Weekly Messages

This Sunday, join us as we dive into one of Jesus' most beloved parables: the story of the prodigal son. But instead of focusing on the wayward son, we will explore the heart of the compassionate father—a heart overflowing with unconditional love and boundless forgiveness.

Through this powerful story, we will see how the father's response to both his wayward and his faithful sons reveals the depth of God's love for us. Whether you identify with the prodigal son or the elder brother, this message will remind you of God's unwavering grace!

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Discussion Questions: What part of the parable of the prodigal son resonated most with you, and why?

Have you ever experienced a time when you felt distant from God, similar to the prodigal son? What brought you back?

In what ways do we sometimes act like the elder brother, and how can we overcome those attitudes?

We celebrate our nation's independence and the Declaration of Independence, which highlights Americans' inalienable rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

For much of my life, I didn't give much thought to what "the pursuit of happiness" really means. If you asked people, most would probably say it means Americans have the freedom to do whatever they want. Just look around, and you'll see that in action.

However, the Declaration of Independence doesn't endorse Hedonism—the pursuit of pleasure above all else. Our founding fathers envisioned something different: the right to pursue activities that promote physical, mental, and moral well-being. They aimed for real human flourishing, and for that, I am grateful.

I believe God has provided a way for us to pursue well-being and flourishing together. Unfortunately, I think we're often going about it the wrong way in America today. True happiness is actually easier to obtain than we might think.

"Where are you from?" is the ultimate "Get to Know You" question. Everyone's life story starts somewhere, and when someone begins to tell their story, we're instantly taken back to the past. We get to meet the people, visit the places, and experience the events that have shaped them into who they are today. Without knowing these key moments from someone's past, we can't really understand who they are now.

This is one reason why I believe Exodus is so important. It defines Israel's story and in many ways shapes how the New Testament presents our story through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

As we wrap up our series in Exodus, let's take one final look back at "where we are from" as God's people. My hope is that in doing so we would all gain a deeper understanding of not only who we are, but most importantly who our God is because though we may be different people from those we read about in Exodus, our God is the same God.

A GPS's purpose is to get us from one destination to the next. God isn't always worried about the destination but He is in the business of forming and shaping us into His image. As the Israelites are about to embark on a journey into the wilderness they are going to be reminded of God's faithfulness and begin to learn what it looks like to depend on God as they enter into unfamiliar territory.

It is an awesome thing to consider: that the LORD desires to be with His people. It was His plan all along–to center Himself among His people and for His people to orient their lives around Him. The tabernacle made this possible for a people in the wilderness. How might it be possible for us today?

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Why do you think God gave such detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle? How does this reflect His character and priorities? How can we discern God's design for our lives and our church today?

How did the collective effort of the Israelites contribute to the building of the tabernacle? What roles did different individuals play? What are some ways that every member of our church can contribute to the mission and vision God has given us?

How can we as individuals contribute to creating an environment that honors and glorifies God in our church community?

Sometimes we wonder what God is like, but we don't need to speculate when it comes to God. God has clearly revealed Himself to us. He has told us who He is and what He is like. He has made Himself known to us. There's no need for speculation when He has provided us with a clear understanding of His character and His love for us both in the Scriptures and in His Son.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Have you ever had an experience with God that made you want to know Him more deeply? Share your story.

Why is the object of our faith more important than just having faith? How does this impact our daily lives?

What from God's nature and character described in Exodus 34:6-7 stands out most to you today. Why do you think that is? What might God be saying to you?

Have you ever known someone whose presence in your life mattered to you? Have you ever known someone whose presence mattered most to you?

We live in a time where people want "The Kingdom, but not the King." They might not express it like this, but their actions reveal a clear truth: when given the choice people want more from God instead of more of God.

Is this true of you? Let's talk about it.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How do you personally relate to Moses' declaration that he would not move forward without God's presence?

Can you share a moment when you felt God's presence in a profound way? How did it impact you?

How can we practice living in God's presence in our everyday activities and decisions?

Do any of you have a most prized possession? Something you keep in a glass case or out of the reach of children? Autographed memorabilia? A wedding ring? A piece of art, perhaps? Now, can you imagine destroying that thing to prove a point? Moses once did such a thing with what is–to this day–quite possibly the most valuable thing to ever have existed. We would do well to understand why and what that means for us.

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Questions for Reflectiotn & Discussion

How did Moses react to the sin of the Israelites, and what can we learn from his response? How should we respond when we recognize sin in our own lives or in the lives of others?

In what ways does Moses' intercession point to our need for a greater mediator?

What practical steps can you take this week to live in light of the gospel, recognizing Jesus as your substitute and mediator?

If I were to tell you that the wrath of God was real, which I believe it is, and that it is coming on account of something, one thing in particular, would you want to know what that one thing is? I hope so. In fact, I would hope that you would not only want to know what that one thing is, but you would want to know everything you could about it so you could stay as far away from that one thing as humanly possible. Yes? Good. Let's talk about idols of the human heart.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How does human pride interfere with obedience to God? Why do we resist worshiping God in the manner He prescribed?

What are some of the things you are prone to making an idol in your heart? How have you experienced the truth of 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 concerning such things?

What is one way you could turn from worship of these things to worship of the one true and living God this week?

Have you ever had a mountain top experience? These are moments not so much about reaching the literal peaks of mountains, but about the part they play in one's life. The transformative high points of one's life where things were never the same afterwards. Moses and the elders of Israel had one–a meal with God Himself on His holy mountain.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Instead of simply imposing obedience, God chose to establish a covenant with His people, demonstrating grace. How does this covenant reflect His unmerited favor and kindness towards humanity?

Have you ever shared a meal with someone of great significance, how does God's invitation to a close relationship through Christ compare? How can we cultivate an appreciation for the grace, mercy, and privilege extended to us through this relationship?

Considering the significance of meals and hospitality, how can they serve as opportunities to introduce others to Jesus? In what ways can acts of hospitality create spaces for meaningful conversations and connections that lead others to encounter the love and grace of Christ?