-centered faith and a self-centered approach to life. Through Mark 12:28-34 and Deuteronomy 6:4-5, we saw Jesus affirm the greatest commandment—to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. However, Judges 21:25 warns us of what happens when people prioritize their own desires over God’s truth. Galatians 5:1 reminds us that Christ calls us to true freedom, not a faith built on convenience. This message also explored the difference between comprehensive love, which is unconditional and rooted in God’s nature, and contingent love, which is conditional and based on personal benefit. The challenge is clear: Are we living for God's truth or shaping faith around ourselves?

In this message, we explored 1 Samuel 30:1-8 and 18-20, where David faces devastation as Ziklag is attacked and his people are taken captive. Despite the overwhelming loss and the threat of being stoned by his own men, David finds strength in the Lord and seeks God’s guidance. His obedience leads to full restoration and victory. This story reminds us that even when we face hit after hit, God is priming us—preparing us for greater victories and deeper faith. Our struggles are not the end; they’re a setup for what God is getting us ready to reclaim.