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Encounters with Jesus

God's Plans Can't Be Rushed

God's Plans Can't Be Rushed

PAUL SADLER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

What could be more urgent than your daughter dying? And yet Jesus makes the father wait. As He does, we learn something about faith, death, and the power of God. This message teaches us how to respond when we're forced to wait on God.

Luke 8:40-42, 49-56

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There's More That Jesus Wants To Do for You

There's More That Jesus Wants To Do for You

PAUL SADLER | SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

We often have a small view of what we need from God, and we want to get it with as little fuss or hassle as possible. But God wants more for us and He draws us out to receive it. This message looks at a woman who was desperate for Jesus' help but content to stay lost in the crowd. What Jesus does in her life teaches us what He might be seeking to do in ours.

Luke 8:43-48

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Why Doesn’t God Give Me What I Want?

Why Doesn’t God Give Me What I Want?

PAUL SADLER | September 1, 2024

When God doesn't give people what they want, some see it as evidence that He doesn't care, or He's not there. This passage looks at some people who didn't get what they wanted from Jesus, and it helps us understand what God might be doing in our own lives when things don't go our way.

Luke 8:26-39

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Why's God Sleeping When I'm in the Storm?

Why's God Sleeping When I'm in the Storm?

PAUL SADLER | AUGUST 25, 2024

We can find ourselves in desperate circumstances where God doesn’t seem to be doing anything. It can make us doubly frustrated – both at the circumstances and God’s inactivity. This message looks at how we can activate our faith, avoid the panic, and rest in God's care when the storms of life come.

Luke 8:22-25

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When All the Secrets Are Revealed

When All the Secrets Are Revealed

PAUL SADLER | AUGUST 4, 2024

People hear lots of sermons over the course of their lives, but how we respond to the message of the Bible has huge implications. This message looks at how to respond to God's Word and what happens when we do.

Luke 8:16-21

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How to Get More From Life

How to Get More From Life

PAUL SADLER | JULY 28, 2024

It's frustrating to work so hard and see so little progress in our lives. We usually blame our circumstances or other people, but Jesus pointed in a different direction that's far more hopeful. This message looks at the path toward a life of greater fruitfulness.

Luke 8:1-15

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How God's Forgiveness Can Change You

How God's Forgiveness Can Change You

PAUL SADLER | JULY 21, 2024

We can often find ourselves growing critical and impatient with the people around us. Even our love for Jesus can grow cold. This passage looks at the causes and how God helps us to deal with them.

Luke 7:36-50

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What Gets in the  Way of Finding God

What Gets in the Way of Finding God

PAUL SADLER | JULY 7, 2024

Many people would like to be closer to God, so the distance can feel mysterious. Jesus addressed some people who were far from Him and explained what was keeping them from moving forward. This message looks at the obstacles that keep us from God and what we can do about them.

Luke 7:24-35

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Why Isn't It My Turn for a Miracle?

Why Isn't It My Turn for a Miracle?

PAUL SADLER | JUNE 30, 2024

The miracles of Jesus are both comforting and awe-inspiring. But if He did that for them, we can't help but wonder when He doesn't do the same for us. This message looks at a person with just such doubts and shows us how Jesus addressed them. 

Luke 7:11-23

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When You Don't Deserve God's Help

When You Don't Deserve God's Help

PAUL SADLER | JUNE 23, 2024

Guilt and regrets can distance us from God. We don't feel like we deserve the help that others might be worthy of. This message looks at a person who was gripped by those regrets but found mercy in Jesus and learned something about the nature of true faith.

Luke 7:1-10

outline

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