Onesimus had run away. Paul was determined to send him back to Philemon. Grace restored Onesimus to his place in the household and restored him to his place in the family as well. Join us as we explore Philemon 1:1-21. How do we pursue the will and heart of God in the midst of conflict? Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/donate

The Jesus we see in this passage seems out of character with the Jesus who loves and heals and cares for the poor. This Jesus announces division instead of peace. Sometimes, the issue that divides us is not the real issue. Join us as we explore Luke 12:49-56. Time to wake up! Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/donate

This story is not a critique of kitchen duty. This is what Martha loses sight of. She is pulled in many directions. Martha’s distraction and worry leave no room for the important aspect of hospitality; attention to the guest. Join us as we explore Luke 10:38-42. What is the one thing needed in this moment? Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry during our EmpowerBuffalo summer fundraising campaign: https://www.716emumc.org/donate

We hear the word “Good” and “Samaritan” together so much we might think that they are one-in-the-same. Yet, Jesus uses a Samaritan to show what loving neighbor really involves. Join us as we discuss Luke 10:25-37. Finish the story! Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry during our EmpowerBuffalo summer fundraising campaign: https://www.716emumc.org/donate

Jesus did not send the seventy out to prescribe behaviors but to be lived every moment of every day of our lives. Join us as we discuss Luke 10:1-11, 16-20. We aim to be fully equipped with a heart at peace! Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry during our EmpowerBuffalo summer fundraising campaign: https://www.716emumc.org/donate

Freedom is a tempting thing. It could easily be used to serve oneself. The freedom won in Christ is not a license to do whatever we please because freedom from restraint, must be matched by freedom for a particular purpose. Join us as we discuss Galatians 5. What are we using our freedom for? Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4602761

A man lives in grim conditions; among the dead, and recognizes Jesus. He delivers the people from the pigs and they are not fascinated by the sanity of the man, but horrified by the consequences of the salvation Jesus brings. Join us as we discuss John 14:8-17, 25-27. Healing is social AND political! Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4602761

Jesus' departure is good for the disciples because of the gift of the Spirit. Difficult to imagine, the disciples’ ministry will equal, and exceed, that of Jesus once he departs. Join us as we discuss John 14:8-17, 25-27. When the Holy Spirit came, silence was no longer possible! Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4602761

Making room for others can be hard work. We forget that the story isn’t all about us. Too often, those who are perceived as different become the objects of criticism and violence. Join us as we discuss Acts 16:16-34. Two wrongs don't make a right! Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://paypal.me/716EMUMC

Why design the pool so deep with the result that only a few have the means to get to it? This passage, John 5:1-9, tells the story of Jesus encountering many unhealthy people lying by the pool of Bethesda in hopes of getting healed. Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://paypal.me/716EMUMC

The love of Jesus is independent of who the other is or our feelings about them. The command to love one another is both our preparation for & our participation in his resurrected life, here and now. Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: 716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://paypal.me/716EMUMC

The Good Shepherd challenges his Sheep to build relationships as they hear the Good News, and respond in ways that motivated by trust rather than fear. Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://paypal.me/716EMUMC

The disciples are still on a journey of discovery. They have to recover the habits of discipleship they practiced for three years. The disciples have to grasp who they now are in light of the resurrection. Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: 716emumc.org Support our ministry: paypal.me/716EMUMC

Jesus is risen, but what sort of risen Jesus is this? And why is it that those who love him most can see him without recognizing him? *Pastor Raquel’s voice is recovering from being under the weather, so today’s audio is not the best - but this episode’s conversation is no less meaningful nor powerful!* Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/

Jesus is risen, but what sort of risen Jesus is this? And why is it that those who love him most can see him without recognizing him? Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://paypal.me/716EMUMC

Jesus was willing to leave his head behind and followed his heart. He sacrificed himself and his life, everything he had ever seen and heard, learned, achieved, received, and enjoyed to undergo the death of a Roman cross. Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://paypal.me/716EMUMC

Join us for this episode as we explore John 12:1-8, when Mary anointed Jesus at Bethany. The fragrance of life can be neither bought nor sold. Our task is to take the same kind of extravagant hospitality that Mary offered to Jesus. Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://paypal.me/716EMUMC

Join us for this episode as we explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The father knows that love is the real way home. Why is the elder son resentful? Is he correct? Learn more about Empowerment Ministry: https://www.716emumc.org/ Support our ministry: https://paypal.me/716EMUMC