February 2026 Sermons

The mission of our church is “We use our resources, tangible and intangible, to minimize human suffering and enhance human well-being. This is godliness to us.”

The “Jesus Before Christianity” series addresses the crucial need for clarity about what it truly means to follow Jesus Christ, beyond the label “Christian.”

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

• Black history (just like Hispanic, Asian, European, and Native history) belongs to all of us. We must be reminded that Difference and Diversity are God’s Design.

 

• It is a time when all can cry together over all those bodies that died during the passage to this country on slave ships.

 

• It is a time when we can stand and act about many of the laws and societal rules that this country has adopted that continue to hold African Americans and others in bondage, even without the chains.

• It is also an opportunity to correct many misrepresentations, misunderstandings, and fallacies about African American culture.

 

• Black History allows us to celebrate and honor the historic leaders of the black community.

 

• Celebrating Black History helps us to be better stewards of the accomplishments that Black people have achieved.  

Today, I am grateful for the diversity of our church’s membership, for in that diversity we find our strength. I know that the more diverse our church’s experiences are, the better equipped our congregation will be to offer support in various circumstances.

 

One day Christ will return, and on that day, we will all look back at the history, not just of a single race but of people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. God is weaving an intricate quilt of events that climax in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

The mission of our church is “We use our resources, tangible and intangible, to minimize human suffering and enhance human well-being. This is godliness to us.”

“When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.”

“Some people, devoid of empathy and humanity, serve as agents of darkness, leaving a trail of hurt and despair in their wake, revealing the severe absence of light in their souls!” ― Shaila Touchton

• They Make You Feel Seen Without Trying

• Their Kindness Is Consistent—Even When No One Is Watching

• They Give Without Keeping Score

• They Bring Calm into Chaotic Situations

• They’re Humble in a Way That Feels Natural, Not Performative

• They Treat Everyone with Genuine Respect

• They Inspire You to Be a Better Person—Without Saying a Word

The place of your greatest struggle can become the platform for your greatest testimony.

Gradually, we build a relationship with ourselves as we clean up the things that keep us trapped in self-loathing and self-sabotage.

Healing and renewal are progressive processes, not instantaneous.

Our experiences of harm and loss deepen our compassion for others’ struggles.

If we regret the past, we make amends by living differently today; if we dread the future, we work on living responsibly today.

Each day offers us opportunities to confront our darker impulses, reflect on ourselves, and cultivate healthy habits. This commitment to growth signifies that, regardless of our past or current state, we have the power to evolve.

Each life reflects God’s love and purpose, reminding us that we are all called to play a role in His plan for the world.

God uses our stories, whether ordinary or extraordinary, to demonstrate His faithfulness and transformative power.

The mission of our church is “We use our resources, tangible and intangible, to minimize human suffering and enhance human well-being. This is godliness to us.”

The “Jesus Before Christianity” series addresses the crucial need for clarity about what it truly means to follow Jesus Christ, beyond the label “Christian.”

“Jesus is in living color and surround sound, revealing the nature and essence of God. The life of Jesus illustrates three critical ways in which God interacts with humanity.” - Leonard Sweet

·        Interactions: The ways God communicates and connects through conversations, actions, and relationships.

·        Interventions: Moments when God steps in to help or change a situation, showcasing His guidance and support.

·        Intersections: Points where God’s purpose meets our lives, creating significant moments of change or revelation.

“They arrived in the territory of Gadara on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. As Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man came out of the tombs and met him. The man was controlled by an evil spirit and lived among the tombs. No one could restrain him any longer, not even with a chain. He had often been chained hand and foot. However, he snapped the chains off his hands and broke the chains from his feet. No one could control him. Night and day, he was among the tombs and on the mountainsides, screaming and cutting himself with stones. The man saw Jesus at a distance. So, he ran to Jesus, bowed down in front of him, and shouted, “Why are you bothering me now, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me.” He shouted this because Jesus said, “You evil spirit, come out of the man.” Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He told Jesus, “My name is Legion [Six Thousand], because there are many of us.”

“Behind the mask of piety, a legion of demons can reside, driving them to manipulate and deceive. A person's actions reflect their inner world; observe their fruit, not their appearance.” ― Shaila Touchton.

Legalism Over Love: Emphasizing strict observance of rules over grace, mercy, and compassion.

Exclusionary Practices: Churches create spaces where only certain groups feel welcome, sidelining marginalized individuals.

Greed Masked as Prosperity: Promoting prosperity theology that equates wealth with divine favor, exploiting the vulnerable.

Religious Elitism: Fostering a mindset of spiritual superiority among select members, dismissing outsiders.

Selective Compassion: Providing help only to those who share specific beliefs and biases.

Apathy Towards Social Justice: Ignoring societal issues while concentrating solely on personal matters.

Performance Culture: Prioritizing outward appearances and success over authentic spiritual growth.

Power Dynamics Among Leadership: Leaders misuse influence and position for control rather than serving the community, hindering growth.

Consumer Mentality in Worship: Viewing church as a service to consume rather than a community to engage, leading to disengagement.

“Some people, devoid of empathy and humanity, serve as agents of darkness, leaving a trail of hurt and despair in their wake, revealing the severe absence of light in their souls!” ― Shaila Touchton

• They Make You Feel Seen Without Trying

• Their Kindness Is Consistent—Even When No One Is Watching

• They Give Without Keeping Score

• They Bring Calm into Chaotic Situations

• They’re Humble in a Way That Feels Natural, Not Performative

• They Treat Everyone with Genuine Respect

• They Inspire You to Be a Better Person—Without Saying a Word

The mission of our church is “We use our resources, tangible and intangible, to minimize human suffering and enhance human well-being. This is godliness to us.”

Mark 4:35 “As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, 'Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.

“They arrived in the territory of Gadara on the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus instructs His disciples, “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans.”

We acknowledge the suffering and contributions of diverse individuals and groups shaped by history around the world.

We are invited to consider the personal “storms” and “crossings” we must undertake for the sake of others.

No single race or culture can fully express the infinite glory of God’s image; our differences enrich our understanding of God’s splendor from multiple perspectives.

"We are all stereotyped. It takes a conscious effort to be reminded that those we stereotype are human beings, not merely labels."