Did you answer that email? Get that assignment done? Don’t forget that appointment! There are chores to be done, places to go, work to complete, and a finish line that seems ever moving. The busyness in our lives and monologue in our minds can be
relentless. Is life supposed to feel anxious, rushed, and overwhelming?

Lent is a time of reflection as we approach Easter. During this six-week series we will take time to slow down and see the things we are called to throw off so that we may fully embrace the things of Jesus. Creating space to grow our faith can seem impossible amidst schedules threatening to collapse on us, but this countercultural rhythm of rest is what leads us to abundant life. There is more for us, but we must make room to receive it—will you create space to more fully embrace God’s love?

This two-week series focuses on two sacraments that mark our identity as children of God–baptism and communion. The water and blood that flowed from His side were paving the way to our new life, and when we partake of these sacraments, we see a picture of our Salvation displayed. But more than a symbol, following Jesus’ example in both baptism and communion is a means by which God imparts grace to us. And while we don’t fully understand the mystery of these gifts, we know that we are a people marked by the water and the blood poured out for us.

From the beginning, humanity was designed to live in relationship with God. To know Him and be known by Him is the essence of our existence; and to be separated from Him the source of our suffering. This is why sin causes such brokenness; it separates us from the source of our life. But God gave the ultimate sacrifice to restore us to Himself—His Son, Jesus Christ. Now, those that have been redeemed carry the call to share the message of salvation with those still separated from the One they were made to know. Rooted in Matthew 10:7, this three-week series leading into our Missions Gathering will teach us how to carry out this mission with endurance as we go throughout our daily lives and to the ends of the earth.

What is God calling us, both as a church family and as individuals, to surrender? What habits or struggles is He asking us to yield as we once again consecrate our lives to Him? We will see how God calls His people, His Temple, to repentance, and how this ushers
in a season of renewal. Asbury is ripe with hope–hope for newness, for change, for growth. We don’t want to miss what God is doing by holding on to what He’s asking us to release. Repentance is necessary for revival to come–will you allow Him to Clean Our Temple?

This series is based in four prominent Old Testament prophetic texts related to Jesus and how we see them fulfilled in the New Testament. Each text has at least partial application to the key weekly themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy, love. When we think of December, words like plan, cook, clean, trim, decorate, hang, shop, wrap, package, create, write, mail, wash, call, and attend come immediately to mind. How do experience more hope, peace, joy, and love? The answer—the promise of Jesus.

The week between Christmas and New Years is often viewed as a “catch up week”- this short in-between time to take a deep breath before life gets busy again. As refreshing as this breath is, it never lasts long enough. But what if this practice became a regular rhythm of our hearts? In this standalone message, A Holy Pause, we will be looking at the Biblical practice of pausing to reflect, worship, and rest.