Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church

Taking Charge of Jesus | Pastor Mike Leno

Jesus was out of control! People thought it was great that he healed people and even cast out demons. But to many, he was reckless in the way he went about his work. He offended influential people. Even his family thought he was a little crazy at times. They decided that if Jesus was going to succeed, he would need some supervision before he blew it completely. Certainly he needed advice before rashly forgiving sins in front of the Pharisees, letting his disciples eat out on the Sabbath, or doing unnecessary healings on the Sabbath.

 

Pastor Mike Leno presents a challenging message titled, “Taking Charge of Jesus.” We will then celebrate communion as a sign that we follow the real Jesus, the one who died and rose again—and the one who loved the whole world, not just our little corner of it.

Forgiveness and Healing | Pastor Gabriel Morales

In Mark 2, Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man. In this encounter, we find that the power of friendship can carry us through trying times. We also learn that Jesus isn’t interested in a superficial healing that only affects the body, but a deep transformation that binds the fractured soul. Pastor Gabriel Morales will share the message, "Forgiveness and Healing."

The Beginning of the Good News| Mark Series Part 1 | Pastor Tara VinCross

Mark opens the gospel in the most moving way, with the words the beginning of the good news. In Jesus Christ, we orient ourselves to what is true and good. We hold space for beauty and safety, hope and love. Some days, some weeks, it’s a fight to stay rooted and connected to the goodness of God. As Gabor Mate, Hungarian-Canadian physician says, "Safety is not the absence of threat; it is the presence of connection.” Pastor Tara VinCross will share the message, The Beginning of the Good News.

Hermeneutics Series - Part 4 | Dr. Kendra Haloviak

Hermeneutics Series - Part 3 | Dr. Kendra Haloviak

Hermeneutics Series - Part 2 | Dr. Kendra Haloviak

Hermeneutics Series - Part 1 | Dr. Kendra Haloviak

A Home Run for the Kingdom | Pastor Mike Leno

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.

Not Separated | Dr. John W. Webster

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.

A Destitute Mother and a God Who Provides | Elder Kathy McMillan

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.