Vista Community Church https://www.thevista.tv/ Vista Community Church media@thevista.tv Vista Community Church We are a church that seeks to love God and love people through living and sharing the Gospel. Sunday services at 7051 Stonehollow in Temple, TX. We are a church that seeks to love God and love people through living and sharing the Gospel. Sunday services at 7051 Stonehollow in Temple, TX. en © 2026 Vista Community Church no Causes and Cures for a Hardened Heart | David Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>In Chapter 3 of Hebrews the author quotes Psalm 95 referencing the story of the Exodus of God's people from Egypt and them wondering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their "hardened hearts." But what causes our hearts to become hardened toward God and what is the remedy?</p> <p>In Chapter 3 of Hebrews the author quotes Psalm 95 referencing the story of the Exodus of God's people from Egypt and them wondering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their "hardened hearts." But what causes our hearts to become hardened toward God and what is the remedy?</p> In Chapter 3 of Hebrews the author quotes Psalm 95 referencing the story of the Exodus of God's people from Egypt and them wondering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their "hardened hearts." But what causes our hearts to become hardened toward God and what is the remedy?

]]> Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1637 1 312cac4b9e2bb3625f95210279257272 no Merciful and Faithful | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>It's not easy being a Christian, and Jesus knows all about it. In Hebrews 2:1-18 we learn that while the call to obedience is firm, the one who calls is merciful and faithful, and he is not ashamed to be our high priest and brother.</p> <p>It's not easy being a Christian, and Jesus knows all about it. In Hebrews 2:1-18 we learn that while the call to obedience is firm, the one who calls is merciful and faithful, and he is not ashamed to be our high priest and brother.</p> It's not easy being a Christian, and Jesus knows all about it. In Hebrews 2:1-18 we learn that while the call to obedience is firm, the one who calls is merciful and faithful, and he is not ashamed to be our high priest and brother.

]]> Sun, 07 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1814 2 6936182f0041bb4aa54595bdafc23f38 no How to Not Drift Away | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>The recipients of this letter to the Hebrews were most likely Jewish Christians who were sort of beginning to drift away from the gospel message they had heard and believed. For this reason, the author of Hebrews begins the letter with the person and work of Jesus to remind them of the gospel. Drifting away from our faith is something that we're all in danger of and therefore we need to be on guard against. But what does it mean to drift away from our faith and how do we avoid doing so?</p> <p>The recipients of this letter to the Hebrews were most likely Jewish Christians who were sort of beginning to drift away from the gospel message they had heard and believed. For this reason, the author of Hebrews begins the letter with the person and work of Jesus to remind them of the gospel. Drifting away from our faith is something that we're all in danger of and therefore we need to be on guard against. But what does it mean to drift away from our faith and how do we avoid doing so?</p> The recipients of this letter to the Hebrews were most likely Jewish Christians who were sort of beginning to drift away from the gospel message they had heard and believed. For this reason, the author of Hebrews begins the letter with the person and work of Jesus to remind them of the gospel. Drifting away from our faith is something that we're all in danger of and therefore we need to be on guard against. But what does it mean to drift away from our faith and how do we avoid doing so?

]]> Sun, 31 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1610 3 fa56b4571bf44416b5c1db44c67ac364 no Easter 2026 | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>In I Cor. 15 the Apostle Paul is writing to the church about how belief in the resurrection of Jesus is essential to the Christian faith. And while there is a lot of biblical, historical, and circumstantial evidence of the resurrection, our challenge is to move beyond a mental or cognitive acknowledgement of it, to living our lives in light of this reality. The question we should ask ourselves is... what difference does the resurrection of Jesus make in our lives?  </p> <p>In I Cor. 15 the Apostle Paul is writing to the church about how belief in the resurrection of Jesus is essential to the Christian faith. And while there is a lot of biblical, historical, and circumstantial evidence of the resurrection, our challenge is to move beyond a mental or cognitive acknowledgement of it, to living our lives in light of this reality. The question we should ask ourselves is... what difference does the resurrection of Jesus make in our lives?  </p> In I Cor. 15 the Apostle Paul is writing to the church about how belief in the resurrection of Jesus is essential to the Christian faith. And while there is a lot of biblical, historical, and circumstantial evidence of the resurrection, our challenge is to move beyond a mental or cognitive acknowledgement of it, to living our lives in light of this reality. The question we should ask ourselves is... what difference does the resurrection of Jesus make in our lives?  

]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1693 4 e9f2fe5f5364a82fb6b074be685a3871 no Forget Your Perfect Offering | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>Mark's gospel ends with the reinstatement of Peter, after his great failure 48 hours earlier. Because our failure does not have to be failure, but rather can be an occasion for the beauty of grace.</p> <p>Mark's gospel ends with the reinstatement of Peter, after his great failure 48 hours earlier. Because our failure does not have to be failure, but rather can be an occasion for the beauty of grace.</p> Mark's gospel ends with the reinstatement of Peter, after his great failure 48 hours earlier. Because our failure does not have to be failure, but rather can be an occasion for the beauty of grace.

]]> Sun, 17 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1491 5 f89b788f3e790e89d1a68023d9a32798 no The Soul-Sucking Force of Reasonableness | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>On the next-to-last evening of his life, a woman performs an act of extravagant abundance for Jesus, and is criticized for being unreasonable and indulgent. But is there a place for seemingly unreasonable acts of abundance? Because the gospel is a story of a God who constantly goes above and beyond instead of always doing the calculated and pragmatic thing.</p> <p>On the next-to-last evening of his life, a woman performs an act of extravagant abundance for Jesus, and is criticized for being unreasonable and indulgent. But is there a place for seemingly unreasonable acts of abundance? Because the gospel is a story of a God who constantly goes above and beyond instead of always doing the calculated and pragmatic thing.</p> On the next-to-last evening of his life, a woman performs an act of extravagant abundance for Jesus, and is criticized for being unreasonable and indulgent. But is there a place for seemingly unreasonable acts of abundance? Because the gospel is a story of a God who constantly goes above and beyond instead of always doing the calculated and pragmatic thing.

]]> Sun, 10 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1648 6 eaaf2d24d3107bc0fde26973b1c70971 no The Silence of the Lamb | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>After Jesus is betrayed, he goes through a series of trials. One of the more notable aspects of these trials is that Jesus remains relatively silent during each one. He refuses to speak up and defend himself, even though doing just that could have saved his life. However, the silence of Jesus wasn't pointless. Through his silence, much is accomplished. Then, in a foreshadowing of the gospel, a criminal named Barabbas is set free and Jesus is sentenced to die.</p> <p>After Jesus is betrayed, he goes through a series of trials. One of the more notable aspects of these trials is that Jesus remains relatively silent during each one. He refuses to speak up and defend himself, even though doing just that could have saved his life. However, the silence of Jesus wasn't pointless. Through his silence, much is accomplished. Then, in a foreshadowing of the gospel, a criminal named Barabbas is set free and Jesus is sentenced to die.</p> After Jesus is betrayed, he goes through a series of trials. One of the more notable aspects of these trials is that Jesus remains relatively silent during each one. He refuses to speak up and defend himself, even though doing just that could have saved his life. However, the silence of Jesus wasn't pointless. Through his silence, much is accomplished. Then, in a foreshadowing of the gospel, a criminal named Barabbas is set free and Jesus is sentenced to die.

]]> Sun, 03 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1275 7 f4c64446d69bf1aa0a1ac9e6a6c5a058 no End Times | David Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>One of Jesus' disciples asks what appears to be an innocent question about the Temple. Jesus responds by declaring that the Temple would soon be destroyed. This causes 4 other disciples to ask when will it happen and what are the signs they should look for. The rest of Mark 13 is Jesus' rather long answer to these questions. This text of scripture is very confusing because depending on how you interpret it, it leads many to speculate about events surrounding the end times. But what is Jesus really trying to communicate here and what should we take away from this text?</p> <p>One of Jesus' disciples asks what appears to be an innocent question about the Temple. Jesus responds by declaring that the Temple would soon be destroyed. This causes 4 other disciples to ask when will it happen and what are the signs they should look for. The rest of Mark 13 is Jesus' rather long answer to these questions. This text of scripture is very confusing because depending on how you interpret it, it leads many to speculate about events surrounding the end times. But what is Jesus really trying to communicate here and what should we take away from this text?</p> One of Jesus' disciples asks what appears to be an innocent question about the Temple. Jesus responds by declaring that the Temple would soon be destroyed. This causes 4 other disciples to ask when will it happen and what are the signs they should look for. The rest of Mark 13 is Jesus' rather long answer to these questions. This text of scripture is very confusing because depending on how you interpret it, it leads many to speculate about events surrounding the end times. But what is Jesus really trying to communicate here and what should we take away from this text?

]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1699 8 e0e67c1431f119658b3dbfc54dc24beb no Two Lepta | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>A poor widow gives away all that she has, leaving us with some questions. When is the last time you gave so much it hurt? Does your generosity constrain your luxuries, or do your luxuries constrain your generosity?</p> <p>A poor widow gives away all that she has, leaving us with some questions. When is the last time you gave so much it hurt? Does your generosity constrain your luxuries, or do your luxuries constrain your generosity?</p> A poor widow gives away all that she has, leaving us with some questions. When is the last time you gave so much it hurt? Does your generosity constrain your luxuries, or do your luxuries constrain your generosity?

]]> Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1582 9 97a6f8c019f74c52fc38568b87423c60 no The Cost of Ambition | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>Are ambition and striving good or bad? Depends on what we're striving after, and how we're striving. Jesus reminds us striving for excellence is good, but striving for superiority is forbidden.</p> <p>Are ambition and striving good or bad? Depends on what we're striving after, and how we're striving. Jesus reminds us striving for excellence is good, but striving for superiority is forbidden.</p> Are ambition and striving good or bad? Depends on what we're striving after, and how we're striving. Jesus reminds us striving for excellence is good, but striving for superiority is forbidden.

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1610 10 a221fe457a975e644d8d4d260dba75a5 no Let Your Light Shine | Nick Followwell Nick Followwell <p>Jesus calls us to let our light shine. How can we when we seem to be running on fumes? We accept, not resist God's shaping of us. We allow His fire to consume the things we hold too tightly, so His light can shine through us.</p> <p>Jesus calls us to let our light shine. How can we when we seem to be running on fumes? We accept, not resist God's shaping of us. We allow His fire to consume the things we hold too tightly, so His light can shine through us.</p> Jesus calls us to let our light shine. How can we when we seem to be running on fumes? We accept, not resist God's shaping of us. We allow His fire to consume the things we hold too tightly, so His light can shine through us.

]]> Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1807 11 7e9002c2c769617631624b45265d801b no A House Divided Falls | Sarah Hammond Sarah Hammond <p>As the ministry and popularity of Jesus grows, so does the conflict around him. Now he's being falsely accused by the religious specialist and even his own family don't seem to be in his corner. But this doesn't stop him from speaking difficult truths to them. He tells them that he's going to re-order the entire framework of their society, the family, by building a new family not based on biology but based on obedience to God. And a core attribute of this house must be unity.  </p> <p>As the ministry and popularity of Jesus grows, so does the conflict around him. Now he's being falsely accused by the religious specialist and even his own family don't seem to be in his corner. But this doesn't stop him from speaking difficult truths to them. He tells them that he's going to re-order the entire framework of their society, the family, by building a new family not based on biology but based on obedience to God. And a core attribute of this house must be unity.  </p> As the ministry and popularity of Jesus grows, so does the conflict around him. Now he's being falsely accused by the religious specialist and even his own family don't seem to be in his corner. But this doesn't stop him from speaking difficult truths to them. He tells them that he's going to re-order the entire framework of their society, the family, by building a new family not based on biology but based on obedience to God. And a core attribute of this house must be unity.  

]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1506 12 f03d3f3c50345744fc29710abd1d23ee no Scrupulosity | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>Jesus' conflict with the Pharisees explodes in the form of two dustups over proper behavior on the Sabbath. Jesus is angered at and grieved by the Pharisees' hardness of heart. But how does one get a hard heart? By overestimating our ability to justify ourselves and underestimating God's desire to show mercy.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Step: Be a defender and advocate instead of an accuser.</p> <p>Jesus' conflict with the Pharisees explodes in the form of two dustups over proper behavior on the Sabbath. Jesus is angered at and grieved by the Pharisees' hardness of heart. But how does one get a hard heart? By overestimating our ability to justify ourselves and underestimating God's desire to show mercy.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Step: Be a defender and advocate instead of an accuser.</p> Jesus' conflict with the Pharisees explodes in the form of two dustups over proper behavior on the Sabbath. Jesus is angered at and grieved by the Pharisees' hardness of heart. But how does one get a hard heart? By overestimating our ability to justify ourselves and underestimating God's desire to show mercy.


