The Well Church of the Nazarene

Dave & Cindee Johnson share a piece of their story with our congregation.

When we take the transformation that has happened within us and try to bring about the Kingdom of God in a way that Jesus describes throughout the Sermon on the Mount, we're bound to face persecution from those who think we're doing it wrong.

But having encountered Christ, and experienced His righteousness and resulting transformation in our life, we are called to take that message into messy places even though we risk our "nice, neat" way of doing Church. And when that happens, Jesus says you're living the good life! His way is a better way.

Mercy is making the choice to see those who have hurt us the way God sees them and not the way others, or man-made rights, or the law or even our own life experiences see them. When we submit to God the right or ability to control the situation as we see fit - and focus on controlling the things we can control (our actions, attitudes, and choices) - we are merciful. We are peacemakers.

To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to be obedient to God in submitting your will to Him and then allowing Him to mold and shape you into who He wants you to be. God alone can remove our character defects, but it's a process. And we don't have to have successfully completed the transaction of righteousness to be blessed. Instead, it's a "long, slow obedience in the same direction.

Celebrating four baptisms, two new local licenses, and one incredible testimony!

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals to us what we truly need to be in relationship with him--to walk with him, to be who he created us to be. The blessing of a pure heart is that we SEE God. We understand grace. And we SEE because we get what God is calling us toward and willingly let go of what blinds us. "Seeing God" is evidence of the change grace makes in our lives--what a pure heart leads to. 

Happy (or blessed) are those who have surrendered themselves to Christ’s care and control, for they are living the good life. And as difficult as this concept of committing and surrendering our life and will to Christ is, it’s been the call of Christ since the very beginning. Have you accepted that you are accepted? Are you ready to relinquish control? 

Mourning was a constant theme for those in exile, yet God promises to comfort those who mourn--replacing their mourning with joy.  But what is the source of mourning that leads to being blessed in this way?

Our world is filled with competing voices and value systems that seek to guide our lives, and these messages often prioritize our control, comfort, safety, and convenience. But Jesus gives us a different reason for living--a new direction through life's detours and delays. Because of Him, we have the ability to know who we are (and whose we are) and that our lives have purpose and meaning.