Category Archive

Little did Luke know that of the many accounts of the life of Jesus, his would be one of four that survived. It’s worth asking: is Luke’s account reliable? Join us this Lent as we examine the life of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.

February 18, 2024 // Eyewitness Testimony // Luke 1:1-4

Christians are not expected to believe based solely on a collection of ancient manuscripts. The foundation of our faith is anchored to something far more substantial and sustainable.

February 25, 2024 // Just Do It // Luke 3:10-14

Many people admire Jesus for his teachings and the selfless way he lived his life. But there is a difference between admiring Jesus and being a Jesus follower. Admirers of Jesus didn’t shape civilization. The doers did.

March 3, 2024 // Lifetime Invitation // Luke 5:1-11

When it comes to our faith journeys, we all have a next step. Maybe it’s to worship regularly, join a small group, serve, share your faith or invest your resources in the Kingdom of God. Whatever your next step is, take it. You don’t know what hangs in the balance.

March 10, 2024 // The Good Samaritan // Luke 10:25-37

Many people of faith practice vertical Christianity. As long as I’m good with God it doesn’t matter how I treat other people. But that’s not what Jesus tells us. Jesus tells us that love for God is demonstrated by love for others.

March 17, 2024 // Parables of the Lost Things // Luke 15:1-31

It becomes very easy for religious people to look down at people who are not like them. But Jesus had a heart for non-religious people. Being right doesn’t give us the right to be self-righteous.

March 24, 2024 // More Than Christian // Luke 23:33-43

Many people believe in the first century person named Jesus. But Jesus didn’t ask for people to just believe in him. He invited people to follow him. So, what does it look like to be a follower and not just a believer?

Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Does God really love me? Is there a heaven? But questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith. They’re the path to a deeper faith. Come with us as we wrestle with faith together.

January 7, 2024 // Doubt and the Existence of God // Psalm 19:1-4a, Psalm 139:13-14a, Mark 9:24

For many people, seeing is believing. But if that’s your criteria for believing, it may be a stumbling block to belief in God. In week 1 of our series, we look at the question “does God exist, or is this just a myth we made up to make ourselves feel better?”

January 14, 2024 // Is the Bible True? // Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 14:6

The Bible is a collection of sixty-six books, composed and compiled over 2,000 years by at least 40 authors over 3 continents. John Wesley once said “the Bible contains everything necessary for salvation.” But many people wrestle with the authority and accuracy of the Bible. In week 2 of our series, we look at the question “Is the Bible true?”

January 21, 2024 // Is Jesus the Only Way? // 1 Timothy 2:3b-6a, John 14:1-6

Christians believe that if someone puts their faith in Jesus, they will go to heaven. We can’t do anything to earn our way to heaven, Jesus died for our sins and we only have to accept that free gift to find eternal life. But what happens to people of other faiths? Does God send them to hell? In week 3 of our series, we look at the question “Is Jesus the Only Way?”

January 28, 2024 // When Prayers Go Unanswered // Psalm 22:2, John 15:7, Luke 22:42

Heartfelt prayers for getting the job of your dreams, the spouse of your dreams, the healing of a sick loved one, or the reconciliation of a broken relationship do not always get answered the way we want. Or those prayers may not get answered at all. We all have experience with unanswered prayer. In week 4 of our series, we look at the question “why do my prayers go unanswered?

February 4, 2024 // Why Do the Innocent Suffer? // Genesis 1:27-28

People dying from natural disasters, children getting terminal illnesses, people dying of starvation, innocent people killed by gun violence or wars… there are many situations that make us wrestle with doubt when it comes to our faith. Many people wonder how a good and loving God can allow these things to happen. In week 5 of our series, we look at the question “why do the innocent suffer?”

Christians should be the most generous people on the planet because of God’s generosity toward us. We need to show our communities that our faith is more than just sermons and songs. In this series, we will explore the importance of giving, serving and loving in building the Kingdom of God.

