Messages by Al Stoltzfus
If others shape up, my life will work out (Lie #2)
Why do we wound other people with our words? Could it be we unwittingly buy into the lie that says, ‘when other people shape up, my life will improve’. The lie is as subtle as it is dangerous. James exposes the lie, and Jesus offers a much better way to live and speak with one another. Text: James 4:11-12; John 13:34-35; Proverbs 19:10
Pleasure will satisfy my longing for happiness (Lie #1)
Why do we fight with those we love? Could it be the problem is deep within us? A lie we have come to believe? Like a skilled surgeon, James diagnosis the source of relational conflict. Once exposed, he offers a simple, Christ-centered cure for conflict. Text: James 4:1-10
What favortism is and why it is wrong
Favoritism and her cronies nepotism and racism project a toxic vibe that has no place in a community of Christ followers. In Christ, all people are welcomed equally regardless of dress, social standing, race, color, history, and even family connections. James, the brother of Jesus, invites us to examine carefully how we view and treat one another. God chooses to show mercy over favoritism. We too ought to choose mercy over favoritism. Text: James 2:1-13; Galatians 3:26-29
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