Action Step: Be a defender and advocate instead of an accuser.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1462 13 6631f0baa3e634afcff9c09dea6f2e5a no Good Reminders | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>Throughout the gospels you find many stories with a familiar cast of characters. You have a crowd of people, a person or small group who have faith, religious leaders who are the antagonists, and Jesus himself. If we pay attention, each character or group has something to teach us. In this very familiar story from early in Jesus' ministry, we get some good reminders about our own faith from the characters involved.</p> <p>Throughout the gospels you find many stories with a familiar cast of characters. You have a crowd of people, a person or small group who have faith, religious leaders who are the antagonists, and Jesus himself. If we pay attention, each character or group has something to teach us. In this very familiar story from early in Jesus' ministry, we get some good reminders about our own faith from the characters involved.</p> Throughout the gospels you find many stories with a familiar cast of characters. You have a crowd of people, a person or small group who have faith, religious leaders who are the antagonists, and Jesus himself. If we pay attention, each character or group has something to teach us. In this very familiar story from early in Jesus' ministry, we get some good reminders about our own faith from the characters involved.

]]> Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1581 14 86016a01613dd890044c2d860be17be0 no Celebrity and St. Damien | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>In Mark 1:32-45, we see Jesus drawing rough crowds, avoiding attention and celebrity, and embracing the shamed and ashamed people.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Step:</p><p>Audit your attention and ask yourself if you and yours are paying attention to the right people.</p> <p>In Mark 1:32-45, we see Jesus drawing rough crowds, avoiding attention and celebrity, and embracing the shamed and ashamed people.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Step:</p><p>Audit your attention and ask yourself if you and yours are paying attention to the right people.</p> In Mark 1:32-45, we see Jesus drawing rough crowds, avoiding attention and celebrity, and embracing the shamed and ashamed people.


Action Step:

Audit your attention and ask yourself if you and yours are paying attention to the right people.

]]> Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1540 15 63207d6f7f4a10cd64af00c58d1b3e34 no What to Do with Our Failure | David Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>As we begin Mark's gospel account of the life of Jesus, it's important to know a little about the author. Who was this guy named Mark? He wasn't one of the 12 disciples. He never actually even met Jesus as far as we know. So why was he chosen to write about the life and ministry of Jesus? Why is his account considered authentic and reliable? More importantly, what can we learn from the fact that God used him in such an incredible way?</p> <p>As we begin Mark's gospel account of the life of Jesus, it's important to know a little about the author. Who was this guy named Mark? He wasn't one of the 12 disciples. He never actually even met Jesus as far as we know. So why was he chosen to write about the life and ministry of Jesus? Why is his account considered authentic and reliable? More importantly, what can we learn from the fact that God used him in such an incredible way?</p> As we begin Mark's gospel account of the life of Jesus, it's important to know a little about the author. Who was this guy named Mark? He wasn't one of the 12 disciples. He never actually even met Jesus as far as we know. So why was he chosen to write about the life and ministry of Jesus? Why is his account considered authentic and reliable? More importantly, what can we learn from the fact that God used him in such an incredible way?

]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1642 16 5f8ebd76a210edfefca5111bd1fc9dbb no Deep Calling to Deep | Mark Whitaker Mark Whitaker <p>Ash Wednesday reminds us that we have souls and our souls matter to God. While our present lives are brief, they are valuable to God and made eternal through Jesus. Ash Wednesday invites us to anticipate Easter Sunday by slowing down and living intentionally and humbly as people marked by ash but shaped by God's grace. </p> <p>Ash Wednesday reminds us that we have souls and our souls matter to God. While our present lives are brief, they are valuable to God and made eternal through Jesus. Ash Wednesday invites us to anticipate Easter Sunday by slowing down and living intentionally and humbly as people marked by ash but shaped by God's grace. </p> Ash Wednesday reminds us that we have souls and our souls matter to God. While our present lives are brief, they are valuable to God and made eternal through Jesus. Ash Wednesday invites us to anticipate Easter Sunday by slowing down and living intentionally and humbly as people marked by ash but shaped by God's grace.

]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1217 17 3204678b52e1c225bcbfdcb7220304f7 no Omelets, Friday Night Lights, and Snowball Fights | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>What is culture and how should Christians relate to it? Using Paul's experience at Mars Hill as a guide, we explore how a healthy relationship to culture means practicing a range of gestures instead of a singular fixed posture.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Step:</p><p>Evaluate your relationship to culture and whether you exhibit a healthy range of gestures or are locked in a singular posture.</p> <p>What is culture and how should Christians relate to it? Using Paul's experience at Mars Hill as a guide, we explore how a healthy relationship to culture means practicing a range of gestures instead of a singular fixed posture.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Step:</p><p>Evaluate your relationship to culture and whether you exhibit a healthy range of gestures or are locked in a singular posture.</p> What is culture and how should Christians relate to it? Using Paul's experience at Mars Hill as a guide, we explore how a healthy relationship to culture means practicing a range of gestures instead of a singular fixed posture.


Action Step:

Evaluate your relationship to culture and whether you exhibit a healthy range of gestures or are locked in a singular posture.

]]> Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1613 18 7baf661f55f56c8c226c01b9fc4e7088 no Work for the Glory of God | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>In I Cor. 10:31 the Apostle Paul urges Christians to "...do everything for the glory of God." The average person will spend an exorbitant amount of their lives working a job/career. With this in mind, a good question for Christians to ask themselves is... "how do I work or do my job for the glory of God?"  </p> <p>In I Cor. 10:31 the Apostle Paul urges Christians to "...do everything for the glory of God." The average person will spend an exorbitant amount of their lives working a job/career. With this in mind, a good question for Christians to ask themselves is... "how do I work or do my job for the glory of God?"  </p> In I Cor. 10:31 the Apostle Paul urges Christians to "...do everything for the glory of God." The average person will spend an exorbitant amount of their lives working a job/career. With this in mind, a good question for Christians to ask themselves is... "how do I work or do my job for the glory of God?"  

]]> Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1696 19 e7446029e82e2a9f978826b3d8e22cfa no The Gold of the Land is Good | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>Humanity's original calling is to cultivate and keep the earth; to take the world and make good stuff in it and from it, while also preserving and protecting it. Many think the Fall nullified that call, reducing life to a search, rescue, and evacuation mission. And yet while search and rescue is a part of the task of life, our original calling to cultivate and keep still holds.</p> <p>Humanity's original calling is to cultivate and keep the earth; to take the world and make good stuff in it and from it, while also preserving and protecting it. Many think the Fall nullified that call, reducing life to a search, rescue, and evacuation mission. And yet while search and rescue is a part of the task of life, our original calling to cultivate and keep still holds.</p> Humanity's original calling is to cultivate and keep the earth; to take the world and make good stuff in it and from it, while also preserving and protecting it. Many think the Fall nullified that call, reducing life to a search, rescue, and evacuation mission. And yet while search and rescue is a part of the task of life, our original calling to cultivate and keep still holds.

]]> Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1477 20 e0861eb06079f9d2d0d10910f32f67f6 no This is That | Joel Perritte Joel Perritte <p>This is a message about the Holy Spirit on the first day of Pentecost in 2026. It about promises fulfilled, power bestowed, and a new people created and sent as witnesses of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven.</p> <p>This is a message about the Holy Spirit on the first day of Pentecost in 2026. It about promises fulfilled, power bestowed, and a new people created and sent as witnesses of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven.</p> This is a message about the Holy Spirit on the first day of Pentecost in 2026. It about promises fulfilled, power bestowed, and a new people created and sent as witnesses of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven.

]]> Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2267 21 e1100ec8c6731c4e83b6421bd07ac3cf no The Host, the Ransom, the Risen Lord | Joel Perritte Joel Perritte <p>This message is adapted for Sunday from the final teaching of the Vista church-wide bible study on Luke's gospel. It covers Luke 22-24 and shows how Luke reveals Jesus as the Host, the Ransom, and the Risen Lord.</p> <p>This message is adapted for Sunday from the final teaching of the Vista church-wide bible study on Luke's gospel. It covers Luke 22-24 and shows how Luke reveals Jesus as the Host, the Ransom, and the Risen Lord.</p> This message is adapted for Sunday from the final teaching of the Vista church-wide bible study on Luke's gospel. It covers Luke 22-24 and shows how Luke reveals Jesus as the Host, the Ransom, and the Risen Lord.

]]> Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 1888 22 3f9a4f44630b8c2afb4089609f845a21 no Freedom From is Freedom For | Joel Perritte Joel Perritte <p>This is a message about the invitation to become who God has created us to be and the lengths God goes to to help us in that endeavor.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Step:</p><p>Step into the place, join the people and embrace the invitation to become who God has called you to be.</p> <p>This is a message about the invitation to become who God has created us to be and the lengths God goes to to help us in that endeavor.</p><p><br></p><p>Action Step:</p><p>Step into the place, join the people and embrace the invitation to become who God has called you to be.</p> This is a message about the invitation to become who God has created us to be and the lengths God goes to to help us in that endeavor.


Action Step:

Step into the place, join the people and embrace the invitation to become who God has called you to be.

]]> Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2002 23 5565a05c6fa9c181297cbdff4a3c3a0c no Politics, Events, and Influencers | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>How do we best navigate the tangled thicket of issues arising from the convergence of politics, current events, and influencers in the modern world? This question arose acutely in the aftermath of the death of Charlie Kirk, and we reflect on it and what Scripture can teach us about being people who are more attentive to Jesus than current events, who pay attention to the right voices, and who practice the politics of Jesus.</p> <p>How do we best navigate the tangled thicket of issues arising from the convergence of politics, current events, and influencers in the modern world? This question arose acutely in the aftermath of the death of Charlie Kirk, and we reflect on it and what Scripture can teach us about being people who are more attentive to Jesus than current events, who pay attention to the right voices, and who practice the politics of Jesus.</p> How do we best navigate the tangled thicket of issues arising from the convergence of politics, current events, and influencers in the modern world? This question arose acutely in the aftermath of the death of Charlie Kirk, and we reflect on it and what Scripture can teach us about being people who are more attentive to Jesus than current events, who pay attention to the right voices, and who practice the politics of Jesus.

]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1706 24 c6b5396e9ab1e8f64b09b39ebe215639 no Courage to Encourage | Mark Whitaker Mark Whitaker <p>God calls us to encourage one another and build each other up. Just like Jonathan encouraged David in 1 Samuel 23, the essence of biblical encouragement is not empty words, but faith-restoring truth courageously spoken in love. Properly understood, every time we encourage someone, we are handing them a piece of our own courage…our own heart.</p> <p>God calls us to encourage one another and build each other up. Just like Jonathan encouraged David in 1 Samuel 23, the essence of biblical encouragement is not empty words, but faith-restoring truth courageously spoken in love. Properly understood, every time we encourage someone, we are handing them a piece of our own courage…our own heart.</p> God calls us to encourage one another and build each other up. Just like Jonathan encouraged David in 1 Samuel 23, the essence of biblical encouragement is not empty words, but faith-restoring truth courageously spoken in love. Properly understood, every time we encourage someone, we are handing them a piece of our own courage…our own heart.

]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1642 25 23d379eaee39ded65ac96bfe2c7ffde8 no Advent 2025: The Gifts of Waiting | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>How long? It's the most common question in the Bible, because God asks us to do an awful lot of waiting. Why? Because waiting is a gift--many gifts, actually.</p> <p>How long? It's the most common question in the Bible, because God asks us to do an awful lot of waiting. Why? Because waiting is a gift--many gifts, actually.</p> How long? It's the most common question in the Bible, because God asks us to do an awful lot of waiting. Why? Because waiting is a gift--many gifts, actually.

