Sermon Summary:
In this sermon, we explore the concept of God's kingdom versus earthly political power through three biblical "elections." The first election occurs when Israel chooses a human king over God's direct rule. The second is when the crowd chooses Barabbas over Jesus. The third is God exalting Jesus as Lord over all. We learn that while political involvement is important, our primary citizenship is in God's kingdom. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' kingship is fundamentally different from worldly power, characterized by humility and sacrifice. As followers of Christ, we're called to be involved in our society, maintain civility in political discourse, and remain confident in God's ultimate control. The message concludes with a vision of God's future reign and the assurance that His kingdom will prevail, regardless of earthly political outcomes.

Discussion Questions:

• How does the concept of God's kingdom differ from earthly political systems? How might this perspective change our approach to politics?
• In what ways do you see people today choosing "Barabbas" over Jesus in their priorities or values? How can we resist this tendency?
• How can we balance being involved citizens of our country while maintaining our primary identity as citizens of God's kingdom?
• Discuss practical ways we can maintain civility and love towards those with differing political views, especially in today's polarized climate.
  
  

Embody the Message:

• Pray for Leaders: Commit to regularly praying for political leaders across the spectrum. This cultivates a Christ-like attitude and reminds us of God's sovereignty.
• Practice Civility: Intentionally engage in respectful dialogue with those holding different political views. This reflects Christ's love and promotes unity within diversity.
• Kingdom Focus: Identify one way to prioritize God's kingdom values in your daily life this week. This helps align our lives with eternal purposes beyond temporal political concerns.

Sermon Summary:
In this message, we explore the importance of balancing individual rights with personal responsibility. We revisit the Bill of Rights, examining how these foundational freedoms shape our nation. However, we also consider the critical role of moral responsibility in maintaining a healthy society. The sermon highlights how the Founding Fathers assumed a sense of divine accountability would guide citizens' actions. We discuss the limitations of law alone in creating virtuous citizens and the potential dangers of pursuing rights without responsibility. Ultimately, we are called to follow Jesus' example by using our freedoms to serve others and love our neighbors as ourselves. The message challenges us to ask, "What does love require of me?" rather than "What can I get away with?" As disciples of Christ, we have the opportunity to positively impact our nation by embodying these principles, regardless of political outcomes.

Discussion Questions:

• How can we balance exercising our individual rights with fulfilling our responsibilities to others and society?
• In what ways might pursuing rights without responsibility lead to negative consequences in our communities?
• How can we, as followers of Jesus, use our freedoms to serve others and make a positive impact, especially during election seasons?
• What are some practical ways we can ask ourselves "What does love require of me?" in our daily lives and decision-making?
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Embody the Message:

• Practice "Freedom for Others": Intentionally use one of your rights or freedoms this week to benefit someone else. This reinforces the sermon's call to serve others with our liberties.
• Conduct a "Responsibility Audit": Reflect on your recent actions and decisions, considering how they've impacted others. This exercise helps cultivate a mindset of personal accountability.
• Engage in Respectful Dialogue: Have a thoughtful conversation with someone who holds different political views, focusing on listening and understanding. This action embodies the principle of loving our neighbors, even amid differences.

Sermon Summary:
In this sermon, we explore the concept of a healthy soul through the lens of Psalm 42. We learn that a healthy soul resonates with praise, specifically a type of praise called "todah" in Hebrew. Todah involves extending hands in both thanksgiving and confession. We discuss the importance of giving thanks for the past, future, and present, and how this practice keeps us aligned with our spiritual mission. The sermon emphasizes the power of faith-filled worship, even in challenging circumstances, and reminds us that worship that costs nothing accomplishes nothing. We also delve into the importance of confession in restoring our relationship with God, reuniting us internally, and facilitating healing within the community of believers. Ultimately, we learn that a healthy soul sounds like a blend of thanksgiving and confession, keeping us connected to God and each other in authentic, transformative ways.

Discussion Questions:

• How does the concept of "todah" praise challenge or expand your understanding of worship?
• In what ways can practicing gratitude for past, present, and future impact our daily lives and spiritual growth?
• How might viewing ourselves as "pilgrims" change our approach to life and priorities? 
• What are some practical ways we can create a "culture of grace" that allows for honest confession within our faith community?
  
  

Embody the Message:

• Start a daily gratitude journal: Write down three things you're thankful for each day. This practice helps cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving in your life.
• Practice "costly" worship: Choose one way to worship God this week that requires sacrifice or stepping out of your comfort zone. This deepens your faith and demonstrates commitment.
• Confess to a trusted friend: Share a struggle or sin with a mature believer, asking for prayer and accountability. This fosters healing and strengthens community bonds.

Sermon Summary:​
​In this sermon on forgiveness, we explore the challenging yet transformative power of letting go of resentment and embracing grace. Drawing from Luke 17:3-10, we delve into Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and the disciples' startled response, "Increase our faith!"

The sermon highlights three key steps to forgiveness:

1. Identify with the wrongdoer instead of focusing on differences
2. Inwardly surrender the right to repayment and absorb the debt yourself
3. Actively want good for the person who wronged you
   
   

We learn that forgiveness is not about excusing the wrong, but acknowledging it and choosing to release the debt. It's a process that may take time, but leads to personal freedom and spiritual growth.

The message emphasizes that forgiveness is an act of will, not an emotion. It can be granted before it's felt, as exemplified by Corrie Ten Boom's experience forgiving a Nazi guard.

We're reminded that holding onto unforgiveness is like "drinking poison and hoping it will kill your enemies." It affects our whole being - will, mind, body, and soul - and can lead to bitterness that impacts all areas of life.

The sermon concludes with an analogy from Jesus, comparing us to servants who owe everything to God. When we refuse to forgive, we're acting like masters instead of recognizing our true position as forgiven servants.

As we age, forgiveness becomes increasingly important. Ronald Rolheiser is quoted, emphasizing that our primary spiritual task in the second half of life is to forgive - others, ourselves, life, and even God.

Ultimately, this message challenges us to cultivate warm hearts as we age, rather than becoming bitter. It's a call to break cycles of hurt and to forgive as we have been forgiven by God through Christ.

Discussion Questions:

• How does the idea of "identifying with the wrongdoer" challenge your current approach to forgiveness?
• In what ways have you experienced the negative effects of unforgiveness in your life or witnessed it in others?
• How does viewing ourselves as "servants who owe everything to God" impact our ability to forgive others?
• What are some practical ways we can "want good" for those who have wronged us, even when it's difficult?
• How might our approach to forgiveness change if we viewed it as a gift to ourselves rather than just an act for others?
  
  

Embody the Message:

• Identify someone you need to forgive and take the first step in the forgiveness process. This is crucial for your own emotional and spiritual health.
• Practice praying for those who have wronged you, asking for their well-being and blessings. This helps shift your perspective and aligns with Jesus' teachings.
• Reflect on areas where you might be harboring resentment or bitterness. Addressing these feelings is essential for personal growth and maintaining healthy relationships.
• Share the concept of "forgiving before feeling" with someone struggling with forgiveness. This can provide a practical approach to a challenging emotional process.​
• Incorporate a daily gratitude practice to remind yourself of God's forgiveness and grace in your life. This can help cultivate a more forgiving attitude towards others.