Category Archive

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus proclaims “The Kingdom of God is near!” But when we look around at the world today, it seems like the Kingdom of God is a long way off. So what did Jesus mean by that statement and what is our role in ushering in the kingdom? Join us as we explore the topic of the Kingdom of God in the gospel of Mark.

February 19, 2023 // The Kingdom of God // Mark 1:14-15, Mark 12:28-32

Many times we read the Bible for application, inspiration, or direction. However, there are times when the author wants to simply point the reader to a big idea… an idea that fits together with God’s grand story. In the gospel of Mark, he documents Peter’s experience with Jesus that led Peter to believe in one big idea: the kingdom of God is near, and everyone is invited to participate.

February 26, 2023 // Everyone is Invited // Mark 1:38-45, 2:2-5, 13-14

Jesus ignored certain religious protocols. He claimed to have authority to forgive sin. He was uncomfortably comfortable with unrepentant sinners. In this message, we hear about three encounters that showed Jesus came to reverse the order of things.

March 5, 2023 // The Heart of the Law // Mark 2:15-17

Whether it’s school, sports, or religion, when we focus only on the rules, it can be difficult to remember the overall purpose of something. Jesus reminds us that when we focus so much on the letter of the law, we may forget why the law was written in the first place.

March 12, 2023 // Loophole Religion // Mark 7:1-15

From an early age, we learn quickly to look for loopholes in the rules. We try to figure out what we can get away with and still be okay. We tend to take this same mindset into our relationship with God, but it doesn’t work. When we opt for loopholes and workarounds, we find ourselves in a category no one wants to be in: hypocrites. Jesus calls us to move beyond loophole religion.

March 19, 2023 // Others First // Mark 10:32-45

Fear invites us to follow the path of self-preservation. However, if we follow that path long enough, we will neither preserve nor have anything to show for our lives. The original disciples of Jesus had the same tendencies at times. On one occasion, Jesus reminded them of what it means to follow him by saying four powerful words that still apply to his followers today.

March 26, 2023 // Storms of Life // Mark 14:48-50

Many times, our faith deteriorates as our circumstances deteriorate. When that happens, our faith is quickly overcome by fear, and the future looks dark. The apostle Peter experienced this, and he temporarily fled his faith in Jesus.

April 2, 2023 // The End of the Beginning // Mark 14:66-72

We all have embarrassing moments we can laugh about later. There are shameful moments that we would give anything to undo. But while our pasts remind us, they don’t have to define us.

When people are asked the question “what are the most critical issues of the day?”, the answer is different depending on your generation. In this series, we are going to examine the most critical issues identified by millennials and Generation Z. As we tackle each concern, we’ll explore how Jesus’ timeless words and actions point us toward meaningful change. Together, we can work across generations to become part of the solution.

January 8, 2023 // To Our Divided Nation // Matthew 5:43-45, James 1:19-20, 26

It seems like in every aspect of life, our nation is becoming more and more divided as people gravitate toward silos of people who think and vote like they do. Many people are frustrated with the division in our country, but there are very few people working on solutions. So what would Jesus say to our divided nation?

January 15, 2023 // About Mental Health // Matthew 14:22-33

Our nation is experiencing a mental health epidemic. Anxiety, Depression and suicide are at an all-time high and no one seems to have a solution. So what would Jesus say about mental health?

January 22, 2023 // About Diversity and Inclusion // Luke 10:25-29, Galatians 3:26-28

Our nation was founded on the principle that “all people are created equal.” However, we seem to struggle with making this a reality for all people. Although progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to do and not many solutions. So what would Jesus say about diversity and inclusion?

January 29, 2023 // About Our Environment // Genesis 1:25-28, 31

The number one concern of young adults today is climate change. However, their concern about climate change is not on the top of list of concerns for older Christians today. In fact, only 34% of evangelical Christians believe climate change is a serious problem. So should Christians be concerned about our environment? What would Jesus say?

Join us this Advent season as we explore the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The Angels of Christmas series is based on an Advent book by Susan Robb. The Angels of Christmas uses these four angelic appearances to discuss God’s presence in history and our lives today. The messages of the angels hold meaning for listeners both then and now.

