Sermons By Alan Bentrup

In this sermon from our Historical Markers summer series, we explore a story of healing at the Pool of Bethesda, and the surprising grace of Jesus. Set alongside the history of Mineral Wells, Texas, once known for its “healing waters,” we reflect on how many of us are still striving for healing, wholeness, and purpose.But what if grace doesn’t meet us in our hustle?What if Jesus shows up not when we’re scrambling to fix ourselves, but when we stop, sit still, and finally let go?Drawing from John 5:1–9, we discover a man who had been sick for 38 years, unable to get to the healing waters. And yet, it’s there, in his stillness and surrender, that Jesus comes to him.This sermon reminds us:• You don’t have to prove yourself for God to love you.• Even serving at church can become a way of trying to earn grace.• God doesn’t need the organist, the ushers—or even the priest—for grace to arrive.• And if we’re too busy—even doing good things—we might miss the healing standing right in front of us.Historical Marker + Go