Jesus Cleans House | Jesus Unfiltered

Who is Jesus, really? That’s the question we’ve been examining in our current series, Jesus Unfiltered. It is an important question to answer because there are many opinions about who Jesus is. With the Gospel of Mark as our guide, we’ve read stories that highlight unique and unexpected encounters with Jesus. This Sunday, we close out this teaching series with a story that shows a side of Jesus not seen anywhere else in the gospels. Some may find it a bit over the top, but we must not ignore this side of Jesus.

Traditions | Jesus Unfiltered

Traditions. Can you think of traditions that you or your family celebrate? Maybe you watch a favorite movie like Elf or It’s a Wonderful Life during Christmas, or your family goes on vacation to the same beach every summer. Maybe each person in your family gets to pick a favorite meal on their birthday, or every year you read through the Bible from beginning to end. Traditions are memorable and important, so you might be surprised when you see how Jesus responds to a group of leaders who are all about religious tradition. Although shocking, His response can serve as a healthy reminder for us about what matters most…a sort of “wake-up call” to check our motives in our pursuit of living like Jesus.

Who is Jesus, Really? | Jesus Unfiltered

One of the most important questions Jesus posed happened when He asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Now, if we asked culture, “Who is Jesus?” we would likely get a variety of responses. That’s because there’s the hipster Jesus, the feminist Jesus, and the homeboy Jesus. In animated shows like Family Guy, there is the divorced, action hero Jesus who drives a convertible with Chris Tucker riding shotgun. In the Simpsons, there is the Jesus who turns water into a Bloody Mary and occupies heaven with Sponge Bob Square Pants and Buddha. In the popular movie Talladega Nights, there’s tiny, infant Jesus, and there’s the Jesus who was married to Mary Magdalene in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code. Although the vast majority of adults agree that Jesus was a real person who actually lived, only 48% believe He did not commit sins like other people. So who is Jesus, really?

Serve | Made for This

“And the living takes it to heart.” This phrase came to mind while sitting in a funeral recently. It’s found at the end of Ecclesiastes 7:2:

“It is better to go to a house of mourning
Than to go to a house of feasting,
Because that is the end of every man,
And the living takes it to heart.”

I believe Solomon is saying that it’s better to go to a funeral than a party. That may sound strange, and I’m sure many would disagree with him, but attending the funeral of a family member or close friend makes us give serious thought to how we are living out the rest of our days on earth. If you’re like me, and I imagine you are, don’t you want to make the most of your remaining days? If so, join us to discuss what the Bible says about us being a people passionate about living out God’s love to others.

Worship | Made for This

What if someone told you that you were made for God? Let’s be honest. Would you find yourself feeling joyful and thankful, or maybe unqualified and unworthy, or maybe even indifferent and disinterested? Regardless of how you would feel, I hope you’ll make plans to join us this Sunday either in person or online. We’ll kick off a new sermon series called Made For This that will help us align ourselves with our God-given purpose. Because when you and I DON’T live for the purpose that was intended, everyone misses out. The One who created us doesn’t get what is deserved. You and I struggle to find our true identity. Finally, the ones around us miss out on the numerous blessings that we share as we live the way God desires.

26,000 Steps to Victory

Crossing over into a new year reminds me of the moment God’s people crossed over into a new land – the Promised Land – and stood before the city of Jericho. I would imagine the people were excited and nervous as they waited to see what lay ahead. Many of us know what happened next. The people marched and the walls came tumbling down, but I invite you to join us as we study this familiar story.

Person of the Year | Behold Him

This week Time magazine announces its anticipated “Person of the Year” for 2020 (my vote goes to those in education and to essential workers – the nurses, doctors, delivery people, and grocery-store employees). What if this award was announced around 2000 years ago? People like Caesar Augustus and Herod the Great would likely make the list of nominees. One not likely to make the list is Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph. Scripture doesn’t say much about him, but he is like the unsung hero of the Christmas story. He was on the verge of sending Mary away when she became pregnant, but instead, he chose to stay with her. Like me, you might be wondering, “How does Joseph go from ‘I’m out’ to ‘I’m in’?"

The Good And The Bad | EXILED

As Thanksgiving approaches I’m reminded of how grateful I am for my parents, Prof Steeger, Mrs. Watson, Gary C., Poppy and Grammy, Michael B., and especially, my wife. If it weren’t for these and others I’m not sure where or what I would be doing today. Throughout the different stages of my life – the good and the bad – these individuals have been on my side. In a similar way, God has been on our side, but imagine if He hadn’t been on our side. Where would we be today? Make plans to join us Sunday as we conclude our series to discover the encouragement found in the truth that through the good and the bad, God is On. Our. Side

Going Below The Line | EXILED

Our TBC staff occasionally does a team building exercise called “going below the line.” This activity gives our team permission to share with one another how they genuinely feel about themselves and other areas in their life, like their faith, their finances, their health, and their ministry. This is always a healthy activity. There’s something about being honest and not pretending that helps foster unity with others. This Sunday, you and I have an opportunity to "go below the line.” We have an opportunity to study a Scripture that’s referred to as an exile Psalm and learn how to express to God how we really feel in times when He seems to have left us alone.

The Stakes Are High | EXILED

Tuesday evening millions will be glued to their television or device to see who will serve as our next president. Many have expressed the significance of this election including Franklin Graham who described it “as the most critical election of our lifetime.” The stakes are high, and so many will be watching. However, there is another kind of watching we as Christians must not neglect. We see it in the life of Ezekiel as he seeks to warn God’s people about their spiritual condition.