Advertise on podcast: Hershey Free Church

“God wants you to be happy.” How do you respond to that statement? On the one hand, you may view God as a type of “cosmic grandfather” we approach when we have specific desires or needs. On the other hand, you may read that statement and argue that it’s part of the “prosperity gospel” that doesn’t reflect biblical Christianity. Whatever your view, you may be surprised by Jesus’ perspective that we will explore as we continue our study of John 13-17.

Jesus explained that the ministry of the Holy Spirit would be twofold: his ministry to the world (16:8-11), and his ministry to believers (16:13-15). Jesus’ words in this passage are powerful and encouraging. We have the gift of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. It reminds us that we have all that we need in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who is our Advocate.

In Jesus’ farewell discourse, he describes the type of life that he is challenging his followers to live. He also promises the gift of his Spirit, who can nurture fruitfulness and flourishing in each of our lives. However, he warns us that there will be complications along the way. So, what are those complications, and how do we prepare for them? We will address those questions on Sunday as we continue our study of John 13-17.

What makes a good gardener? A Master Gardener knows their plants and how to care for them. That means they take all the necessary steps, including pruning and trimming. As we dig into John 15, we are going to see how our Gardener cares for us and challenges us not just to grow and bear fruit, but to reproduce and share that fruit with others.

Has this happened to you? You’ve been given an assignment at school or work but weren’t given the resources to actually complete it? If you know that type of experience, then you can empathize with Jesus’ disciples in John 14. In this passage, he raises the expectations about their future, while acknowledging that he is leaving them. It seems like he’s “raising the bar,” while lowering the available resources. So, what’s his solution to this dilemma? We will explore that on Sunday as we continue our study of John.

In the midst of a chaotic scene, Jesus uttered these words to his disciples: “don’t let your hearts be troubled!” If you’ve had someone utter platitudes to you before, perhaps Jesus’ words feel empty and hollow. Yet, as we follow the conversation in John 14, we will see that there are reasons to take Jesus seriously—reasons that can reshape your life, even in the most complicated moments.

At times, Jesus took bold action in his public ministry—doing things like overturning the tables of the merchants in the temple. Likewise, he also did things that broke social norms and conventions. As we continue our study of John’s gospel, chapter 13 records one of those norm-breaking moments. In fact, it’s so surprising and unusual that it makes his disciples awkward and uncomfortable. Yet, embedded in this moment is a lesson about life that is transformational. We will explore that lesson on Sunday!

This Sunday we are returning to our study of John’s Gospel. In describing the ministry of Jesus, there’s an important connection that John wants us to make—it’s the link between Jesus and life. Whether you realize it or not, each of us is pursuing some version of a flourishing life. So, what exactly is the life Jesus offers us? Join us on Sunday as we explore the relationship between Jesus and life.

As we conclude our study of Esther on Sunday, we will see that there’s one more twist in the story. It’s a twist that becomes one more example of God’s providence at work in the midst of complicated circumstances. If that was true then, what does this mean for your life now? What does it look like for you to embrace the providence of God?

At some point, you may have felt that you are stuck in life because of the decisions of others—boxed in by forces you can’t control. But does that have to be the end of your story? As we continue our study of Esther, we will see how this vulnerable, young woman became a person of influence. Likewise, we will see the one factor that led to dramatic change in her life.

Do you remember the song "Into the Unknown" from Frozen 2? Sorry if that triggered an earworm. There's a line that says, "I've had my adventure, I don't need something new. I'm afraid of what I'm risking if I follow you into the unknown." Have you ever paused to consider how that line relates to our walk with Jesus? There are moments when we don't know God's plan or what comes next, and it can lead us to question God and perhaps consider bowing to something else. It is in those moments that we have a choice to make: Stand for God or bow to the world. As we look at Esther 3 this week, we will see how Mordecai responds in a tense moment and unpack the implications for our lives.

What do you do when God seems silent and nowhere to be found? If you have ever felt that way, Esther is a book for you. It’s a story of intrigue, complexity, and deliverance. It’s a story where God is never mentioned, yet he is always there. As we begin our study of this book, it’s a story that invites us to be open to the reality that God is at work, even when we can’t see it.

As James concludes his letter, he highlights three dimensions of a way of life that is radically whole—personal integrity, persistent prayer, and compassionate community. Join us on Sunday, as we discover how God works through ordinary people to bring restoration, healing and hope.

Waiting is hard. We want answers now, relief now, and results now. Yet, life doesn’t always work that way. At some point, we find ourselves in situations that require patience. As James invites us to become people who are “radically whole,” he states that developing patience is part of that process. So, what exactly is it? How do I develop it? Join us on Sunday as we continue our study of James and learn how we can endure patiently.