Our world, in many ways, is about pursuing what’s next, what’s better, what’s greater. Greatness has really taken on a whole new level in our lives, and people of every age and stage are looking for the next best way to achieve greatness. A better job, a bigger house, a more successful business, a happier family, a higher education--it’s all a constant pursuit that on the other side can sometimes leave us with regrets. We have all been made, even created, with something in us that desires greatness. But how do we have true greatness without regrets?
Jesus told his followers to pray to avoid temptation. But before we can pray that with a clear conscience, there are some things we need to ask ourselves first.
When you look at scripture and the world around you, do you see God as a God of abundance or a God of scarcity? How you see the world impacts your generosity.
Jesus teaches on money throughout the four Gospels because he knows it is a major competitor for your heart. Money is what we use to obtain what we possess in our lives. What if generosity with your funds is vital to your contentment? What if the ancient practice of tithing could be a key to happiness in your life?
Our stuff and the money we buy it with are a part of our everyday lives. We talk about them often. However, when Jesus begins to challenge us on how we manage our resources, we can feel emotionally reluctant. Why is that?
On one hand, we live in one of the wealthiest parts of the world, and yet there’s something about our consumer-driven culture that leaves us unsatisfied. What drives that dissatisfaction? And what if we did listen to what Jesus has to say about it?
What does the bible say about managing resources? How do you actually live a kingdom-first life? Like practically ... what does that really mean? You work hard for your money and contentment ... which grants you the ability to pay for the things you need, buy the stuff you want, and afford the experiences you enjoy. ⛳🚘🎣 But does living a kingdom-first life mean you have to give all that up?
Too much stuff? Let's face it. The ease of hitting "add to cart" is a little too easy Then that package shows up on your front porch and it's exciting. If we're all honest, being home has brought out the shopping bug in all of us to fill the void of missing out. You know deep down that it only gives you a little happiness and then you're looking for the next thing to lift your spirits. What if true contentment came through something else, even something spiritual?
Over the last 15 months, our church has continued to be FOR people, and we’ve positioned ourselves to reach more people into the future. Lowering case counts and an increase in vaccinated individuals make us optimistic about opportunities to gather safely in the near future. So what does that mean for Connexus Church for the rest of 2021 as we reach people with the hope of Jesus? And how can you be a part of it?
They say that all work and no play makes jack a dull boy - could that be more true than you might think? What if play, and rest, was a crucial key to firing on all cylinders in every area of your life?
The pandemic has changed how we experience our work and see our purpose. One recent study shows that one in four employees is seriously considering a job change. While more people are working from home, others are on the front lines. Then there’s the work of home life. You will likely work 90,000 hours in your lifetime, so work is worth thinking about. Work impacts your happiness, your health, and even shapes who you become.
What if your understanding of work is distorted? What if it's not about changing your job, but changing the way you see your life? What if work could be different?
You will likely work 90,000 hours in your lifetime, so work is worth thinking about. Work impacts your happiness, your health, and even shapes who you become. What if your understanding of work is distorted? What if it's not about changing your job, but changing the way you see your life? What if work could be different?
Is Jesus God? What makes Christianity different from any other religion is that God actually entered our world and became human. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son [Jesus Christ] from the Father” (John 1:14). If this is true, isn’t it worth breaking from the busyness of your life to listen to what he has to say, to learn from what he did? Don’t you want to lean into the One who understands what it’s like to be human?
What do we do with the millions of stories held by rational, credible people that defy all logic? Belief in miracles is seen by skeptics as something for the ancient mind - the naive and uninformed - and not for modern, scientific, rational people. But what if miracles are actually probable given the universe in which we live? What if the miracles we read about in the accounts of Jesus’ life on earth really did happen? What would those miracles mean to us in our world today? Jesus’ miracles weren’t an end unto themselves. They relayed messages about God, love, humankind, and life.
Jesus was asked to sum up all of the commandments in the Bible with the single greatest command. His response was: Love God with your whole self. So why does it seem so scandalous to live out the command to love God? Contrary to what you might think, the topic of loving God is one of the most neglected ideas in modern Christianity.
Jesus has never been more popular. Some love him, applauding him as a good teacher, a political revolutionary, or a prophetic voice speaking out against the rich and powerful. Others find him bigoted, old-fashioned, and narrow minded, even as they are forced to admit that his words and teachings are utterly unique. His presence infuses our political discussions and our dinner table debates, making him impossible to ignore.
The resurrection of Jesus after the cross stirred up different responses for those at the tomb - wonder, doubt, sadness, even jubilation. What will your response be this Easter 2021? Jesus’ existence isn’t something you can simply ignore.
The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for you and for me points us to a simple need to respond because it meets you right where you are.
In our culture, our access to power, influence, and judgment is faster than our access to knowledge and relationship. It’s easy for us to jump on the bandwagon and cancel someone without truly knowing all the facts. As we look to influence people with the platform of our lives, how do we navigate our polarized world? What does it look like to engage a culture that cancels individuals so quickly? How did Jesus respond to someone being cancelled right in front of him?
In our culture, our access to power, influence, and judgment is faster than our access to knowledge and relationship. It’s easy for us to jump on the bandwagon and cancel someone without truly knowing all the facts. As we look to influence people with the platform of our lives, how do we navigate our polarized world? What does it look like to engage a culture that cancels individuals so quickly? How did Jesus respond to someone being cancelled right in front of him?
It seems like our culture is growing increasingly frustrated, contentious, and hostile. Social media is always ready to pounce on its next victim. If you are honest, under the pressure of our world, you’ve privately torn down, gossiped about, ghosted, or blamed someone this year. Culture can tell you it’s okay to hurt someone--even cancel them-- in the name of truth.
Jesus has a radically different view of how you can approach your life. A way of living so freely that it’s worth cancelling your membership in today’s polarized culture.
It’s common for couples who aren’t getting along to start treating one another as opponents. But as Jesus reminds us, a house divided against itself cannot stand. Instead, we can choose to fight for ‘we’ instead of ‘me.’ When we agree to share power and operate as a team, we will be able to live out our marriage from a spirit of unity. Toni talked about three ways people can move past their conflict and bring more peace into their marriage.
Many relationships experience a slow slide into prolonged conflict. The person you once loved becomes the person you now loathe. When you’re in that situation, many people begin to imagine they’d better off with someone else...or anybody else. Surely they’d treat you better. Care about you. Respect you. Be kind to you. True? Not so fast… There is a way to turn the person you now loathe into the person you once again love.