Listeners are challenged to bless someone daily until Easter and to live the ways of Jesus—inviting others to "come and see" through authentic compassion, hospitality, and surrendered living.

The episode applies the quadrant to marriage, friendship, parenting, and leadership, and highlights the Spirit’s role in guiding honest conversations. They close by previewing next week’s message on forgiveness.

Conversational and practical, the episode invites listeners to rethink heaven not as an evacuation but as a renewed, people-centered world where God’s presence reigns and relationships matter.

The episode connects salvation by grace with biblical faith as lasting allegiance, addresses tough questions about heaven and hell and late conversions, and urges listeners to let the reality of eternity shape how they live and serve today.

They explore how uncertainty about timing should shape how we live today — from meaningful evangelism and growing holiness to embracing the Kingdom gospel with hope rather than fear.

They also address modern questions—from the role of technology and global gospel spread to unusual phenomena like UFO reports—emphasizing humility, discernment, and the call to keep the kingdom of God at the center of daily life.

This week, we looked at the role humility plays in the experience of coming alive to God. True humility goes beyond putting others first; it’s about aligning our hearts with the Father’s. It involves surrendering to God’s will, as demonstrated by Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25. Despite the risk of public shame and ridicule, Joseph humbly chose to take Mary as his wife, embracing the social consequences. But more than that, his decision reflected deep trust in God’s promises and a willingness to be part of the greater story God was unfolding—the coming of the Messiah. Like Joseph, we often face the tension between protecting our reputation and accepting God’s invitation. This is the struggle between pride and humility.

Pride causes us to turn inward, relying on ourselves and distancing us from God and others. In contrast, humility opens us up to God’s work, acknowledging that we cannot save ourselves. Scripture reminds us that humility is rooted in reverence for the Lord (Proverbs 22:4) and a deep desire for God to work in our lives. It is a posture that invites God’s kingdom to break into our circumstances in unexpected ways. By stepping into humility, we allow God to lift us up, trusting in his strength rather than our own.

The key to coming alive to God is learning to hear Him more clearly. Many Christians are already communicating with God, often without realizing it—whether through prayer, when they pour out their hearts and feel peace or comfort in return, or through worship, where they sense God’s nearness. The real question isn’t whether we are hearing from God, but how we can hear Him more clearly.

Hearing God requires a heart that actively seeks Him—not just to study Scripture but to encounter Him personally. Listening intentionally, obeying what we hear, and stepping forward in faith open the door to deeper relationships and spiritual growth. God directs us as we move, but obedience is essential to discerning His voice. Today, the invitation is to welcome God fully—no matter how broken life may feel. His love and power are greater than any mistakes or failures, and He is ready to walk with us in every area of life: marriage, parenting, work, and finances.

This name change marked a significant transformation in Jacob's relationship with God, shifting from self-reliance to complete dependence on him. Jacob was forever changed after experiencing God in this powerful way. Just like Jacob, you can come alive to God! 

This week, we looked at the story of Abram and Sarai in Genesis 12. Despite being called by God to bless the nations, Abram gets caught up in a web of deception, lying about Sarai and allowing Pharaoh to take her as his wife. The parallels to Genesis 3 are striking. Just as Adam and Eve took what was pleasing to their eyes, so did Pharaoh. Abram, acting deceitfully, mirrored the role of the snake. Yet, while the snake was cursed, God did not curse or abandon Abram. Even after Abram found himself in similar circumstances a few chapters later, God upheld his promises, offering an abundance of grace.

Exodus 34:6-7 tells us that God is full of compassion, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness. Abram didn't deserve God's blessing, but God gave it freely. God's grace to Abram and us surpasses anything we can imagine. It is a constant, unwavering posture of love, not dependent on our performance. 

When grace abounds, it eliminates the need to perform to gain approval. When we experience God’s grace, it transforms us, and when we carry grace into our relationships, it transforms them as well.

