Sermons

To announce that he was indeed the Messiah, Jesus chose a time when all Israel would be gathered at Jerusalem, a place where huge crowds could see him, and a way of proclaiming his mission that was unmistakable.

But, before we can walk in the newness of life, before we can experience this new beginning, we must also die to sin.

Jesus knew many in the crowd needed to hear a story about redemption, and, likewise, he felt that the listening Pharisees needed to hear a story about forgiveness and acceptance.

This idea that judgment and death are the results of sin led to the belief that tragic death was the result of extreme sin. This was a commonly held view in Judaism and one that we still hear, even though we should know better.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means putting aside your selfish desires, shouldering your "cross" every day, and following him. For believers today, it means understanding that we belong to Him and that we live to serve His purposes.

When others are caught in sin, and we're quick to pass judgement, it's though we're acting as if we've never sinned ourselves.