Reach Community Church
Most of us are more comfortable with rules than relationships. Rules feel manageable. Tell me what to do, what not to do, and how well I need to perform. Then I can measure myself, compare myself, and stay in control. But Jesus did not come simply to give us a better list of rules. He came to give us a new life and teach us a new way through our live with the holy spirit.
Reach Community Church
Most of us do not mind trusting God when the water is calm. When the wind is gentle, the plan makes sense, and the people around us agree, in those times faith feels pretty easy. But what happens when the wind changes? What happens when the thing you trusted starts falling apart? What happens when the ship you were counting on begins to break beneath you? Acts 27 is not just a story about a storm at sea. It is a story about what a faith that holds together when everything else falls apart. Because storms are coming so when need to be prepared.
Most of us do not mind trusting God when the water is calm. When the wind is gentle, the plan makes sense, and the people around us agree, in those times faith feels pretty easy. But what happens when the wind changes? What happens when the thing you trusted starts falling apart? What happens when the ship you were counting on begins to break beneath you? Acts 27 is not just a story about a storm at sea. It is a story about what a faith that holds together when everything else falls apart. Because storms are coming so when need to be prepared.
This week our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom. For 250 years Americans have celebrated the blessings of liberty—the freedom to worship, speak, assemble, and pursue opportunity. Those are incredible gifts, and we should thank God for them. But this morning I want to ask a different question. What is real freedom? Most people think freedom means doing whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want. But is that really freedom? Because even in one of the freest nations on earth, people are still imprisoned every day by guilt, shame, addiction, fear, anxiety, bitterness, and sin. You can live in a free country and still not be free.
This week our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom. For 250 years Americans have celebrated the blessings of liberty—the freedom to worship, speak, assemble, and pursue opportunity. Those are incredible gifts, and we should thank God for them. But this morning I want to ask a different question. What is real freedom? Most people think freedom means doing whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want. But is that really freedom? Because even in one of the freest nations on earth, people are still imprisoned every day by guilt, shame, addiction, fear, anxiety, bitterness, and sin. You can live in a free country and still not be free.
Have you ever noticed how quickly people can change? One day you're the hero. The next day you're the villain. You get the promotion... everyone congratulates you. You make one mistake... everyone questions you. Social media can make you famous on Monday and cancel you by Friday. If your identity is built on the approval of people, you'll spend your life riding an emotional roller coaster. Acts 14 shows us a man who experienced both extremes in less than 24 hours. One crowd tried to worship Paul as a god. That same crowd later picked up stones to kill him. So what kept Paul going? His life wasn't built on the opinions of people. It was built on the mission of Jesus. And that's the question this passage asks every one of us: Whose approval are you living for?
Have you ever noticed how quickly people can change? One day you're the hero. The next day you're the villain. You get the promotion... everyone congratulates you. You make one mistake... everyone questions you. Social media can make you famous on Monday and cancel you by Friday. If your identity is built on the approval of people, you'll spend your life riding an emotional roller coaster. Acts 14 shows us a man who experienced both extremes in less than 24 hours. One crowd tried to worship Paul as a god. That same crowd later picked up stones to kill him. So what kept Paul going? His life wasn't built on the opinions of people. It was built on the mission of Jesus. And that's the question this passage asks every one of us: Whose approval are you living for?
Reach Community Church
Reach Community Church
We live in a culture that wants everything to be easy, convenient, and inexpensive. We want: Fast food, Fast internet, Fast results, and Convenient Christianity. Many people approach worship the same way. We want worship that fits our schedule. Worship that doesn't interrupt our plans. Worship that doesn't require sacrifice. Worship that costs us nothing. But throughout Scripture, worship has always involved sacrifice. When Abraham worshiped, it cost him a journey and his son. When the widow worshiped, it cost her last two mites. When Mary worshiped Jesus, it cost her an alabaster jar worth a year's wages. When Jesus worshiped the Father through obedience, it cost Him His life. And here in 2 Samuel 24, David teaches us a powerful truth: Worship that costs nothing is worth nothing.
We live in a culture that wants everything to be easy, convenient, and inexpensive. We want: Fast food, Fast internet, Fast results, and Convenient Christianity. Many people approach worship the same way. We want worship that fits our schedule. Worship that doesn't interrupt our plans. Worship that doesn't require sacrifice. Worship that costs us nothing. But throughout Scripture, worship has always involved sacrifice. When Abraham worshiped, it cost him a journey and his son. When the widow worshiped, it cost her last two mites. When Mary worshiped Jesus, it cost her an alabaster jar worth a year's wages. When Jesus worshiped the Father through obedience, it cost Him His life. And here in 2 Samuel 24, David teaches us a powerful truth: Worship that costs nothing is worth nothing.