November 5, 2023 // The Bridge Between Our Differences // Matthew 5:46–48

Jesus didn’t command us to agree with one another. We can disagree and love unconditionally. During Be Rich, our month-long generosity campaign, we remind our communities that everybody matters to God. Join us as we partner with some fabulous nonprofit organizations to meet critical needs in our communities.

November 12, 2023 // On Mission (Stewardship Sunday) // 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Planned giving enables mission. Mission enable lives to be changed and communities to be transformed. This week, get a glimpse into what your life could be like and what church could be like if we established a giving plan. What if money finally stopped being an obstacle and became the ultimate opportunity?

Nearly everyone has heard of the Ten Commandments – the list of “thou-shalt-nots” found in the Bible. Jesus saw these commandments not as onerous burdens, but as guardrails to help us experience a good and beautiful life. Every “thou-shalt-not” points to a life-giving “thou shalt.” These ancient words were given by a loving God who longs to protect us from harm while pointing toward a deeply meaningful and joyful life.

August 20, 2023 // No Other Gods // Exodus 3:13-15, 20:2-3; John 11:25-26

In the 21st century, a god is anything that is the central focus in our lives. Many of our false gods are gifts from God that get misused – like money, sex, and power. Putting God first in our lives and allowing everything else to be subordinate to that puts everything right in our lives. So, what’s at the center of your life? What drives you? If it is not God, we need to refocus.

August 27, 2023 // Idols, Images and the Invisible God // Exodus 20:4-5, Exodus 32:1, 4-5, 7

For as long as human beings have been around, we have longed to see God. We want to see, feel and touch our gods. The ancient Egyptians made idols that not only came to represent their gods, but they believe they were the essence of their gods. The second Commandment, given to the Israelites during this time, forbids the creation of idols or images to represent God.

September 3, 2023 // Keeping Promises, Hallowing God’s Name // Exodus 20:7, Lev. 19:12, Matt. 5:33-37

Our personal names are important. They go hand in hand with our integrity and character. No one wants someone to steal their identity and tarnish their reputation. God feels the same way about his name. So the 3rd commandment says “Do not misuse the name of Yahweh your God.” Some of us were taught that this commandment is about profanity. But the primary lesson this commandment was teaching was about promise keeping and truth telling.

September 10, 2023 // Sabbath: Rest, Renewal, Reverence // Exodus 20:8-11

Setting a day aside each week for rest and renewal is essential to our well-being and helps us be intentional about how we use our time to live the balanced life God intends.

September 17, 2023 // A Question of Honor // Exodus 20:12; Matthew 15:1-9

Even if you did not grow up in the church, you have probably heard the fifth commandment to “honor your father and your mother.” Maybe your parents referenced this commandment when you did not obey them. Although this commandment is familiar, what does it look like to honor your parents?

September 24, 2023 // Do Not Kill: Overcoming Evil with Good // Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-22, 43-44

The sixth commandment, “do not murder,” seems straightforward at first. However, Jesus came along and broadened the meaning of this commandment; and we find that his words have implications far beyond the taking of another human life. So what does this commandment mean for us today?

October 1, 2023 // Do Not Commit Adultery; Be Faithful in Marriage // Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27-30

In ancient Israel, the seventh commandment – “do not commit adultery”- was framed as a sin against a married man committed by his wife and another man. However, Jesus came along and broadened the meaning of this commandment and we find that it means more than sleeping with someone who is not your spouse. So what does this commandment mean for us today?

October 8, 2023 // Do Not Steal // Exodus 20:15; Isaiah 10:1-2; Matthew 25:42-43

The eighth commandment, like several of the other commandments, might seem so irrelevant to us. Most of us would agree that stealing is wrong and we would never do it. But most of our images of stealing are related to shoplifting or somehow taking someone’s material possessions. But when properly understood, we have all violated the eighth commandment; and God is calling us to stop stealing.

October 15, 2023 // Honesty: You Must Not Bear False Witness // Exodus 20:16; Matt 26:59-61; Acts 1:8, James 1:26

The ninth commandment was about not bearing false witness in the courts of ancient Israel. The people of Israel were prohibited from making false accusations against one of their neighbors and fellow Israelites. Most of us reading this devotional would not go to court and make false accusations… so how does this commandment apply to us?

