Nathaniel From Timfam

I struggle to overcome the sense of meaninglessness and lack of purpose that can easily invade my days. I might think that my work or skill could give me a sense of purpose, but what about when my work ends or my skill isn't needed anymore? And I resist anyone else - a boss, even parents - pushing a sense of purpose on me. Something about Jesus fills my life with purpose. The lasting purpose of life. 

If you've ever struggled to see who you are and the impact you have on others, then you need to go with Jesus in John 9. Jesus helps us move from spiritual blindness to spiritual sight. 

Everyone lives for something. Is it something physical? It needs to be something inside you, something you can't touch or feel. Something that goes beyond what we think, or what we feel, or even what we desire. When we empty ourselves of our own push for life, we can be filled with the life of the one who gave everything for us. Let's get into John 4:5-29

What's the biggest threat to you and I experiencing a new life? Age? Morality? Religiosity? Education? Nope. Jesus shows us, and delivers a new life this week. Enjoy! John 3:1-16

There are so many places in life where I live inconsistently - and other people see it! If often wonder what life would be like if I could like consistently. Peter invites us to discover a life where we could live more consistently. Let's get into it in 2 Peter 1:16-21

I think sometimes that I wouldn't mind knowing real privilege. I'd like to stand out from the crowd and be recognized as different. But I know that I don't want to stand out for a lot of the same values that others appreciate. In Matthew 5, Jesus holds out a picture of a new life and says, you can have the privilege of this new life. In this sermon, we walk the first four steps (Matthew 5:1-6) on the path to privilege. 

Listening is a basic skill in any relationship. Listening builds connection. It places the hearer in the shoes of the speaker so their life is validated, justified. The marvel is God invites us to listen to him and to receive everything he has. We are shaped, molded, enveloped and changed by the forgiveness, approval, and grace he expresses. 

God wants to use you to preserve the world around us. In order for us to be much help, we need to be changed deeply. What a miracle it is to see renewal happen in us and around us! 

Relationships are filled with assumptions, expectations, and stories we tell ourselves about people. That isn't all bad. We expect love, kindness, generosity, honesty, and trust from certain people in our lives. But we need to take steps to change those expectations and that starts with our behavior.  Matthew 4:12-23

Relationships are hard. They can be really hard. Loving others and loving God go hand in hand. In this first message on relationships, we seek (and God willing discover) the key to pleasing relationships. 

If Christmas is true, then it changes everything about the way we behave. First and foremost, instead of receiving gifts, we become great gift givers. 

We resist a new status. How many of us like to be called Mr or Mrs so and so? God calls us to claim our status as his son and experience. The Spirit works in us so we can powerfully experience our status as a son of God. 

There is no doubt that this baby (Jesus) is a big deal. But the really great part of Christmas is that you are a big deal. And when you realize you're a big deal to him, this baby will be your big deal. 

In Joseph, Jesus shows us a new way of living. We are faithful. Even more, we leave the blame, guilt, and shame where it should be. 

Job suffered everything. His loss prepared the way for the joy he would soon experience from the gospel of Jesus. 

Sadly, we experience plenty of pain, difficulty, and even broken-heartedness. It is in those moments we can be filled with the peace that only the presence of Jesus gives. 

"Be you." How is that going for you? It's a lot harder than I ever thought it would be. Step by step Jesus has paid the price so that you and I are free to be the people God made us to be, Jesus has redeemed us to be, and the Holy Spirit is changing us to be. 

A group of people become a group of believers by the Word of God and baptism. Really becoming a group of believers is about more than just keeping obvious sin away. It means taking away shame. It means incorporating people into a group where there is no fear of death. Jesus makes the church a place where we can ask for help with our hearts.