Aug. 16, 2026

Who belongs in God’s family?

In this message, Rev. Dr. Bill Brunold explores Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman—a woman who appeared to be firmly on the outside. She was a Gentile, a Canaanite, and someone the disciples would rather have sent away.

But Jesus sees something different.

🙏 She calls Him “Lord.”
👑 She confesses Him as the “Son of David.”
❤️ She depends completely upon His mercy.
✨ And Jesus commends her extraordinary faith.

Her story reminds us that God's grace isn't reserved for people with the right background, history, or credentials. Jesus reaches those considered outsiders and brings them into His family.

And then He calls us to do the same.

There may be people God has placed in our lives whom we'd rather avoid. But perhaps those are precisely the people who need to hear what God has done for us. We don't create faith—that is the Holy Spirit's work. We simply share the story of God's grace.

🤝 See beyond the labels.
❤️ Reach out to those on the fringe.
✝️ Share what Jesus has done.

Because through Christ, outsiders become family.