Hidden Stories: Upside-Down Banquet

Saul was the first ever king of Israel. He had all the potential in the world, yet at one critical moment early in his reign he loses everything. As we begin our sermon series studying the kings of the united monarchy, we search for answers about why this single innocuous event was so catastrophic for Saul.

Disappointment, pain and unanswered prayers can sometimes shake our faith and cause us to doubt God’s goodness. In Psalm 73, Asaph wrestles with these struggles until an encounter with God in worship changes his perspective. As we worship together, we are reminded of the truth of the gospel and rediscover God’s goodness, experiencing the transforming power of corporate worship to turn disappointment into devotion.

Trust is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. But what does trust look like in everyday life? Through the story of Joseph, we will explore what it means to trust in the Lord through life’s ups and downs, even when things do not go as planned.

Self-confidence can be seen as a virtue in our world. Many of us tend to rely on ourselves to prove that we’re strong and we have everything together. While it is usually good to be confident, it can lead to trouble when we think too highly of ourselves and forget God in the process. How can we stay anchored in this confidence with God before the storms of life overwhelm us?

We were all made in the image of God, who is intensely relational. That means we were made for connection, both with God and others, and yet we are also bent on self-preservation. This struggle, to be known and yet also to feel safe, can lead us to frustration, loneliness, and fatigue. But the gospel provides us hope.

The world is teaching that you must demand to be noticed. Fight for your place, and ensure your proper recognition is given. But being noticed by God is much more rewarding and much less exhausting.

Studies show that the greatest predictor of future success isn’t IQ or athletic talent, but grit. Which is defined as long-term resilience for a single goal. This is just as true in our spiritual lives; resilience can be the dividing line between a vibrant faith and a stagnant one. So, how do we cultivate this kind of resilience, and what small actions can we take to build it? 

We all have hope imposters – sources of hope that may sooth our souls for a moment but cannot provide steady, ongoing encouragement. That depth of hope is only found in Christ.

God has always been about building. A tent, a temple, a church. But beyond the bricks and mortar, what thrills Him most is what He’s building in you.

Many of us live with a constant and crippling anxiety: Do I actually belong here? In our heads, we know we are accepted, valued, and safe. But in our hearts,. we feel like an imposter. This can also be true when it comes to the Kingdom – we simply feel like we don’t belong. How do we close the gap? Today, we look at the Parable of the Wedding Feast and the surprising truth it reveals about belonging.