Posts with the category “i-believe”

This message reminds us of the central claim of Christianity: that Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. Death is the unavoidable equalizer for every human being, and without hope beyond it, life becomes anxious, empty, and meaningless. While the world offers explanations that fall short, the resurrection of Jesus provides a framework of real hope, freedom from fear, and assurance of eternal life. The evidence—an empty tomb, eyewitness accounts, the bold transformation of the disciples, and the rapid growth of the church—points us toward the truth that Jesus truly is alive, and this truth changes everything.  Read More

The cross is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, yet its meaning has been misunderstood, misused, and rebranded throughout history. Scripture teaches us that the true story of the cross is central to Christianity: Jesus took our place, paid the price for our sin, reconciled us to God and one another, and triumphed over the enemy. Without the cross, there is no Christianity—because it is at the cross that guilt is removed, shame is lifted, hostility is broken, and victory is secured.  Read More

In this powerful exploration of the incarnation, we delve into the profound truth that God became flesh in Jesus Christ. The message centers on three key aspects: God's rescue, His desire for relationship, and His plan for renewal. We're reminded that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, making Him uniquely qualified to save us and represent us. The incarnation isn't just an abstract concept - it's the answer to our deepest longings. Through Jesus, we see that God doesn't ignore evil but confronts it on our behalf. This truth allows us to acknowledge our anger at injustice without being consumed by it. Moreover, we're invited into an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe, who knows us fully and loves us completely. As we embrace this love, we're empowered to extend it to others, creating a community bound by Christ's love. The message culminates with the hope of renewal, assuring us that our story doesn't end in chaos, but in restoration. How might this understanding of God's incarnate love transform our daily lives and interactions?  Read More

In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the Apostles' Creed, focusing on its opening line: 'I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.' We're challenged to examine what we truly believe about God and how those beliefs shape every aspect of our lives. The sermon takes us through Acts 17, where Paul addresses the Athenians about the true nature of God. We're reminded that our God is both almighty and intimately near, knowing the very hairs on our heads. This message encourages us to confront our distorted views of God – whether we see Him as a distant CEO, a cosmic cop, or a vending machine – and embrace the truth of His character. The story of the father in Mark 9 who cries, 'I believe; help my unbelief!' resonates deeply, reminding us that God responds to even our imperfect faith. We're invited to take a step towards trusting God, no matter how small, knowing that faith isn't about perfection but about relationship with a God who is bigger and nearer than we can fathom.  Read More

The message emphasizes that our belief isn't blind, but grounded in historical evidence and personal transformation. As we contemplate the reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, we're called to recognize the profound impact this has on our lives today. The creed reminds us that we're part of a global, universal church - a community of believers spanning time and space. This perspective can reinvigorate our faith and inspire us to live out our beliefs with renewed purpose and conviction.  Read More