Reach Church

The closer you are to the identity of who God says you are, the more opposition you will face. Thankfully, our God is greater than it all.

One of the last things Jesus says on the cross is “it is finished”. What does this mean? What was finished? Who was it for?

[From our first in-person Sunday in a year] While in unimaginable pain, Jesus still uses the few words he has left to care for others. The takeaway? No matter who you are, there is a place for you at the foot of the cross.

Jesus walked over 3,000 miles in his ministry — but it’s the final 2,000 feet that will be the most difficult, and the most important — for they will lead him to the cross.

If Jesus endured abuse of all kinds, he is uniquely equipped to care for you in the wake of the harm you have experienced in your own life. As we wrap our minds around the public torture Christ endured many thoughts and emotions surely swirl. But chief among them is this life-changing truth — by his stripes we are healed.

When Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, his exchange with the Roman governor is loaded with meaning. Like Pilate, when we find ourselves before the truth of Jesus, we have a choice to make -- the crowd or the cross.

As Jesus is arrested and subjected to a shady sequence of interrogations, Peter tries to follow him...but from a distance. The results are disastrous. Apparently distance leads to denial. We must follow him closely.

If you've experienced betrayal, rest assured that Jesus knows what you're feeling. Still, even in the midst of betrayal, he shows us that his kingdom will come in ways completely contrary to the those of the world.

On the last night of his life, Jesus asks his father to do 3 things for his followers — protect us, sanctify us, and unite us. If we remember these prayers, we’ll also remember we are not alone, change is possible, and hope is bigger than division.

As Jesus begins to pray on the final night of his life, 3 things appear to be on his mind -- the GLORY of God, the AUTHORITY of God, and ETERNAL LIFE by knowing God. When we orient our thoughts and actions around these same ideas, things change.

The divine call to be a peace-maker is always difficult, but especially in the wake of indefensible acts. Remembering what following Jesus is (not) about, asking ourselves where our hope is, and choosing to reflect the heart of God in the midst of the madness provides a starting point as we process a heart-breaking week.

As we look back on an unexpected year, and forward to another one that's sure to have its own challenges, Pastor Brian brings us an encouraging word on what it means for God to hit reset in our lives, our church, and our world.

As people finishing one hard year and staring down the likelihood of another, what hope does God offer us? “Yes, you will have suffering in this world. But take heart — I have conquered the world.” In these words we don’t just find our hope, but also our purpose as a church for the season to come.

Is it possible you don't pray because you think God doesn't love you? The certainty of Gods love for you, makes the mystery of prayer hopeful. The uncertainty of Gods love for you, makes the mystery of prayer hurtful.

As we approach the end of the year, there are no shortage of reasons to feel disheartened and discouraged. Why can we choose hope in such a difficult season? Jeff Bethke reminds us of our place in God's story and points to five truths we can cling to that empower us to take heart, regardless of the season and especially in this one.

There is a joy that can replace our sorrow and wipe away our pain. Forever. We take hold of such joy as we see Jesus for who he is, and serve others as he does.

In the midst of troubling circumstances, we can take heart because we have been given a Guide who has gone before us and will lead us in the truth.

When people are experiencing real pain, “Don’t worry, be happy” is not helpful. God doesn’t ask us to ignore our hardships. He joins us in the midst of them.

For Christians facing opposition while on mission with Jesus, there is some very good news in this passage -- Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to show people in the world the things they need to repent of. Pro tip: never stop asking the Spirit to do the same for you.

In John 16 Jesus is all the more intentional to equip his disciples for his absence, and for the opposition they will face. He foretells the hardship to come, but makes it clear he will be with them every step of the way. He says the same to us today -- no matter how dark things get.