Paul's next figure of speech he gives us is that we are the temple of the living God, and when he chose that title, he really meant it. It wasn't a figure of speech only. It wasn't just an illustration. It was the whole point of Jesus coming to earth in the first place – God with us. In us. It's the only way we can be what God has designed us to be.
Paul stands trial before Felix the Governor, and gives his defense. Felix began to be very interested in what Paul was saying, and even brought his wife in to potentially fact check Paul’s argument. But all of a sudden, when Paul’s defense turned into sharing the gospel to Felix, the conviction was too much. Felix bailed, said, "I’ll be in touch later, maybe," and two years later, he is out the door leaving Paul in prison for the next Governor to deal with, never having professed faith in Christ.
In this sermon on Psalm 92, Josh Krueger, one of our Men's Ministry leaders, uses the metaphor of three lenses—mirror (self-centered), magnifying glass (focused on others' flaws), and telescope (focused on God)— and challenges listeners to examine their perspectives. True spiritual growth and peace come from surrendering to Jesus as the Most High, not just as King, and living with a heart open to God’s will.
Josh Krueger, one of our Men's Ministry leaders, brings the message today from John 15, under the main idea that "Mandated, glory producing fruit can be produced one way: sap from the true vine." Throughout the message, Josh will address these questions: What is fruit and how is it produced? What is sap and how do we get some? Why are fruit and sap so important?
As the Passover meal comes to a close, and Jesus' betrayal looms large, he gives his disciples one last charge on what it looks like to be managers of the kingdom.