If you argue with someone, who usually gets mad first? You or them? Why do we get mad when we argue? Are we surprised someone has different opinions than we do? Why do we think it’s okay to get mad just because they get mad at us? Today Jesus is going to get into some arguments. Let’s pay attention to how He handles Himself.
Read More"What was your part in making things bad? Don’t look around trying to find someone else to blame. Confess. Repent. Repentance is God’s kindness. It’s His idea, He wants to forgive you, it’s what He came to do. God is infinitely more patient with you than you will ever be of yourself."
Jesus has His authority challenged by the local authorities. We explore why His answer about John's authority was not avoiding the question. We also talk about the proper distinction between Law and Gospel (and how most Christians confuse them).
Read MoreIt’s fine to have emotions, it’s part of what makes us human. But we can’t let those emotions control our behavior. In this lesson, Jesus goes from extreme happiness, to utter sadness, to furious anger. All in 24 hours. What can we learn about how we should deal with our emotions?
Read More"Don't tell me what to do!" Jesus could have come riding in on a war horse, in a chariot, driving a tank—guns blazing and mowing down anyone who tried to stop Him with flame throwers. Could have had an army of angels clear the path. But He came in humility to bring peace. We need to be doing the same thing.
Read MoreDid Jesus actually say about the Gospel, "Use it or lose it!" What are the "minas?" Is this parable the same as the parable of the Talents? (It's not) It's also not about money. The Gospel in this parable is so unfair it's not funny. (But that's not to say nothing is funny.)
You can’t earn salvation. Jesus earned it for you. But you can try to live up to it. God’s name is holy, and He puts His name on you. You can’t earn it, but you can try to keep His name holy now that it’s on you. It’s about being someone people can count on. About being someone who does what's right, even when it's hard. God has put His holy name on you. Now what? How are you going to keep it holy? How are you going to live up to it?
There are a lot of things we think we understand before we actually experience them, then we find out we had no idea. How many things have you heard over and over but they never sank in? Important things—like the Gospel. You might want to share this one with someone who needs to hear the Gospel, someone who is struggling to believe. This is the Gospel according to Jesus.
Read MoreSometimes, if we want to live, we have to give up something that’s killing us. We’ll almost never want to do it. Jesus says this is why it's impossible for rich people to enter the kingdom of God. Everything we have must be put under His Lordship. Every single thing. The question is always: Lord, what do You want me to do with this all this stuff You’ve given me? He will tell you. But you probably won’t like His answer—not at first. The things you possess will try to possess you. There is good news for rich people but you'll have to listen to what Jesus says to hear it.
1. Receive the kingdom of God like a child or you won't receive it.
2. Does that mean trying really hard to be like a child? Haha. (No.)
3. Church is not optional.
4. Jesus shared His Father with us.
What more do you want?
The Pharisee and The Tax Collector like you've never heard it. A pretty good case can be made they went to the temple to pray on The Day of Atonement—which changes everything you thought you knew about this parable. Also, what's the deal with the rainbow text? (You might be surprised.)
Read MoreJesus teaches how to pray for what you want and never lose heart. Seems like an important thing to pay attention to. What if God isn't going to do anything until you ask? In this teaching, Pastor Frank gives at least 17 important clues on how to pray so God will answer you. Don't bother listening.
The Apocalypse of Jesus. When will the kingdom of God come? Where will the kingdom of God be? What about The Rapture? Hmmm In the end, the only thing we will have is whatever we have given to God for safekeeping.
Read MoreMost people aren't familiar with the story of Jesus and the Ten Leopards. One of His rare recorded incidents with wildlife. No. Ten Lepers. Very different thing. Here are some ideas this sermon will cover: 1. The shortest path was never a straight line. Going straight toward Jesus is a long and winding road. Every time. 2. Doing things you don't want to do is how to get to do the things you really want to do. 3. The story of how Kemper Crabb and Frank Hart became friends. 4. Your sin is more gross than a leper's ginger root nub of fingers. 5. Your faith in Jesus will heal you. Eventually. Keep walking in the direction He tells you to go.
Pastor Frank applies ten verses to Mom in practical ways for Mother's Day but don't let that fool you—this is strong medicine for all of us.
Read MoreMost people say they believe in some kind of afterlife. People of faith, as well as scientists who are only looking at physical evidence. So what happens after we die? What did Jesus Himself actually say about heaven and hell? This is a story about a rich man and a poor man who both die—Jesus gives us a lot to think about here. If you listen, and believe what He's saying, it could have eternal ramifications.
Read MoreYou should force yourself to read to this one. People often try to deceive others and hide their true actions, but when the truth is exposed, it can cause anger and outrage. This can be seen in various situations, such as social media personalities promoting products they have never used, politicians going against their campaign promises, athletes cheating with performance-enhancing drugs, preachers committing the sins they preach against, and individuals putting on a show of devoutness while making everyone miserable at home. The truth can expose insecurities and self-delusion, leading to anger and frustration. God's Law defines sin and guides us on how to live our lives, but we all fall short and make mistakes, which is called sin. It is a fatal error that cannot be ignored or excused. However, through the Gospel, Jesus forgives our sins and justifies us before God, defining us by who we are in Christ, rather than by our failures or successes. The Law shows us the standard, and the Gospel offers forgiveness and salvation.
Read MoreUse your money to make friends, not your friends to make money. What if in order to get into heaven, you have to be welcomed by someone who you told Jesus canceled their debt? This is the weirdest story Jesus ever told.
Read MoreWhat would happen if we applied the same standard to the resurrection of Jesus that we apply to other historical stories? Folklore. Myth. How do you think it would hold up? Do you think we’d find any real evidence? Or do you think it’s all just going to come down to faith? That we can’t really be sure about it? In this sermon, Pastor Frank will attempt to give you a bit more confidence in the claims Jesus made about Himself and the historical evidence of His resurrection. If Jesus Christ rose from the dead then nothing else matters. If He didn’t, then nothing matters.
Read MoreThis is a story about two lost sons. Which one do you relate to the most? I think we all start off as the prodigal son. We make a mess of our lives (“Reckless living.” “extravagant.” Wasteful with everything God gave us.) then we come back to the Father, and find out how merciful and forgiving He is with us—He takes us back no matter what we’ve done and we just stand in His presence interrupted by grace, thankful for His kindness and generosity. Fully restored. But then, after just a short time, too many of us become like the older brother. Disown your heavenly Father at your own risk. Raise your fist to heaven and say, “I’m sick of You, I’m sick of Your church, I’m sick of your rules, I’m sick of waiting to die before I can have all those good things You’ve promised me in heaven!” If you live like there is no God, ignore His wisdom, selfishly grasp for wealth and pleasure recklessly—find out where that gets you. Well, our prodigal punk had sunk as low as he was going to go. He came to himself—came to his senses. This is his story and it directly affects all of us. You will be interrupted by grace.
