Your Neighbourhood Place of Hope

From the Pastor’s Desk

This week we stay with the theme of Jesus in His garden of churches. He walks among the plants—pruning one, harvesting from another, pulling weeds from around a third. He treats each plant—each church—with just what it needs so it might return to the centre, Jesus himself. 

So often, Jesus has to say to His church: 

“Stop what you’re doing. Turn around.” In other words: “Repent.” 

Rev. Kerry mentioned a beautiful reflection on this last week after the service. He said there’s an inflection in the Hebrew word for “repent” that means “come home.” That changes everything. 

When Jesus says repent, He’s not scolding. He’s saying: 

“There’s life here—but not there. 

Come home. 

Come to your centre. 

This is life—full and free. 

It’s what you were made for.” 

I’ve had a wicked earworm today: “Made for More.” 

It’s all about coming back to the centre—Jesus Christ—again and again. Leaving the shame of the grave behind. Embracing who we are because of Him. 

Once we get hold of that truth, we can face anything.

And I invite you to read this week’s passages here and join us—either in person or online—as we listen to Jesus speak words of comfort and correction, both to the ancient churches and to us today. 

With you for Christ 

Pastor Jeremy 

 
Questions to Go Deeper:

1. What stood out to you in today’s talk? Was there something that made you think or that you really connected with? Was there anything you found confusing or that you’d like to understand better?

2. Like Sardis, am I spiritually alive—or just appearing to be? Where am I coasting on past faith, or maintaining a Christian image while my heart has grown numb or distracted? What might it mean for me to “wake up” spiritually this week? 

3. Like Philadelphia, what small faithfulness is Jesus encouraging me to hold onto?  In what area of life do I feel small, overlooked, or weak—and yet still trying to be faithful? What “open door” might Jesus be placing before me, even if I feel unqualified? 

4. Like Laodicea, where have I grown lukewarm or self-sufficient—and how is Jesus knocking?  Where have I stopped depending on Jesus because life feels comfortable or under control? What would it look like to open the door and welcome Him more fully in?