Love Bears, Believes, Hopes, Endures Love doesn’t quit, it carries, it believes, it holds on, and it stands firm. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul shows us that love isn’t passive emotion; it’s a persevering devotion. This week, we explore how real love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,” and how moving from distraction to devotion means choosing to love when it would be easier to give up.

As redeemed images bearers we have a problem. As sons and daughters of God, we have a problem this morning. When we commit to a life following Jesus and living that life out loud… there’s a problem. The problem is this… The world we live in is hostile to that way of life. Right? So, there is a problem but there is also a promise. Jesus told us in John 16:33… “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

When we talk about being full of the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, and bearing this fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—did you realize we’re actually describing what it means to be image bearers of God?

Jesus promises us an abundant life. He says in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." Imagine that! He came to give us an intimate relationship with God, making it possible to live, communicate with, and enjoy life with the very Creator of life. This all comes down to one question: Are we a disciple of distraction or a disciple of Jesus? The answer is found in love. True devotion is fueled by our love for God; this is a love decision.

In the conflict between distraction and devotion there is one deciding factor that influences which one we choose. The turning point for all of us comes down to one question and it is a question that we must be honest about. It is a question of love.

We’re continuing our Jesus Life: Living Life Out Loud series by diving deeper into what happens when rivers of living water flow through us. What does that look like in our daily lives? How does it change us? Come and see how Jesus invites us to live fully in Him.

In this message, we take a powerful step forward—from distraction to devotion. Drawing from John 7 and the promise of living water, we discover how Jesus invites us into a life overflowing with His Spirit. True abundance isn’t found in comfort or self-sufficiency—it’s found in Him. Come and see how devotion leads to life, purpose, and rivers of living water flowing through us.

This week in our Jesus Life series, we unpack what it means to stay connected to the source of abundant life. Lukewarm faith isn't just dull—it's dangerous. But Jesus offers us more than warning; He offers a feast of presence, power, and intimacy. Open the door. Let the living water flow again.

What does it mean to be truly dazzled by God? This week, we explore how chronic distraction robs us of intimacy with Jesus.

In this week’s message, we explore how the abundant life Jesus offers is one of intimacy, purpose, and daily encounters with His presence. But there’s a war against that intimacy—and distraction is its weapon. What does it mean to be “rendered useless,” and how do we reclaim a life of focus and belonging? This message is an honest and hopeful invitation to refocus, re-center, and remember, you are deeply loved and created for so much more.

In this message, we explore the abundant life Jesus offers—one where hearing His voice leads to clarity, courage, and closeness. It’s a call to move from noise to intimacy, from doubt to identity. Discover how obedience flows from love, not pressure, and why your life in Christ is anything but useless. You are chosen, called, and created for more.

In this sermon, "Jesus Life: Living Life Out Loud Week 5," we explore what it means to live the "Jesus Life"—an identity received, not achieved. The sermon emphasizes that this life is about moving forward in God's presence, even through suffering, because Jesus redeems what hurts. A key theme is discerning Jesus' voice amidst the noise and deception of the world, as His sheep know and follow His voice, not strangers. The sermon also highlights consecration as an act of worship and devotion, helping us prioritize listening and obeying Jesus' voice. Ultimately, the "Jesus Life" is presented as one of abundant, purposeful living, marked by daily encounters with God, intimacy, peace, joy, connection, and freedom.

In fact, You and I were made for the presence of God. Designed and created to be there. You and I were planned for, positioned, placed and chosen to be in His presence.

Have I made God the ONE in every area of my life? Do I seek for, hunger for, desire after being in His presence every day of my life… do I desire to keep His face in front of mine over everything else? Do I hunger for more of Jesus in my life?

I think Jesus knows how to live! Our Messiah, King, Master, teacher, liberator, friend and older brother. The Good shepherd, the light, the door, living water, the bread of life, the way, the truth and the life, the resurrection and the life… I think Jesus knows how to live! And show us how to live! He knows how to give life, abundant life. To know Jesus is to know how to live… full, overflowing, vibrant… even extreme, is ours to have.

Here’s the truth. Loving Jesus, following Jesus… with all our heart, mind, and strength… this life is not troubled free, following Jesus, living a blessed life does not mean no hardship, or no sorrow! Life will be hard at times… Godly people face hard things in this world we live in.

The narrative of Jesus rising from the dead is told in all four gospels, from four diverse points of view. It is Mary Magdalene’s part of this story that intrigues me and amazes me.

Jesus says that persecuted people, Kingdom people are blessed… and you’re blessed when people condemn you falsely because you belong to the King. Do you still want the double blessing? Jesus is describing a blessing than helps us see suffering as redemptive and transforming. And that is what I believe we see in Palm Sunday, the arrival of the Messiah King who turns the world upside down… just not as the world was expecting.

Jesus says that persecuted people, Kingdom people are blessed… and you’re blessed when people condemn you falsely because you belong to the King. Do you still want the double blessing? Jesus is describing a blessing than helps us see suffering as redemptive and transforming. And that is what I believe we see in Palm Sunday, the arrival of the Messiah King who turns the world upside down… just not as the world was expecting.

More and more I need to trust in His definition of peace and not my own. My definitions and interpretations of peace are so wrong, so often that I need to learn to trust in His. Thankfully, God's peace is a gift that comes from a right relationship with Him, and it's a fruit of the Holy Spirit. And I want that fruit to be evident in my life.