As we close out this “Disciples Follow Jesus” series, I think it’s important to realize where Jesus has been taking us these last several weeks. We started with the simple invitation of Jesus: “Follow Me.” Because before disciples do anything for Jesus, they must first surrender to Jesus. Week 2 We talked about staying ready—living with urgency and faithfulness because Jesus is returning and disciples don’t drift through life asleep. Week 3 We learned that disciples forgive because forgiven people are called to walk in forgiveness toward others. Week 4 We saw that disciples do what Jesus says—even when it doesn’t make sense, even before they see the miracle, because obedience is part of following. Week 5 Then we came to the crossroads in John 6 where Jesus gave hard teachings and many walked away, reminding us that disciples don’t just follow Jesus when it’s easy—they stay when it’s costly because He alone has the words of life. Week 6 Last week we saw that disciples were never meant to follow Jesus in their own strength. The Spirit of God fills ordinary people with extraordinary power so they can live boldly and faithfully for Christ. And now we arrive at the natural conclusion of all of it: Disciples don’t just follow Jesus personally… disciples help other people follow Jesus too. Because real discipleship always moves outward. Jesus never intended for His disciples to simply gather information, attend church, and keep their faith private. He called us to live on mission. Because disciples follow Jesus…and disciples make disciples.
As we close out this “Disciples Follow Jesus” series, I think it’s important to realize where Jesus has been taking us these last several weeks. We started with the simple invitation of Jesus: “Follow Me.” Because before disciples do anything for Jesus, they must first surrender to Jesus. Week 2 We talked about staying ready—living with urgency and faithfulness because Jesus is returning and disciples don’t drift through life asleep. Week 3 We learned that disciples forgive because forgiven people are called to walk in forgiveness toward others. Week 4 We saw that disciples do what Jesus says—even when it doesn’t make sense, even before they see the miracle, because obedience is part of following. Week 5 Then we came to the crossroads in John 6 where Jesus gave hard teachings and many walked away, reminding us that disciples don’t just follow Jesus when it’s easy—they stay when it’s costly because He alone has the words of life. Week 6 Last week we saw that disciples were never meant to follow Jesus in their own strength. The Spirit of God fills ordinary people with extraordinary power so they can live boldly and faithfully for Christ. And now we arrive at the natural conclusion of all of it: Disciples don’t just follow Jesus personally… disciples help other people follow Jesus too. Because real discipleship always moves outward. Jesus never intended for His disciples to simply gather information, attend church, and keep their faith private. He called us to live on mission. Because disciples follow Jesus…and disciples make disciples.
Most Christians believe in the Holy Spirit, but live like He doesn’t exist. We try to fight spiritual battles in human strength, overcome sin with willpower, and live the Christian life exhausted, frustrated, and empty. But Jesus never intended His disciples to follow Him powerless. The Christian life was never meant to be sustained by your strength, your discipline, or your effort alone. Acts 2 shows us what happens when ordinary people are filled with the Spirit of God. Fearful men become bold witnesses. Weak people become powerful instruments in the hands of God. And the same Spirit that filled the early Church is still available to empower disciples today.
Most Christians believe in the Holy Spirit, but live like He doesn’t exist. We try to fight spiritual battles in human strength, overcome sin with willpower, and live the Christian life exhausted, frustrated, and empty. But Jesus never intended His disciples to follow Him powerless. The Christian life was never meant to be sustained by your strength, your discipline, or your effort alone. Acts 2 shows us what happens when ordinary people are filled with the Spirit of God. Fearful men become bold witnesses. Weak people become powerful instruments in the hands of God. And the same Spirit that filled the early Church is still available to empower disciples today.
At some point in everyone’s faith journey, you come to a fork in the road—a moment where you have to decide whether you are truly in or out. Following Jesus was never meant to be easy, comfortable, or free from difficulty. There will be moments when staying faithful will cost you something or cost you everything. And in todays passage, we see that Jesus is not afraid to create moments that force a decision. Some people spend their whole lives sitting at the fork, unwilling to choose a direction. But Jesus is not looking for crowds who follow Him when it’s easy—He’s looking for disciples who will follow Him no matter what He asks, no matter what it costs. Because in Him there is fullness of life.
