Hello Friends,
One of the great joys of ministry is being able to change the sermon title at will. I do this frequently...just ask Jackie or Celeste. While I was initially focusing on the Numbers 21 passage about the snakes in the desert, I decided instead to focus on the John 3:14-21 passage.
In John's passage, we come across arguably the most famous verse in the entire Bible, John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." That verse is a microcosm of the Gospel.
With that said, however, I honestly believe that John 3:16 is old news (in fact, that is how we live). Perhaps we see it too often on car tags, street signs, or even at ball games; maybe it has become rote. Or tragically, maybe John 3:16 has been deemed by society, and at times even the church, to be out of touch. Maybe the story of Jesus on the cross is not relevant in today's culture...to be completely honest, there are few of us who live like John 3:16 is relevant today.
And that, church is my sermon Sunday. It is time for us to take the old news of 2,000 years ago and remember that this is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is time for us to live like God's love means something, that the cross is relevant and like the hope that we have because of it is real.
I don't want to give too much away, but I will say this: if you and I, the called out ones who profess faith in Christ, do not live this way because of who we are and whose we are, then the world really has no hope.
Think about what you can do this week to live a meaningful life...a life that shows without a shadow of a doubt that you are God's beloved child and as such, a life that shares His love with others.
In His love and grace,
Josh
Sports Corner
In case you did not know, March Madness starts today...I love the NCAA tournament. I can't wait to see the big upsets, the buzzer beaters, and the eventual champion come out on top.
I believe the Final four will include Kentucky, Ohio State, UNC and Michigan St. I think the championship game will come down to Kentucky and UNC with Kentucky winning. Be on the lookout for some upset teams...I hear good things about Belmont, Ohio, Louisville, and Florida St.
Good luck in your bracket pool. I would love to see who your final four/champion will be. Post it and we will discuss.
One of the great joys of ministry is being able to change the sermon title at will. I do this frequently...just ask Jackie or Celeste. While I was initially focusing on the Numbers 21 passage about the snakes in the desert, I decided instead to focus on the John 3:14-21 passage.
In John's passage, we come across arguably the most famous verse in the entire Bible, John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." That verse is a microcosm of the Gospel.
With that said, however, I honestly believe that John 3:16 is old news (in fact, that is how we live). Perhaps we see it too often on car tags, street signs, or even at ball games; maybe it has become rote. Or tragically, maybe John 3:16 has been deemed by society, and at times even the church, to be out of touch. Maybe the story of Jesus on the cross is not relevant in today's culture...to be completely honest, there are few of us who live like John 3:16 is relevant today.
And that, church is my sermon Sunday. It is time for us to take the old news of 2,000 years ago and remember that this is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is time for us to live like God's love means something, that the cross is relevant and like the hope that we have because of it is real.
I don't want to give too much away, but I will say this: if you and I, the called out ones who profess faith in Christ, do not live this way because of who we are and whose we are, then the world really has no hope.
Think about what you can do this week to live a meaningful life...a life that shows without a shadow of a doubt that you are God's beloved child and as such, a life that shares His love with others.
In His love and grace,
Josh
Sports Corner
In case you did not know, March Madness starts today...I love the NCAA tournament. I can't wait to see the big upsets, the buzzer beaters, and the eventual champion come out on top.
I believe the Final four will include Kentucky, Ohio State, UNC and Michigan St. I think the championship game will come down to Kentucky and UNC with Kentucky winning. Be on the lookout for some upset teams...I hear good things about Belmont, Ohio, Louisville, and Florida St.
Good luck in your bracket pool. I would love to see who your final four/champion will be. Post it and we will discuss.