Blessing isn’t an achievement or goal; it’s our origin. Pastor Jared Herd examines the creation story in comparison to the story of Cain and Abel, and affirms the original blessing God gave all of Creation. We can rule over our sin and brokenness by shifting our perspective to notice the blessings. The blood of Jesus gives us mercy and declares us blessed; together, we must choose to live into that truth.
Be blessed by being a conduit instead of a consumer. When we trust God and surrender the outcome, like Abraham, we find true blessing from God that will benefit others, not just ourselves. Pastor Jared Herd explores the powerful story of Abraham and how God blessed generations through him, ultimately leading to the gift of Jesus.
We can’t find peace if we haven’t dispensed forgiveness. Pastor Jared Herd examines the life of Isaac and his Christ-like example of radical forgiveness as he navigates the deep jealousy of others. Isaac’s story shows us that a God-honoring life chooses peacemaking over mudslinging. Set down your shovel and pick up the cross.
What does it mean to show nonexclusive love? Pastor Jared Herd shares the story of Ruth and how her experience with God’s sacrificial nonexclusive love led her to conversion and ultimately redemption. When we believe in an exclusive God, we get to experience and give love as we help redeem the broken for His glory.
When God is first, everything else falls into place. Pastor Jared examines the system of sacrifice found in the Old Testament and shares the truth that, often, God’s blessing comes from giving rather than receiving. When we receive God’s first for us through the gift of Jesus, we respond by giving Him the first of what we have.
God wants to change you from the inside out, will you allow him to shape your character? Pastor Jared Herd shares about 1 Samuel 16 and God’s anointing on David. God chooses the least expected people, because he doesn’t value what the world does. When we allow adversity to strengthen our character, we don’t have to live up to the world’s standards because our identity is rooted in Christ.
God does new things through the floods and waters of life. Pastor Jared shares the powerful imagery of water throughout the Bible - from Noah and the Flood, to Moses and the Promised Land, to the baptism of Jesus - and how God uses water now to make you new again and again. We can keep the beauty of baptism alive by looking for the new things God is doing each and every day.
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