At some point in everyone’s faith journey, you come to a fork in the road—a moment where you have to decide whether you are truly in or out. Following Jesus was never meant to be easy, comfortable, or free from difficulty. There will be moments when staying faithful will cost you something or cost you everything. And in todays passage, we see that Jesus is not afraid to create moments that force a decision. Some people spend their whole lives sitting at the fork, unwilling to choose a direction. But Jesus is not looking for crowds who follow Him when it’s easy—He’s looking for disciples who will follow Him no matter what He asks, no matter what it costs. Because in Him there is fullness of life.
Today is Mother's Day, and if you grew up with a good mom, there’s one thing you heard over and over: “Listen to me.” “Do what I told you.” And if you didn’t listen…you felt it. But here’s the truth: Some of the best things in your life happened because you listened to your mom. “Don’t go there.” “Stay away from that.” “Trust me on this.” And today, we’re going to see something powerful: A mother gives one simple instruction…and it becomes one of the clearest pictures of what it means to follow Jesus. “Do whatever He tells you.”
Today is Mother's Day, and if you grew up with a good mom, there’s one thing you heard over and over: “Listen to me.” “Do what I told you.” And if you didn’t listen…you felt it. But here’s the truth: Some of the best things in your life happened because you listened to your mom. “Don’t go there.” “Stay away from that.” “Trust me on this.” And today, we’re going to see something powerful: A mother gives one simple instruction…and it becomes one of the clearest pictures of what it means to follow Jesus. “Do whatever He tells you.”
There are some things in life that are hard…But forgiving someone who hurt you deeply? That’s different. Because forgiveness isn’t just hard—it feels unfair. They said it. They did it. They caused the damage. And now… I’m supposed to forgive? Let me ask you: Who do you need to forgive right now? Not theoretically. Not someday. Right now. Because here’s the truth: You cannot follow Jesus fully while holding on to unforgiveness.
There are some things in life that are hard…But forgiving someone who hurt you deeply? That’s different. Because forgiveness isn’t just hard—it feels unfair. They said it. They did it. They caused the damage. And now… I’m supposed to forgive? Let me ask you: Who do you need to forgive right now? Not theoretically. Not someday. Right now. Because here’s the truth: You cannot follow Jesus fully while holding on to unforgiveness.
Reach Community Church
Reach Community Church
If you knew that Jesus was returning one week from today, what would change in your life over the next seven days? Would it change what you watch, what you say—or how you say it—or how you spend your time, your money, even what you drink? The list could go on. My guess is everyone in this room would change something, and some of us would change everything. So why is that? Why do we live like what we do and say doesn’t really matter? Why do we put off the very things we know we’re called to do? Because we tell ourselves, “I’ll deal with it later—I’m just too busy right now.” But one day we will all stand before the Father. In Matthew 12, Jesus confronts religious leaders and says, “You will be known by your fruit… and out of the overflow of your heart your mouth speaks,” meaning your words reveal your heart, and just a few verses later He says that on the day of judgment people will give an account for every careless word they speak—feel the weight of that. Because if you don’t feel the weight of your calling as a follower of God, you will drift, and when you drift, everyone around you feels it. Jesus spends a significant portion of His teaching talking about His return and judgment—why? Because He wants His people to be ready. So the question is, are you ready?
If you knew that Jesus was returning one week from today, what would change in your life over the next seven days? Would it change what you watch, what you say—or how you say it—or how you spend your time, your money, even what you drink? The list could go on. My guess is everyone in this room would change something, and some of us would change everything. So why is that? Why do we live like what we do and say doesn’t really matter? Why do we put off the very things we know we’re called to do? Because we tell ourselves, “I’ll deal with it later—I’m just too busy right now.” But one day we will all stand before the Father. In Matthew 12, Jesus confronts religious leaders and says, “You will be known by your fruit… and out of the overflow of your heart your mouth speaks,” meaning your words reveal your heart, and just a few verses later He says that on the day of judgment people will give an account for every careless word they speak—feel the weight of that. Because if you don’t feel the weight of your calling as a follower of God, you will drift, and when you drift, everyone around you feels it. Jesus spends a significant portion of His teaching talking about His return and judgment—why? Because He wants His people to be ready. So the question is, are you ready?
There’s a difference between being interested… and being all in. You can be interested in fitness and never go to the gym; interested in investing and never buy a stock; interested in eating healthy and still hit Chick-fil-A 4 times a week. We live in a world full of interested people. And the danger is—we’ve brought that into Christianity. We’ve created a version of faith where: you can believe in Jesus, agree with Jesus, even like Jesus…but never actually follow Him. And Jesus never invited people to just believe something about Him. He invited them to leave something for Him.That’s the tension: Have we reduced following Jesus down to just believing in Him?
