Hillcrest Church

In this powerful message, we explore the concept of 'ambidextrous faith' - a balanced approach to our spiritual lives that involves both internal growth and external witness. Drawing from Luke 24:35-53, we see Jesus appearing to His disciples after the resurrection, opening their minds to understand the Scriptures, and commissioning them to be witnesses. This passage reminds us that our faith journey isn't just about personal comfort, but about moving forward in God's mission. The analogy of playing bass guitar, requiring both hands to work differently yet in harmony, beautifully illustrates how we're called to minister both inside and outside the church. We're challenged to step out of our comfort zones, whether that means serving within our church community or boldly sharing our faith in the world. This message encourages us to embrace a fuller, more dynamic faith that impacts both our personal growth and our ability to reach others with God's love.

The sermon delved into Luke 24:13-53, examining how we experience Jesus when things don't work out as expected. Using the metaphor of condiments, particularly ketchup representing attraction and reconciliation, we explored how our expectations can sometimes blind us to Jesus' presence in our lives. The sermon challenged us to recognize the resurrected Christ, even when He appears in unexpected ways or places.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the profound impact of rejection and how to navigate it with faith. The story of Jesus' betrayal and Peter's denial in Luke 22 serves as a poignant backdrop for exploring our own struggles with disappointment and betrayal. We're challenged to recognize 'Judas moments' in our lives and to stay close to Jesus even when it's difficult. The sermon beautifully illustrates how Jesus' look of conviction, not condemnation, can break us open and free us from shame. We're encouraged to let go of negative scripts that others have written for us and instead embrace our true identity in Christ. This message reminds us that our worth isn't defined by rejection, but by God's unwavering love and purpose for our lives.