God calls us to approach relationships differently than the world does. In Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus challenges us to love those who are for us and those who are against us. Saul’s relationships were driven by self-interest, and when he didn’t get what he wanted, he sought control rather than trust in God’s plan. Jonathan’s faithfulness and selflessness in his friendship with David are a powerful testament to how relationships thrive when we set out to give rather than receive. While the world’s economy teaches that giving diminishes what we have, God's economy is one where giving leads to greater abundance. When we love others from the overflow of God’s love, we are never left lacking; his love will consistently replenish us. God’s incredible design for relationships deepens our connection with others and him, allowing us to love freely and live fully.

The Bible offers timeless principles that have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with others if we put them into practice. The story of Ruth is a powerful example of this. Despite being penniless and in a foreign land, Ruth remained loyal to Naomi and boldly approached Boaz, asking him not only to marry her but also to care for Naomi. Boaz’s response is remarkable—he saw Ruth’s true character and kindness, protecting her reputation and looking beyond her external circumstances. His ability to see her as God did mirrors how his own father looked past Rahab’s past and saw the person God had created her to be. 

When we seek to see others the way God does, it transforms our relationships. By asking God to show us the strengths, gifts, and potential in those around us, we can call out the goodness he has placed within them. When we see someone as God does, it inspires them to live according to the purpose for which they were created. You never know when your words might be the encouragement someone needs to believe in God’s purpose for their life—because you saw them and believed in them.

As followers of Jesus, our future is secure—death holds no power over us. Embracing this truth transforms our lives, empowering us to make a difference in the world. Living with the end in mind frees us from fear and anxiety, allowing us to fully become who God created us to be. As we do this, we witness God's kingdom at work and realize that investing in worldly pursuits is like putting money into a failing stock, while investing in God's kingdom brings eternal impact and rewards. For the Apostle Paul, this meant living with one clear purpose: to bring the gospel of the kingdom of God to the Gentiles. Despite all the brokenness he encountered during his ministry—including starvation, slavery, violence, and poverty—Paul remained unwavering in his belief that God’s kingdom was the solution to all human suffering. He preached the gospel wherever he went, helping others see beyond the pain of the world to the hope found in Jesus—a hope that doesn’t fade, that death cannot steal, and that transforms us and the world around us.

No amount of resources, education, or legislation can eliminate hardship or bring lasting change—only God's kingdom can do that. The church is called to be an oasis in a barren world, where lives are visibly transformed by God's presence. The entire message of Christianity is the kingdom of God coming into our lives, changing us, and transforming the world around us. Whatever you are facing, you don't face it alone—God is with you and desires to bring his kingdom in your life and walk with you through every season!

This week, as we continue our series on the life of Paul, we look at Acts 19:11–16, where Paul is in Ephesus—a city deeply entrenched in darkness, with its economy and culture heavily influenced by dark magic, sorcery, and witchcraft. Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, attempted to use Jesus' name to cast out demons and gain authority for his own purposes, but his lack of a genuine relationship with Jesus rendered him powerless. He witnessed Paul drive out demons and thought it was merely about the words he used. He didn’t understand that Paul's authority over darkness stemmed from his deep, personal connection with Jesus.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that the battle we fight isn’t against flesh and blood but against an enemy that seeks to draw people into darkness through shame, addiction, fear, and bitterness. However, we know that the battle was already won on the cross. It is finished. We don’t fight on our own. When we speak the name of Jesus, it’s not our own authority we are calling on, but his. We have power and authority over darkness because he’s entrusted us with kingdom authority to spread God's love and light. We can be the light and bring the light because the battle is won!

In Acts 19, Paul asked the people of Ephesus, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” The Greek word for "receive" in this passage is an active word. To receive something is to reach out and grab it, open it, and use it for its intended purpose. We find out later that Paul gauged people’s receipt of the Holy Spirit by the evidence of gifts or fruit of the Spirit.

When you receive the Spirit of God, it changes you, giving you the supernatural desire and ability to bring God's glory into the world. He shows up in us to spread his love and goodness to those around us.

However, in Acts 17, we learn about what Paul experienced in Athens and how it is very similar to what we walk through today as followers of Jesus. When Paul arrived in Athens, he went to the synagogue and spoke about Jesus to anyone who would listen. There, he got into a debate with the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Paul wasn’t making sense to them, and they accused him of proclaiming foreign gods. They then had Paul brought before the high council of the city where Paul was on trial with a heavy charge against him. Paul was asked to plead his case and share with the high council about his God.

