Messages by Al Stoltzfus
Revealed–What Jesus Desires in His Church…Be Unbroken by the Devil
To be a follower of Jesus is to be in a spiritual battle. Suffering and persecution are part of this battle. What does Jesus expect from His church when she comes under attack? Jesus expects His church to be be faithful, unbroken by the schemes of enemy, because He has the future of His people under control. Text: Revelation 2:8-11
Divine Rescue – From Fear to Faith
Jesus is the one we much believe in to find hope, peace, love, and joy in life’s hardships. Text: Ruth 1-4; Matthew 1:18-24
Divine Rescue – From Outcast to Loved
True love is a commitment to act in the best interest of another. It is the kind of personal, intimate love which Jesus demonstrates toward us. A love which moves us from outcast to deeply loved. Text: Ruth 3:1-18, Isaiah 54:10, Romans 5:8
How to cultivate gratitude
Who should be characterized most by gratitude? Luke shows us. On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus happens to stop in a village. There he encounters ten lepers. They crying out for mercy. Jesus responds with instructions to go initiate the steps of sacrificial cleansing. As they go, all ten are cured of the disease. One of them, only one out of ten, returns to say, “Thank you.” Who should give thanks? All who are cleansed, and restored to wellness should give thanks to God. Text: Luke 17:11-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 9:15
Authentic Forgiveness
What do we do with all of the pain and the horror of wrong doing that has been committed against us? In a short, memorable parable, Jesus shows his disciples (and us) the profound secret and pathway to total forgiveness. For followers of Jesus, unforgiveness is not an option, but how does one find a place of authentic forgiveness? Text: Matthew 18:15-35; Leviticus 19:18; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13
Defense and Deferment
To be passionately persuaded is to surrender all earthly power, position, and fame to entrust oneself to the truth and reasonableness of Jesus. Text: Acts 24:1-26:32
Leadership and Suffering
To be passionately persuaded is to be willing to suffer for the sake of following Jesus and leading others in the way of Jesus. Text: Acts 20:1-21:17
Sent by the Holy Spirit
God by His Spirit sends His worshipping community outward into mission. Mission starts in worship and moves outward to persons in places that are far from God with the message of Jesus. Text: Acts 13-14