Unity Presbyterian - Denver, NC

The practice of Jubilee was already out of favor in the days of Jesus, but one of his first acts was to declare freedom in the name of the Lord. What does that look like for us in 2024? What does a Great Jubilee mean to us who are broken, held captive by our addictions, and self-doubts, and fears?

The idea of Jubilee meant freedom - land sold to pay debts was returned to the original owners, those sold into slavery were set free, and loans were forgiven. This was designed to create a society where people were openhanded and generous, knowing that all they owned was temporary and ultimately belonged to God.When we give generously, we tell others that they are valuable to God despite whatever hardships they face.This is a description of the type of Christian community God still wants us to create today.

If you lived in ancient Israel, every 50 years a trumpetsound would mark the beginning of something new. A fresh start. A new opportunity. The Year of Jubilee. It was The Great Reset. We don’t celebrate years like this anymore, butcan we apply some of the principles of Jubilee to our world today? Can we dedicate this next year to God as our own form of Jubilee?

He is Risen! It is still Easter, and Jesus is still alive! Easter isn't just one Sunday, but we continue to celebrate our risen Savior for the giftof eternal life. How does the power of the resurrection affect you? What does this mean to you, and how do you share that with other people?

Jesus did something! And he told Martha about it before it happened. Try explaining the resurrection now, and it is hard to believe. Eternal life? Death that cannot keep its grip on life? The hope of Easter is found in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ - do you believe?

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week with sounds of "Hosanna! Hosanna!" We celebrate with Jesus and his disciples, but quickly turn toward the cross and reflect on the sacrifice of the cross.

As we draw closer to the cross, Pastor David takes a look at Simon of Cyrene, who was literally asked to take the cross and follow Jesus. Like Simon, we don't often get to choose when our hard times happen.When we suffer, who is leading us through our trials? Are we ready to follow Jesus, even to the cross?

Do you find it hard to do the right thing when it goes against what everyone around you is doing? Is it easier to remain silent? What about when it goes against what your boss or your government has dictated to you? This week, we get up close to Jesus through the Man with the Withered Hand, who met Jesus on the Sabbath Day, when work of any kind, even healing,was forbidden by law. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath Day holy?

We live in a do-it-yourself society, where it is a sign of weakness to ask for help. But God tells us to rely on Him, and to not lean entirelyon ourselves. What does it look like to reach out to God? Pastor David looks at thisthrough the story of the bleeding woman who took a chance and touched the hem of Jesus' cloak to be healed.

Has an event in your life brought you in front of Jesus, maybe for one mistake you made that you became known for? Would you like to receive mercy and forgiveness instead of judgment for it? This week, Pastor David looks at the story of the adulterous woman, which reminds us that there is a judge, and it is not us. What rocks do we carry around that we need to put down?