Jesus challenges our understanding of neighborliness through the parable of the Good Samaritan. While religious leaders passed by a wounded man, a Samaritan - someone from a despised group - showed extraordinary compassion. This story redefines 'neighbor' not by cultural, religious, or ethnic boundaries, but by showing mercy to those in need. As disciples of Christ, we must focus less on who qualifies as our neighbor and more on being the best neighbor to anyone God puts in our path. Like a MASH unit positioned near battlefields, we are called to care for all who come our way, regardless of background.

The Apostles' Creed mentions only one aspect of Christian living: 'the forgiveness of sins,' highlighting its central importance. Sin is attractive and pleasurable, which makes it such a persistent problem in our lives. Society has tried to eliminate guilt by removing rules, but this approach has only led to more chaos and suffering. Psalm 130 teaches that the answer to our sin problem lies not within ourselves but with God. When we humble ourselves, confess our sins, and turn to God, He responds with forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. This forgiveness frees us from guilt and enables us to serve God with reverence.

As the school year begins, there are essential spiritual supplies that can't be found on any store list. Wisdom from God helps students, parents, and teachers navigate relationships and make good choices. Discipline enables balancing academics, activities, and spiritual growth despite initial discomfort. The peace of Christ provides stability during school anxieties and transitions. Community creates connection through being devoted, generous, and welcoming to others. By seeking wisdom daily, building good habits, cultivating inner peace, and investing in relationships, everyone can experience a more meaningful educational journey.

Note: An early morning thunderstorm knocked out power to the building so service was led from a small battery powered speaker.

Understanding the Communion of Saints: A Timeless Connection explores the profound meaning behind this declaration from the Apostles' Creed. Discover how the church transcends both place and time, connecting believers across generations. Learn the biblical definition of saints as all believers made holy by God, not just exceptional individuals. Explore the rich meaning of communion (koinonia) as fellowship, partnership, and household, exemplified by the early church in Acts 2.This teaching reveals how the communion of saints extends beyond those living on earth to include believers throughout history. Jesus taught that God is the God of the living, meaning those who have passed through death have simply moved from earthly life to heavenly life. Scripture shows saints in heaven as a great cloud of witnesses, active in prayer, and participating in worship before God's throne.Hebrews 12 provides a remarkable picture of how believers are connected across time, having come near to the heavenly Jerusalem, to angels, to those whose names are written in heaven, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus himself. This communion of saints—the Church Militant (on earth) and the Church Triumphant (in heaven)—reminds us that we are never alone in our faith journey.This message will transform your understanding of church, worship, and your daily walk with Christ. Discover how being part of this timeless connection brings comfort, courage, and a deeper appreciation for your place in God's eternal family.

Rivers of Living Water: Finding Refreshment in the Holy Spirit explores Jesus' powerful proclamation at the Feast of Booths. During this ancient Jewish celebration commemorating God's provision of water in the wilderness, Jesus stood and declared that all who believe in Him would have rivers of living water flowing from their hearts. This living water is the Holy Spirit, given to all believers after Jesus' glorification. The message examines how the Holy Spirit transforms believers, enabling them to maintain joy and thanksgiving even in difficult circumstances, just as Paul and Silas sang hymns while imprisoned. When filled with the Spirit, believers experience a melody in their hearts, speak God's word freely, and find gratitude in every situation. Receiving the Holy Spirit involves active participation—recognizing God as the giver, believing in Jesus, praying to be filled, and making room in our hearts. While receiving the Spirit happens once at salvation, being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing process requiring continual surrender and removal of anything that displaces God's presence. This teaching provides practical guidance for both new believers seeking to receive the Spirit and long-time Christians desiring to be freshly filled. It addresses common obstacles to experiencing the Spirit's fullness and offers biblical strategies for creating space for God's presence.

Finding Faith That Pleases God: What Jesus Will Look For When He ReturnsDiscover what kind of faith Jesus will be seeking when He returns to judge the living and the dead. In Matthew 25, Jesus provides three powerful parables that reveal exactly what pleases God.The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids teaches us that faith must be personally cultivated and endure through waiting and trials. You cannot borrow someone else's faith or rely on religious heritage – Jesus will look for YOUR faith when He returns.The Parable of the Talents shows us that while we are saved by grace through faith, genuine faith always produces works. Like the Sea of Galilee that receives water and gives it out, our faith should receive God's grace and pour it out to others through good works. God doesn't expect us to do what He hasn't equipped us to do, but He does expect us to use what He's given us.The Parable of the Sheep and Goats makes faith concrete and practical. True faith manifests in compassion toward those in need – feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners. When we serve the least of these, we're actually ministering to Christ Himself.Jesus is coming again, and when He comes, He will judge the living and the dead. This isn't just an ancient creed – it's a reality we must prepare for. The faith that pleases God is active, enduring, and expressed through love.Examine your faith today: Is it your own? Is it producing works? Is it expressing itself through love? Are you eagerly awaiting Christ's return?

