Graceful Christianity by Dr. Kevin Thomas

"Love the sinner. Hate the sin." We say those words in an effort to be gracious to people while still standing for righteousness, but perhaps there's something darker happening. Perhaps more than opposing sin, we're propping up our own egos. Let's consider the whole truth about this Christian cliche'. 

Today we look at another cliche' that many people assume to be true, but this one can actually be very hurtful. In today's message, I want to ask that we stop repeating this damaging cliche' and that we replace it with a healthier, more helpful option. 

If we haven't said it ourselves, we've heard someone else say it. "God helps those who help themselves." Many assume those words come from the Bible, and we accept it as Gospel truth. But this saying falls into the category of a "half truth." Join us in this message for the rest of the story about this popular saying.

Everything happens for a reason. We all say it. It makes us feel comfortable, like there's a benevolent purpose behind everything. But is it true? What are the real implications of that belief? Is there a better way to view events in our lives. We'll discuss those ideas in today's message. 

Ever wanted a second chance at getting it right? Peter actually gets one in today's story.  The same offer is available to us. Listen as we talk about the God of second chances.

It's Easter! Christ is risen! Can you believe it? Do you believe it, really? How can we know that we believe it? What does belief in the resurrection look like? Today's message explores those questions.

Palm Sunday! The crowds are finely praising Jesus, but their theology is wrong. They're inviting Jesus to be a King He has not intention of being. Do we have to understand perfectly to offer meaningful worship?

God forgives us like we forgive others. That's a scarry thought for a lot of us who struggle with forgiveness. But there is freedom in letting go. This message will briefly walk us through the steps of forgiveness. 

In today's story, Peter gets it wrong, and Jesus rebukes him. In this message, I'll share how I've gotten it wrong, how I've allowed small-mindedness to hurt other people, how my ministry has sometimes been a hindrance to Christ. We'll also discover the freedom that comes when we discover God is bigger than we thought. Let's turn our minds toward heavenly things.

Jesus makes a bold profession of faith, but it's a profession even he doesn't really understand, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!"  What is it that you believe about God? In a world where God's name is used to do too much violence, what good thing might you be able to claim about Jesus' identity? 

Jesus saves! Christians love to say it. Churches love to sing it, But it begs a question. From whom or from what do we need to be saved? From what threat does Jesus rescue us? Do we need to be recued from God? Or is there something else going on? We'll consider those questions in today's message.

I've heard lots of people talk about finding God, but in the Gospels it is consistently God who is finding us. Jesus seeks for US. In today's message, we will follow along as Jesus finds Peter. Maybe along the way, Jesus will find us as well.

All of us were created to live in harmony together with our Creator. But let's face it. Sometimes our lives get out of tune. Our words and actions sometimes disrupt the harmony of Creation. Tonight, on Ash Wednesday, we ask God to Tune our Hearts! Forgive us, O God, of all that is past and prepare us to live lives of love for You and others.

In today's text, Jesus chooses priority over preference. He makes the difficult choice because it's the right thing to do. The story confronts us with an option. Take the easy way and satisfy ourselves, or take the risks and change the world. 

Why do bad things happen to good people? If God is good, why is there so much evil in the world? They are good questions, questions that cause people to doubt the very existence of God. In this message, we'll wrestle with questions about suffering in the world.

Jesus said, "Ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Those words have encouraged people to pray for everything from healing to a brand new car. If we're honest, many of those prayers seem to go unanswered. Prayer is more than just a divine wish list. In today's message we dive deeper in looking at prayers that are answered and why sometimes they seem to be unanswered.

Is the Bible true? Are their contradictions? If there are contradictions, can I still trust it? A lot depends on what we mean by "true." This message  takes an honest look at the Bible.

What happens when we die? Is there a heaven? How do we get in? Or is this life all there is? Lots of people, even lots of Christians have their doubts. Let's talk about it.

Did you now doubt can be a good thing?  Over the next 5 messages will be honest about our doubts about God and faith. So bring your doubts and let's see where they lead us.