When Paul concluded his speech, a large portion of the council laughed at him, there were others of them that were curious and interested in hearing more, and there were others who were moved to faith in Jesus. There is shared experience in what Paul was doing at that moment and what we are doing in the world today. We, like Paul, are not ministering in a culture that is particularly receptive to our message either. During Paul’s argument, he made points of connection and contrast with the way his audience thought. He was building bridges and demolishing the arguments of his listeners. That is the key to evangelism, allowing God to move through us and meet people where they are—asking the Holy Spirit to allow us like Paul to make points of connection and contrast in the lives of those all around us.

Paul’s experience mirrors that of Jesus, who went from the height of popularity at the triumphal entry to being crucified days later. Both of their lives demonstrate the fleeting nature of popularity; one moment, you can be on top of the world, and the next, canceled. Unlike those who derive their worth from external validation, Paul exhibited confidence and freedom rooted in his identity in Christ. He was unshaken by persecution or popularity, driven by the truth of the resurrection, which released him from the fear of death or the need for earthly approval. Just like Paul, we, too, can live in freedom –– rooted in our identity in Christ. When we are released from needing worldly validation, we can live for a greater purpose, reflecting the presence of God within us.

Paul urges everyone not to miss out on Jesus, emphasizing that salvation through him is available to all. The Jews saw themselves as the elect and the Gentiles as non-elect, but Paul clarifies that Jesus came for everyone who will say yes to him. Whether you see yourself as an insider or an outsider, we all have the same need and the same solution—Jesus.

Meanwhile, God appeared to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, and told him to visit Saul. Despite knowing Saul's reputation, Ananias obeyed God's command, laid hands on Saul, restored his sight, and baptized him. Saul was then filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately, he began preaching in the synagogues, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God, completely shocking all who heard him. The Jews in Damascus were amazed at Saul's complete transformation from a persecutor to a preacher of Christ.

Saul was headed full steam in the wrong direction—he couldn't have been on a worse path. Yet, God's response wasn't to strike him down, confuse him, or torment him. Instead, God met Saul right where he was, entering his world, addressing him by name, and showing him that He longed for Saul to know him personally.

Saul’s story is our story. God can completely change your life and transform any situation you're in. He can enter your world, make his presence known, and instantly alter your circumstances—this is the beauty, greatness, and goodness of God. God deeply loves and values you. He treasures you, cares for you, and is interested in every aspect of your life. God is with you even when you make mistakes or face difficult circumstances. His love can transform any situation, no matter how hopeless it seems.

Are you currently facing a scary situation? Whatever it is, God has a solution. What does it look like to give God the little you have and trust him to provide what you need? When you give what little you have to Jesus, you will find that he is more than enough. He doesn’t want you to walk alone. He wants to join you, bring the power of heaven, and make the impossible possible in your life!

Beholding Jesus and how he lived his life is the first step toward being transformed into his likeness. This transformation happens when we go beyond simply studying who Jesus is and allowing his life to shape us. Jesus' life shows us that healing is possible and compels us to pray for healing and miracles. Praying for miracles can sometimes feel risky, especially when we don’t always see those prayers answered. This is where faith comes in. Faith is a conduit between this world and God's kingdom, connecting us to his will and power. Is it God’s will that people be free, healed, and have joy. Therefore, we can pray with boldness for these things. Even when healing and miracles don’t occur as we pray, we can be confident that every prayer makes an impact and brings God’s kingdom to earth.

We learn here that God’s posture towards us, even in sin, is not one of condemnation but compassion. Condemnation causes us to turn away from God, whereas compassion causes us to turn towards God. God sees you and every mistake you have ever made and still loves you. When you turn towards God, you will see he hasn't left you for even one moment. He is actively making a way forward for you and is consistently and passionately for you.

