Hey Family,

Last week we were reminded of what the gospel says about judging other people, and how important it is to address the condition and issues of our own hearts. If we accept the forgiveness and healing that Jesus holds out to us, those same feelings should overflow from us onto those we tend to be critical about.

This Sunday as we continue with our summer series, "Hard Sayings of Jesus," we get to one of the most abrasive statements our 21st-century ears can hear: "Repent or perish." These words conjure up images of subway preachers who are yelling at us to turn or burn. But come this Sunday to find out how this is actually one of the most loving phrases that Jesus ever used, and how full of mercy it is but how abused the phrase has become. I look forward to seeing you at 10 a.m.

--Edwin