Healed by Jesus - Our Past

The Lenten journey to the cross is a path of surrender. During our series, Healed by Jesus, we’re exploring stories of Jesus’ healing touch in every area of life. The central figure in John 8:1-11 was a person with a past that needs healing. But the scribes and Pharisees who bring the woman caught in adultery also have histories that need Jesus’ touch. Theirs is a history of bitterness, condemnation, and self-righteousness. I like to imagine that when Jesus stoops to draw in the dust, he makes a circle around the woman and him. The circle represents a sphere of grace and forgiveness where there is no condemnation (see also Romans 8:1). Jesus invites the scribes and Pharisees to drop their stones and join the circle, but sadly, they walk away. Will you, like the woman in the story, surrender your past to Jesus and let him heal it with his touch?

I’m learning to follow Jesus, and helping others do the same.

If you missed yesterday’s message, you can listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Steve

Healed by Jesus - Our Hands

When Jesus entered the room, she was lying down sick with a fever. After Jesus left, she arose and the sickness was gone. The change began when Jesus touched her hand (Matthew 8:15). The story of Peter’s mother-in-law serves as a metaphor for Jesus’ healing touch on our lives. Sin is the disease, says Scripture, with which we’re all infected. In our sickness, we use our hands to push people away in fear and distrust. With our hands, we grasp for things and people to fill up what is lacking inside. With our hands, we point at others casting blame and shame. When we put our hands into the hands of Jesus, his healing touch begins to cure us. Our hands are set free, just like Peter’s mother-in-law, to live a life of gratitude and service in the name of Jesus.

If you missed yesterday’s message on Matthew 8:14-17, you can listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Steve

Great Commission

 Whether we know it or not, we are all disciplemakers. In the normal course of our everyday lives, through our words and deeds, we are making disciples. The question is, of who or what? Where are we pointing others in their search for success, beauty, goodness, love and justice? In his “Great Commission” Jesus, the author of life, invites us to point others to him (Matthew 28:16-20). A disciple of Jesus is one who is learning from Jesus how to live. A disciplemaker helps others do the same. Starting last Sunday, we are ending every worship service with this affirmation: “This week, I am learning to follow Jesus and helping others do the same.” If you missed Sunday’s message you can listen to it here or watch a recording of the service on our YouTube channel.