Jesus knew the time of his betrayal and death was drawing near. So, what did he do? He showed his friends the full extent of his love. He humbled himself, washed the very feet that would later abandon him, and encouraged his followers to love one another. In an age when many Christians are panicking, hiding, reacting, and living in fear, Jesus’ words are urgent for his 21st century friends. 787526

This message might seem odd, but it is important. Many kids get disconnected from church because they or their parents get hurt by someone at church. The pastor. The church council. A fellow member. Without the right reaction, these sins/hurts can uproot entire families for generations to come, leaving kids to tell the story of that one pastor who said that one thing to one of his parents. This message is meant to prepare people for the next time church hurts. What do you do? What do you say? When do you go?

This message expands from week 2 to include all of us—pastors, teachers, church members, godparents, older siblings, friends, aunts/uncles, grandparents, etc. Share stories from the Scriptures and our experiences about people the Spirit brought to Jesus from the wider family of God. Give purpose to singles and non-parents who, like Paul himself, may not produce the next generation, but absolutely want to see them in heaven with Jesus.

Based on Proverbs 22/Deuteronomy 6/Ephesians 6/Colossians 3, this message reminds parents of what matters most - the training up of their children. What you do when they are young will probably (like the Proverbs) shape what they believe when they are older. So, what should you do? God gave Moses the answer. Seek God with a personal passion, based off his unbeatable promises, and then talk about that God as often as you can.

Based on Matthew 18, this message is meant to show us Jesus’ heart for the next generation. In Matthew 18, Jesus warned against leading kids to sin or looking down on them. Even more importantly, he told a story about a desperate shepherd who was not willing that even a single lamb be lost. Application—While it’s easy to stereotype and look down on other generations (in both directions!), our Father has a massive heart for those that are unlike you. This is good news, because it means that he has a massive heart for you!

Few things shape us like what we think about our thoughts. Our thoughts might be true or false, healthy or destructive, demonic or Holy Spiritual, which means we need to think carefully about our thoughts! Paul made the same point to his friends in Corinth, urging them to take their thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. By that same practice, we put our frantic minds at ease and fix our thoughts on Jesus.

Money is a good gift and a terrible god. When accumulating more and more becomes the center of our universe, we end up, according to Jesus, with darkness, worry, and eventual loss. But when we seek God first, satisfying our hearts with the presence ad promises of God, money finds it rightful place in our lives. Our loving Father can become our true treasure, freeing us from serving money and allowing us to use it wisely.

“I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” Billions of Christians have confessed these famous words, admitting that God is the creator and we are part of his creation. Yet many Christians forget this truth when it comes to their own bodies, ignoring the Creator’s guidelines as they overwork, overeat, and underestimate the necessity of rest. This message takes us back to the beginning, to physical life as God intended, and reminds us of the Father who gave us life and wants only what is best for his kids. In addition, it reminds us of the “image of God” that we have through Jesus, a spiritual reality that gives even our bodies peace and rest.

Most people don’t equate repentance with the words “fresh” or “liberating.” Crying “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” seems like a miserable way to start the year. But not according to Jesus. Jesus said that those who humbly confess their need of God’s grace (instead of self- righteously comparing themselves to others) would be justified and exalted in the eyes of God. Perhaps, then, repentance is the most liberating way to live!

Do you have questions about God? Or about faith? Or about different religions, different churches, and different ideas? We all do, but often we are scared to ask them. That is why The CORE’s Q&A Sunday started. In place of a regular message, we will take time to anonymously ask questions and find the passages with Jesus’ answers. We hope you can join us for Q&A Sunday!