In the fourth week of our series, “Starting Over,” Pastor Brandon shares a word about what it’s like to start over with only the essential. Starting over is an opportunity to eliminate distractions and focus on essentials.
We all long for a place to truly belong, yet we each face different obstacles. Jesus helps us overcome those obstacles because in his Kingdom, no one is excluded, and everyone belongs.
We want to be known and accepted, but often we’re afraid that if people really know us, they won’t accept us. Yet Jesus knows us fully and loves us unconditionally, and his acceptance means we are free from worrying about what others think.
There are few things more powerful than a community of people that is strong and healthy, but too often, communities are neither, focusing more on convenience, greed, and image management than supporting one another. In the Acts 2 church, we see an inspired example is possible when we become a community that gives life.
On Pentecost Sunday, the Holy Spirit came and filled the followers of Jesus, and because the same Spirit is present in us, we are never alone.
Life is richer when we share it with other people—as long as we can figure out how to live with them. At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares wisdom about how to live with other people in such a way that our life is built on a firm foundation.
Despite our digital connections, many of us are feeling more disconnected than ever, and loneliness is growing at an alarming rate. Jesus shows us how we can overcome loneliness and experience a life of connection and love.
Our past wounds can continue to damage our relationships in the present. Jesus shows us how we can do the work recovery and healing so we can strengthen our relationships and families.
Relationships are at the core of what it means to be human, but they’re are also really hard. In his life, Jesus prioritized relationships over efficiency, and he shows us how we can become better in person with others.
Though the decorations may come down, Christmas doesn’t have to give way to the same kind of new year.
