We sometimes mistake religious performance for a relationship with God, convinced that if we just check enough boxes, we’re doing what He desires. The Pharisees kept all the rules, yet their hearts were far from Him. Jesus repeatedly crossed their man-made boundaries, not in rebellion, but to remind us that God cares more about what’s right than what’s merely religious. The world isn’t looking for people with all the answers; they want to see people who actually look like Jesus. May we have the courage to love like He does, even when the religious establishment won’t, because doing what’s right sometimes means breaking the rules.

Engaging a World that is Hostile to Your Faith
Every now and then, you will come across someone who feels the freedom to be confrontational when they find out that you are a Christian. They may ask you a loaded question or raise an objection that challenges your beliefs. This message is designed to encourage you with some key reminders about the awesome God you worship and the solid foundation on which your faith rests. It will also help you to be more thoughtful before responding in those highly charged encounters. Lastly, it will remind you that our Lord Jesus was also confronted by a hostile culture, and we can look to His example of how to respond with humble, quiet confidence.



