If something is “Toxic” then that means that it is poisonous, dangerous, destructive, and harmful. Sometimes we experience toxic things happen in the church. Even though we are Christians, we are still human beings, and we are not perfect. But when we take the time to examine our own lives, then we have an opportunity to right some of our wrongs. We make a way for Jesus to come into our lives and bring about healing and wholeness. This morning we are talking about the toxic behavior of cynicism. Associated Scripture: John 1:43-51.

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“Toxic Christianity!” This is not a phrase that we often hear in the life of the church. But unfortunately, it is something that people often experience in the life of the church. My hope is that we can experience healing and wholeness in Christ for the ways that we have been harmed by the church, and we can learn about ways that we have contributed to other people’s harm as we strive to be the people that God has called us to be. We begin our series by talking about the toxic behavior of “Hypocrisy.”  Associated Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28.

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In the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, Jesus offers this commentary on economic inequality, pointing out the stark contrast that exists between the rich and the poor. But there is a Great Reversal that occurs when the rich man and Lazarus die. Associated Scripture: Luke 16:9-31

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Jesus teaches about the importance of being persistent in our prayers by telling a story about how a woman’s persistence slowly wears down an unjust judge until he finally gives in and does the right thing. Associated Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

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A landowner hires workers for his vineyard. Even though some of these laborers have worked for twelve hours, some for nine hours, some for six hours, some for three hours, and some for only one hour, they are all paid the exact same wage. Associated Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

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A Pharisee and a tax collector walk into a Temple - two men who are polar opposites. One is considered righteous and the other is considered unrighteous. They both go into the Temple and pray to God, but Jesus tells us that only one walks away justified. Associated Scripture: Luke 18:9-14.

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Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of God is revealed through small, ordinary, objects like a mustard seed that grows into a large tree.  A tiny seed has the potential to grow into the largest of trees. Associated Scripture: Matthew 13:31-32.

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A pinch of yeast is added to three measures of flour. That is about 50 pounds of flour! This is no ordinary recipe for a loaf of bread. Jesus tells this parable to share about the extravagance of God's kingdom! Associated Scripture: Matthew 13:33-35.

Jesus tells a parable about a plowman who sells all of his possessions for a field with hidden treasure and a merchant who sells everything for one precious pearl. Associated Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46.

Jesus tells a parable about a prodigal son who wastes his inheritance. When he returns home, his father welcomes him, forgives him, and throws him a party! But the older brother is not as happy about the prodigal's return. Associated Scripture: Luke 15:11-32.