Resurrection UMC Hastings

Jesus tells a parable about planting, and the disciples are like, “Huh?” So Jesus explains it: Good seeds + good soil = good growth, and an abundant harvest.

Once you’ve seen all that Jesus is and does for us, perhaps the question to answer is not, “Why should I follow Jesus?” but instead, “Why not? Why not believe? Why not follow Jesus?”

Once you’ve seen all that Jesus is and does for us, perhaps the question to answer is not, “Why should I follow Jesus?” but instead, “Why not? Why not believe? Why not follow Jesus?”

If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, as promised, then he can’t keep a single other promise. But he did keep that promise. We are called to do the same. That’s what friends do. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Do you know a friend who would literally die for you, even if you treated them poorly? Jesus would, because that’s what he did. He’s the friend we have in Jesus! Is there anyone you would die for?

A friend shares their deepest thoughts and feelings, and listens as you share yours. Jesus is such a friend and holds nothing back. We are called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.

The best friends are the ones who are always interceding for you and praying for all the aspects of your life. Because that’s what friends do. And that’s what Jesus does for his friends, i.e. all of us.

Jesus is kind and loving, but he is also honest. He has the hard conversations and speaks the truth in love. We are called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.

On multiple occasions, Jesus stands up for someone who is criticized, pushed aside, or told to shut up. And we’re called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.

While the disciples knew Jesus intimately, the average person observing him knew one thing: he indiscriminately helps people. Because that’s what friends do. And we’re called to do the same.

Is everything determined by our own efforts? Nope, and that’s a good thing because “all have sinned and fallen short.” Instead, God helps the helpless and those who help others.

How do we strive to be true to God instead of ourselves? This can easily be boiled down to a matter of pride. And what’s the opposite of pride? Humility…something Jesus demonstrated time and again

"Everything Happens for a Reason" is a wonderful lie embraced by many. Sometimes the reason something happens is because of the choices we make, or simply not paying attention to what’s happening around us. Don’t overthink it.

Live long enough or study history and you know that’s not true. Sometimes there is suffering and pain in life that we can’t handle ourselves. But God can. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

What really happens after we die? Well, we don’t become angels. Better yet, the bible promises that Christians are with the Lord in God’s house, every tear is dried, and there is joyful worship of God. Nice!

The message title is biblical, but was meant to limit retaliation – i.e., only an eye for an eye. But Jesus says no retaliation. Love your enemies just as God loves all, with unrelenting compassion and undeserving grace. 

Gold is for the Magi’s gift and also for God’s glory. Will we offer God the best that we have this new year? Will we give God the Glory?

Silver is for reflecting Christ, as in a mirror. It’s also represents the 30 pieces of silver Judas took to betray Jesus. So in this coming year, will we reflect Christ or betray him?

White is for light and renewal. Like freshly fallen snow, it’s a clean slate, a new beginning. Jesus is the light of the world. Everything is brighter after his birth. Even us. We are given a fresh start.

Blue is the color of the Virgin Mary. She brought a new way of connecting (a new covenant) to God – Jesus. Mary also reminds us of the sorrow that we may face, even in happy times. Learn why there’s hope in the midst of Christmas blues.

There are familiar reds at Christmastime: Santa’s coat, Rudolph’s nose, and poinsettias. But none of these qualify red as the color of Christmas.

Green is the color of life. Evergreens (Christmas tree, wreaths, and garlands) symbolize everlasting life as they stay green all year round. In winter, when all the world looks dead, the green evergreens remind us of life – life that Jesus the Messiah brings.

Why do we associate certain colors with Christmastime (red and green, silver and gold, blue, white, and purple)? Besides just looking great on decorations, each color has a meaning that points to a crucial part of the Messiah’s birth story. Like the color purple, which stands for royalty. Find out as we kick off our Advent message series, The Colors of Christmas, and raise the question: What kind...

James 1:17 says that all good and perfect gifts come from God, so it’s appropriate to count our blessings and give God thanks. The “12 Days of Thanksgiving” song is a good way to remember to do this. Never heard of it? That’s because it’s brand new.

We wrap up our study of the Nicene Creed, looking at the section that tells us about the Holy Spirit, and how it helped guide the teaching of the truth of Jesus.