Yes, David beat Goliath. But why did the adults allow a child to go to war in the first place? Sure, Jonah was swallowed by a whale. But did anyone notice he’s kind of like petulant child who throws temper tantrums? In this episode of The Pew with Rev. Mike Holly and Rev. Austin Lerner-Gay, Asbury’s pastors explain that the Bible isn’t a book about heroes at all. It’s really an unflinchingly honest book about ordinary people who make mistakes. Over and over again. But God is always with them. And he never stops giving ordinary people chances to do extraordinary things.
January’s sermon series “The God You Thought You Knew” explored some common misconceptions about the character of God – He’s not an angry judge; He’s not an imperfect parent; He’s not running a talent show; and He’s not like a bad cop trying to get you. The series explained what Jesus says about God and talked about we can course-correct these negative perceptions to reveal a much more loving and caring God. In this video podcast, Reverends Mike Holly and Robert Mercer talk about what inspired our pastoral team to take on this series and what misconceptions they personally had to overcome.
The February Sermon Series “The You You Thought You Knew” based on Matthew 4 tackled common misconceptions we have about ourselves – whether that be things we were taught or things that the world wants us to believe about ourselves and each other. Rev. Mike Holly and Rev. Robert Mercer elaborate with Content Producer and Moderator Liz Dial and remind us that there is freedom that comes from seeing ourselves as God sees us—beloved, worthy, and created with purpose.
We don’t deal with boredom or empty space well. We fill every minute of our lives with distractions chasing things we can control or that provide an escape. But you are more than the job you do. The 10K you ran. The bank account you have. When we can be still, silent, and allow ourselves the space to get there – we might find ourselves becoming relaxed. Content. We just might find ourselves in communion with God. In this episode of The Pew, Rev. Maggie Dunaway and Rev. Michael Bowman (along with the help of some Dallas Willard quotes) explain why Asbury’s pastors chose the Lenten Series Hungry Hearts and how we can begin the work of finding stillness. It is a practice. And it isn’t easy. But God will meet you at the end.
So you go church on Sunday? Great. Except that faithfulness – and following the way of Jesus – doesn’t happen for an hour on Sundays. We’re called to be Christians each hour, minute, and second of every day. In this episode of The Pew, Rev. Robert Mercer and Rev. Michael Bowman acknowledge the difficulty of Christianity but ease of the work. Embrace love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, respectfulness, and self-control. To the best of your ability. In your neighborhood. And watch how the world changes.