Beloved, the Church of Jesus Christ has never been strangers to storms. From the earliest days, God’s people have walked through divisions, persecutions, misunderstandings, and painful disruptions. None of these things has ever been good for the Body of Christ. Anything that threatens the unity and peace of God’s people is not of God, because God Himself is peace, unity, and love.

Our seminary professor always told us that we should be scholars who believe. He says that a believing scholar is honest about not having all the answers to theological questions. It's a humble way of saying that faith starts where human understanding stops.

One of the most significant problems in the history of religion has been the ongoing debates about what lies beyond us, such as heaven, resurrection, angels, and the mysteries of eternity. The Sadducees and the Pharisees were accustomed to engaging in such debates. They enjoyed discussing, debating, and sharing their own opinions. They often acted like they knew the answer to every spiritual question.

Sometimes, being curious can lead you to a divine encounter. You never know when a simple question or interest can lead to a life-changing revelation. I remember how much I loved reading books when I was in high school. A friend gave me a book one day, not knowing that God had put a message in it just for me. I started reading out of curiosity. What began as simple curiosity quickly turned into an encounter with the living Word. I let Jesus Christ into my life when I read that book, and everything changed.

Today, in light of Luke 18:9–14, we are encouraged to look at a story that shows how the heart acts. Jesus delivers this narrative to those who believed they were right and thought everyone else was wrong.

During last Sunday’s Mission Rivers Cluster Charge Conference we heard DS Rev Lindsey Baynham Freeman preach a message to us entitled, “Worthy of the Calling.”   It was a reminder to be persistent in our prayers and actions!  The new motto of the District Office on Connectional Ministries is Cooperate, Collaborate and Connect.  That kinda sounds like a message of persistence to small rural church now , doesn’t it?

Lord, make us people of gratitude — quick to thank, eager to serve, and ready to share Your love beyond these walls. Let our thanksgiving be more than words — let it be our way of life.  

In Luke 17, the disciples yelled to Jesus, “Lord, give us more faith!”  They thought their faith wasn’t strong enough to handle the problems they were facing.  But Jesus reminds us—that faith isn’t strong because of how big it is, but because of who it is placed in.

Have you ever been in a situation where you were really scared?  I am sure that all of us have been in a situation where we were really afraid at some point in our lives.  And how do you react when you are really, really scared? 

The big question this morning: Who is our Lazarus? Who do we know who is hurt, ignored, or in need? You know, Love for others shows faith. What we give is what really matters in life. This is the day to do what really matters!

Every choice we make, both as individuals and as a group, shows who we really serve. Putting God first makes money a tool for His work. Putting money first pushes God to the side. This is why Jesus makes it so plain that we can’t serve two masters.

Each time I make a trip back home to Kenya, I know something will be waiting that needs to be fixed. That’s one of the reasons I go home—to put things in order. On my last trip, we were doing many things at once, but one particular issue robbed me of peace.

Encouragement is the basis for having hard talks. Start with thanks and love when you confront someone. It gets the heart ready to forgive.

Think of it: Jesus gave up His place of honor in heaven so that you and I could have a seat at God’s eternal table. The cross was the lowest location for the person who should have asked for the highest seat. God raised Him up by humbling Himself, giving Him the name beyond all names (Philippians 2:8–9).

Listen: God never calls you by accident.

Sometimes in life, the chances are not in our favor. The Bible says that the Israelites were stuck between the sea and Pharaoh’s army. There was no way out, no bridge, no boats—only God. And at that point, they decided to trust Him, and He made a way when there was none.

Some of us have stood in that kind of situation before.

Today’s reading encourages us to think about the lives of people who lived by this kind of faith, especially Abraham, who obeyed God and saw beyond what was seen. As you think about our patriarchs’ faith journey, I challenge you to think about your journey as well.

Revival corrects that wrong thinking. It reminds us of the joy of our salvation. It gives us new meaning and purpose as we see God’s glory and goodness. Revival leads us to new effectiveness and enthusiasm. Revival is what our soul is longing for!

I pray this message finds you both challenged and encouraged. In this week's sermon, I felt led to speak honestly about the storms we face together—not just as individuals, but as a church body. Whether you were present in worship or are catching up now, I invite you to reflect with me on what it means to be Christ’s church in times of uncertainty and change.

So, what does it mean to be rich in God’s eyes?