Unity Presbyterian - Denver, NC

What does it feel like to be lost and then found? This week, Jesus reaches out to a man who is a despised tax collector, even though the crowd tries to shut him out. Whenever we try to exclude people, Jesus has a way of bringing them back into His presence. Even if they’re not worthy. Even if WE are not worthy.

Have you had an experience where you can’t imagine what comes next? Maybe your boss retires, and you can’t imagine what the new boss will be like. Or you are facing a divorce and the future seems very uncertain. We are looking at that Divine Disruption this week as Joshua takes over leadership after the death of Moses. He is filled with self-doubt, but God reminds him that he isn’t doing this alone. Do we need that reminder, too?

When life is disrupted by an illness, or a pandemic, or the loss of a loved one, what do you do? Do you stop and ask “what is God trying to show me” or do you go to bed and try to sleep off the misery? These divine disruptions can be painful, but can also be just the reset that you needed to send your life in a better direction. Pastor Dana takes a look at how we might remove the blinders from our eyes and use these moments as a catalyst for a brighter future. 

What advice did you get from your parents? Did it stay with you? We turn to the wisdom of Proverbs to hear what Solomon wanted his children to make sure to take with them - Godly wisdom that should be written on their hearts. 

The practice of Jubilee was already out of favor in the days of Jesus, but one of his first acts was to declare freedom in the name of the Lord. What does that look like for us in 2024? What does a Great Jubilee mean to us who are broken, held captive by our addictions, and self-doubts, and fears?

The idea of Jubilee meant freedom - land sold to pay debts was returned to the original owners, those sold into slavery were set free, and loans were forgiven. This was designed to create a society where people were openhanded and generous, knowing that all they owned was temporary and ultimately belonged to God. When we give generously, we tell others that they are valuable to God despite whatever hardships they face. This is a description of the type of Christian community God still wants us to create today. 

If you lived in ancient Israel, every 50 years a trumpet sound would mark the beginning of something new. A fresh start. A new opportunity. The Year of Jubilee. It was The Great Reset. We don’t celebrate years like this anymore, but can we apply some of the principles of Jubilee to our world today? Can we dedicate this next year to God as our own form of Jubilee?

He is Risen! It is still Easter, and Jesus is still alive! Easter isn't just one Sunday, but we continue to celebrate our risen Savior for the gift of eternal life. How does the power of the resurrection affect you? What does this mean to you, and how do you share that with other people?

Jesus did something! And he told Martha about it before it happened. Try explaining the resurrection now, and it is hard to believe. Eternal life? Death that cannot keep its grip on life? The hope of Easter is found in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ - do you believe? 

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week with sounds of "Hosanna! Hosanna!" We celebrate with Jesus and his disciples, but quickly turn toward the cross and reflect on the sacrifice of the cross.