Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church

Is there a secret for success in the Kingdom of God? Can you do something truly great for his kingdom? Can you, figuratively speaking, hit a home run for God’s team?

James and John had an advantage, possibly a secret to success. They knew the Messiah, quite well, they thought. So they they figured they had an inside track to greatness. They were about to hit a home run. They would be the GOAT (greatest of all time)! Jesus seems to spoil their plans, however, when he tells them, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

What did Jesus mean by that? People who aspire to greatness don’t volunteer to be slaves. So, is it impossible to do something great for God? Perhaps, like the disciples, we need to find out what Jesus meant and what the kingdom of God is all about.

Watch as Pastor Mike Leno presents a message entitled, “A Home Run for the Kingdom,” based on Matthew 20:25-28.

Diversity is a beautiful thing. But it is also hard. We need to understand why we celebrate it, because experiencing it can often lead to a fear of displacement. The whole book of Romans is about handling diversity (between Jew and Gentile, but also many other kinds of diversity). Romans 9-11 tackles the Jew/Gentile problem, climaxing in Chapter 12 (One Body, many parts) and Chapter 14-15 (Therefore don’t judge each other). Paul ends the book with greetings to (and from) a wide diversity of people in Chap 16. But before Paul plunges into all this, in chapter 8:14-39 (the focus of this week's sermon), he gives us four powerful reasons why nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We may fear being displaced, disoriented or dislodged by incoming diversity and change—but Paul assures us that no matter what we cannot be dislodged from God’s heart.

What can we learn from a destitute widow, a mother who could no longer provide for her son? Her willingness to follow an outlandish request led to God's miracle of provision. 

We are God’s handiwork is what Ephesians 2 tells us. But what does that actually mean? Pastor George Tuyu will unpack what that means and so much more in his sermon entitled: “God Prepares, We Practice.”

What do I do now? Will I get through this? Perhaps you have recently asked yourself similar questions. When faced with life’s challenges and crises, it may feel as though you’re permanently besieged. Maybe you have the sense that you have run out of options; the walls are closing in and there does not seem to be an escape route in sight. Amid everything, God invites his beloved children to flourish in their faith experience. Join us as we journey through a biblical story of survival. May God reveal to his beloved that survival and salvation are available.

 

Dr. Janice De-Whyte is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at the School of Religion, Loma Linda University. She earned a Bachelor of Divinity from Newbold College (England), completed a Masters degree from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary (Andrews University, MI), and also holds a PhD in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible from McMaster University.

Living in the reality of the resurrection can be challenging. Thomas’ story teaches us that sometimes the most faithful disciples wrestle with unbelief, and that inner turmoil sticks around despite being surrounded by witnesses to the Risen Messiah. Nevertheless, Jesus meets us where we are and gives us exactly what we need to he restored; He gives us Himself!