Being Ever Ready for Christ's Return: Practical Steps for Faithful Living explores how Christians can prepare for Jesus' second coming. Rather than trying to predict dates (which historically has a 0% success rate), believers are called to constant readiness. Jesus uses the illustration in Luke 12 of servants dressed for service with lamps burning, awaiting their Master's return from a wedding feast. This message breaks down five practical aspects of readiness: First, recognizing Jesus as the true Master of our lives by rejecting the notion of a 'delinquent God' who allows us to live delinquent lives. Second, engaging in Christian community since Jesus always portrays waiting servants in households, never alone. Third, regularly sharing our faith with non-believers, which keeps us mindful of Christ's return. Fourth, actively using our gifts and talents for God's kingdom rather than waiting idly. Fifth, being properly 'dressed' in Christ's character daily—clothed with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and love as described in Colossians 3. The message concludes with practical applications including writing a reminder that 'I am not the master, but the Master is coming back.

Living with Confidence: Knowing How the Story Ends explores how understanding Jesus's promised return transforms our daily lives. Just as the Y2K panic dissolved once we knew the outcome, Christians can face life's challenges with confidence knowing Christ will return. The message examines Acts 1 and other scriptures confirming Jesus will return personally, literally, and visibly—the same Jesus who walked on earth will come back in the same way He left. For those wondering about the 2,000-year wait, 2 Peter 3 explains that God exists outside of time, and His apparent delay is actually divine patience, giving more people the opportunity to turn to Him. This understanding should reshape our priorities in five key ways: helping us recognize what's truly important versus what's trivial, encouraging us to live as pilgrims rather than permanent residents, aligning our actions with our beliefs, using our time wisely for kingdom purposes, and viewing our current struggles through the lens of eternal hope. The message offers practical applications for examining priorities, simplifying possessions, evaluating spiritual readiness, and sharing hope with others.

What is Jesus doing right now? This powerful message explores the present-day ministry of Christ as He sits at the right hand of God the Father. Discover the profound implications of Jesus' current role as the ruling King, cosmic sustainer, and perfect intercessor. Learn how Jesus fulfills ancient prophecies as the eternal King from David's line, exercising unlimited authority over all creation. Understand how He holds the universe together by His powerful word, maintaining all natural laws and processes. Most importantly, grasp how Jesus serves as our advocate before the Father, perfectly understanding our human weaknesses while maintaining His divine position. This unique dual perspective makes Him the ideal mediator between God and humanity. The message explains why Jesus' intercession particularly benefits the church and why being part of this community is vital for believers. Includes practical applications for how understanding Jesus' current ministry should transform our prayer life, approach to sin, and commitment to the church. Perfect for anyone wanting deeper theological understanding of Christ's ongoing work, struggling with feeling distant from God, or seeking encouragement in their spiritual journey.

The Ascension of Jesus: Why His Departure Was Actually Good News explores the often-overlooked yet profound significance of Christ's return to heaven. Discover why Jesus told His disciples it was better for them that He go away, and how His ascension actually gives believers more of His presence through the Holy Spirit, not less. Learn how Jesus' departure from earth transcended the limitations of space and time, allowing His presence to be available to all believers everywhere through the indwelling Spirit. This teaching examines Jesus' enthronement at God's right hand, establishing His supreme authority over all powers and dominions. Understand what Jesus meant when He said believers would do 'greater works' than He did, and how the kingdom of God is both 'already here' and 'not yet' fully realized. Find practical applications for living with confidence in Christ's constant presence, surrendering to the Holy Spirit's work, and anticipating Jesus' promised return. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper understanding of Christian theology, spiritual growth, Holy Spirit empowerment, kingdom living, and the practical implications of Jesus' ascension for daily Christian life. Discover how to live as though you carry Christ's presence wherever you go, bringing His light into difficult situations and relationships.