Our souls crave certainty,  We have been too often misguided, deceived and deluded. More information has not solved our problems. If anything, we are now left with too many possibilities, a confusing collection of  choices.  Into this cloud of unknowing, Jesus speaks a comforting word of certainly, to anchor our souls in the storm.Our souls crave certainty,  We have been too often misguided, deceived and deluded. More information has not solved our problems. If anything, we are now left with too many possibilities, a confusing collection of  choices.  Into this cloud of unknowing, Jesus speaks a comforting word of certainly, to anchor our souls in the storm.    The Point: Live like we know how the story ends: Good wins because God wins! Next Steps: How much good can we do this week? Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirks-corner-mobile-01.b-cdn.net/sermons/Seven-Last-Words-2026-Week-3-Sermon-Notes.pdf

When John sees the vision recorded in Revelation, the precious city of Jerusalem was in ruins, razed to the ground by Roman forces.  However, God did not abandon His people.  John sees the Son of David returned to His glorious, eternal throne, and the kingdom forever restored.    The Point: God will fix the world by fixing each of us. Next Steps: What area of our lives do we want God to fix this week? Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirks-corner-public.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Seven-Last-Words-2026-Week-2-Sermon-Notes.pdf

The Scriptures begin and end in a garden, featuring a tree that has always promised eternal life.  That tree is still standing, and so are God’s people.  A family that began with one couple has now become a multitude.  How can this vision inspire us?    The Point: Christ offers us the life we were always intended to live. Next Steps: What one thing can we do this week to experience life the way God intended? Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirks-corner-public.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Seven-Last-Words-2026-Week-1-Sermon-Notes.pdf

After returning from his travels, Pastor Dirk shares lessons learned during his time of rest and reflection.    The Point: Paul’s prayer reminds us that God has given us potential, unlimited potential, right here in our little church, to make a real difference in a world that is racing to destroy itself. We make this difference when we come together on a regular basis to remind ourselves and remind one another that it is all about Him. Next Steps: Are you in? Do you want to help us make a difference?

The closing scenes of Jonah’s story bring us back to the beginning, a place of refusal and rebellion.  Once more, God moves directly to call His prophet back on task.  Where are we in the process of engagement and evaluation?  How is God calling us to refocus on His will for lives?     The Point: In our quest for justice and comfort, God calls us to prioritize mercy. Next Steps: Let’s look for opportunities this week to show mercy toward one another. Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirks-corner-public.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Reluctant-Prophet-2026-Week-5-Sermon-Notes.pdf

Now reengaged in his calling, Jonah sees God work powerfully among a foreign people. Sometimes we need those outside the circle to give us a new perspective. Jonah’s story of recommitment presses us to reassess our own level of engagement.  What would we be willing to do if we ventured a bit outside of our comfort zones?     The Point: The Word who created the universe has chosen to speak through us. Next Steps: Each day this week, share something about God with someone else. Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirks-corner-public.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Reluctant-Prophet-2026-Week-4-Sermon-Notes.pdf

Finally, in the depths of the sea, in the belly of a huge fish, God gets Jonah’s attention.  Critics have wondered whether this story is more mythical than historical, but Jonah himself leaves little doubt as to its meaning.  God’s salvation is far more powerful than our rebellion.     The Point: No matter how far we have fallen, God is there to lift us up. Next Steps: Whom can we help to lift up this week? Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirks-corner-public.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Reluctant-Prophet-2026-Week-3-Sermon-Notes.pdf

Jonah’s decision to run from God’s call carries dramatic consequences.  He endangers himself and others. God creates a storm to bring him back online.  What can we learn from this story about God’s commitment to our participation in His work?  The Point: How deeply to we embrace God’s calling on our lives? Next Steps: Let’s begin each day this week by reminding ourselves that God has chosen us to do a job. Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirks-corner-public.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Reluctant-Prophet-2026-Week-2-Sermon-Notes.pdf

When God calls, will we embrace the honor? Jonah refuses and chooses instead to run the other way.   Later in the story he explains his reasons, but are they credible?  What answers do we offer when we are likewise called to serve as God’s representatives in our broken world?  The Point: How strongly do we believe that God can change people? Next Steps: What one thing can I do each day this week to help convince people, rather than condemn them? Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirks-corner-public.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Reluctant-Prophet-2026-Week-1-Sermon-Notes.pdf