Their faith was a hollow shell - empty and rooted in tradition - and they were leading others astray. In Matthew 15:1-20, the religious leaders put man-made traditions ahead of God’s Word, making their rules the foundation of worship and a requirement for purity. Jesus isn’t having it. What comes next is not only highly offensive, it’s incredibly necessary – as he goes beneath the surface, exposing their hypocrisy and warning us against falling into the same trap.

It’s a story of faith when afraid; of trust in the face of terror. Matthew 14:22-33 invites us, in the midst of our fear and doubt, to rest in Jesus’ presence and power. The early church held onto it as a picture of a life of faith. We’re called to do the same. Will you settle for a “safe” life - crippled by fear? Or will you step into the storm and move toward Jesus, holding onto his every word – knowing that he holds onto you?

Local stories are stories of God's grace at work in the lives of those who are a part of Local Church St. Pete. We want to highlight his activity and celebrate his grace.

We’ve all experienced times of tragedy when all we want to do is retreat and be alone. In Matthew 14, immediately after one of Jesus’ best friends has been murdered, he wants to be alone but the crowds are pressing in. The compassion he shows and provision he brings not only meet them where they are but
reveal who he truly is.

Do you understand? This is a common question teachers ask students to make sure they grasp the lesson. True understanding is revealed by how the student performs on their test. After sharing his final parable in Matthew 13, Jesus asks his disciples, “have you understood all these things?” We too must answer Jesus' question. However, this is not merely an academic or intellectual question. Those who truly understand his parables will prioritize the Kingdom of God. Our response to Jesus’ message is revealed by the way we live.

We've all read the headlines that cause our stomachs to drop. When you read the ancient prophet Hosea, it can feel like one of those headlines - a story of heartbreak, betrayal, and self-destruction. But it's there, in the midst of humanity's deepest brokenness and rejection, that the God of the Bible responds with relentless mercy and love. Just when you think all hope is lost, God’s unwillingness to give up stares you in the face. Just when you think there’s no possible way forward, his love breaks through with a heart-stopping invitation: “Come back to me.”

What if the way you handle money is one of the most spiritual things about you? Generosity isn't just a financial decision — it's a formation practice that shapes the soul. In this class, we'll explore what Scripture says about living with open hands, why Jesus talked about money more than almost any other topic, and how cultivating generosity break the grip of fear and scarcity in our lives.