November 27, 2022 // Standing in the Presence of God // Luke 1:5-25

In week one of our series, we will examine the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and how the announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy by the angel Gabriel foretells the coming nativity of Christ.

December 4, 2022 // Let it Be // Luke 1:26-38

In week two of our series, we look at Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel as Mary learns she will become pregnant with Jesus.

December 11, 2022 // Acting on the Unbelievable // Matthew 1:18-25

In week 3 of our series, we examine Joseph’s encounter with the angel who informs him that Mary’s pregnancy is divine in nature and instructs him to care for her.

December 18, 2022 // Hark! The Herald Angels Sing // Luke 2:1-14

In our final week of the series, we will explore the angelic visit to the shepherds and the announcement of the birth of the Christ child.

What does it mean to invest in the things that have real meaning and purpose? How can we as Christians participate in the work of God to bring life and love to the people around us?

October 30, 2022 // Financial Happiness // Matthew 6:21, Luke 12:15

November 6, 2022 // Christianity and Wealth // Luke 12:15; Genesis 28:20-22; Malachi 3:7-10; Mark 12:43

Some people get uncomfortable when pastors talk about giving money to the local church. They do not believe the church should ask for money. Some people see giving to the local church as an obligation of Christians that funds the budget. And when it comes to giving to the local church, it’s hard to measure the immediate impact of your giving. So what is the importance of giving to the local church?

November 13, 2022 // Leaving a Legacy // Psalm 90:1-6, 10-12

Over the past two weeks, we have looked at how to invest our money so that we would find more joy and less stress in our lives. Based on advice from scripture, we learned that in order to live the life Jesus calls us to live, we must align our spending with our priorities. When we do that, we find the life that truly is life. But there is another type of investment in life, besides money, that will either give us a life of purpose or one that is joyless and stressful.

Two thousand years ago, a gathering of people in a middle-eastern city began a movement that would circle the globe and leave its mark on individuals and cultures on every continent. This movement would eventually become known as The Church. The church is a movement. And it’s still moving.

September 25, 2022 // Opening Day // Acts 1:6-8

When we think of church, why is a building the first thing that comes to mind? Is church a place full of robes and pews? Bands and banners? Or is church meant to be something different? Church is much more than a building or a place. Church is more than pews, hymnals, lights, and music. In fact, on opening day, the church had no buildings or rituals, no bands or robed choirs. What it did have was a gathering of people intent on one thing: creating followers of Jesus Christ. The church was a movement that continues today: A multiplying, multicultural gathering of people who believe that Jesus is the Savior and whose lives reflect his teaching.

October 2, 2022 // How the West Was Won // Acts 9:1-19

A few short years after the church began the movement was stalling out. The mission to be Jesus’ witnesses to the ends of the earth was not happening. But that was all about to change. And Christianity would begin to spread up and down the Mediterranean due to the ministry of the most unlikely of candidates.

October 9, 2022 // The Reformation // Revelation 3:14-22

Five hundred and five years ago this month, Martin Luther changed history forever. His hammer, nail and list of 95 beliefs rocked the most powerful empire of his day. What did he believe that was so explosive? How did Martin Luther ultimately change the way we think about God?

October 16, 2022 // Methodism // Ephesians 2:8-10

The 1700’s were a time when society was polarized, when rationalism had led people to believe they no longer needed God, when the rich struggled with materialism and the poor with lack of necessities. Sound familiar?
Into this world a priest and Oxford professor named John Wesley came to trust in Christ and then began preaching a faith that would bring a revival of Christianity throughout the British Isles and across America. Wesley’s message and his faith continue to speak to 21st Century Christians – calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that our lives and our world might be changed.

October 23, 2022 // The Best is Yet to Come (100th Anniversary) // Matthew 28:18-20

Today Asbury celebrates its 100th anniversary. A lot has changed since 1922, but our mission and vision remain clear. Join us to celebrate this milestone in the life of our church, remembering who we are and what God has called us to do.