]]> Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1531 26 7b6b173130e86e93ac2bc4ddcbbc7a86 no Advent 2025: A Promise Made | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>One of the things that sets Christianity apart from other religions is the presence of clear prophetic promises regarding Jesus. As we begin our Advent season we look at 5 of the most familiar prophetic promises regarding the first advent of Christ, and we discuss the purpose of a promise.  </p><p><br></p><p>Action Step:</p><p>Remember God's promises this Advent season (those that have already been fulfilled and those that are yet to come). Let his promises fill your heart with expectation, hope, and longing for more of Him</p> <p>One of the things that sets Christianity apart from other religions is the presence of clear prophetic promises regarding Jesus. As we begin our Advent season we look at 5 of the most familiar prophetic promises regarding the first advent of Christ, and we discuss the purpose of a promise.  </p><p><br></p><p>Action Step:</p><p>Remember God's promises this Advent season (those that have already been fulfilled and those that are yet to come). Let his promises fill your heart with expectation, hope, and longing for more of Him</p> One of the things that sets Christianity apart from other religions is the presence of clear prophetic promises regarding Jesus. As we begin our Advent season we look at 5 of the most familiar prophetic promises regarding the first advent of Christ, and we discuss the purpose of a promise.  


Action Step:

Remember God's promises this Advent season (those that have already been fulfilled and those that are yet to come). Let his promises fill your heart with expectation, hope, and longing for more of Him

]]> 1580 27 8e5e1cfe29f174f70e9105f3dcea3287 no Undeserving Recipients | Sarah Hammond Sarah Hammond <p>Scripture is pretty unapologetic in its instruction to give thanks in every circumstance which means that there's clearly something about gratitude that is good for us. We see in our text that gratitude is the byproduct of genuine faith but then practicing gratitude in every circumstance serves to remind us what genuine faith is really about and that is us being the undeserving recipients of God's grace and mercy. Gratitude reminds us of this truth. </p> <p>Scripture is pretty unapologetic in its instruction to give thanks in every circumstance which means that there's clearly something about gratitude that is good for us. We see in our text that gratitude is the byproduct of genuine faith but then practicing gratitude in every circumstance serves to remind us what genuine faith is really about and that is us being the undeserving recipients of God's grace and mercy. Gratitude reminds us of this truth. </p> Scripture is pretty unapologetic in its instruction to give thanks in every circumstance which means that there's clearly something about gratitude that is good for us. We see in our text that gratitude is the byproduct of genuine faith but then practicing gratitude in every circumstance serves to remind us what genuine faith is really about and that is us being the undeserving recipients of God's grace and mercy. Gratitude reminds us of this truth. 

]]> Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1533 28 cec80545a4199728e59d5916798a53d6 no Ingrates | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>Christianity creates people of absolute gratitude and yet a focused ingratitude. Breaking worldly cycles of calculated generosity, Scripture teaches us to give without calculation, and receive without shame.</p> <p>Christianity creates people of absolute gratitude and yet a focused ingratitude. Breaking worldly cycles of calculated generosity, Scripture teaches us to give without calculation, and receive without shame.</p> Christianity creates people of absolute gratitude and yet a focused ingratitude. Breaking worldly cycles of calculated generosity, Scripture teaches us to give without calculation, and receive without shame.

]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1411 29 046117997e85f41985681c7bbe898601 no The Earth is the Lord's | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>Scripture says the earth is the Lord's and all it contains, and we mostly don't believe this because we believe that our stuff is our stuff. As a result, we struggle with entitlement, and fail to be as generous as we should. And yet Scripture is firm: everything is God's, which means generosity makes sense, is good for us, and makes us good for others.</p> <p>Scripture says the earth is the Lord's and all it contains, and we mostly don't believe this because we believe that our stuff is our stuff. As a result, we struggle with entitlement, and fail to be as generous as we should. And yet Scripture is firm: everything is God's, which means generosity makes sense, is good for us, and makes us good for others.</p> Scripture says the earth is the Lord's and all it contains, and we mostly don't believe this because we believe that our stuff is our stuff. As a result, we struggle with entitlement, and fail to be as generous as we should. And yet Scripture is firm: everything is God's, which means generosity makes sense, is good for us, and makes us good for others.

]]> Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1586 30 4b6058471e76849025ffd95876beb016 no A Life God Can Bless | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>In some ways, God seems to bless both Jacob and Esau. But Jacob's life is one that is marked by some things that allow for continual blessing from God and Esau chooses to walk away from God's blessing, ultimately bringing a curse.  </p> <p>In some ways, God seems to bless both Jacob and Esau. But Jacob's life is one that is marked by some things that allow for continual blessing from God and Esau chooses to walk away from God's blessing, ultimately bringing a curse.  </p> In some ways, God seems to bless both Jacob and Esau. But Jacob's life is one that is marked by some things that allow for continual blessing from God and Esau chooses to walk away from God's blessing, ultimately bringing a curse.  

]]> Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1484 31 a614dd73ad6da7439c1fe590b2948f17 no Two Lies and a Truth | Sarah Hammond Sarah Hammond <p>The rhythm of blessing and curse runs throughout the entire Bible and is field by 2 core lies. Jacob is really the poster child for a life lived in bondage to these two lies. But God is faithful and won't leave Jacob. He's going to wrestle these lies out of him, even if it hurts him.  </p> <p>The rhythm of blessing and curse runs throughout the entire Bible and is field by 2 core lies. Jacob is really the poster child for a life lived in bondage to these two lies. But God is faithful and won't leave Jacob. He's going to wrestle these lies out of him, even if it hurts him.  </p> The rhythm of blessing and curse runs throughout the entire Bible and is field by 2 core lies. Jacob is really the poster child for a life lived in bondage to these two lies. But God is faithful and won't leave Jacob. He's going to wrestle these lies out of him, even if it hurts him.  

]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1481 32 e891c60ab4fa5a5584cad56e6ac5d368 no Stolen Blessing | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>Isaac had planned to bless his favorite son Esau, but Isaac's wife Rebecca wanted the blessing to go to her favorite son Jacob. So, she hatches a plan for Jacob to trick Isaac into blessing him rather than his brother. When you read this story, you can't help but notice just how dysfunctional this family is. The marriage is messed up, the parenting is messed up... the whole story is pretty sad. However, if we're willing to learn from their dysfunction, we can have families that are full of much more joy, harmony, and grace.</p> <p>Isaac had planned to bless his favorite son Esau, but Isaac's wife Rebecca wanted the blessing to go to her favorite son Jacob. So, she hatches a plan for Jacob to trick Isaac into blessing him rather than his brother. When you read this story, you can't help but notice just how dysfunctional this family is. The marriage is messed up, the parenting is messed up... the whole story is pretty sad. However, if we're willing to learn from their dysfunction, we can have families that are full of much more joy, harmony, and grace.</p> Isaac had planned to bless his favorite son Esau, but Isaac's wife Rebecca wanted the blessing to go to her favorite son Jacob. So, she hatches a plan for Jacob to trick Isaac into blessing him rather than his brother. When you read this story, you can't help but notice just how dysfunctional this family is. The marriage is messed up, the parenting is messed up... the whole story is pretty sad. However, if we're willing to learn from their dysfunction, we can have families that are full of much more joy, harmony, and grace.

]]> Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1918 33 a4e78dfac45430b758ea6c375d320281 no The Akedah | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac is one of Scripture's most challenging stories, and has been interpreted a number of ways. Exploring the story from 3 distinct angles, we let it speak to us about holding our earthly loves with open hands, about refusing to hurt others in God's name, and about the good news that God in Christ steps into our impossible situations to do for us what we could never do for ourselves.</p> <p>Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac is one of Scripture's most challenging stories, and has been interpreted a number of ways. Exploring the story from 3 distinct angles, we let it speak to us about holding our earthly loves with open hands, about refusing to hurt others in God's name, and about the good news that God in Christ steps into our impossible situations to do for us what we could never do for ourselves.</p> Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac is one of Scripture's most challenging stories, and has been interpreted a number of ways. Exploring the story from 3 distinct angles, we let it speak to us about holding our earthly loves with open hands, about refusing to hurt others in God's name, and about the good news that God in Christ steps into our impossible situations to do for us what we could never do for ourselves.

]]> Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1725 34 e0d0059ea7020054680f975d2ec0a436 no Living by Faith | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>We are told over and over again in scripture to be people who live by faith. But what does that mean? What does it look like in our day to day lives to "live by faith?" Ironically, Abraham is known for being a man of faith, but in Gen. 16 we see him and his wife Sarah make some very poor decisions. In this particular chapter, they stand out as examples of how not to live by faith... not their finest moment. However, we can learn a lot about what it means to live by faith even from their failure. </p> <p>We are told over and over again in scripture to be people who live by faith. But what does that mean? What does it look like in our day to day lives to "live by faith?" Ironically, Abraham is known for being a man of faith, but in Gen. 16 we see him and his wife Sarah make some very poor decisions. In this particular chapter, they stand out as examples of how not to live by faith... not their finest moment. However, we can learn a lot about what it means to live by faith even from their failure. </p> We are told over and over again in scripture to be people who live by faith. But what does that mean? What does it look like in our day to day lives to "live by faith?" Ironically, Abraham is known for being a man of faith, but in Gen. 16 we see him and his wife Sarah make some very poor decisions. In this particular chapter, they stand out as examples of how not to live by faith... not their finest moment. However, we can learn a lot about what it means to live by faith even from their failure. 

]]> Sun, 28 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1964 35 37836171055228b5ce417d65f059ba78 no Responding to God's Goodness | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>God chooses a man named Abram and makes a covenant with him. We learn through this covenant about the character of God. We also see how we (the church) fit into this covenant as both recipients and participants.  </p> <p>God chooses a man named Abram and makes a covenant with him. We learn through this covenant about the character of God. We also see how we (the church) fit into this covenant as both recipients and participants.  </p> God chooses a man named Abram and makes a covenant with him. We learn through this covenant about the character of God. We also see how we (the church) fit into this covenant as both recipients and participants. 

]]> Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1503 36 3c672de504980a85ae6b6523cf8ed1f8 no The Great Flood | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>In Genesis 6-9, we find one of the most famous and infamous stories in the Bible: the story of Noah and the Great Flood. In this story, God goes on a journey toward acceptance of an imperfect relationship with his imperfect creatures, because God refuses to give up on his creatures and his creation.</p> <p>In Genesis 6-9, we find one of the most famous and infamous stories in the Bible: the story of Noah and the Great Flood. In this story, God goes on a journey toward acceptance of an imperfect relationship with his imperfect creatures, because God refuses to give up on his creatures and his creation.</p> In Genesis 6-9, we find one of the most famous and infamous stories in the Bible: the story of Noah and the Great Flood. In this story, God goes on a journey toward acceptance of an imperfect relationship with his imperfect creatures, because God refuses to give up on his creatures and his creation.

]]> Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1956 37 15daa7db7f8b014fd498d555445bf6e3 no Cain and Abel | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>Cain experiences rejection, which causes dejection, and when dejection wins in our lives, our brother pays the price. But while Cain is the first killer, God does not abandon him because if when we fail to keep our brother, God still keeps us.</p> <p>Cain experiences rejection, which causes dejection, and when dejection wins in our lives, our brother pays the price. But while Cain is the first killer, God does not abandon him because if when we fail to keep our brother, God still keeps us.</p> Cain experiences rejection, which causes dejection, and when dejection wins in our lives, our brother pays the price. But while Cain is the first killer, God does not abandon him because if when we fail to keep our brother, God still keeps us.

]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1756 38 36fe250e95116b77c1c777368dfbd211 no Bad News and Good News | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>After a few chapters of God's creation being "very good," in chapter 3 of Genesis things take a turn for the worse. Adam and Eve sin against God and as a result, everything is broken. This is the tragic event known as "the Fall of man." However, chapter 3 of Genesis is not all bad news. After mankind sins against God, we do see some good news from a good God who doesn't leave us and has a plan for our redemption. </p> <p>After a few chapters of God's creation being "very good," in chapter 3 of Genesis things take a turn for the worse. Adam and Eve sin against God and as a result, everything is broken. This is the tragic event known as "the Fall of man." However, chapter 3 of Genesis is not all bad news. After mankind sins against God, we do see some good news from a good God who doesn't leave us and has a plan for our redemption. </p> After a few chapters of God's creation being "very good," in chapter 3 of Genesis things take a turn for the worse. Adam and Eve sin against God and as a result, everything is broken. This is the tragic event known as "the Fall of man." However, chapter 3 of Genesis is not all bad news. After mankind sins against God, we do see some good news from a good God who doesn't leave us and has a plan for our redemption. 

]]> 1798 39 340df2d46246a8e263178fc9a47f8af3 no Eden | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>God fills creation with beauty and pleasure. So while we should avoid the misguided pursuit of beauty and pleasure that we call worldliness, we must remember it is not misguided to pursue beauty and pleasure, for God is the author of it.</p> <p>God fills creation with beauty and pleasure. So while we should avoid the misguided pursuit of beauty and pleasure that we call worldliness, we must remember it is not misguided to pursue beauty and pleasure, for God is the author of it.</p> God fills creation with beauty and pleasure. So while we should avoid the misguided pursuit of beauty and pleasure that we call worldliness, we must remember it is not misguided to pursue beauty and pleasure, for God is the author of it.

