Worldview Prologue
Understanding the truth of who God is will change everything about how...
Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is the ultimate evidence of God’s love for us - that’s why he’s called the “cornerstone”. In a confrontation with religious leaders, Jesus points out the reality that God’s gift of a Savior will be accepted by some, but rejected by others who don’t see their need to be saved. What we believe about Jesus will mean everything to our relationship with God.
Jesus was most confrontational with the religious leaders of his day who claimed to be followers of God but who were more interested in their own personal gain. Jesus sees through outward appearances and directly into our hearts and motives. Only when we surrender our hearts and motives to Christ will we find true freedom from self-righteousness.
Jesus provided the greatest commandment: love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. He also left the church with a great mission: go and make disciples of Jesus Christ. As we look to the year of ministry ahead, God has provided incredible opportunities for Highlands to live out this mission by loving and developing families, reaching the lost, and equipping people to go and do the same.
Throughout history, God has shown His people the importance of looking back on His faithfulness and provision. We want to do the same as a church family: to look back on the last year of ministry at Highlands and marvel at the way God has worked in and through His people to love and develop families, reach the lost, and equip the church to serve others.
Where does our hope come from when life is hard? When we’re in Christ, God’s goodness and mercy are always with us, even when life doesn’t feel good at all. We can look back on God’s faithfulness that sees us through hard times, and we can look with hope and anticipation toward an eternity of dwelling in God’s perfect and loving presence forever.
As we walk through a life of challenges and valleys, God’s promise is to protect and provide for us. Even when it feels like the world is stacked against us, pushing us constantly in the opposite direction of our faith, we can find rest in our Good Shepherd who is with us every step of the way.
Hard times, challenges and suffering are a reality of living in a fallen, broken world. The promise of God - our Good Shepherd - is that no matter what valleys we arrive at in life, He’ll be with us every step of the way, lovingly leading us through the darkness, providing comfort, and reminding us of the hope of eternal life with Him forever.
How do you find rest? We might think we’re finding rest in things like vacations and entertainment, but more often than not those things are simply enjoyable distractions. The rest that God offers is for our very souls - a freedom from fear and anxiety that comes when we put our full trust in Him. It’s a rest that can endure even the most challenging circumstances life can bring.
Psalm 23 compares the Lord to a shepherd who cares for their sheep. Within that metaphor is a beautiful picture of God who perfectly leads, guides, protects, corrects, and provides for us. Our responsibility is to know and listen to the Shepherd’s voice, put our full trust in Him, and follow His lead in every aspect of our lives.
There’s never been a king like Jesus. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey - a symbol of peace - as his followers praise him as the Messiah. While some wanted Jesus to take charge politically, Jesus did something much greater. Through his sacrifice, he brings peace between God and man, fulfilling his role as Savior, and establishing His Kingdom for all eternity.
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Sermons by: Jeff Stevens
Jesus the Gift
The greatest gift we’ll ever be given is Jesus Christ. His life, death...
The Ideal Team
The mission of sharing the Gospel is a team sport. The church is a team...
The Ideal Self
God calls us to stop chasing money, comparison with others, sexual...
The Ideal Truth
Our days are filled with loud voices and media telling us what to...
The Ideal Salvation
Before we came to faith in Christ, we were dead in our sins and...
The Ideal Reputation
We try to build our reputations on our jobs, families, houses, or...
Found Faithful
When is Jesus coming back? Jesus himself tells us it isn't the 'when...
The Searching Savior
When you've lost something important, you'll go to great lengths to...