WWJD? The answer may not be so clear. Ask two different Christians and you’re likely to get two different answers based more on ideologies or biases. The problem is that too many Christians simply do not know Jesus very well. And that is why it is so important that we understand who Jesus was and what he came to do. This message series (spanning Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday) is devoted to doing just that.
As we begin this Lenten season with Ash Wednesday, Susie Renzema gives a clear and concise teaching about what Lent is, why we choose to observe it, and gives a beautiful invitation to join with us as we enter into the season where “holiness and grace kiss.”
What’s the one thing you have that grants you access to Jesus? The answer may not be what you think. Join us as Pastor Jack kicks off this new series for the Lenten season focusing on who Jesus’ character, His life, and His journey to the cross.
So, have you accepted Jesus — as your friend? How much do we know about Jesus, the friend? And what does that really look like? As we continue looking at the man who journeyed to the cross on our behalf, this week we look at the comfort of beauty of Jesus calling you and me His friend.
In this very encouraging message, we take a look at some of Jesus’ motives for taking His journey to the cross, and how that singular act of compassion has translated into our adoption by God. Spoiler alert: that’s something that brings Jesus lots of joy!
We’ve all looked for someone to be on our side—someone to notice us; to understand us; to defend us; to protect us; to comfort us; to include us; to affirm us; to stand up for justice and fairness; someone to love us no matter what. We want “my person.” These are all real and legitimate needs. But these needs often seem unmet and can leave us struggling. And these unmet needs are often at the core of what drives us to sin. So why does God put needs in us that will be a constant struggle for us?
What does a high priest look like? We often think of a person clothed in ornate garments, adorned with precisely crafted robes, sashes and jewelry that have been detailed with deeply-held symbolism, and each element worn with ritualistic care. Yet at the most deeply sacred moment in human history, our High Priest hung fully naked and completely exposed. Join us as we look at this profoundly significant aspect of Jesus’ journey to the cross.
If we think Jesus came to make us comfortable, we are not only missing the point, we will also be greatly disappointed. But we wouldn’t be the first. In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Jack Sytsema talks about the many expectations of Jesus back then and challenges our expectations of Jesus today. (Good news – there is a difference between being comfortable and being comforted!)
Have you ever felt like everything happening in your life seems wrong or strange or like God can’t possibly be intending for things to be the way they are? We all probably have – and recently, too. We aren’t alone. That is precisely the way the disciples felt in Jesus’ final hours. But God was in it. Every bit of it. How often are we in uncomfortable or difficult or strange situations and completely reject what God may be trying to accomplish through it? Pastor Jack considers that question in this solemn service in which we remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus.
After a long season of Lent, here we are. Finally! The price is paid. Sins are forgiven. Life can finally resume as normal. Right? Well… the real question is, what now? Should life just go back to normal? Let’s talk about that. Join us as we celebrate Easter and enter the season of Eastertide!