At first glance, these verses can seem contradictory and raise a lot of questions: If salvation is attained by grace alone, why are we called to do good works?  If God is going to make all things right by bringing Heaven to Earth one day, why does it matter how we live today?  How does the world we live in now connect to the world we will live in when Jesus returns? Putty joined us from Arizona this week to look at these questions and more. It’s a common misunderstanding to think that good works unlock revival in our lives. However, scripture teaches the opposite: the outpouring of revival is good work. No matter who you are, where you have been, what your life looks like, or how messy things are for you, there is nothing you can do to earn the love of God—his love for you is already whole and unconditional. He doesn't require your good works; rather, he extends an invitation to a relationship with him, just as you are. When you experience his love and come alive, that’s revival. Revival unlocks the adventure of following Jesus, filled with the good works he’s prepared for you. And the incredible part is that these good works are not just for today – they have an impact that lasts into eternity!

As we put these keys into practice, we will see our relationships fall into one of three categories: community, ministry, and civility.

God then instructs Elijah to stand outside the cave because he is about to pass by. A windstorm, earthquake, and fire occur, but God is not in these powerful events. Instead, God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper.

The storm, earthquake, and fire would have reminded Elijah of similar events in Exodus 19 before Moses received the Ten Commandments. By coming in a whisper, God reminds Elijah that his ability to connect with God is not tied to displays of power. Instead, God desires a personal relationship with him, inviting Elijah to know him intimately and experience his deep love firsthand.

Similarly, God doesn't call us to trust in his power; He calls us to trust in him. God's power is a tool he uses to break the chains of oppression, set people free, and overcome isolation and evil in the world. God's power changes circumstances; it doesn't change hearts.

The Bible and our world are filled with stories of people who have seen God’s power on display but didn’t believe in him. It can be tempting to think the only thing we need is God’s power in our lives, but we need God himself even more than his power. We are forever changed when we enter a relationship with God, hear his voice, and experience his love for us.

This week, we looked at two contrasting stories from the Old Testament: Eve, who ate from the forbidden tree and then hid from God, and Abraham, who held nothing back from God, declaring, “Here I am.” When we emulate Abraham's unwavering faith, trust in God’s provision, and stand before God with an open-heart declaring, “Here I am,” we position ourselves for revival.

When we attempt to satisfy our physical hunger with wants rather than needs, we often end up feeling unsatisfied and hungry again soon after. Similarly, our spiritual hunger can lead to a longing for purpose, contentment, joy, peace, direction, and many other things. When we turn to worldly pursuits like social media, achievements, and indulgence to fulfill these longings, we experience satisfaction that is temporary and fades quickly. Leaving us looking for something else to fill us.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled or, in some translations, satisfied. Jesus understands the spiritual hunger within each of us. So, he offers us a solution, righteousness, that will not just quench our desires but satisfy them completely. Righteousness is another way of saying being in a right relationship with God.

Jesus is inviting Martha into something profound. He's asking her to reposition herself towards him to experience revival. Revival is what happens when Heaven’s blueprint becomes Earth’s reality. While Martha had placed her faith in the future resurrection, Jesus urges her to put her faith in him, declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life."

Without realizing it, we often put our faith in the ways God has worked in the past, our hopes for the future, the church, theology, or even the Bible. However, Jesus is saying that, above all else, we should put our faith in him. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, encompassing all of time within himself. This means we don't need to look in the past for revival or wait for it in the future; it is here, in our midst, now. Jesus' invitation to Martha is his invitation to each of us: Reposition yourself towards him, and then you will experience revival.

In John 2, ​​Jesus and his disciples were at a wedding in Cana. During the celebration, the wine ran out. If this had become known to the guests, it would have resulted in significant social embarrassment to the hosting family. At the request of his mother, Mary, Jesus performed his first public miracle. He instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars with water, draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast. When the master tasted the water that had become wine, he was amazed because it was of exceptional quality. 

The text concludes by saying, “Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs.” Signs are intended to inform us and ensure we don't overlook important information. This miracle was not merely about the wine; it was a sign of things to come. When reading the story with this perspective, one of the first details you may notice is, “On the third day.” This story foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection on the third day, and the characteristics of the wine teach us about the life Jesus offers us.