October 22, 2023 // Contentment: Do Not Covet // Deut. 5:21; Mark 4:18-19; Romans 13:8-10

The tenth commandment warns us not to covet. Coveting in the Hebrew Scriptures is defined as strongly desiring something; and in the New Testament as the desire to have more constantly. We all struggle with coveting in our lives. We all want the latest stuff and what our neighbors have that we don’t have. We convince ourselves that if we just had more stuff our lives would be better. However, Jesus tells us our lives do not consist in an abundance of possessions.

“At the Movies” is a fun summer series where we show movie clips from popular films along with a message that connects those popular movies with scripture. You probably don’t usually look to movies for life lessons, but take our word for it: sit back, relax, and hear a different perspective on how films can point us toward the gospel.

July 9, 2023 // The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is a 1965 American musical drama. After its release in theaters, the critical response to the film was mixed, but it was a major commercial success, becoming the number one box office film after four weeks, and the highest-grossing film of 1965. It’s the story of a young woman named Maria, who is studying to be a nun but is sent to be a governess to seven children for a retired naval officer and widower. So where does this film point us toward scripture?

July 16, 2023 // Chariots of Fire // 1 Corinthians 9:24-26; James 1:2-5; Psalm 37:23; Isaiah 40:31; Genesis 1:27; John 3:16; 1 Samuel 2:30

Chariots of Fire is a true story of two British athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, who participate in the 1924 Olympics. Eric is a devoted Christian who runs for God’s glory. Harold is Jewish and he runs for acceptance in a culture that was prejudice toward people of his faith. The contrast in motives between Harold and Eric is very noticeable but you can sympathize with both men. So where does the movie point us toward scripture?

July 23, 2023 // Forrest Gump // John 13:34; Ecclesiastes 5:5; Romans 8:28; Luke 12:15; II Corinthians 9:8; Galatians 5:13; Matthew 18:2-3

Forrest Gump is a 1994 movie based on the 1986 novel of the same name written by Winston Groom. The movie tells the story of Forrest Gump, a very kindhearted man with a low IQ. The film follows several decades of his experiences in 20th century America. So where does the movie point us toward scripture?

July 30, 2023 // Beauty and the Beast (1991) // Philippians 2:3-8; John 15:13; Matthew 16:24-25, Matthew 25:34-40; 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Beauty and the Beast is a 1991 animated Disney movie based on a 1740 French fairy tale of the same name. The movie focuses on the relationship between the Beast, a prince who is magically transformed into a monster and his servants into household objects as punishment for his arrogance, and Belle, a young woman who lives in a small French village. So where does this movie point us toward scripture?

When we go through a difficult season of life it can shake our faith, causing us to cry out to God. What are we to make of bad things happening to good people? In this three-week series we will explore the book of Job. When he is plunged into agony, Job, like us, is confused and angry, crying out to God in prayer. Two recurring things come out in Job’s story: Job says, “I don’t want to suffer without explanation, and I don’t want to suffer without vindication.” Join us as we learn a path through suffering from the book of Job.

June 18, 2023 // Questions of Suffering // Job 1:8-22

No book in all of literature addresses the questions of suffering and evil with the spiritual wisdom of the book of Job. In this sermon, we will look at how the Christian approach to suffering differs from both cynical and moralistic viewpoints. Christians are called to hold onto the mystery and stay in a relationship with a God we cannot control – but whose goodness we cannot doubt when we truly grasp the Gospel.

June 25, 2023 // Miserable Comforters // Job 5:1-7

How do you bear suffering? How do you get through the inevitable suffering that will come to you? The answer to that is comfort. In the book of Job, Job has three friends who show up and do an absolutely terrible job of comforting. Yet, even by looking at their terrible comfort, we’re going to learn something about the sources of comfort.

July 2, 2023 // My Servant Job // Job 38:1-3, 40:8-12, 42:1-10

Job is a man who is plunged into agony, and for chapter after chapter, Job is confused and angry, crying out to God in prayer. He longs to meet with God and prays that God would show up. And God does. This is the climax of the whole book. There are three things we’re going to learn about this final climactic appearance of God before Job – the argument of God, the silences of God, and God’s wonderful, terrible storm.