]]> 1757 40 cdaa5a58c106bef2e2b7d00942eda1ef no Imago Dei | Dave Jeffreys Dave Jeffreys <p>Genesis tells us that God created mankind in his image and likeness. Humanity is unique and special in that way. Our personhood comes from God himself and the God who created us knows how we are to live our lives in order that we might flourish. </p> <p>Genesis tells us that God created mankind in his image and likeness. Humanity is unique and special in that way. Our personhood comes from God himself and the God who created us knows how we are to live our lives in order that we might flourish. </p> Genesis tells us that God created mankind in his image and likeness. Humanity is unique and special in that way. Our personhood comes from God himself and the God who created us knows how we are to live our lives in order that we might flourish. 

]]> Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1802 41 f55d99da44a861aa75665b0f62516dbc no Analogia Delectationis | Austin Fischer Austin Fischer <p>God creates the world in freedom and out of and for delight; this is the deepest truth of the creation story. Believing this truth creates people who understand life is a party and not a catastrophe, people who find truth, beauty, and goodness more interesting than tragedy, trauma, and melodrama.</p> <p>God creates the world in freedom and out of and for delight; this is the deepest truth of the creation story. Believing this truth creates people who understand life is a party and not a catastrophe, people who find truth, beauty, and goodness more interesting than tragedy, trauma, and melodrama.</p> God creates the world in freedom and out of and for delight; this is the deepest truth of the creation story. Believing this truth creates people who understand life is a party and not a catastrophe, people who find truth, beauty, and goodness more interesting than tragedy, trauma, and melodrama.

]]> Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1736 42 a1a1ba187361290cfe7594b4b9d55a60 no Don’t Believe Everything You Feel | Jude Austin Jude Austin Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1655 43 3bc4dab7ec0673b2e7f6e8e7daff597f no Mind and Spirit Austin Fischer <p>The early church was a charismatic community in which miraculous eruptions of the Spirit were somewhat normal, and were often channeled through people gifted to channel such gifts. But these charismatic gifts seemed to wane fairly early in the Church's history. Why? And how can we be people who are open to charismatic gifts while also resistant to desperation for them or the sensationalizing of them?</p> <p>The early church was a charismatic community in which miraculous eruptions of the Spirit were somewhat normal, and were often channeled through people gifted to channel such gifts. But these charismatic gifts seemed to wane fairly early in the Church's history. Why? And how can we be people who are open to charismatic gifts while also resistant to desperation for them or the sensationalizing of them?</p> The early church was a charismatic community in which miraculous eruptions of the Spirit were somewhat normal, and were often channeled through people gifted to channel such gifts. But these charismatic gifts seemed to wane fairly early in the Church's history. Why? And how can we be people who are open to charismatic gifts while also resistant to desperation for them or the sensationalizing of them?

]]> Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1708 44 0ee8d167cad9fe67e34d3c8cddab9fd8 no Speaking Gifts Dave Jeffreys <p>Another category of spiritual gifts are the "speaking gifts." These include gifts of teaching, exhorting (encouragement), leadership, wisdom, knowledge, apostles, evangelists, and pastors. Like the serving gifts, each of the speaking gifts are evident in the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. It's also important to walk in humility and wisdom with the speaking gifts otherwise there is a great temptation for pride and arrogance with these gifts since they are often more public. </p> <p>Another category of spiritual gifts are the "speaking gifts." These include gifts of teaching, exhorting (encouragement), leadership, wisdom, knowledge, apostles, evangelists, and pastors. Like the serving gifts, each of the speaking gifts are evident in the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. It's also important to walk in humility and wisdom with the speaking gifts otherwise there is a great temptation for pride and arrogance with these gifts since they are often more public. </p> Another category of spiritual gifts are the "speaking gifts." These include gifts of teaching, exhorting (encouragement), leadership, wisdom, knowledge, apostles, evangelists, and pastors. Like the serving gifts, each of the speaking gifts are evident in the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. It's also important to walk in humility and wisdom with the speaking gifts otherwise there is a great temptation for pride and arrogance with these gifts since they are often more public. 

]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2045 45 5b4c559e7ecaa364c004f16925e558d0 no Serving Gifts Dave Jeffreys <p>Many of the spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament could fall in a category called "serving gifts." These includes gifts of service/helps, giving/generosity, mercy, faith, discernment, administration, and hospitality. Each of these gifts are also connected to the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. It's important to learn to walk in wisdom in regards to our gifts because when we don't, there is a negative side to each gift that can result in a lot of struggle in those perceived areas of giftedness.</p> <p>Many of the spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament could fall in a category called "serving gifts." These includes gifts of service/helps, giving/generosity, mercy, faith, discernment, administration, and hospitality. Each of these gifts are also connected to the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. It's important to learn to walk in wisdom in regards to our gifts because when we don't, there is a negative side to each gift that can result in a lot of struggle in those perceived areas of giftedness.</p> Many of the spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament could fall in a category called "serving gifts." These includes gifts of service/helps, giving/generosity, mercy, faith, discernment, administration, and hospitality. Each of these gifts are also connected to the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. It's important to learn to walk in wisdom in regards to our gifts because when we don't, there is a negative side to each gift that can result in a lot of struggle in those perceived areas of giftedness.

]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1964 46 6f254db67407e3dd72e859ebda5fa46a no Intro to Spiritual Gifts Dave Jeffreys <p>Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God (the Holy Spirit) to Christians so that they can do God's work in the world. Whenever the subject of spiritual gifting is discussed it usually raises a lot of questions. What are the gifts of the spirit? How do we get them? How do we know what gifts we have? How do we use them? In this intro to our "Gifted" series, we'll take a look at some overarching big ideas regarding spiritual gifts and learn how we can begin discerning what ways the Holy Spirit has gifted us for God's work.</p> <p>Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God (the Holy Spirit) to Christians so that they can do God's work in the world. Whenever the subject of spiritual gifting is discussed it usually raises a lot of questions. What are the gifts of the spirit? How do we get them? How do we know what gifts we have? How do we use them? In this intro to our "Gifted" series, we'll take a look at some overarching big ideas regarding spiritual gifts and learn how we can begin discerning what ways the Holy Spirit has gifted us for God's work.</p> Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God (the Holy Spirit) to Christians so that they can do God's work in the world. Whenever the subject of spiritual gifting is discussed it usually raises a lot of questions. What are the gifts of the spirit? How do we get them? How do we know what gifts we have? How do we use them? In this intro to our "Gifted" series, we'll take a look at some overarching big ideas regarding spiritual gifts and learn how we can begin discerning what ways the Holy Spirit has gifted us for God's work.

]]> Sun, 06 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2157 47 dd99a2cac9d4bda02e3237339973f40a no From Brokenness to Blessing Dave Jeffreys <p>Boaz has a goal to become Ruth's kinsman redeemer. So, he puts together a plan to make it happen. We see the Elders of the city and the people of the community pray for them and encourage them as they marry and have a child named Obed. The story of Ruth and Naomi is really a story of tragedy to triumph... brokenness to blessing. In many ways this mirrors the story of the Bible and the story of the gospel. In it we learn that even when we're wondering where God is and waiting, He is still working. Ultimately through Boaz and Ruth's lineage comes Jesus. Ruth's story reminds us that God's plan is better than our own.</p> <p>Boaz has a goal to become Ruth's kinsman redeemer. So, he puts together a plan to make it happen. We see the Elders of the city and the people of the community pray for them and encourage them as they marry and have a child named Obed. The story of Ruth and Naomi is really a story of tragedy to triumph... brokenness to blessing. In many ways this mirrors the story of the Bible and the story of the gospel. In it we learn that even when we're wondering where God is and waiting, He is still working. Ultimately through Boaz and Ruth's lineage comes Jesus. Ruth's story reminds us that God's plan is better than our own.</p> Boaz has a goal to become Ruth's kinsman redeemer. So, he puts together a plan to make it happen. We see the Elders of the city and the people of the community pray for them and encourage them as they marry and have a child named Obed. The story of Ruth and Naomi is really a story of tragedy to triumph... brokenness to blessing. In many ways this mirrors the story of the Bible and the story of the gospel. In it we learn that even when we're wondering where God is and waiting, He is still working. Ultimately through Boaz and Ruth's lineage comes Jesus. Ruth's story reminds us that God's plan is better than our own.

]]> Sun, 29 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1925 48 9d75d6f6165380c2a09ef907e3fb450b no Bad Advice Dave Jeffreys <p>Ruth has not heard from Boaz for weeks now and the harvest time is almost over. So, Naomi gives Ruth some advice on what to do next. Some of her advice is good, some questionable, and some is just plain bad. Ruth follows through and it works out, but there are a lot of lessons to be learned along the way.</p> <p>Ruth has not heard from Boaz for weeks now and the harvest time is almost over. So, Naomi gives Ruth some advice on what to do next. Some of her advice is good, some questionable, and some is just plain bad. Ruth follows through and it works out, but there are a lot of lessons to be learned along the way.</p> Ruth has not heard from Boaz for weeks now and the harvest time is almost over. So, Naomi gives Ruth some advice on what to do next. Some of her advice is good, some questionable, and some is just plain bad. Ruth follows through and it works out, but there are a lot of lessons to be learned along the way.

]]> Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2095 49 4e846b2f4ab21233e5920733cb78cf15 no A Virtuous Cycle Austin Fischer <p>Few things are more determinative of who you are and are becoming than who and what you reward with your attention. Boaz gifts Ruth with his attention because Boaz has an eye for goodness, and Ruth reciprocates, creating a virtuous cycle wherein both affirm and encourage the good in one another.</p> <p>Few things are more determinative of who you are and are becoming than who and what you reward with your attention. Boaz gifts Ruth with his attention because Boaz has an eye for goodness, and Ruth reciprocates, creating a virtuous cycle wherein both affirm and encourage the good in one another.</p> Few things are more determinative of who you are and are becoming than who and what you reward with your attention. Boaz gifts Ruth with his attention because Boaz has an eye for goodness, and Ruth reciprocates, creating a virtuous cycle wherein both affirm and encourage the good in one another.

]]> Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1764 50 c95873bddfaae8e404e9cb669f07da92 no God Shows Up In Unexpected Ways Dave Jeffreys <p>At the beginning of the 2nd chapter of Ruth, we are introduced to the 3rd main character in the story... a godly man named Boaz. Although there are not any overt miracles recorded in the book of Ruth, you see God's hand of providence on display as He brings Boaz and Ruth together and Boaz takes notice of her. This is a great reminder for us that even when we cannot see it, God is at work in our lives in unexpected ways to bring about his purposes.</p> <p>At the beginning of the 2nd chapter of Ruth, we are introduced to the 3rd main character in the story... a godly man named Boaz. Although there are not any overt miracles recorded in the book of Ruth, you see God's hand of providence on display as He brings Boaz and Ruth together and Boaz takes notice of her. This is a great reminder for us that even when we cannot see it, God is at work in our lives in unexpected ways to bring about his purposes.</p> At the beginning of the 2nd chapter of Ruth, we are introduced to the 3rd main character in the story... a godly man named Boaz. Although there are not any overt miracles recorded in the book of Ruth, you see God's hand of providence on display as He brings Boaz and Ruth together and Boaz takes notice of her. This is a great reminder for us that even when we cannot see it, God is at work in our lives in unexpected ways to bring about his purposes.

]]> Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1902 51 4e1877803ec814dc7f777ffc6340f7d4 no Larry David > Ted Lasso Austin Fischer <p>What kind of moral difference does the Spirit make? Are we sinners who are just forgiven, or saints who just occasionally sin? Romans 7:14-25 has a complex interpretive history, but reveals the deep moral struggle we all feel, and reminds us we never progress past being sinners who need the gospel.</p> <p>What kind of moral difference does the Spirit make? Are we sinners who are just forgiven, or saints who just occasionally sin? Romans 7:14-25 has a complex interpretive history, but reveals the deep moral struggle we all feel, and reminds us we never progress past being sinners who need the gospel.</p> What kind of moral difference does the Spirit make? Are we sinners who are just forgiven, or saints who just occasionally sin? Romans 7:14-25 has a complex interpretive history, but reveals the deep moral struggle we all feel, and reminds us we never progress past being sinners who need the gospel.

