Pastor Awesome's Cardboard Pentacost

 Jesus promised His disciples that they would do greater works than Jesus Himself (John 14). Rather than thinking of impressive miracles, we might remember that the Spirit Jesus demonstrated was love and care for others. How does the Holy Spirit work through you to demonstrate even greater love than Jesus?

The great repentance performer

 The Apostle Paul declared that God was now calling everyone, from every place to repent. However, Paul's sermon didn't focus on new restrictions or actions. Instead, Paul pointed to the love of Christ, and how we are now called to emulate that love (Acts 17). How do you demonstrate the love of Christ?

Who needs the Holy Spirit?

 After spending three years listening to the teaching of Jesus Christ, the disciples were still not ready to begin ministry. While they may (or may not) have gained a greater understanding of scripture and its application, they still lacked the guidance and direction of God's Holy Spirit (Luke 24). When have you leaned on your head-knowledge without consulting God's Spirit?

Memorial Day 2025...More to say?

 Each year the United States of America sets aside a day to remember those who sacrifice their lives for us. Their selfless example also points us to Jesus Christ, who also gave His life for us. How are we giving our lives to help others? John 15:13

Sinners in the Temple of God

In Luke 15 Jesus tells of three lost things. His audience was filled with 'sinners' who likely felt lost themselves, because of their exclusion from Temple life. Jesus's parables make it clear that the religious leaders were actually the ones who were not only lost but were stubbornly remaining lost. Are the people you think of as 'lost' as lost as you are?

 

Aftershame

 Jesus confronted those who opposed His healing on the Sabbath day and left them feeling ashamed (Luke 13). Although the Church has caused a lot of harm by using guilt as a weapon, guilt does serve a purpose. When you feel guilty, it might be an opportunity to either repent, or to better understand where the guilt is really coming from and learn to move past it.

How much doubt can one cartoon panel hold?

Sometimes we confuse faith in God with a complete lack of doubt. But many faithful Christians have found that expressing their doubts has given them the opportunity to expand their faith. Maybe this is what Thomas experienced when he met the resurrected Christ (John 20).  

Tears for Easter

 Mary wept when she discovered the body of Jesus was missing (John 20). We're not sure if her tears indicated a lack of faith or understanding that Jesus was risen, but when Jesus does reveal himself to her, he treats her with kindness and reassurance. How do you treat those who don't share your faith?

Are you?

 

Many have commented on how quickly the Palm Sunday (Luke 19) crowd turned on Jesus, but maybe their turning was no different from our willingness to reject Jesus's teachings and instead adopt a mob mentality that demeans empathy, charity, and understanding. Are you willing to live like Jesus for Jesus?  

 John revealed in his gospel that Judas had been stealing from the funds that were set aside by Jesus and His disciples to help the poor (John 12). Oddly, many Christians use words from this chapter to curtail giving to those in need, by declaring that there will always be poor people. Have you stolen from the poor by misapplying Jesus's words to serve your own greed?

Awesome's Treasures

 When the Israelites entered the promised land they found an abundance of food (Josh 5). This provision reminds us of the grace God extends to us through Jesus Christ (Eph 2). Perhaps we should consider how much has been given to us and how having received gifts, we should give to others (Matt 8).

Respectable Sins

 Jesus corrected a group that believed their countrymen were punished by God because they died horrible deaths (Luke 13). Jesus often warned us against believing our sins are less offensive than those around us, and later James reminds us of this truth (James 2:10). Which of your sins do feel proud to own, or consider 'respectable?'

God's presence?

 When God made a covenant with Abraham, the Bible describes a "horror of great darkness" falling on him (Gen 15). The Bible consistently associates God's presence with great fear, reminding us of God's absolute power. When God's people face great evil, they gain courage to act by knowing God is all-powerful.

Fear and Darkness

 When God made a covenant with Abraham, the Bible describes a "horror of great darkness" falling on him (Gen 15). During this time of fear and darkness, the covenant of blessing was established. Where can you find hope in your time of fear and darkness?

What's mine is...Pastor Awesome's?

Every year, when the Israelites brought their tithes to the temple, they were prescribed a statement to recite. This statement reminded them that all they had was given to them by God and that it was their privilege to share it not only with the worship leaders, but also with those in need Duet 26:1-11. Do you give as a reminder that you owe everything to someone else, or do you give with an air of expectation for a 'return on your investment'?

 

Behind the banner?

 Moses hid his face when he realized that it was scaring those who saw it (Ex 34). Do we try to hide those who are different from us by forcing them out of public areas? What do you find so frightening that you find ways to hide it from your sight? Are you afraid to see someone different 

Looking Back

 The story of Joseph seems to show God using evil and hurtful actions to accomplish His ultimate goal (Gen 45).  It's great when we can look back at hard times in our lives and see God's hand, but it isn't a justification to hurt others.

Team Awesome requirements

 Jesus chose 12 men to serve as apostles (Luke 6:13), but among those not chosen were many people who followed Jesus and contributed greatly to His story. If you feel rejected, you are in good company and are still an important part of the story. 

Pastor Awesome doesn't get it

 Before becoming a follower of Jesus, Peter humbled himself and declared himself to be a sinner (Luke 2). While the word "sin" is unpopular, most of us hold some guilt over a time in our lives when we failed to live up to our own values. The promise of Christ is that He can free us of our guilt, if we can just face it.

What would Jesus do with a Jehu bracelet?

 While Christians seek to be 'Christlike' or to live out Christ's teachings, we might find ourselves redefining Christ to make our actions more seem legitimate or 'good.' 1 Peter 2