April 30, 2023 // First Steps // Romans 12:10, 14-17

Repairing a relationship requires someone to initiate, regardless of who’s to blame for the fallout. There’s a simple prayer you can learn to help you take that first step.

May 7, 2023 // The Man in the Mirror // Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 7:3-5

It’s human nature to blame the other person for a damaged relationship. We don’t believe we contributed to the problem at all. However, reconciliation requires an honest look in the mirror.

May 14, 2023 // The Posture of Reconcilation // Romans 5:10-11, 2 Corinthians 5:20–21

The more mature person typically makes the first move toward reconciliation. And that first move is rarely convenient.

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.

May 8, 2022 // Sarah and Hagar // Genesis 16:7-10, 13-14; Genesis 21:10, 15-20

In this series, we are looking at the stories of women in scripture in order to learn a little bit about our own stories. These Biblical stories teach us something about who we are and who God is. Today we turn our attention to the story of Sarah and Hagar which is found in the book of Genesis. But what does that tell us about our story and who God is?

May 15, 2022 // Rahab // Joshua 2

With instructions from God, Joshua prepares God’s people for the battle of Jericho. He tells them over and over “to be strong and courageous.” To prepare for battle, Joshua sends two spies into the city to size up the situation. They wind up at the home of Rahab, who becomes an unlikely hero. Rahab is one of the Bible’s most fascinating and unique characters. Although not an Israelite, she makes daring decisions to follow God, based on the little information she had. Ultimately, she becomes a key figure in God’s redemption story, and is listed as part of Jesus’ family tree.

May 22, 2022 // Esther (For Such a Time as This) // Esther 4:12-14

The story of Esther focuses on the Jewish community that remained living in the Persian capital of Susa after the Babylonian exile was over. The most powerful man in the world at that time was King Xerxes, who was a shallow man who lived his life for his own pleasure and wealth. After an orphan named Esther wins a beauty contest, she becomes the new queen and saves the Jewish people from a genocide ordered by her husband the king. So what do we learn about ourselves from this story?

March 13, 2022 // Whose Will Be Done? // Luke 22:41-42

In this series, we are examining the Lord’s Prayer to get a better understanding of its meaning so that when we pray it, we will connect with God like never before. So what does the phrase “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” mean for us?

March 20, 2022 // Our Daily Bread // John 6:30-35

“Give us this day, our daily bread,” is often where we want to jump first in prayer—our personal needs can feel so pressing and urgent. Jesus teaches us to pray first with the perspective of God’s Heavenly Kingdom, and then pray with confidence for what we need to sustain us each day. As we pray, we discover ways to partner with God to ensure others have their physical and spiritual needs met as well.

March 27, 2022 // Forgive… As We Forgive // Luke 23:32-34; Matthew 6:14, 18:21-35

In this series, we are examining the Lord’s Prayer to get a better understanding of its meaning so that when we pray it, we will connect with God like never before. So what does the phrase “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” actually mean?

April 3, 2022 // Lead Us… Deliver Us // Matthew 4:1-11, Ephesians 6:11-17

We have been exploring the Lord’s Prayer and come now to the line that asks God to lead us “not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” which has led to to some confusion. Is God in the habit of leading us into testing and temptation? We know that Jesus understood the lure of the evil one, who sought to derail his ministry. And Jesus knew that we, as his followers, would struggle personally with temptation and evil. Jesus also knew, as a society, we would be enticed by evil. We need this prayer, for ourselves and for our church, as we seek to follow the guidance of the Spirit and avoid the whispers of the Deceiver.

April 10, 2022 // For Thine is the Kingdom, Power, and Glory // 1 Chronicles 29:10-11

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever,” the closing line to the Lord’s Prayer, most likely was not originally part of the prayer that Jesus taught, but was added and recited by Christians by the end of the first century. With this shout of praise, we pledge to truly own this prayer and allow it to govern the way we think and the way we live, and ultimately how we follow Jesus into the world today.