]]> Sun, 18 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1676 52 33653048bf72abf042a33916290d24fc no A Theory of Relativity Austin Fischer <p>Jesus tells a parable exposing the silliness of making moral comparisons, and the radical relativity of all human righteousness. Once we opt out of the righteousness rankings game, and stop being so disappointed in the sinfulness of sinners, we're freed up to instead find ways to show our fellow sinners mercy.</p> <p>Jesus tells a parable exposing the silliness of making moral comparisons, and the radical relativity of all human righteousness. Once we opt out of the righteousness rankings game, and stop being so disappointed in the sinfulness of sinners, we're freed up to instead find ways to show our fellow sinners mercy.</p> Jesus tells a parable exposing the silliness of making moral comparisons, and the radical relativity of all human righteousness. Once we opt out of the righteousness rankings game, and stop being so disappointed in the sinfulness of sinners, we're freed up to instead find ways to show our fellow sinners mercy.

]]> Sun, 11 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1689 53 afb454abbf17d030238f4a899fccc076 no Low Anthropology Austin Fischer <p>Scripture contains a complex anthropology wherein humans are creatures of great dignity, but also great depravity. How does this complex picture interact with the high anthropology of modern culture wherein humans are seen as easily optimizable algorithms of improvement, goodness, and development? And why is it important we always remember Jesus was known as the friend of sinners?</p> <p>Scripture contains a complex anthropology wherein humans are creatures of great dignity, but also great depravity. How does this complex picture interact with the high anthropology of modern culture wherein humans are seen as easily optimizable algorithms of improvement, goodness, and development? And why is it important we always remember Jesus was known as the friend of sinners?</p> Scripture contains a complex anthropology wherein humans are creatures of great dignity, but also great depravity. How does this complex picture interact with the high anthropology of modern culture wherein humans are seen as easily optimizable algorithms of improvement, goodness, and development? And why is it important we always remember Jesus was known as the friend of sinners?

]]> Sun, 04 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1501 54 271d5eedac0ce1a96be489d12d3a29c0 no A Hunger for Righteousness Joel Perritte <p>This is a message about using the season before Easter pay special attention to the ways in which God has made, is making, and will make things right.</p> <p>This is a message about using the season before Easter pay special attention to the ways in which God has made, is making, and will make things right.</p> This is a message about using the season before Easter pay special attention to the ways in which God has made, is making, and will make things right.

]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1800 55 319b344afca45e2265e32dee90e7fe25 no The Good News of the Gospel Dave Jeffreys <p>John's gospel account begins with a big, majestic view of Christ who is the Word made flesh, who was with God in the beginning, and who is the light of the world. John's gospel account ends in chapter 21 with this rather intimate conversation on a beach with one of his disciples. John completes his gospel account by reminding his readers about the good news of the gospel... specifically that this really big, majestic, amazing God desires an intimate relationship with each one of us.</p> <p>John's gospel account begins with a big, majestic view of Christ who is the Word made flesh, who was with God in the beginning, and who is the light of the world. John's gospel account ends in chapter 21 with this rather intimate conversation on a beach with one of his disciples. John completes his gospel account by reminding his readers about the good news of the gospel... specifically that this really big, majestic, amazing God desires an intimate relationship with each one of us.</p> John's gospel account begins with a big, majestic view of Christ who is the Word made flesh, who was with God in the beginning, and who is the light of the world. John's gospel account ends in chapter 21 with this rather intimate conversation on a beach with one of his disciples. John completes his gospel account by reminding his readers about the good news of the gospel... specifically that this really big, majestic, amazing God desires an intimate relationship with each one of us.

]]> Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2001 56 524b4de9f9246e2299e295865fa557cb no The Other Disciple Ran Faster Austin Fischer <p>John's account of Easter morning reminds us that the Easter story is not a perfect story told perfectly by perfect people for perfect people, but an unthinkably gracious story told imperfectly by imperfect people for imperfect people that testifies to the unthinkable graciousness of a perfect God.</p> <p>John's account of Easter morning reminds us that the Easter story is not a perfect story told perfectly by perfect people for perfect people, but an unthinkably gracious story told imperfectly by imperfect people for imperfect people that testifies to the unthinkable graciousness of a perfect God.</p> John's account of Easter morning reminds us that the Easter story is not a perfect story told perfectly by perfect people for perfect people, but an unthinkably gracious story told imperfectly by imperfect people for imperfect people that testifies to the unthinkable graciousness of a perfect God.

]]> Sun, 20 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1443 57 727e8d431ec179bfb2657cc7406238b7 no Good Friday <p>We gather on Good Friday to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. It’s a time to remember His deep love and the price He paid for our salvation. Though we mourn His suffering, we also find hope in knowing that the story doesn’t end there—Sunday is coming!</p> <p>We gather on Good Friday to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. It’s a time to remember His deep love and the price He paid for our salvation. Though we mourn His suffering, we also find hope in knowing that the story doesn’t end there—Sunday is coming!</p> We gather on Good Friday to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. It’s a time to remember His deep love and the price He paid for our salvation. Though we mourn His suffering, we also find hope in knowing that the story doesn’t end there—Sunday is coming!

]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 3027 58 bdc7b297c20ddaf78f9951b7c82bed4e no Lessons from failure Dave Jeffreys <p>Peter is generally considered the leader of the disciples. He got to see all of Jesus' miracles, hear his teaching, experience his transfiguration... he even walked on water for brief moment. Peter, more than most, knew and experienced Jesus as God. Yet, in Jesus' darkest hour, Peter still failed Jesus by denying him three times. Make no mistake, in that moment, Peter failed at following Jesus. I think this is part of the reason why so many of us feel like we can relate to Peter. At times we may all feel like failures. We all fail at following Jesus sometimes. However, failure can also teach us some really important lessons and we can choose how we respond to failure in our lives.</p> <p>Peter is generally considered the leader of the disciples. He got to see all of Jesus' miracles, hear his teaching, experience his transfiguration... he even walked on water for brief moment. Peter, more than most, knew and experienced Jesus as God. Yet, in Jesus' darkest hour, Peter still failed Jesus by denying him three times. Make no mistake, in that moment, Peter failed at following Jesus. I think this is part of the reason why so many of us feel like we can relate to Peter. At times we may all feel like failures. We all fail at following Jesus sometimes. However, failure can also teach us some really important lessons and we can choose how we respond to failure in our lives.</p> Peter is generally considered the leader of the disciples. He got to see all of Jesus' miracles, hear his teaching, experience his transfiguration... he even walked on water for brief moment. Peter, more than most, knew and experienced Jesus as God. Yet, in Jesus' darkest hour, Peter still failed Jesus by denying him three times. Make no mistake, in that moment, Peter failed at following Jesus. I think this is part of the reason why so many of us feel like we can relate to Peter. At times we may all feel like failures. We all fail at following Jesus sometimes. However, failure can also teach us some really important lessons and we can choose how we respond to failure in our lives.

]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1909 59 790ac1e3fa6f332b19c6520b1457135e no The Quiet Place Sarah Hammond <p>Jesus claims to be the true vine, the one who gives life. He calls us the branches which means our purpose is to bear fruit in our lives that glorifies God and points others to him. But we can't do this on our own. We have to abide in the vine if we want to bear fruit. This means spending time in the quiet place, alone with the Father, like Jesus did time and time again.</p> <p>Jesus claims to be the true vine, the one who gives life. He calls us the branches which means our purpose is to bear fruit in our lives that glorifies God and points others to him. But we can't do this on our own. We have to abide in the vine if we want to bear fruit. This means spending time in the quiet place, alone with the Father, like Jesus did time and time again.</p> Jesus claims to be the true vine, the one who gives life. He calls us the branches which means our purpose is to bear fruit in our lives that glorifies God and points others to him. But we can't do this on our own. We have to abide in the vine if we want to bear fruit. This means spending time in the quiet place, alone with the Father, like Jesus did time and time again.

]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1619 60 21a7b70f592eb2de1fda9999f3c3f333 no What to do when we're troubled Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus' disciples are troubled by several things that have just happened. So in Chapter 14 of John's gospel, Jesus tries to comfort them by reminding them of some things to focus on when they feel troubled. It is solid advice for all of us who seek to follow Jesus with our lives because at times we will all feel troubled in this world.</p> <p>Jesus' disciples are troubled by several things that have just happened. So in Chapter 14 of John's gospel, Jesus tries to comfort them by reminding them of some things to focus on when they feel troubled. It is solid advice for all of us who seek to follow Jesus with our lives because at times we will all feel troubled in this world.</p> Jesus' disciples are troubled by several things that have just happened. So in Chapter 14 of John's gospel, Jesus tries to comfort them by reminding them of some things to focus on when they feel troubled. It is solid advice for all of us who seek to follow Jesus with our lives because at times we will all feel troubled in this world.

]]> Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1894 61 8fb037e3bd5700a158b2ade073933130 no Resurrection and Life Dave Jeffreys <p>When a close friend of Jesus' dies, Jesus goes to the man's town and raises him from the dead. You might say that this is Jesus' most "miraculous miracle" up to this point in his ministry. In doing this, Jesus builds the faith of his followers and reminds us that we can bring him glory even during the difficult seasons in our own lives. It's also a reminder that no matter what we go through in this life, the story ends with "Resurrection."</p> <p>When a close friend of Jesus' dies, Jesus goes to the man's town and raises him from the dead. You might say that this is Jesus' most "miraculous miracle" up to this point in his ministry. In doing this, Jesus builds the faith of his followers and reminds us that we can bring him glory even during the difficult seasons in our own lives. It's also a reminder that no matter what we go through in this life, the story ends with "Resurrection."</p> When a close friend of Jesus' dies, Jesus goes to the man's town and raises him from the dead. You might say that this is Jesus' most "miraculous miracle" up to this point in his ministry. In doing this, Jesus builds the faith of his followers and reminds us that we can bring him glory even during the difficult seasons in our own lives. It's also a reminder that no matter what we go through in this life, the story ends with "Resurrection."

]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2013 62 a6091eaf16252f8735655e650b7b1b3c no Good Shepherd and Good Sheep Dave Jeffreys <p>In John 10 Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd." In saying this, he reveals a lot about the nature and heart of God toward his people. This also means that we (his people/the church) are his sheep. So what does the good shepherd do for the sheep? And what do we need to do in order to be good sheep?</p> <p>In John 10 Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd." In saying this, he reveals a lot about the nature and heart of God toward his people. This also means that we (his people/the church) are his sheep. So what does the good shepherd do for the sheep? And what do we need to do in order to be good sheep?</p> In John 10 Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd." In saying this, he reveals a lot about the nature and heart of God toward his people. This also means that we (his people/the church) are his sheep. So what does the good shepherd do for the sheep? And what do we need to do in order to be good sheep?

]]> Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1881 63 297abd65b8911b32f773e4f734d0115e no Spiritual Eyes Sarah Hammond <p>Jesus reveals himself as the Messiah to the Jews through their well known rituals of the Feast of Booths. He uses the physical as a doorway to the spiritual. Some have spiritual eyes to see Him. But some are so distracted by and attached to the physical that they miss Jesus. The same can often be true of us today.</p> <p>Jesus reveals himself as the Messiah to the Jews through their well known rituals of the Feast of Booths. He uses the physical as a doorway to the spiritual. Some have spiritual eyes to see Him. But some are so distracted by and attached to the physical that they miss Jesus. The same can often be true of us today.</p> Jesus reveals himself as the Messiah to the Jews through their well known rituals of the Feast of Booths. He uses the physical as a doorway to the spiritual. Some have spiritual eyes to see Him. But some are so distracted by and attached to the physical that they miss Jesus. The same can often be true of us today.

]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1708 64 0b8392b35b1febb37fbcc29e16cebab1 no Chasing The Right Bread Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus performs an amazing miracle when he feeds thousands of people with a little boy's lunch. This miracle sets the stage for one of Jesus' most emphatic statements where he declares himself to be God, when he says, "I am the bread of life." The problem is the people are chasing after Jesus because he fed them actual bread and they're not really interested in the spiritual "bread" Jesus was speaking of. You might say they were chasing after the wrong bread... much like us, they were too easily satisfied with temporal things.</p> <p>Jesus performs an amazing miracle when he feeds thousands of people with a little boy's lunch. This miracle sets the stage for one of Jesus' most emphatic statements where he declares himself to be God, when he says, "I am the bread of life." The problem is the people are chasing after Jesus because he fed them actual bread and they're not really interested in the spiritual "bread" Jesus was speaking of. You might say they were chasing after the wrong bread... much like us, they were too easily satisfied with temporal things.</p> Jesus performs an amazing miracle when he feeds thousands of people with a little boy's lunch. This miracle sets the stage for one of Jesus' most emphatic statements where he declares himself to be God, when he says, "I am the bread of life." The problem is the people are chasing after Jesus because he fed them actual bread and they're not really interested in the spiritual "bread" Jesus was speaking of. You might say they were chasing after the wrong bread... much like us, they were too easily satisfied with temporal things.

