Less is more
Our world says more is more. Our culture says more is more. Churches can say more is more. It’s pretty hard to swim against such a strong tide, yet that is exactly what Jesus calls us to today. He says: less is more.
The moment of truth
The world is turning away from Jesus more and more. As people walk away from Him and from His Church, He asks us: “Do you want to leave me, too?” May the Spirit give us the same faith that Peter had: “Lord, to whom can we go?” Even though, from our perspective, the way forward is unclear and uncertain, may we stay with Him and follow where He leads, knowing that He is the true bread from heaven that gives life to the world.
Walk this way
Paul points out to us that we should walk carefully because the days are evil, that understanding the Lord’s will for us will help us to walk on the right path, and that being filled with the Spirit will influence our walk of life in Christ.
You can’t choose your family…
Before we call others crazy, Jesus calls us to take a look at ourselves first. He reminds us that Satan is powerful, but he has been defeated by an even stronger opponent who then freely and graciously invites us into His family.
Stick to His plan
All the apostles wanted was a quick fix—a political saviour who would restore Israel to its former glory. We aren't so different when we hope for instant solutions in the Church or in our personal lives. Christ calls His apostles (along with us) to a different way—a way of faith and witnessing.
From death to life
Jesus describes his coming suffering and death to his disciples in a very honest way and even admits that it scares him. Yet, his determination to bring glory to God’s name is far greater than his fear of what’s to come.
Division, persecution, and salvation
Being a Christian person is not always rewarding—it’s a tough world out there. Jesus says that faith in Him will bring division and persecution, but also salvation.
All-in faith
All three of Jesus’ interactions—calling Matthew, healing the woman, raising the dead girl—involve very similar things. All three involve social outcasts, Jesus not only calling but also following, and Jesus’ powerful touch.
NOVO 2023: Why we are
The third of four messages on NOVO 2023, based on the theme, ‘The Bigger Picture.’ We tackle the question of why we are placed in the world.
A considered approach (Lk. 14:25–33)
The path of faith is dangerous and demands our whole self, but the destination at the end of that path is worth the cost. We follow a leader who has been there before and can guarantee safe arrival if we trust in him to get us there.
Called to follow (Lk. 9:51–62)
We generally have our priorities ordered. When Jesus says, “Follow me,” he is asking to be the top priority. How do we do that?