Having returned to Capernaum, a number of people now knew that Jesus was able to heal the sick. Four men had a friend who was paralyzed, whom they wanted to bring to Jesus for healing. It seems to have taken considerable time and effort to get the paralyzed man from where he was staying to the house where Jesus was teaching. By the time they arrived, the house was filled and a large crowd apparently had gathered outside. Perhaps the Lord could see the commotion going on outside, caused by the four who were determined to get the paralytic to Jesus.  Undaunted by the difficulties, the men elected to "go up on the roof and lower him on his mat (a.k.a. pallet)." The scene, as viewed from below, must have been amazing. This leads me to the theme I see in this passage: My faith is important, not just for the benefit of my own relationship with God, but for the benefit of those I spend time with as well. For faith to be effective, it must inspire the one who has it to act in a way that shows it is present. The faith of these men showed, and because of it, their friend was healed.

Today is July 4th, the day on which we, as American Citizens, celebrate our independence as a nation. In the year 1776 on this day, the Declaration of Independence was signed by the founders of this nation. Today in 2021, we remember this day and celebrate our freedom. Pastor Kevin will be discussing what is true freedom? Why is it so important? Why do we so cherish it? Although we enjoy unparalleled freedom as Americans, the freedom we find in Christ far surpasses our American freedoms. Jesus said that he could provide true freedom: “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (Jn. 8:36). True freedom can come no other way, except through Jesus. Any freedom outside of Christ is just an illusion, because it’s temporary. The freedoms of this nation – as precious as they are – could be taken away from us. Yet, the freedom we enjoy in Christ can never be taken away.

Today is Father’s Day. Father's Day is a day set apart to celebrate fatherhood, recognize the influence of fathers in our homes and society, and foster paternal bonds. It is also celebrated to honor and commemorate our fathers and forefathers. This morning Pastor Kevin will be looking at the life of David, of whom the Bible says is, "A man after God's own heart." Furthermore, we can follow this theme of fatherhood in the very person of God Himself through countless scriptures (Matthew 5:45; 6:9,32; Romans 1:7; 15:6; 1 Corinthians 8:6). There are many instances that speak of Jesus Christ, the Son, honoring His Father and honoring the will of His Father (e.g., John 17:1 and John 17:5).

Today Pastor Kevin teaches the fifth installment of his series entitled, "Come Together". Serving God is a crucial part of your spiritual growth. Jesus Christ modeled this in His life and ministry for us. (Mark 10:45) Serving one another is one of the reasons God brought us into a relationship with Himself. (Ephesians 2:10) Putting our faith to work in practical everyday ways builds up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Ultimately it is Jesus Christ we are serving through our actions, activities, and projects. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NASB

Today Pastor Kevin discusses the importance of fellowship and what are the benefits of fellowship. Fellowship is an important part of our faith.  Coming together to support one another is an experience that allows us to learn, gain strength, and show the world exactly what God is.  Coming together with other believers in worship and conversation helps to remind us that we are not alone in this world.  There are believers everywhere. It's amazing that no matter where you are in the world when you meet another believer, it's like you suddenly feel at home.  That's why God made fellowship so important. He wanted us to come together so that we always know we're not alone.  Fellowship allows us to build those lasting relationships so we're never by ourselves in the world.

Today is Mother's Day.  A special day to honor the ladies in our lives. Pastor Kevin will be teaching from 2 Timothy 1:3-7.  Have you ever thought about all of the roles that your mother filled while you were growing up? I just jotted down a few this week - and this list is by no means exhaustive.  Nurse, counselor, spiritual advisor, educator, nutritionist, accountant, transportation center, maid, peacemaker, entertainer, and I came up with those in just a few minutes.  There are so many other roles that our mothers fulfill each and every day.  A mother's influence.  We're here this morning to celebrate Mother's Day.

Today Pastor Ruben is filling in for Pastor Kevin. Pastor Ruben will be teaching on Psalm One.  Many Christians do not realize the significance and importance of figures of speech used in the Bible.  Figures of speech are the Holy Spirit’s markings as to what is important in the Word of God. Figures of speech are designed to make you stop and think about what you are reading.

Today we are welcoming Carlos Sales as guest speaker.  Carlos and Lisa Sales are the founders of Reaching the Hungry.  Carlos and Lisa believe that spiritual growth, for both individuals and the church as a whole, is a top priority.  Your relationship with God and His people is central to everything we do.  While each of us have unique journeys, we were created to walk through them together.  For this reason, Reaching the Hungry is committed to fostering community within the church that stretches across borders and obstacles of every kind.

God is holy and mankind is sinful; holiness is incompatible with sin, so humanity's sin separates us from God. The punishment for sin is eternal death. But human death and animal sacrifices are insufficient to atone for sin.  Atonement requires a perfect, spotless sacrifice, offered in just the right way. Jesus Christ is the one and only perfect God-man, and His death provided the perfect atoning sacrifice for sin and that through Jesus, our own sins can be forgiven. Consequently, when we accept Jesus Christ's payment for sin, he washes away our sin and restores our right standing with God; God's mercy and grace make salvation possible and we receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.  These beliefs explain why the date of Jesus' crucifixion is considered a "Good" Friday.