There’s a difference between being interested… and being all in. You can be interested in fitness and never go to the gym; interested in investing and never buy a stock; interested in eating healthy and still hit Chick-fil-A 4 times a week. We live in a world full of interested people. And the danger is—we’ve brought that into Christianity. We’ve created a version of faith where: you can believe in Jesus, agree with Jesus, even like Jesus…but never actually follow Him. And Jesus never invited people to just believe something about Him. He invited them to leave something for Him.That’s the tension: Have we reduced following Jesus down to just believing in Him?
There are moments in life when it feels like it’s too late. Too much has happened. Too many mistakes. Too far gone. You missed your chance. You had your opportunity. And now… it’s over. And most people assume that’s how it works with God too. That at some point, the door closes. But what we’re about to see is this: As long as there is breath in your lungs… the invitation of Jesus is still open.
There are moments in life when it feels like it’s too late. Too much has happened. Too many mistakes. Too far gone. You missed your chance. You had your opportunity. And now… it’s over. And most people assume that’s how it works with God too. That at some point, the door closes. But what we’re about to see is this: As long as there is breath in your lungs… the invitation of Jesus is still open.
Have you ever known exactly what you should do…and still walked away from it? Not because you didn’t understand. Not because you didn’t have enough information. Not because you didn’t even believe it was right. But because doing it was going to cost you something you weren’t ready to give up. Maybe it was a relationship. Maybe it was a habit. Maybe it was control. Maybe it was something you had built your life around. And in that moment, everything became clear. You didn’t have a knowledge problem… you had a heart problem. Because it’s one thing to know the right answer. It’s another thing to surrender what’s in the way. And that’s where following Jesus gets real. Not when it’s easy. Not when it fits your life. But when He puts His finger on the one thing you don’t want to let go of.
Have you ever known exactly what you should do…and still walked away from it? Not because you didn’t understand. Not because you didn’t have enough information. Not because you didn’t even believe it was right. But because doing it was going to cost you something you weren’t ready to give up. Maybe it was a relationship. Maybe it was a habit. Maybe it was control. Maybe it was something you had built your life around. And in that moment, everything became clear. You didn’t have a knowledge problem… you had a heart problem. Because it’s one thing to know the right answer. It’s another thing to surrender what’s in the way. And that’s where following Jesus gets real. Not when it’s easy. Not when it fits your life. But when He puts His finger on the one thing you don’t want to let go of.
Think about the last time you were deciding who to invite to something. Maybe it was dinner. A party. A group text. And without even realizing it, you started making a list: “Yeah, I’ll invite them…” “Definitely not them…” “That might get awkward…” Because we all do this. We decide who belongs…and who doesn’t. Now here’s the question: Who would be on your “definitely not” list? Because in todays text. Jesus walks straight up to someone who would have been on everyone’s list……and invites him anyway.
Think about the last time you were deciding who to invite to something. Maybe it was dinner. A party. A group text. And without even realizing it, you started making a list: “Yeah, I’ll invite them…” “Definitely not them…” “That might get awkward…” Because we all do this. We decide who belongs…and who doesn’t. Now here’s the question: Who would be on your “definitely not” list? Because in todays text. Jesus walks straight up to someone who would have been on everyone’s list……and invites him anyway.
Everyone knows what it feels like to want an invitation. An invitation to the party. An invitation onto the team. An invitation into the group. Because an invitation says something powerful: You belong here. And when we look at the ministry of Jesus, one thing becomes clear—He is constantly inviting people. Fishermen. Tax collectors. Sinners. Skeptics. Even a criminal hanging on a cross. And the incredible thing is that the same invitation still exists today. Over the next four weeks, we’re going to see that invitation again and again in the life of Jesus. And my hope is that we won’t just see it in the text—we’ll actually hear the invitation that Jesus is still extending today: Come… follow me.
Everyone knows what it feels like to want an invitation. An invitation to the party. An invitation onto the team. An invitation into the group. Because an invitation says something powerful: You belong here. And when we look at the ministry of Jesus, one thing becomes clear—He is constantly inviting people. Fishermen. Tax collectors. Sinners. Skeptics. Even a criminal hanging on a cross. And the incredible thing is that the same invitation still exists today. Over the next four weeks, we’re going to see that invitation again and again in the life of Jesus. And my hope is that we won’t just see it in the text—we’ll actually hear the invitation that Jesus is still extending today: Come… follow me.