]]> Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1933 65 cd6854b1f44eb3f46edecd9ef54251fc no Ripple Effects Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus passes through a region called Samaria and stops to have a brief conversations with a woman who had come to get water from a well. The conversation takes a lot of twist and turns, but ultimately this woman comes to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. In addition, the text tells us that many other Samaritans come to believe in Jesus because of this woman. You might say that this brief conversation has ripple effects that change many people's lives.</p> <p>Jesus passes through a region called Samaria and stops to have a brief conversations with a woman who had come to get water from a well. The conversation takes a lot of twist and turns, but ultimately this woman comes to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. In addition, the text tells us that many other Samaritans come to believe in Jesus because of this woman. You might say that this brief conversation has ripple effects that change many people's lives.</p> Jesus passes through a region called Samaria and stops to have a brief conversations with a woman who had come to get water from a well. The conversation takes a lot of twist and turns, but ultimately this woman comes to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. In addition, the text tells us that many other Samaritans come to believe in Jesus because of this woman. You might say that this brief conversation has ripple effects that change many people's lives.

]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1832 66 a480dd406672fd94f40a9a9f1a73f93d no Born Again Dave Jeffreys <p>In John chapter 3 Jesus has an encounter with a man named Nicodemus. Through this conversation, we learn some really important things about what God does and doesn't want for us.</p> <p>In John chapter 3 Jesus has an encounter with a man named Nicodemus. Through this conversation, we learn some really important things about what God does and doesn't want for us.</p> In John chapter 3 Jesus has an encounter with a man named Nicodemus. Through this conversation, we learn some really important things about what God does and doesn't want for us.

]]> Sun, 16 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2022 67 9dfbcf6875fb5197d23ca880512dce0f no Pointing people to Jesus Dave Jeffreys <p>John writes his gospel so that people will know Jesus. In chapter 1 he uses three different titles for Jesus... Jesus is "the Word, the Light, and the Lamb." Each of these titles has a way of pointing people to Jesus and helping us better understand who he is. At the end of the day, our calling is the same as John's... to know Christ and point people to him.</p> <p>John writes his gospel so that people will know Jesus. In chapter 1 he uses three different titles for Jesus... Jesus is "the Word, the Light, and the Lamb." Each of these titles has a way of pointing people to Jesus and helping us better understand who he is. At the end of the day, our calling is the same as John's... to know Christ and point people to him.</p> John writes his gospel so that people will know Jesus. In chapter 1 he uses three different titles for Jesus... Jesus is "the Word, the Light, and the Lamb." Each of these titles has a way of pointing people to Jesus and helping us better understand who he is. At the end of the day, our calling is the same as John's... to know Christ and point people to him.

]]> Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1647 68 2ef01b7a5f31ec11e6b101535d02bf5a no Biblical Belonging Dave Jeffreys <p>As Christians, the New Testament says that we "belong" to Jesus and that we "belong" to the church. But what does it mean to really belong? So many believers settle for simply visiting or attending rather than belonging. In other words, so many people settle for less than what God wants for them. Why do we settle for less than God has for us and how can we move towards belonging?</p> <p>As Christians, the New Testament says that we "belong" to Jesus and that we "belong" to the church. But what does it mean to really belong? So many believers settle for simply visiting or attending rather than belonging. In other words, so many people settle for less than what God wants for them. Why do we settle for less than God has for us and how can we move towards belonging?</p> As Christians, the New Testament says that we "belong" to Jesus and that we "belong" to the church. But what does it mean to really belong? So many believers settle for simply visiting or attending rather than belonging. In other words, so many people settle for less than what God wants for them. Why do we settle for less than God has for us and how can we move towards belonging?

]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1867 69 3b41c4c5ce5891cf893e888365e162cc no Transcendence: Where's the Magic? Austin Fischer <p>he biblical world was filled with spiritual energy and activity, and our world isn't. Or at least, it doesn't seem to be. Why? Because we live in a secular age in which we've forgotten how to expect to experience a living God who shows up in our lives.</p> <p>he biblical world was filled with spiritual energy and activity, and our world isn't. Or at least, it doesn't seem to be. Why? Because we live in a secular age in which we've forgotten how to expect to experience a living God who shows up in our lives.</p> he biblical world was filled with spiritual energy and activity, and our world isn't. Or at least, it doesn't seem to be. Why? Because we live in a secular age in which we've forgotten how to expect to experience a living God who shows up in our lives.

]]> Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1738 70 7a38cd40a2b90aaef9b9c432fd88fce2 no Wisdom: (Not) Kicking Against the Goads Austin Fischer <p>We want to be a church that diligently seeks wisdom because we live in a foolish age. We're the smartest people to ever live, but we are very foolish because we've untethered ourselves from ancient sources of wisdom in the mistaken belief this is liberation, but it's madness. True wisdom is not being your own authority, but submitting yourself to the authority of God mediated through Scripture.</p> <p>We want to be a church that diligently seeks wisdom because we live in a foolish age. We're the smartest people to ever live, but we are very foolish because we've untethered ourselves from ancient sources of wisdom in the mistaken belief this is liberation, but it's madness. True wisdom is not being your own authority, but submitting yourself to the authority of God mediated through Scripture.</p> We want to be a church that diligently seeks wisdom because we live in a foolish age. We're the smartest people to ever live, but we are very foolish because we've untethered ourselves from ancient sources of wisdom in the mistaken belief this is liberation, but it's madness. True wisdom is not being your own authority, but submitting yourself to the authority of God mediated through Scripture.

]]> Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1639 71 fc1c1c1be4147c6e2cf20e7f1cda6970 no New Year Examen Joel Perritte Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 3475 72 ee54363eb681e9185023b735e8dc5ce1 no Refined, Not Defined, By Your Past Chris Lackey <p>Our relationship with our past can be complicated. We can allow our past to hold significant power over us. We can allow the stories we tell ourselves to define who we are. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus can rewrite our stories and use our past to refine us.</p> <p>Our relationship with our past can be complicated. We can allow our past to hold significant power over us. We can allow the stories we tell ourselves to define who we are. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus can rewrite our stories and use our past to refine us.</p> Our relationship with our past can be complicated. We can allow our past to hold significant power over us. We can allow the stories we tell ourselves to define who we are. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus can rewrite our stories and use our past to refine us.

]]> Sun, 29 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1855 73 5cf027ef8eeda4ec448ce8a8ba2fdbb5 no Advent Week 4 - Love Dave Jeffreys <p>John 3:16 is by far the most popular and quoted verse in all of the Bible. It's been called "the gospel in one verse." In many ways it is a verse about Christmas. It explains the greatest gift ever given... a gift given by God to us all because he loved us. If you take time to really break this verse down and contemplate it's meaning, you'll see just how deep and rich the love of God really is.</p> <p>John 3:16 is by far the most popular and quoted verse in all of the Bible. It's been called "the gospel in one verse." In many ways it is a verse about Christmas. It explains the greatest gift ever given... a gift given by God to us all because he loved us. If you take time to really break this verse down and contemplate it's meaning, you'll see just how deep and rich the love of God really is.</p> John 3:16 is by far the most popular and quoted verse in all of the Bible. It's been called "the gospel in one verse." In many ways it is a verse about Christmas. It explains the greatest gift ever given... a gift given by God to us all because he loved us. If you take time to really break this verse down and contemplate it's meaning, you'll see just how deep and rich the love of God really is.

]]> Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1772 74 a5581482a5daedf686e16a7753ff5b69 no Advent Week 3 - Peace and Its Discontents Austin Fischer <p>One day all the nations will be drawn to God by the beauty of God's peace, so why do we resist that peace so much now? And what is the greatest obstacle to you living a life of peace? It's you. Becoming a person at peace with yourself is the key to becoming someone who can share God's peace with others.</p> <p>One day all the nations will be drawn to God by the beauty of God's peace, so why do we resist that peace so much now? And what is the greatest obstacle to you living a life of peace? It's you. Becoming a person at peace with yourself is the key to becoming someone who can share God's peace with others.</p> One day all the nations will be drawn to God by the beauty of God's peace, so why do we resist that peace so much now? And what is the greatest obstacle to you living a life of peace? It's you. Becoming a person at peace with yourself is the key to becoming someone who can share God's peace with others.

]]> Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1802 75 fcb7e3b28d417f6e764d3bd1eede0dd7 no Advent week 2 - Joy Dave Jeffreys <p>What brings you joy? Where do you find joy? These are great questions. We often assume that things we enjoy will produce in us more joy. However, scripture seems to indicate that obedience, even to things we don't always feel like doing, is actually what produces more joy in our lives? In other words... the things that produce more true joy in us are not always enjoyable in the moment. So, the question really is... what are the things God has asked us to do that will produce more joy in our lives?</p> <p>What brings you joy? Where do you find joy? These are great questions. We often assume that things we enjoy will produce in us more joy. However, scripture seems to indicate that obedience, even to things we don't always feel like doing, is actually what produces more joy in our lives? In other words... the things that produce more true joy in us are not always enjoyable in the moment. So, the question really is... what are the things God has asked us to do that will produce more joy in our lives?</p> What brings you joy? Where do you find joy? These are great questions. We often assume that things we enjoy will produce in us more joy. However, scripture seems to indicate that obedience, even to things we don't always feel like doing, is actually what produces more joy in our lives? In other words... the things that produce more true joy in us are not always enjoyable in the moment. So, the question really is... what are the things God has asked us to do that will produce more joy in our lives?

]]> Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1745 76 a383ce8666461692fc17ad0028ea7137 no Advent Week 1 - Hope Dave Jeffreys <p>As believers, we know that our HOPE is found, or should be found, in Jesus. But what is HOPE?</p><p>Where does this emotion come from? And why is it so important in the life of a believer?</p> <p>As believers, we know that our HOPE is found, or should be found, in Jesus. But what is HOPE?</p><p>Where does this emotion come from? And why is it so important in the life of a believer?</p> As believers, we know that our HOPE is found, or should be found, in Jesus. But what is HOPE?

Where does this emotion come from? And why is it so important in the life of a believer?

]]> Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1488 77 09879971b8c78ca769b369a571390b69 no Family Matters Jude Austin Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1640 78 db56decc84372c4677e2232902613a59 no Q&A Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys <p>Church should be the first place we come with our questions! Over the past month, you submitted questions you wanted tackled, and Austin and Dave select a few to discuss.</p> <p>Church should be the first place we come with our questions! Over the past month, you submitted questions you wanted tackled, and Austin and Dave select a few to discuss.</p> Church should be the first place we come with our questions! Over the past month, you submitted questions you wanted tackled, and Austin and Dave select a few to discuss.

]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2019 79 ab4b35a5c67f95a335f6e9a1658f0f1b no The Rights of the Poor Austin Fischer <p>We're in the midst of a fussy cultural conversation about social justice and human rights, but what does Scripture say about these things? A lot! Imploring us to care for the vulnerable because that's what God did for us, Scripture also specifies that the most important political question for Christians is not "How do we vote?" but "Are we practicing the politics of Jesus as a church?"</p><p><br></p> <p>We're in the midst of a fussy cultural conversation about social justice and human rights, but what does Scripture say about these things? A lot! Imploring us to care for the vulnerable because that's what God did for us, Scripture also specifies that the most important political question for Christians is not "How do we vote?" but "Are we practicing the politics of Jesus as a church?"</p><p><br></p> We're in the midst of a fussy cultural conversation about social justice and human rights, but what does Scripture say about these things? A lot! Imploring us to care for the vulnerable because that's what God did for us, Scripture also specifies that the most important political question for Christians is not "How do we vote?" but "Are we practicing the politics of Jesus as a church?"


]]> Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1614 80 c0e5e76a2407d68f71d461d6b3d62123 no Any Fool Will Quarrel Austin Fischer <p>Is it OK to be angry? Yes! But Scripture also tells us to be very careful with our anger, and quick to let go of it instead of pouring gas on it in the name of an allegedly greater good. Because while we like to tell ourselves we're good at being angry for a good cause, Scripture disagrees.</p><p><br></p> <p>Is it OK to be angry? Yes! But Scripture also tells us to be very careful with our anger, and quick to let go of it instead of pouring gas on it in the name of an allegedly greater good. Because while we like to tell ourselves we're good at being angry for a good cause, Scripture disagrees.</p><p><br></p> Is it OK to be angry? Yes! But Scripture also tells us to be very careful with our anger, and quick to let go of it instead of pouring gas on it in the name of an allegedly greater good. Because while we like to tell ourselves we're good at being angry for a good cause, Scripture disagrees.


