Holy Week: Good Friday

It looked like the end, but it was just the beginning. Matthew 27 Jesus was betrayed, tried, crucified, and laid in a tomb. He gave His life for ours.

Holy Week: Thursday (Maundy Thursday)

Jesus shared the Last Supper and gave a new command—to love one another. Luke 22:7–38; John 13 Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, instituted Communion, and prayed in Gethsemane.

Holy Week: Tuesday

Jesus taught in the temple and spoke truth with boldness. Matthew 21:23–24:51 Jesus taught parables, challenged religious leaders, and foretold the destruction of the temple and signs of the end.

Holy Week: Monday

Jesus cleansed the temple and cleared the way for true worship. Matthew 21:12–17 What happened: Jesus drove out the money changers from the temple, declaring it should be a house of prayer.

Feeling stuck is a common experience that many of us face at different points in our lives. Whether it's due to financial burdens, health issues, relationship struggles, or mental health challenges, the sensation of being trapped can be overwhelming. However, it's crucial to remember that God is always present, ready to help us navigate through these difficult times. The enemy often tries to convince us that we are alone and abandoned, but this is far from the truth. God is with us, and He desires for us to live an abundant life, free from the chains that hold us back.

To move forward, we must first acknowledge our situation. Admitting that we are stuck is not a sign of weakness but an act of humility and accountability. It opens the door for God's intervention and allows us to begin the healing process. Once we recognize our need for help, we must trust God and take a step of faith. Trusting God means believing in His plan, even when the path is unclear. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown, knowing that God will equip us with everything we need.

Fear and doubt are powerful tools that the enemy uses to keep us immobilized. They whisper lies that we are not capable or worthy, but God tells us otherwise. He has given us the tools to overcome these obstacles, and by putting on the armor of God, we can stand firm against the enemy's attacks. Letting go of fear and doubt makes room for faith and hope, allowing us to move forward with confidence.

In this journey, it's important to remember that we are not alone. God is always with us, guiding and providing for us. He is the way maker, the promise keeper, and the miracle worker. By putting our faith into action, we can get unstuck and step into the life that God has prepared for us. It's time to get off the broken escalator and take a step forward.

In today's gathering, we explored the theme of "critical crossings" through the lens of Joshua's leadership as the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This moment was not just a physical crossing but a significant spiritual transition, marking a new chapter for the Israelites. We reflected on the importance of these pivotal moments in our lives, asking the question, "So now what?" This question can arise after both triumphs and trials, prompting us to consider our next steps and how we transition into new seasons.

Joshua's story teaches us the necessity of embracing pauses in our lives. These pauses are not meant to frustrate us but to prepare us for what lies ahead. Just as Joshua and the Israelites camped by the Jordan for three days, we too must use our waiting periods for preparation, ensuring we are ready for the opportunities God has prepared for us.

We also discussed the importance of mentorship and following God's guidance. Joshua's relationship with Moses exemplifies the value of learning from those who have walked the path before us. God provides direction, even when we feel unworthy or uncertain, reminding us that our past does not disqualify us from His promises.

Taking the first step is crucial. God often requires us to move in faith before He performs a miracle. The Israelites had to step into the Jordan before the waters parted, teaching us that action is often required on our part to see God's promises fulfilled.

Finally, we considered the significance of remembering and testifying. The stones carried from the Jordan served as a memorial for future generations, reminding them of God's faithfulness. Our testimonies of God's work in our lives not only honor Him but also encourage others.

In today's gathering, we explored the theme "Be Fruitful Now," drawing from Mark 11, where Jesus encounters a fig tree that appears fruitful but is barren upon closer inspection. This narrative serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives, urging us to examine whether we are truly bearing fruit or merely giving the appearance of fruitfulness. Jesus' expectation of the fig tree to bear fruit, despite it not being the season, highlights God's call for us to live fruitful lives regardless of our circumstances. Our faith should be evident in our actions, not just in our appearances.

We delved into the importance of producing spiritual fruit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, which lists the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the markers of a life rooted in Christ. The fig tree's withering after Jesus' curse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of fruitlessness. It underscores that a lack of spiritual fruit indicates a disconnect from the life-giving source, which is God.

The sermon also emphasized the necessity of remaining connected to God, the true vine, as described in John 15. Our ability to bear fruit is contingent upon our relationship with Him. Without this connection, our efforts are in vain. We are encouraged to engage in self-examination, allowing God to prune areas of our lives that hinder fruitfulness. This process, though sometimes painful, is essential for spiritual growth and effectiveness in our mission to spread the gospel.

Ultimately, the call is to move beyond mere appearances and to cultivate a deep, authentic relationship with Christ that results in tangible spiritual fruit. This is not just for our benefit but for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom.