'Turning Toward the Kingdom'

From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” (Matthew 4:17)

Jesus didn’t begin His ministry with a list of demands or a burden of religious effort. His message wasn’t “try harder” or “do better.” His call was simple, powerful, and life-changing: turn. Turn because a new Kingdom — God’s Kingdom — has drawn near.

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'When God Moves, We Move'

3,400 years ago, the Israelites camped on the east side of the Jordan River anticipating the great river crossing into the Promised Land.  It was a transition time from Moses leading to Joshua leading, from desert to Promised Land, from wandering to settling.  They waited on the banks of the river for instructions.  Joshua 3:3–4 says, “You are to move out from your positions and follow [the Ark of the Covenant]. Then you will know which way to go.” God gave them a simple instruction: wait until you see the ark move—then follow. They had learned this rhythm long

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Refreshing Others'

Generosity is a divine principle that multiplies life, while withholding only shrinks it. Proverbs 11:24-25 reminds us that “one person gives freely yet gains even more… He who refreshes others will be refreshed” showing that giving isn’t a zero-sum endeavor. Rather, giving enlarges the life

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Living Water'

t the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stood and cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37–38). Imagine the scene: a people remembering how God gave water in the desert, now hearing Jesus declare that He Himself is the source of true refreshment.

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Running the Race of Faith'

In I Corinthians, Paul compares our lives with a race at the Isthmian competitions which were held just outside Corinth every two years. Paul made two important observations that are true for our lives today. We need self-control and self-mastery to win the race. Paul writes, “Therefore

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Courage for God’s Calling'

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” – Joshua 1:6

The people of Israel stood at the edge of the Promised Land. Moses had led them faithfully for forty years, but because of his disobedience, he could only see the land from Mount Nebo. God

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Grow Groups Matter, Profoundly'

Grow Groups have been critical in the development of my faith and practice. When I was a child, I remember my parents’ small group meeting. They sang (my mom played the piano), read scripture, shared how God was working in their lives, prayed for each other, and followed up.

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Grounded in Faith'

Faith as a virtue is grounded in God’s grace and a relationship with Jesus. Scripture reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Our standing with God is not earned by our works; it is received as a gift. Virtue, then, is never a way to earn salvation—

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Where do your loyalties lie?'

Jesus gave us fair warning: money competes with God for our loyalty. Our loyalty to God is regularly tested by money, but Jesus says, “You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matt 6:24). Jesus draws a clear contrast—there’s a choice to be made. Who will you be loyal to?

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Rev. Jonathan Beck