finding hope on the road to bethlehemWe need community and friendship through hopelessness to avoid isolation and loneliness. Every step can help move us in a direction toward others.Ruth1-22Finding Hope1. In the stories of God's provision. (vs 6)2. In putting a period on your past. (vs 6)3. In taking a step. (vs 7)4. In connecting with another persion. (vs 14)5. In being determined. (vs 18)6. In stubbornly believing in God. (vs 16)

Retreat and advanceOur final week in the UpNorth with Jesus series finds Jesus with His disciples in a retreat center where Jesus makes a bold promise about the foundations of the church.Matthew 16:13-21Six observations about the Church1. Its author is Jesus.2. Its purpose is to push back against Hades. 3. Its people—including its leadership—will be imperfect.4. Its success hinges on Jesus.5. Your inclusion depends on your confession.6. Its impact is in transformation.

crossing the borderThe fact that Jesus isn't responding doesn't mean He's not listening.Matthew 15:21-28Stretching your faith1. The fact that Jesus isn't responding doesn't mean He's not listening.2. Faith is found as much in the asking ask it is in the believing.3. Delays and denials are not meant to discourage your faith, but rather to develop it.4. Our hope rests on God's grace and not our (un)worthiness.5. What seems to be a huge need to you, may only be a crumb to Him.6. Faith seems to be transferable.7. We have to value trust over understanding.

finding a little peaceAfter calming an outer storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calms a man's inner storm by casting out his demons.Luke 8:26-39BE AWARE…1. Be aware that the spirit world is real. 2. Be aware that you have an enemy.3. Be aware of his goals.4. Be aware of his tactics.BE AWARE, BUT DON’T BE…1. Don’t be afraid.2. Don’t be defeated.3. Don’t be distressed.

How's your heart?Jesus taught in a parable about the hearts of listeners: hard, shallow, strangled, and open. So we ask: How's your heart?Matthew 13:1-9; 18-231 - The Hard Heart2 - The Shallow Heart3 - The Strangled Heart 4 - The Open Heart 

Living as Kingdom PeopleWhat would it look like for us to live as Kingdom-minded people? If we actively seek to live a Kingdom life with changed heart, our whole communities would be changed and others would start to pay attention.Matthew 5:1-121.  Person who is Humble 2.  Person who Grieves Sin      · This is a pathway of genuine repentance      · Brokenness is what motivates a person to act      · It restores genuine joy in life      · It is what God blesses in life 3.  Person who is Gentle & Kind 4.  Person who Pursues God 5.  Person who is Merciful 6.  Person who seek Moral Purity 7.  Person who Makes Peace 8.  Person who chooses what’s Right Regardless 

Nain's StreetIn healing the widow's son at Nain, Jesus demonstrates our responsibility to reach out to others in compassion.Luke 7:11-17The obvious:1. Jesus cares about people’s needs—including yours.2. No need is too great—Jesus can even bring life from death.But wait there’s more:1. We need to be aware of the vulnerable.2. Jesus gave high value to women in His story.3. We have the responsibility—and the opportunity—to act in compassion.What is compassion?1. Compassion is going to Nain.2. Compassion is giving people a reason not to cry.3. Compassion is not waiting to be asked.4. Compassion is not being afraid to touch.5. Compassion is doing whatever I can to help you with ...

destination weddingOne of the first miracles of Jesus' ministry demonstrates He has come to be the source of everything we need.John 2:1-11Significant outcomes:1. His ministry was “officially” launched.2. His disciples believed in Him.3. He revealed His glory.4. He provided a sign—for all of us!For when you run out of ___________.     · Jesus cares about you because Jesus cares about people.     · Jesus can give you what you need when you run out.     · You will have a part to play in the story.     · Your crisis is Jesus’ opportunity.     · Jesus can do the unexpected.

Following jesusJesus called twelve to follow Him, a ragtag mix of average workers in society. It starts with a simple command, "Follow Me" and what happens next is world changing.Matthew 4:12-20 | John 1:35-42 | John 21:15-19What true discipleship looks like...1. It’s transformative—Jesus changes us.2. It’s personal—We follow a person. 3. It’s immersive—Not just hearing, but doing.4. It’s daily—Every day we make choices.5. It’s externally focused—We fish and we feed.6. It’s incremental—Direction is most important.7. It’s personal—Each person’s path will look different.Questions to ask...· Where did you meet Jesus—and why did you choose to follow Him?· What has your following looked like?· Do you need to go back?

the northern lightsFor both Jesus and many Michiganders, going 'up north' is a way of life. This summer will explore some of the greatest stories from Jesus' ministry, which just happen to take place up north in Galilee.Isaiah 9:1-2 | matthew 4:5-16 | John 7:44-52 | john 8:12Why Jesus went UP NORTH to Galilee . . . 1. To fulfill prophecy.2. To reach out to the Gentiles.3. To keep distance from distraction and harm.4. To be a light in darkness.Experiencing Jesus as light . . . LOVEINSPIRATIONGUIDANCEHEALINGTRUTH