Anxiety and fear are real responses, but they are meant to counsel us, not imprison us. In His own suffering, Jesus showed that surrender brings strength and that anxious thoughts can point us to our deepest longings to feel significant, accepted, and secure. But these needs are fully met in Christ. When we reframe our life’s telos around Him, anxiety becomes a doorway to deeper trust, joy, and freedom.

Is something currently testing your faith? Are you struggling with difficult relationships? Being offended and angry with difficult people is inevitable but living offended and angered by difficult people is a choice. This sermon introduces our study on trials and how they test our faith, especially through difficult relationships. Pastor Scott reminds us that trials are normal, can be a source of joy, and can transform us by building steadfastness in our lives.

Responses have consequences. This is true in all areas of life but especially true as we consider the resurrection. When we look at Scripture we see a variety of responses to the truth that Jesus rose from the dead. Some people said, "no way," viewing the resurrection of Jesus as an idle tale. Others marveled that Jesus was alive and went back to their old way of life. Some allowed this truth to change them and responded, "now what." When the truth of the resurrection changes us we have a living hope that will transform every area of our lives. Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life." Do you believe that true life is found in Jesus?

Hospitality isn’t just about opening our homes, it’s about opening our hearts. It’s a spiritual practice that reflects the gospel by welcoming and pursuing the stranger. God calls us to see and move toward those who are different. Just as we were once strangers and God welcomed us, we are now invited to extend that same love to others.

Prayer can sometimes feel confusing or uncertain. Is God really listening? We often treat prayer as something we do only in desperation or celebration, but is it truly our way of life? Prayer is not a transaction to get something from God, it’s an invitation to keep company with God. Let’s seek to respond to God’s invitation by being present with Him.

In a world suffering from an epidemic of loneliness, community is the remedy. We were created for relationships and God designed us to thrive in meaningful connection. Community is more than just a place of belonging; it’s also a place of becoming, where we grow into who God created us to be. Community brings us to Jesus.

We all long to be unrushed and present in the moment. The Sabbath is God’s gift to rest and refocus our hearts on Him. It’s not about rules or striving for perfection but resting in His perfection. Jesus redeems the Sabbath, making it a time to reorient our lives around Him. True Sabbath isn’t just about rest but also worshipping, joy, and being present with God.

Jesus made solitude a regular part of His life, retreating to desolate places to be with His Father. Stepping into solitude transforms us, allowing us to hear God’s voice, reveal hidden rebellion in our hearts, and invites us into true rest. This week, we are challenged not just to find time but to make time, resisting the urge to fill the silence, and allow God to do what only He can do.