Messages by Al Stoltzfus
Transformation and Discipleship is a noun
Jesus commissioned his disciples to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). This is no minor or insignificant task. It is the main thing. Measure 3 asks, ” Are “Sauls” becoming “Pauls”? The question requires that we sharpen our focus to be very deliberate and intentional about making disciples. Text: Acts 9:18-19; John 1:43-51
Who Owns My Stuff? Living forward…in everything
Allegiance to Jesus and His Kingdom demands that we think clearly about money and who we are trusting for our daily needs. Rather than worry, Jesus invites us to trust in the good provisions of “our heavenly Father” and to live forward as stewards with deliberate generosity. Text: Matthew 6:19-34
Faith…in Christ alone? A faith worth dying for
How does a person connect with God? Spiritual cleansing and renewal is required. So, in a costly demonstration of unexpected love, God extends cleansing and new life to all through Jesus. This cleansing and new life is by faith alone. A transforming faith which responds in gratitude to God and shows itself in worship and discipleship. Text: John 3:1-21
How do we read Scripture? A Christ-centered hermeneutic
As followers of Jesus, we seek to interpret all of Scripture through the life, teaching, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and in faith follow Him as Savior and Lord. Only in following the preeminent Jesus do we discover the fullness of life as God intended. Text: Colossians 1:15-23
What’s in a Name? – Week 3 – Light of the World
With this bold declaration, “I am the Light of the world” Jesus draws a life and death contrast between those who believe in him and those who challenge his person and mission. The name “Light of the World” teaches us that Jesus is the one we must believe in and follow to experience the fullness of life in the presence of God. Text: John 1:1-5 and 8:12-59
A Song of Community Gladness
We all have within us a need to worship and a need to belong. These essential human needs find their truest expression in the structure and secure relationships of a Christ-centered home and in the community of a God-honoring, Christ-following, worshiping, and praising people. When worship shapes family life, and family life shapes worship we extend our reach for Christ. Text: Psalm 122
A Song of Security
A look to the hills for help ends in disappointment. For all their stunning beauty and majesty, for all their quiet strength and firmness, they are in the end just hills. Faith’s vision stretches beyond the hills to the God who made the hills, the Lord of heaven and earth. In the Lord God is security and hope for the long journey of discipleship. Text: Psalm 121
A Song of Longing for Wholeness
Submersed in a culture swarming with lies and malice, the longing for peace and truth sets us on a pilgrim search for wholeness in the presence God. Dissatisfaction with the world of sin is necessary preparation to walk in the way of discipleship. Text: Psalm 120