Jesus overcame evil, sin, and death to give us resurrection life—an abundant life of amazing quality. It is a life that cannot be manufactured or earned; it can only be received from him when you release your life to him. 

In the Old Testament, the Temple was where people could experience God—his healing, blessing, and forgiveness. The curtain in the temple separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. In the Most Holy Place was the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt among the Israelite people. Once a year, a priest would enter the Most Holy Place and atone for the people’s sins.

When Jesus began his earthly ministry, he declared himself to be the temple, meaning he was now the place where people could experience God. He would be their source of healing, blessing, and forgiveness. At the moment of Jesus’ death, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. While many of us recognize this as symbolizing the full access we now have to God, there are also many more layers to understanding this incredible event.

Jesus had a conversation on the cross that speaks to this question. There were two criminals with Jesus: one who taunted Jesus and the other who recognized that he deserved to be on the cross, but Jesus didn’t. In his last moments on this earth, this second criminal proclaimed Jesus’ true identity, professed faith in a coming kingdom, and asked Jesus to save him. Jesus immediately and compassionately responded, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43b

The Bible doesn’t teach that the world is filled with good people and bad people—it says there are just people. Every human is deeply flawed, broken somewhere along the way, and going their own way. Sin is like spiritual cancer - destroying you from the inside. The effects of sin are serious. We all have sinned and are on a train going in the wrong direction. 

But you are not stuck on this train. You are not trapped, and it’s not too late. There is no hole too deep you can’t get out of or brokenness that God can’t heal. Your father in heaven sees you. He knows your name—he knew it before you were born—and he treasures you. His attention is fixed on you because he loves you and wants to be with you. Your life can change today.

Our Belief Circle begins with believing that heaven is coming to earth, not that we are going to heaven. Many churches teach that the gospel is an evacuation plan when it’s actually an invasion plan. Jesus taught over and over that the kingdom of heaven was near. Although not here fully, we can begin to experience heaven on earth right now. 

Experiencing a life of revival also means being a follower of Jesus, not just a fan of Jesus. Jesus showed us a new way to be human. Living like Jesus will bring us closer to God and his original design for our lives. 

We believe that God works through us today by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring his kingdom to earth. At its core, Christianity is about a relationship – not just doing things for God but being on mission with God. 

Lastly, as followers of Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit, we believe it is our job to bless others and help them experience revival in their lives. We carry the presence of God; therefore, we are the light of the world.

When we shift from the outside of the circle to the inside, we come alive to God – and when you come alive to God and experience him in your life, you will never want to go back to the outside of the circle.

10 Ways to Build the Community of God's Kingdom 1.  Spend time in God's presence 2.  Make attending on the weekend a priority 3.  Join a group 4.  Find a place to serve 5.  Forgive quickly and give grace generously 6.  Share in the ministry of Jesus 7.  Give financially 8.  Be a force for unity and peace 9.  Get involved in non-Christian spaces 10. Invite people into our midst

Our faith journey was never meant to be done alone – we were created for community. Together, we desire to be the kind of church community God dreams of and a force for good in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and the world.

Jesus is the absolute truth, the only way, and the fullness of life. The emptiness you feel cannot be satisfied by anything other than Jesus. What he offers is something you can't find anywhere else. He is the only solution and more than enough for every need. We all face this same crossroads as Josephus. We each have to decide in our own lives if we will simply believe he existed or make him King of our lives. If you haven't invited him to be the King of your life, we pray today will be the day!

The Bible was written amidst dramatically diverse circumstances and contexts by 40 authors across three continents, in three languages, over a span of 1500 years. Yet, remarkably, it still tells one cohesive story! God inspired each of its authors to write, and when we read the Bible with God, he illuminated the original inspiration of the text to us. The Bible teaches and instructs us to live righteous lives and equips us for the work God has in store for each of us. Research consistently indicates that, among various spiritual practices, reading the Bible with God has the most profound impact on one's spiritual life; it transforms our values, priorities, and perspectives. Despite these benefits, many individuals find it challenging to establish a consistent practice of spending time in God's Word. If you find yourself in this position, you are not alone.

