Messages by Al Stoltzfus
How People of Faith Respond to Trials
The letter of James, written by the blood brother of Jesus, calls us to a living, breathing, active, visible faith. It shows us a faith that moves. In these opening verses we are presented with the secret to a faith that moves with steadfast joy through life’s darkest and fiercest trials. Faith moves! James the brother of Jesus shows us how. Text: James 1:1-18
Minding My Mind
Anxiety is a very real emotion. Jesus himself experienced anxiety as he anticipated the cross (see Matt. 26:37-38). As followers of Jesus, we are called to love God with all of our minds. This is not about “trying harder” to think good thoughts, but rather it is”clinging tighter” as we learn to trust God in our thought-life and with our anxieties and fears. Text: Philippians 4:8; Matthew 26:37-38; 6:25-34; John 15:1-8
Rejoice Always, Really?
The Covid-19 pandemic has us social isolating with no clear end in sight. Those unable to work are feeling stressed, those who are working–especially on the front lines in health care–are also stressed, but for very different reasons. As followers of Jesus we need more than ever to know that God is near. Because we are “in the Lord” we can rejoice. Really! Text: Philippians 4: 4-9
The Achievement of the Cross in the COVID19 Pandemic
Text: Isaiah 53:1-12, John 19:1-3 & 14-19; Hebrews 7:23-27
Three Gifts Godly Parents give to their children in this season on uncertainty
There are three vital gifts godly parents give to their children. Each gift is crucially life-sustaining and is especially timely as families navigate the isolation and fear with the current spread of the Covid-19 virus. Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Proverbs 22:6; 29:15, 17; and Proverbs 1:7
Four Expectations Jesus has for all who follow Him
In the second half of John’s gospel (Chapters 13-21) the narrative slows to focus on Jesus mission. Jesus is the Christ, but what does he expect from his followers? Here are four ways Jesus expects us as His followers to show our connection to Him and his mission. Text: John 13:31-14:14
Why do you look for a speck of sawdust? Healthy self awareness
Jesus knows that we will struggle at times in the way we relate to one another. With a pointed question and a graphic comparison of a speck and a plank Jesus shows us how, with gospel-treasuring awareness, we ought to rightly see ourselves, so that we are able to help and not judge one another. Text: Matthew 7:1-6; Pr 27:6; Pr 9:8 (also Romans 14:10-13 and James 4:11-12)
Why Are you so afraid? Facing our giants
The Sea of Galilee can be a beautiful, calm, peaceful place. It can also quickly become a tempest of life-threatening proportions, which is what it was for Jesus disciples on this night. The storm was real. They are afraid for their lives. Jesus understands those fears. With a probing question he invites them to go beyond their fears to trust in Him. In the storms of life faith grows stronger when we are captivated by the power and glory of Jesus. Text: Matthew 14:22-33