Resurrection UMC Hastings

July 4 is our country’s 250th anniversary of Independence Day. Due to recent events, many were not sure about how (or if) they’d celebrate it. It’s a good time to remember that God is still in control.

You may be familiar with the phrase, “Stop and smell the roses,” but do you ever consider how they came to bloom, or why flowers appear each spring? All around us, God provides the growth.

It would be easy to pre-judge this message and say it stinks, but then you’d be missing out on its relevance for growth as a Christian (hint: think fertilizer).

This past week, over 50 kids attended VBS each day at Resurrection from 9a to noon to explore the nature of God and have fun. Wondering what you missed? You’re about to find out.

The examples of our “little faith” in the Bible all share a common thread: they don’t stop Jesus from working. Because what matters most is not the size of our faith, but the size of our God.

We recognize our high school senior graduates, sharing some gleaned biblical wisdom that applies to all of us. It’s sage advice for living a good and fulfilling life today, and in the years ahead.

Pruning, i.e. removing dead or unusable growth, is how orchardists help fruit trees to produce more. God uses that same method to produce more spiritual fruit in our lives, maintained by staying connected with Jesus.

One way to increase the harvest is through square-foot gardening, i.e., using raised beds. Another is to plant more than once a year. The same applies to generosity: plant a lot, and do it more than once. Learn why that works.

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, but don’t expect a message about a mother’s love or about loving our own mothers. Instead, we focus on loving our mothers-in-law and on a farming/gardening practice called gleaning.

Gardening/farming all began in the garden (of Eden), making it the first (and oldest) profession. It was easy and good. Then sin entered the picture. The result? Now gardening/farming is a lot of hard work.

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!