The Bible likes to talk about sin and grace, but what does it have to say about sin and snakes?

In this introduction to maybe the most well-known passage in the entire Bible, Jesus wants you to know what makes him like a snake, and why that's a good thing.

For centuries, Europe was the center of Christianity. Today, many of its most beautiful cathedrals stand empty and unused except maybe as a museum or historical landmark.

Of course, Christianity is not completely dead in Europe, nor is Europe the only place where places of worship have forgotten their purpose. Many churches nearer to home have become little more than social halls, community service organizations, or even political weapons. Needless to say, that is NOT what God's house is for.

In this week's sermon we see a story from Jesus' life where he was fired up for his Father's house and did some pretty surprising things. Join us as we consider what Jesus was so zealous for and why, as well as how we can align our passionate interests with his.

What does it mean that Jesus is your Saviour? Your Saviour from what? Student loans? Cancer? Toxic relationships?

No. Jesus is your Saviour from sin. He didn't come to sit on a throne and spoon feed you caviar and champagne. He came to die on a cross for your sin.

Similarly, Jesus doesn't call you to live in luxury, but to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow him, even sharing in his suffering.

Salvation and suffering go hand in hand. Let's not get lost in a theology of glory.

Can you say, "No," to every temptation?

I can hardly say, "No," to the ice cream in the freezer I know I don't need to eat! If we don't have the willpower to deny ourselves desserts, what does that say about the deeper spiritual temptations we give in to every day?

The good news, though, is that you don't have to be perfect. You just have to be penitent.

This week's sermon explores the temptation of Jesus - both how he came out victorious in his duel with the devil in the desert, and how he tells us, "Repent and believe the good news!"

Every once in a while God gives us glimpses of his glory. We saw it on Moses' face after he received the 10 Commandments. We see it even more fully on the Mount of Transfiguration when Jesus was changed in front of Peter, James, and John. This week's sermon explores the difference between the impact of seeing God's glory on each of those two mountains.

Do you ever treat Jesus like a genie in a bottle? You leave him tucked squarely away until you need him, and only then do you summon him?

That's a common temptation. But in Capernaum Jesus shows us what his real reason for coming to earth was - not to solve all our earthly problems, but to show us undying care and compassion.

Jesus' authority is amazing, in both word and action.

What is one of your most recent or biggest regrets?

What would you give for a second chance?

When we score an all-too-elusive do-over, it changes the way we look at life. It puts a little pep in our step. It gives us a new lease on life. It can even help galvanize us to make sure that we don't make the same mistake twice.

In this week's reading from Jonah chapter 3, we read about a couple second chances that God gave purely out of his unconditional love. And yet, while God's grace may not change, it has a way of changing lives. Listen to hear how it can change yours.

You've probably heard the claims from Millennials like me, "Millennials have it tough! When we were kids we witnessed a traumatic act of terrorism. We graduated into a great recession. And by the time we entered our 30s we had to live through a global pandemic."

Rather than arguing with us and kindly reminding us that every generation has its own struggles (like the threat of nuclear war during the childhood of Boomers, or 2 world wars and a Great Depression for the "Greatest Generation"), a better, kinder approach might be what Paul did for the Thessalonians.

They had problems of their own. But rather than play into comparisons or "comforting" them by saying, "It could be worse," Paul pointed them to the sometimes-confusing but always-comforting doctrine of election.

Listen to this week's sermon to learn more about what God's gracious election is and means for you, not matter what generation you belong to.

Why do Christians sprinkle water on babies?

At its root, baptism looks weird. But when we read God's Word, we find that it is the most wonderful promise from God - your sins have been forgiven. You may still need a bath, but all your guilt and shame has been washed away.

Listen to this week's sermon to learn more about Jesus' baptism and yours.