]]> Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1757 81 ca675db8a89b7f7da5174f186f913364 no Becoming the "Right" Person Dave Jeffreys <p>If we're single, we tend to spend a lot of our time looking for the "right" person to spend our lives with. If we're married and having trouble, we tend to spend a lot of time trying to fix the "right" person (our spouse). However, the writers of Proverbs seem far more concerned with us becoming the "right" person that God wants us to be. What does it look like to be the right kind of woman or the right kind of man in God's eyes?</p> <p>If we're single, we tend to spend a lot of our time looking for the "right" person to spend our lives with. If we're married and having trouble, we tend to spend a lot of time trying to fix the "right" person (our spouse). However, the writers of Proverbs seem far more concerned with us becoming the "right" person that God wants us to be. What does it look like to be the right kind of woman or the right kind of man in God's eyes?</p> If we're single, we tend to spend a lot of our time looking for the "right" person to spend our lives with. If we're married and having trouble, we tend to spend a lot of time trying to fix the "right" person (our spouse). However, the writers of Proverbs seem far more concerned with us becoming the "right" person that God wants us to be. What does it look like to be the right kind of woman or the right kind of man in God's eyes?

]]> Sun, 27 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2108 82 f5502a2d4de5ab34a98d88d6251b6f23 no Iron Sharpens Iron Sarah Hammond <p>Scripture makes it clear that good and wise company is a necessary component to cultivating wisdom in our lives. But how do I know if the company I keep is wise or foolish? Do they fear God? Do they speak the truth in love? Are they able to hear and receive Godly truth in their own life? Do they help carry the burdens of others? Proverbs gives us incredible insight into the characteristics of good and wise company, the kind of company we need in our lives if we want to grow in wisdom. But also the kind of company we should strive to be for others.</p> <p>Scripture makes it clear that good and wise company is a necessary component to cultivating wisdom in our lives. But how do I know if the company I keep is wise or foolish? Do they fear God? Do they speak the truth in love? Are they able to hear and receive Godly truth in their own life? Do they help carry the burdens of others? Proverbs gives us incredible insight into the characteristics of good and wise company, the kind of company we need in our lives if we want to grow in wisdom. But also the kind of company we should strive to be for others.</p> Scripture makes it clear that good and wise company is a necessary component to cultivating wisdom in our lives. But how do I know if the company I keep is wise or foolish? Do they fear God? Do they speak the truth in love? Are they able to hear and receive Godly truth in their own life? Do they help carry the burdens of others? Proverbs gives us incredible insight into the characteristics of good and wise company, the kind of company we need in our lives if we want to grow in wisdom. But also the kind of company we should strive to be for others.

]]> Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1496 83 e0e550c8c58157c4a27300712dbcc92f no The Righteous Give Austin Fischer <p>How do we best steward our resources? By gaining them righteously, using them wisely, and giving them generously. Threading the needle between prosperity and poverty gospel readings of Scripture, Proverbs offers a blunt but generous set of teachings on the intersection of wealth and possessions in God's economy.</p> <p>How do we best steward our resources? By gaining them righteously, using them wisely, and giving them generously. Threading the needle between prosperity and poverty gospel readings of Scripture, Proverbs offers a blunt but generous set of teachings on the intersection of wealth and possessions in God's economy.</p> How do we best steward our resources? By gaining them righteously, using them wisely, and giving them generously. Threading the needle between prosperity and poverty gospel readings of Scripture, Proverbs offers a blunt but generous set of teachings on the intersection of wealth and possessions in God's economy.

]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1897 84 62775fc5f11e0aba97ec233b95fc24a2 no An Ode to Prudence Austin Fischer <p>We should spend more time understanding what will not change than trying to anticipate what will change. This is a fundamental lesson of Proverbs, and in Proverbs 8 we learn it is not prudent people who are naive and sheltered, but foolish people. Because prudence makes holy play possible.</p> <p>We should spend more time understanding what will not change than trying to anticipate what will change. This is a fundamental lesson of Proverbs, and in Proverbs 8 we learn it is not prudent people who are naive and sheltered, but foolish people. Because prudence makes holy play possible.</p> We should spend more time understanding what will not change than trying to anticipate what will change. This is a fundamental lesson of Proverbs, and in Proverbs 8 we learn it is not prudent people who are naive and sheltered, but foolish people. Because prudence makes holy play possible.

]]> Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1702 85 434006ed40c3ef668c4e83f56b3c7026 no Walking in Wisdom Dave Jeffreys <p>Proverbs is a book about wise living. God wants his people to walk in wisdom rather than live lives of foolishness and folly. So, how do we become wise people? Where does wisdom come from and how do we practically learn to walk in it in all areas of our lives?</p><p><br></p> <p>Proverbs is a book about wise living. God wants his people to walk in wisdom rather than live lives of foolishness and folly. So, how do we become wise people? Where does wisdom come from and how do we practically learn to walk in it in all areas of our lives?</p><p><br></p> Proverbs is a book about wise living. God wants his people to walk in wisdom rather than live lives of foolishness and folly. So, how do we become wise people? Where does wisdom come from and how do we practically learn to walk in it in all areas of our lives?


]]> Sun, 22 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1672 86 d8d4f093dbf5c09dee9dfe45da524290 no Technology: Eliminating the Human Austin Fischer <p>The story of the Tower of Babel reminds there are things we can do that we nevertheless should not do. Using this story as a source of wisdom, we discuss how Christians might use or not use modern technology. Technology is good when it produces connection, attention, and creation, but bad when it produces isolation, distraction, and endless consumption.</p><p><br></p> <p>The story of the Tower of Babel reminds there are things we can do that we nevertheless should not do. Using this story as a source of wisdom, we discuss how Christians might use or not use modern technology. Technology is good when it produces connection, attention, and creation, but bad when it produces isolation, distraction, and endless consumption.</p><p><br></p> The story of the Tower of Babel reminds there are things we can do that we nevertheless should not do. Using this story as a source of wisdom, we discuss how Christians might use or not use modern technology. Technology is good when it produces connection, attention, and creation, but bad when it produces isolation, distraction, and endless consumption.


]]> Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1963 87 1a46f1a51fab2f4c9686158802a0e4aa no Hype (The Rise & Fall of Nothing) Austin Fischer <p>Hype is the rise and fall of nothing, and we live in a hype culture wherein big, exaggerated promises of the next thing that is going to change everything fill our lives. But Jesus was, if anything, an anti-hype man who lived a mostly obscure life. Because life's basic-ness is beautiful, and we don't need to live high on hype. </p> <p>Hype is the rise and fall of nothing, and we live in a hype culture wherein big, exaggerated promises of the next thing that is going to change everything fill our lives. But Jesus was, if anything, an anti-hype man who lived a mostly obscure life. Because life's basic-ness is beautiful, and we don't need to live high on hype. </p> Hype is the rise and fall of nothing, and we live in a hype culture wherein big, exaggerated promises of the next thing that is going to change everything fill our lives. But Jesus was, if anything, an anti-hype man who lived a mostly obscure life. Because life's basic-ness is beautiful, and we don't need to live high on hype.

]]> Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1520 88 74af4d0b80565140420706e99400d9b4 no Politics Dave Jeffreys <p>Politics is such a "hot button" topic. Some Christians feel that the church should be very engaged in the political process. Some feel the church should stay out of politics altogether. Should Christians care about politics? If so, how do we do so in a God-honoring way?</p> <p>Politics is such a "hot button" topic. Some Christians feel that the church should be very engaged in the political process. Some feel the church should stay out of politics altogether. Should Christians care about politics? If so, how do we do so in a God-honoring way?</p> Politics is such a "hot button" topic. Some Christians feel that the church should be very engaged in the political process. Some feel the church should stay out of politics altogether. Should Christians care about politics? If so, how do we do so in a God-honoring way?

]]> Sun, 01 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1796 89 1e6f030d06cb48be50bb70fadbcb2dd4 no The Age of Anxiety Austin Fischer <p>One of the only things almost everyone agrees on is that we're living in the midst of a mental health crisis. And far from belittling our anxiety or outsourcing treatment of it solely to "the professionals", God understands our anxiety and wants to help. A less anxious life is the byproduct of having a mission in life greater than the self.</p> <p>One of the only things almost everyone agrees on is that we're living in the midst of a mental health crisis. And far from belittling our anxiety or outsourcing treatment of it solely to "the professionals", God understands our anxiety and wants to help. A less anxious life is the byproduct of having a mission in life greater than the self.</p> One of the only things almost everyone agrees on is that we're living in the midst of a mental health crisis. And far from belittling our anxiety or outsourcing treatment of it solely to "the professionals", God understands our anxiety and wants to help. A less anxious life is the byproduct of having a mission in life greater than the self.

]]> Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1635 90 ed2c31c22bbc999f8bbf1e97969a4af0 no Safety/Protection Dave Jeffreys <p>There's no question that safety and protection are at the forefront of people's minds these days. The world is sometimes dangerous and hostile, so it's easy to get consumed with staying safe. The question we must ask as Christians is, "How does God want us to live?" Or, to put it another way, "How can we live with courage in a dangerous world?"</p> <p>There's no question that safety and protection are at the forefront of people's minds these days. The world is sometimes dangerous and hostile, so it's easy to get consumed with staying safe. The question we must ask as Christians is, "How does God want us to live?" Or, to put it another way, "How can we live with courage in a dangerous world?"</p> There's no question that safety and protection are at the forefront of people's minds these days. The world is sometimes dangerous and hostile, so it's easy to get consumed with staying safe. The question we must ask as Christians is, "How does God want us to live?" Or, to put it another way, "How can we live with courage in a dangerous world?"

]]> Sun, 18 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1753 91 a2eb192bee09fac1aaec2d0a9c479d03 no Everything Sucks Austin Fischer <p>Why do we feel like everything is getting worse when most things are actually getting better? In short, entitlement, and entitlement is a huge psychological, sociological, and spiritual problem because it makes us forget everything is a gift. </p> <p>Why do we feel like everything is getting worse when most things are actually getting better? In short, entitlement, and entitlement is a huge psychological, sociological, and spiritual problem because it makes us forget everything is a gift. </p> Why do we feel like everything is getting worse when most things are actually getting better? In short, entitlement, and entitlement is a huge psychological, sociological, and spiritual problem because it makes us forget everything is a gift.

]]> Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1481 92 13af9e3a9ffed0fa3c9e559c5d19d167 no Sacrament Dave Jeffreys <p>A sacrament is defined as a Christian rite that is believed to have been ordained by God and that is held to be a means of divine grace or to be a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality. In the catholic church there are believed to be 7 sacraments. In most evangelical protestant churches we primarily emphasize two (Baptism and Communion). What is the purpose of the sacraments and how should we approach them as Christians? These and other questions will be answered in this final sermon of our "Churchology" series.</p><p><br></p> <p>A sacrament is defined as a Christian rite that is believed to have been ordained by God and that is held to be a means of divine grace or to be a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality. In the catholic church there are believed to be 7 sacraments. In most evangelical protestant churches we primarily emphasize two (Baptism and Communion). What is the purpose of the sacraments and how should we approach them as Christians? These and other questions will be answered in this final sermon of our "Churchology" series.</p><p><br></p> A sacrament is defined as a Christian rite that is believed to have been ordained by God and that is held to be a means of divine grace or to be a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality. In the catholic church there are believed to be 7 sacraments. In most evangelical protestant churches we primarily emphasize two (Baptism and Communion). What is the purpose of the sacraments and how should we approach them as Christians? These and other questions will be answered in this final sermon of our "Churchology" series.


]]> Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1729 93 0880c50665d179eafccdee7e6cb604aa no Quiet Time Sarah Hammond <p>Faith is personal. Much like any other relationship in our life, our relationship with God grows and deepens when we spend intentional time alone paying attention to Him. Don't settle for a seat in a church on Sunday mornings.</p> <p>Faith is personal. Much like any other relationship in our life, our relationship with God grows and deepens when we spend intentional time alone paying attention to Him. Don't settle for a seat in a church on Sunday mornings.</p> Faith is personal. Much like any other relationship in our life, our relationship with God grows and deepens when we spend intentional time alone paying attention to Him. Don't settle for a seat in a church on Sunday mornings.

