Topic: Boast
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August 31, 2025
Series: Sundays after Pentecost, Wounds That Heal
Speaker: Pastor James Enderle
Everyone knows that humility is a positive trait, and pride is a negative one. So, why bother talking about what we already know? Because in spite of that knowledge, we still helplessly fall into the trap of pride. We all desire acclaim, recognition, and praise. Jesus’ sharp words this week teach us that seeking exaltation in futile and fleeing ways will only result in receiving the opposite. Those who attempt to exalt themselves will eventually be humbled by God. In contrast, Jesus promises that those who leave their exaltation to God will receive honor and glory far greater than any that can be awarded in this life. Our exaltation does not need to be our responsibility, because Jesus has already made it His.
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February 16, 2025
Series: Epiphany Moments, Sundays after Epiphany
Speaker: Pastor James Enderle
Topic: Attitude, Boast, Difficult, Easy, Enough, forgiveness, God's Word, Grace, Jesus, Lies, More than, power, Pride, Scriptures, Suffer, Thorn in Flesh, Trust, Truth, weakness
“This is good. That is bad.” We often think life is that simple. We believe we can assess a situation accurately and determine if it is positive or negative. It’s hubris. As Jesus gathered followers, he taught them that his kingdom runs exactly opposite to the principles and priorities of the world. Therefore, much that we think is good is bad, and vice-versa.
If we want to accurately see the world, we need to have this epiphany. That which the world considers a blessing can often be a curse. Things like success and wealth and health can lead us away from our God. We become so enamored with those blessings that we forget about the Blesser. Conversely, there are hidden blessings in what we would normally consider curses. When we fail, when we suffer, and when things don’t go our way, it forces us to put our trust in God and for our souls to be satisfied in him. The reality is that perceived blessings can be cursed and perceived curses can be used for our blessing.
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September 10, 2023
Series: Sundays after Pentecost, The Church...
Today Christ tells us that for Him and for us, going God’s way means death must come before life. He calls on us to deny ourselves and follow Him on the way of the cross. Those words offend our sinful flesh and make our Old Adam cry with Peter, “Never!” So today the Church prays for the never-failing mercy of Christ that we might avoid such wicked and harmful thoughts and instead be guided on the cross-laden path to salvation. Then, and only then, do these words of Christ cease offending our flesh and become a joy and delight for our heart (Verse of the Day). The Church is militant: first the cross, then the crown.
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Improbable Not Impossible
September 2, 2025 -
Is Faith All You Need?
August 29, 2025