Seekers, Sundays at 10:00 am
January 3: “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” with Jamin Roller
No one likes interruptions, but the Christian life is full of them. And for good reason. Whether they come in the form of a man beaten bloody on the side of the road or a child begging for our attention, we often fail to see interruptions for what they are—divine opportunities. God allows them to derail our plans for the sake of deepening our relationship with him and opening our eyes to our blind spots. In this one-session series, pastor Jamin Roller reexamines the Parable of the Good Samaritan to give us a fresh perspective on one of Jesus’s most famous parables. People are always more important than our plans. It’s a truth that can be difficult to remember in our fast-paced world, but those who follow Jesus are called to love in a distinct way that begins with asking how to be a neighbor to those around us.
Starting January 10: “You Are Never Alone” by Max Lucado
When life feels depleted, does God care? I’m facing an onslaught of challenges; will God help? When life grows dark and stormy, does God notice? I’m facing the fear of death; will God help me? The answer in the life-giving miracles in the Gospel of John is a resounding yes. In You Are Never Alone, Max Lucado looks at the miracles of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of John. John chose the stories and events from Jesus’ life that he believed would give his readers strength, empower them, lift them up, and speak life into their situations.
- Jesus transformed water into wine. We don’t have to apologize to God for praying for something insignificant.
- Jesus healed a man who couldn’t walk. We don’t have to stay stuck , no matter the reason we got stuck in the first place.
- Jesus saved the disciples from the raging storm. We are not alone in our storms, even when it feels like it.
- Jesus healed the blind man. We don’t have to be defined by our darkness: guilt, sin, trauma, anxiety, fear.
- Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. There is nothing so bad we have done that Jesus doesn’t have power over it to forgive.
- Jesus was resurrected. Even though his disciples didn’t believe him, Jesus didn’t add to their shame or punish them.
Today, take courage that you are stronger than you think because God is nearer than you know. This is the message of the miracles . . . that with God you are never alone.
To participate in the discussion, email Anthony Caronna seekers@genesis-umc.org.