What does a life characterized by worship look like? In this message, we see how Jesus responds to the worshipful acts of a woman of ill-repute and compare them to the supposedly-righteous worship of the Pharisees with whom Jesus shares a meal with.

In a time where we often feel forced to choose sides or pick a favorite, our text shows us that God values both our worship and our work. Mary and Martha's encounter with Jesus teach us that God cares about the roles we play from the welcome to the time of worship.

Jesus is already on his way to heal a community leader’s daughter when Jesus stops and turns around in response to a social outcast. In Mark 5:21-43, we see how Jesus handles social privilege and makes way for the oppressed, asking Jairus to “just believe” when he fears its too late. We see the abundant nature of God’s mercy and compassion in the face of scarcity--not only in the healing of the outcast, but in the raising of the dead. We are invited to let compassion move us to lay down our own privilege, as we lay down our lives for our sisters and brothers.

What do we do when God doesn't answer? Rev. Deb Chambers draws us to the the great faith of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15. In this passage, we see how great faith keeps walking with God, worshiping God, and waiting on God like the Canaanite woman, who overcame the obstacle of an unanswered appeal, the obstacle of an unqualified application, and finally, the obstacle of an unobtainable aspiration

Jesus tells Nicodemus, "You must be born again."

When Philip first meets Jesus, there is something about this Rabbi that is so intriguing, that Philip immediately is drawn to follow Him and invites a friend along as well. When Jesus meets Philip’s friend Nathaniel, Jesus reads Nathanael like a book. This message will explore how an encounter with Jesus changes the direction of our lives, but also affirms our calling and purpose.

During Hosea’s ministry, the northern kingdom of Israel enjoyed relative wealth and influence in the history of Israel and Judah. Yet, this affluence came at the expense of the poor and vulnerable. Hosea re-visions what a future looks like when God’s people remain faithful to God and how God promises to lead them there, despite their present idolatry.