St. John's United Methodist Church - Turnersville NJ

Some of the most important things in our lives are unseen. It is possible have bad roots. 

Psalm 1:1-6

Col. 2:6-7 'live rooted and built in Him" 

Matthew 13:1-23

God loves to bring new life to dead places. 

We are not to remain in the same place or we will become stagnant. 

What is the condition of your heart? What kind of soil is my life? The Path - hard heart, The Rocky Soil- shallow heart, The Weeds & Thorns - strangled heart, The Good Soil - open heart. 

Youth Sunday is a time to spotlight St. John's Youth. From leading worship, to playing with praise team, speaking, greeting and this year, a dance team. It is a vibrant Sunday in the life of our church and we can do much with emmulating their passion. 

We can often feel overlooked on a daily basis. God tells us over and over again how much we have been lovingly hand-picked by God and we all have a purpose. 

How do you know that God is speaking to you? Not every gets a Walk to Emmaus like Cleopas did. 

Luke 24:13-34

Jesus' disciples recognize Him: 

- through His scars

- they saw Him face to face

- they experienced Him when they stopped

After the resurrection, why was Thomas not in the room when Jesus appeared to the other disciples? What could have kept him from being there? Jesus made it a point to be there for Thomas and his questions. 

Love is what Jesus chose. He chose to be on the cross for us. The message of all the gospels is clear. Jesus died. Jesus rose from the dead. Our lives are forever changed, if only we believe. Now, live accordingly. 

By the end of the week, it turns from a pep rally to more of a riot. What happened inside of 5 days to turn the crowds around? 

Matthew 21:1-11

Who is Jesus? Does He have authority in my life? 

What is His plan for redemption? 

Luke 23:32-43

Two thieves were next to Jesus on the cross and they had a choice to make. Life or death? We all have that same choice. Jesus offers everyone the same grace that was offered to the pentiant thief - to be with the Creator of the World in paradise. 

John 18:1-14 

God Moments - What are your God moments? In church? In life? Are they "weird" or unique to you? 

Malchus had a God moment when he went with the chief priests to arrest Jesus. He was met with Simon Peter's sword and his ear was cut off. Jesus then picks it up and puts it back on! Everytime Malchus touched his ear or had an itchy ear, he MUST have thought back to that moment, each and every time!