Reach Community Church
Today I want to convince you to talk to yourself. Now before you tune me out because that sounds crazy, let me remind you of something — you’re already doing it. Every single one of us is. All day, every day, there’s a voice running in the background of your life. You interpret events. You evaluate yourself. You replay conversations. You predict outcomes. You preach to yourself constantly. Paul David Tripp says, “No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.” That inner voice is shaping you — for good or for harm. The question isn’t whether you talk to yourself. The question is what you’re saying. Is it truth or fear? Grace or condemnation? Hope or despair? So today, I want to help you take back control of that conversation. I want to convince you to start preaching the gospel to yourself — again and again. And to show us how that’s done, we’re going to Psalm 42, where we meet a man who refuses to let his discouragement have the final word.
Today I want to convince you to talk to yourself. Now before you tune me out because that sounds crazy, let me remind you of something — you’re already doing it. Every single one of us is. All day, every day, there’s a voice running in the background of your life. You interpret events. You evaluate yourself. You replay conversations. You predict outcomes. You preach to yourself constantly. Paul David Tripp says, “No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.” That inner voice is shaping you — for good or for harm. The question isn’t whether you talk to yourself. The question is what you’re saying. Is it truth or fear? Grace or condemnation? Hope or despair? So today, I want to help you take back control of that conversation. I want to convince you to start preaching the gospel to yourself — again and again. And to show us how that’s done, we’re going to Psalm 42, where we meet a man who refuses to let his discouragement have the final word.
There’s a difference between visiting someone and moving in. You can help someone in a crisis. You can rescue someone from danger. You can provide for their needs. But when you choose to live with someone — that’s something deeper. The book of Exodus is not ultimately about escape from Egypt. It’s about something far more intimate. God didn’t just want Israel out of slavery. He wanted to dwell with them. And the question that hangs over the second half of Exodus is this: Can a holy God really live with a stubborn, sinful people? Exodus 40 answers that question.
There’s a difference between visiting someone and moving in. You can help someone in a crisis. You can rescue someone from danger. You can provide for their needs. But when you choose to live with someone — that’s something deeper. The book of Exodus is not ultimately about escape from Egypt. It’s about something far more intimate. God didn’t just want Israel out of slavery. He wanted to dwell with them. And the question that hangs over the second half of Exodus is this: Can a holy God really live with a stubborn, sinful people? Exodus 40 answers that question.
Most of us expect that once God shows up in a big way, trusting Him should get easier. After the answer to prayer. After the breakthrough. After the victory. But Scripture is honest enough to show us something different. There are seasons when God doesn’t remove the hardship right away—not because He’s absent, but because He’s forming something deeper in us. And those seasons often come right after moments of great faith. Today’s passage reminds us that trusting God isn’t learned in the miracle itself. It’s learned on the road that follows it.
Most of us expect that once God shows up in a big way, trusting Him should get easier. After the answer to prayer. After the breakthrough. After the victory. But Scripture is honest enough to show us something different. There are seasons when God doesn’t remove the hardship right away—not because He’s absent, but because He’s forming something deeper in us. And those seasons often come right after moments of great faith. Today’s passage reminds us that trusting God isn’t learned in the miracle itself. It’s learned on the road that follows it.
Most of us want God to change our situation. We pray for deliverance, clarity, breakthrough, relief. But in Scripture, God often works in a different order than we expect. Before He delivers, He reveals. Before He sends Moses to Pharaoh, He introduces Moses to Himself in a deeper way. Exodus 3 is not primarily about a burning bush—it’s about a revealing God.
Most of us want God to change our situation. We pray for deliverance, clarity, breakthrough, relief. But in Scripture, God often works in a different order than we expect. Before He delivers, He reveals. Before He sends Moses to Pharaoh, He introduces Moses to Himself in a deeper way. Exodus 3 is not primarily about a burning bush—it’s about a revealing God.
Over the last three weeks, we’ve talked about repentance, abiding, and prayer. And if you’re anything like me, somewhere along the way you quietly thought… This should be fixing more than it is.” We repented, We turned back to God, We committed to His Word, We prayed more intentionally. And yet— some of the same struggles are still there. Some of the same temptations still show up. Some of the same patterns still fight for control. And that leads to a dangerous, discouraging question: “Did I do this wrong…or is something wrong with me?” Some of you came today feeling: Frustrated with yourself, Tired of starting over, Quietly ashamed that you’re not further along. So before we go any further, I want to say this clearly: The problem isn’t that you’re still broken. The problem is that you expected arrival. Somewhere along the way, we absorbed the idea that spiritual growth would feel like graduation. That maturity meant struggle would fade. That obedience would eventually eliminate weakness. But the gospel never promised arrival in this life. It promised grace. Today we close Begin Again with a freeing truth: You are still broken—and God is still working. That’s not failure. That’s Christianity.
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