This prophetic vision is like a rock, skipping on the water, touching throughout time. There was a rebuilt physical temple in the Old Testament; also, Jesus said he was the temple, the church is the temple, and those who have the Holy Spirit are the temple. We are the temple. We are called to go out into a hurting, suffering, and dying world with the living water that brings revival! God doesn’t want to change the world without us. God doesn't want to change the world without you.

Each of us has the opportunity to be part of the change our country needs. When we allow Jesus to be king of our lives, our hearts are changed, and we live differently; we become conduits of his kingdom here on earth. His kingdom can change families, neighborhoods, cities, schools, hearts, and relationships. Hope for America is not found in the government or the political system; our hope is found in Jesus!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

As you give your life to God and trust him to lead and guide you, you will begin to experience his presence in increasing measure. It is in his presence that you will experience overflowing joy, peace, and hope – which where true happiness comes from.

God’s presence reveals our worth. You matter more than you could ever realize to God. He didn’t send a messenger to save us, he came himself.  God’s presence revives our hope. Jesus came to bring freedom, healing, and break every chain. His kingdom is without limitations, and he invites us to be his ambassadors.

God’s presence restores our joy. We don’t have to muster up joy or try to make our own joy. The Spirit of God within us is our source of joy.

We don’t need to wait for big, flashy moments to experience the adventure of following Jesus. We simply need to turn on our spiritual eyes and ears and be willing to step out in faith when we sense God speaking to us. God is always working, and there are miracles waiting to happen on the other side of our obedience.

The Bible gives us another perspective – that joy comes through knowing the God of hope. Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

Jesus is joy for our past, present, and future. He redeems our past and restores us to himself. He calls us chosen, forgiven, and loved. He promises a future free of pain, sickness, and heartache and gives us hope over every earthly trial we experience. He gives us the Holy Spirit to be with us right now and the gift of his kingdom here on earth. All of this brings true JOY to our hearts and lives.

Any sin that enters our lives robs us of the freedom that God has for us. Sin can appeal to us, entertain us, or make us feel good in the moment, but in the end, sin will always leave us in bondage. 

When Jesus said, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:7), he was sharing the message that God is near, just like in the Garden of Eden. Jesus came to redeem and restore all things to their created purpose so we can experience the freedom that has always been ours.

The Hebrew word for rest here is sabat, where the word sabbath comes from. In sabat-ing, God was not resting for himself. Rather, he was setting up a pattern for living for all of humanity. God created time with a plan and intention for how we would use it. The literal interpretation of sabat is to cease working. Sabbath says to the world around you that you belong to God. The world may say that to cease working is wasting your time, but in the kingdom economy, this time invested will lead to holiness and yield a blessing.  When we observe the Sabbath as intended by God, we establish a life pattern where we work from a place of rest rather than resting from our work.

The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. Genesis 3:21

God knew the fig leaves would never work long-term, so he clothed Adam and Eve. Scripture says the garments were made of skins, meaning an animal had to die. Up to this point, they had not experienced death. It would have been very traumatizing for them. Why would God do that? He likely wanted to make a point: sin is horrible, and the solution to sin is horrible. Also, it was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death on the cross. From the very moment that sin entered the world, God had a plan to save humanity. We all have within us brokenness and a shared need for a savior. There is nothing of ourselves that fixes the problem of sin. The only answer we all have is Jesus. It’s like we are each standing on the bottom of the ocean with no air, and we have to answer the question, will we trust Jesus to get us to the surface? Will you trust him to be your savior and king? If you are willing to trust him, he has an incredible life planned for you. One filled with beauty, power, and joy!

WATCH "It's Not About the Nail" HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4EDhdAHrOg

After reading this scripture, we may picture John the Baptist as a street preacher holding a megaphone and yelling at people to repent. When we imagine John this way, then Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:11a, “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist,” can feel hard to understand and borderline disturbing. Why did Jesus say this? What are we missing? 

