Advertise on podcast: People Becoming the Church

As you can imagine, people weren’t quite sure what to do with Jesus. Even Johnappears confident here, though later we see he had questions as well. In this passage,we see a pattern that still holds true today: an invitation that leads to realization andrevelation—and ultimately demands a response. The question we all have to answer isthis: will we follow or not?

In the opening lines of the Gospel of John, we’re introduced—almost poetically—toJesus: who He is, why He came, and how we’re meant to respond. From beginning toend, John is helping us see these realities clearly so that we may believe and find life inHis name.

Jesus is Risen! Jesus died on that cross for our sins and He rose from the dead 3 days later! He requires a decision. There is no 3rd option. You either accept His free gift of forgiveness and follow Him as your Lord and Savior or you stand in opposition with Him. As we see with the two thieves on the crosses next to Him. One choice to mock and scoff at Him and the other believed and accepted. Both were in the same position, one received everlasting life and the other death. Which one will yo choose? 

Jesus entered Jerusalem not as a conquering king but as a humble servant, riding on a donkey not a glorious stallion.What type of leader are we looking for these days?  What sort of leader do we need?“Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous… yet humble…” (Zech. 9:9b, NLT).People were looking for a Messiah... John 12:12-13, NLT Jesus was looking for a proper entrance... John 12:14-15, NLTPeople were looking for answers....  John 12:16-19, NLTWhat are you looking for during the Holy Week (aka Passion Week) leading up to Easter?Our Heavenly Father is looking to keep his covenant promises.... Jesus is looking for those who will worship him.... Our community is looking for someone to lead.... Our community is looking for people committed to become the church....  

Canvas is People Becoming the Church— we want those who don’t know Jesus to discover Him and those who do know Him to grow in becoming more like Him. Together, we seek to worship God, grow in faith, connect in community, serve our world, and share the gospel. We believe that Jesus is the eternal difference-maker. He is the giver of life, the healer of brokenness, and the lover of every soul. Our lives, like a canvas, can get pretty messy. God wants to take our mess and turn it into a masterpiece.“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Ruth 4:13–22 brings the story of hope to its fulfillment as God turns promise intoprovision. What began with emptiness ends with fullness, as Naomi holds a child andthe future of redemption is secured. This passage reminds us that what God promises,He always provides—sometimes in ways larger and longer than we can imagine. Thestory of Ruth ends with a child named Obed, but it points us forward to a Savior namedJesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redeeming promises.

Redemption moves from promise to action when someone willingly steps forward to restore what was lost and provide lasting hope. True redemption is never hidden, cheap, or partial—it is costly, public, and complete. This moment gives us a glimpse of the greater redemption God would one day accomplish through Jesus.

Hope often requires waiting, even when we don’t know how things will turn out. Truepatience isn’t passive—it’s trusting that God is already at work and that His timing isperfect. In learning to wait faithfully, we discover that hope grows stronger and God’splans unfold exactly as He intends.

Integrity matters most when we are vulnerable and the stakes are high. Choosing to acthonorably, even when no one is watching, protects hope, preserves relationships, andreflects God’s character. These moments reveal that God’s redemption often worksthrough our faithful and careful obedience.

God’s pursuit of us calls for a willing response. When we choose to follow and obey, westep into the work He is already doing in our lives. True faith begins not with ourinitiative, but with a heart ready to say, “I will,” and trust that God’s plan is unfolding.

God often provides rescue through the faithful actions of others. Redemption is notsomething we earn, but something extended through a person He appoints to act onour behalf. This points forward to the ultimate Redeemer, whose work secures hopeand restoration for all who trust Him.

God often shows His love through the people around us. Even when we do notdeserve it, acts of kindness can reveal His mercy and open doors for hope. Recognizingand receiving this kindness points us to the ultimate kindness of God Himself, shownmost fully in Jesus.

Humility is the soil of God's provision. God’s blessings often come through ordinary, everyday work, and humility prepares usto receive them. When we serve faithfully and quietly, we cultivate hearts ready for Hisprovision. Humility is the soil in which hope and redemption grow.

True faith is more than following feelings or doing what’s easy; it’s a wholehearteddecision to trust and follow God. Ruth’s choice to leave her past and embrace God’speople shows that salvation begins with obedience and trust, even when the wayforward is uncertain. Her faithfulness points us to the greater salvation God offersthrough Jesus, calling us to respond with the same courage and commitment.

Sometimes God feels distant, and our circumstances seem hopeless. Yet His presenceis never absent, and His purposes are quietly unfolding behind the scenes. Even in thedarkest seasons, hope exists because God is working to bring restoration and life inways we cannot yet see.