Unlike the corner preachers of our day that people largely want to avoid and keep away from, something about John drew people in. His message of repentance was rooted in invitation, not condemnation. When we understand the culture he lived in, we see that his lifestyle wasn’t as extreme as it appears in our modern context. So why did Jesus think John the Baptist was so amazing? Three things about John set him apart: calling, sacrifice, and humility. John knew and lived fully in his calling. He knew that in order to take hold of the calling on his life, it required sacrificing comfort and convenience. And lastly, John understood that the things he did for God weren’t to gain praise or followers; they were to point people to Jesus. If you are a follower of Jesus, you have a calling on your life to bring the goodness of God’s kingdom into your unique spheres of influence. And like John, when you embrace your calling, are willing to sacrifice everything for God, and walk every day in humility, God will lead you to a life greater than anything you can ever imagine.

As Paul is speaking to the Galatians he introduces a tension between the flesh and the fruit that we also see in Genesis 3 when the serpent tempted Eve. The enemy was crafty as he deceived Eve, as she was once content with obeying Gods instructions about what she should and should not consume. When she ate the forbidden fruit, her life changed but not in the way God intended for it to change. The forbidden fruit that Eve ate wasn’t anywhere close to fruit God had in store for her. The good news that Paul delivers to us in Galatians is that through Jesus we get the choice to consume the fruit God intended for us. What God offers us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self in control instead of the temporary fleshy fruit of lust, greed, irritability, hatred and any other freshly temptation. His desire is to fill us up with all that He is. When Jesus died, rose from the grave and ascended into heaven He left us an advocate, His Holy Spirit and through the Spirit, Jesus is alive inside of us giving us access to all that He is. Gods desire is for us to live in the presence of God and receive the fruit of the Spirit, but it doesn’t stop there. He has called us to grow to others what He has grown in us. God wants for us and everyone around us to experience His love and the fruit of His love.

David and Saul had the same desire to defeat Goliath, but their perspectives differed. Saul compared Goliath to himself and saw him as unbeatable, while David compared Goliath to his God and knew that victory was certain. We learn from David to view our problems in light of who God is and not against our own strengths and abilities. When we do this, we can have hope amid anything we face, knowing that God is greater than any giant or circumstance we encounter. 

You, like David, may feel forgotten, overlooked, and insignificant, but you are not. God sees you right where you are, loves you just as you are, and desires to use you to change the world around you. You were hardwired for a life of purpose, significance, and value that is found in a relationship with Jesus and following him.

What happened next is remarkable. Hannah surrendered her hope for a child and walked away full of faith. She had encountered God. Her circumstances remained unchanged, but she was transformed. Her spirits were uplifted, and she was unwavering in her confidence that God was with her. Her anxiety gave way to peace, her sorrow to joy, and her doubt to trust. Though her womb remained empty, her spirit was full.

Joseph recognized that God was with him. He didn’t get stuck asking why things happened the way they did or why God didn’t rescue him sooner. The truth is, the answers to these questions won’t bring peace; only the presence of God can satisfy us. 

Joseph confronted the pain of his past and allowed himself to grieve. Joseph was a strong and powerful man who gave himself over to grief. Tears are an essential part of healing. We can be tempted to run past or sit in pain, but the Holy Spirit invites us to walk through it and experience healing with him. 

Joseph pursued generosity that brought about revival. Joseph could forgive his brothers and bless them because he allowed himself to grieve the pain of his past and knew God was with him. Forgiveness doesn’t happen in the pit; forgiveness is an outpouring of your healing. We don’t forgive to be better. We forgive because we are better. We don’t forgive to be restored. We forgive because we are restored.

The world says that in order to have your best life, you need to “follow your heart.” When you go after what you want and achieve everything you desire, you will find happiness and fulfillment. Jesus offers a different perspective. He shows us that in surrendering control, we are able to experience the fullness of God's plan for our lives. Most of us would say we want God’s best for us, but we also don’t want to give up control. We fear that God’s plans for our lives won’t be the same as our plans. And the truth is, they won’t. It’s in this very tension that God loves to work. When we acknowledge that we want to control but still choose to surrender to God, these moments become catalysts that open the floodgates of God‘s kingdom in our lives. Come before God and invite him to be King of your time, marriage, career, heart, sexuality, and finances. In doing so, you will experience true peace, joy, and fulfillment in your life.