]]> Sun, 28 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1791 94 3c0d8ee49a14e6d36625dcdc255b4a94 no Tabernacle Nick Followwell <p>The Tabernacle is a vital element in the overall narrative of scripture. The Tabernacle is where God "lived" amongst Israel. Why did Israel need the Tabernacle? What does it ultimately point to?</p> <p>The Tabernacle is a vital element in the overall narrative of scripture. The Tabernacle is where God "lived" amongst Israel. Why did Israel need the Tabernacle? What does it ultimately point to?</p> The Tabernacle is a vital element in the overall narrative of scripture. The Tabernacle is where God "lived" amongst Israel. Why did Israel need the Tabernacle? What does it ultimately point to?

]]> Sun, 21 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1830 95 1ac717fa4adb0a5c825c5fdcfc21db94 no Jesus the Disciple Joel Perritte <p>This is message about the meaning of discipleship in the Churchology series. The goal is to show that Jesus himself was a disciple who made disciples and to show what he has done for us and what he desires to do in and through us as we follow him as disciples.</p> <p>This is message about the meaning of discipleship in the Churchology series. The goal is to show that Jesus himself was a disciple who made disciples and to show what he has done for us and what he desires to do in and through us as we follow him as disciples.</p> This is message about the meaning of discipleship in the Churchology series. The goal is to show that Jesus himself was a disciple who made disciples and to show what he has done for us and what he desires to do in and through us as we follow him as disciples.

]]> Sun, 14 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2121 96 b885122918000e4d123c99582c319d9c no Salvation (Past, Present, and Future) Dave Jeffreys <p>What does it mean to be saved? What does salvation look like and how do I attain it? Is it something I receive once or is it an ongoing work in my life? These are very important questions. When it comes to salvation, it's important for believers to have a full understanding of what it means to be "saved." A right understanding of salvation has past, present, and future implications that change the way we live.</p> <p>What does it mean to be saved? What does salvation look like and how do I attain it? Is it something I receive once or is it an ongoing work in my life? These are very important questions. When it comes to salvation, it's important for believers to have a full understanding of what it means to be "saved." A right understanding of salvation has past, present, and future implications that change the way we live.</p> What does it mean to be saved? What does salvation look like and how do I attain it? Is it something I receive once or is it an ongoing work in my life? These are very important questions. When it comes to salvation, it's important for believers to have a full understanding of what it means to be "saved." A right understanding of salvation has past, present, and future implications that change the way we live.

]]> Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1835 97 1f732f25f10e8507dc02e0cc1757cb42 no The Law Austin Fischer <p>What was the Law? What was it for? What is it for? Contrary to what many have heard, the Law was a gift intended to help us live in sync with creation's moral design, and while it's not our master or savior, it can still be our friend.</p> <p>What was the Law? What was it for? What is it for? Contrary to what many have heard, the Law was a gift intended to help us live in sync with creation's moral design, and while it's not our master or savior, it can still be our friend.</p> What was the Law? What was it for? What is it for? Contrary to what many have heard, the Law was a gift intended to help us live in sync with creation's moral design, and while it's not our master or savior, it can still be our friend.

]]> Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1494 98 32d99b12e0c78b6ad15914e820047ff0 no Covenant Dave Jeffreys <p>"Covenant" is a word we don't use a lot when it comes to relationships these days. Most people think of a covenant as nothing more than a legally binding contract. However, in scripture, the idea of covenant is everywhere and it carries a lot deeper meaning than what most people think. Scripture reminds us that covenant isn't just an old word found in the Old Testament. It's a way of thinking about some relationships that helps us be more faithful to Christ.</p> <p>"Covenant" is a word we don't use a lot when it comes to relationships these days. Most people think of a covenant as nothing more than a legally binding contract. However, in scripture, the idea of covenant is everywhere and it carries a lot deeper meaning than what most people think. Scripture reminds us that covenant isn't just an old word found in the Old Testament. It's a way of thinking about some relationships that helps us be more faithful to Christ.</p> "Covenant" is a word we don't use a lot when it comes to relationships these days. Most people think of a covenant as nothing more than a legally binding contract. However, in scripture, the idea of covenant is everywhere and it carries a lot deeper meaning than what most people think. Scripture reminds us that covenant isn't just an old word found in the Old Testament. It's a way of thinking about some relationships that helps us be more faithful to Christ.

]]> Sun, 23 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1879 99 d52fa7e611c7e8441bd389d92ccf2fee no Everything Happens for a Reason? Austin Fischer <p>Everything happens for a reason. People say it a lot when something terrible or miraculous happens. But what do Christians mean when they say it, and is it a biblical thing to say? Examining what Scripture has to say about God's relationship to the evil and unexpected in our lives, we discover that it's more helpful to say that things happen, but God is and will always be good to us.</p> <p>Everything happens for a reason. People say it a lot when something terrible or miraculous happens. But what do Christians mean when they say it, and is it a biblical thing to say? Examining what Scripture has to say about God's relationship to the evil and unexpected in our lives, we discover that it's more helpful to say that things happen, but God is and will always be good to us.</p> Everything happens for a reason. People say it a lot when something terrible or miraculous happens. But what do Christians mean when they say it, and is it a biblical thing to say? Examining what Scripture has to say about God's relationship to the evil and unexpected in our lives, we discover that it's more helpful to say that things happen, but God is and will always be good to us.

]]> Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1772 100 6290816889020ca761ef9a0d0b646dea no Redeemed By the Blood of the Lamb Dave Jeffreys <p>Christians often use words and phrases that may sound confusing to people who are new to faith or don't have much of a church background. For example, what does it mean when a Christian says that we are "redeemed by the blood of the lamb?" Where does the biblical doctrine of redemption come from and how does it apply to us? We explore this statement in week one of our Churchology series.</p> <p>Christians often use words and phrases that may sound confusing to people who are new to faith or don't have much of a church background. For example, what does it mean when a Christian says that we are "redeemed by the blood of the lamb?" Where does the biblical doctrine of redemption come from and how does it apply to us? We explore this statement in week one of our Churchology series.</p> Christians often use words and phrases that may sound confusing to people who are new to faith or don't have much of a church background. For example, what does it mean when a Christian says that we are "redeemed by the blood of the lamb?" Where does the biblical doctrine of redemption come from and how does it apply to us? We explore this statement in week one of our Churchology series.

]]> Sun, 09 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1874 101 173c63016a3030769c6ede74616cbf8d no Aufhenbung > Schadenfreude Austin Fischer <p>Are you better than them? We all have a THEM, a person or group we despise. And yes, we think we're better than THEM. But no, according to Scripture, we're not. Following Jesus and Paul's lead, we seek to be people who are for THEM, even when they are against us. </p> <p>Are you better than them? We all have a THEM, a person or group we despise. And yes, we think we're better than THEM. But no, according to Scripture, we're not. Following Jesus and Paul's lead, we seek to be people who are for THEM, even when they are against us. </p> Are you better than them? We all have a THEM, a person or group we despise. And yes, we think we're better than THEM. But no, according to Scripture, we're not. Following Jesus and Paul's lead, we seek to be people who are for THEM, even when they are against us.

]]> Sun, 19 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1601 102 5ffb3fba08f6ab14f247454c07a38a56 no Fulfill Your Ministry Sydney Pfleeger <p>The Apostle Paul knew his life was coming to an end, but he could confidently say that he was proud of the life he lived serving God and others. What can we learn from some of Paul's last words in his letter, 2 Timothy? We should listen to Paul and follow his example on what it looks like to fulfill your ministry.</p> <p>The Apostle Paul knew his life was coming to an end, but he could confidently say that he was proud of the life he lived serving God and others. What can we learn from some of Paul's last words in his letter, 2 Timothy? We should listen to Paul and follow his example on what it looks like to fulfill your ministry.</p> The Apostle Paul knew his life was coming to an end, but he could confidently say that he was proud of the life he lived serving God and others. What can we learn from some of Paul's last words in his letter, 2 Timothy? We should listen to Paul and follow his example on what it looks like to fulfill your ministry.

]]> Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1483 103 ad75cbe9565138bd9c10183391b8c69c no Enduring Storms and Avoiding Shipwrecks Dave Jeffreys <p>Paul endured many trials during his life and ministry. The reality is that everyone goes through trials in life. Some of the trials we go through are like storms... they are unpredictable and often unavoidable. However, other trials are more like shipwrecks that we may cause and are often avoidable. Since trials are a part of life, we must learn how to endure the storms and avoid the shipwrecks.</p><p><br></p> <p>Paul endured many trials during his life and ministry. The reality is that everyone goes through trials in life. Some of the trials we go through are like storms... they are unpredictable and often unavoidable. However, other trials are more like shipwrecks that we may cause and are often avoidable. Since trials are a part of life, we must learn how to endure the storms and avoid the shipwrecks.</p><p><br></p> Paul endured many trials during his life and ministry. The reality is that everyone goes through trials in life. Some of the trials we go through are like storms... they are unpredictable and often unavoidable. However, other trials are more like shipwrecks that we may cause and are often avoidable. Since trials are a part of life, we must learn how to endure the storms and avoid the shipwrecks.


]]> Sun, 12 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1927 104 a5e2f4fbf6a3e9ebbe6dfc1d605bd833 no A Raving Madman Austin Fischer <p>In 2 Corinthians, we see Paul at his best and worst. We see insecurity and pettiness, but also kindness, courage, and trust. Paul's honesty reminds us that it's OK to not be OK, and to let others know about it. Paul's imperfections remind us God loves and uses broken people. Paul's courage reminds us that we're often impressed by all the wrong things.</p> <p>In 2 Corinthians, we see Paul at his best and worst. We see insecurity and pettiness, but also kindness, courage, and trust. Paul's honesty reminds us that it's OK to not be OK, and to let others know about it. Paul's imperfections remind us God loves and uses broken people. Paul's courage reminds us that we're often impressed by all the wrong things.</p> In 2 Corinthians, we see Paul at his best and worst. We see insecurity and pettiness, but also kindness, courage, and trust. Paul's honesty reminds us that it's OK to not be OK, and to let others know about it. Paul's imperfections remind us God loves and uses broken people. Paul's courage reminds us that we're often impressed by all the wrong things.

]]> Sun, 05 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1913 105 23e97b63227456b339eacaf5e4581f15 no Engaging Culture Dave Jeffreys <p>What does it mean to be in the world but not of it? What should the church's posture be towards the culture in which it exists? Historically the church has taken various postures toward culture (ignoring it, fighting it, joining it, etc...), but the apostle Paul shows us that the proper posture is to properly "engage" with the culture in order to reach people for Christ.</p> <p>What does it mean to be in the world but not of it? What should the church's posture be towards the culture in which it exists? Historically the church has taken various postures toward culture (ignoring it, fighting it, joining it, etc...), but the apostle Paul shows us that the proper posture is to properly "engage" with the culture in order to reach people for Christ.</p> What does it mean to be in the world but not of it? What should the church's posture be towards the culture in which it exists? Historically the church has taken various postures toward culture (ignoring it, fighting it, joining it, etc...), but the apostle Paul shows us that the proper posture is to properly "engage" with the culture in order to reach people for Christ.

]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1947 106 5ad011642424bdc28c57f4f120b3f720 no Gotta Serve Somebody Austin Fischer <p>Modern people from all over the spectrum have all sorts of problems with Paul. Why? Because Paul was, in many ways, an anti-modern man who didn't share our love of individualism and freedom because he believed true freedom was not doing whatever you want but surrendering to and serving the God who made you.</p> <p>Modern people from all over the spectrum have all sorts of problems with Paul. Why? Because Paul was, in many ways, an anti-modern man who didn't share our love of individualism and freedom because he believed true freedom was not doing whatever you want but surrendering to and serving the God who made you.</p> Modern people from all over the spectrum have all sorts of problems with Paul. Why? Because Paul was, in many ways, an anti-modern man who didn't share our love of individualism and freedom because he believed true freedom was not doing whatever you want but surrendering to and serving the God who made you.

]]> Sun, 21 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1708 107 74bdf2956f1a57f0ae516e272e0d4751 no The Man and the Message Dave Jeffreys <p>To fully understand Paul, we need to understand his message. What did he believe? What did he preach? In Acts 13 Paul is preaching to some Jews in a synagogue. In this brief message Paul mentions several things that he had become convinced of. These things would continue to be the emphasis of Paul's sermons and the basis for his ministry throughout his life.</p> <p>To fully understand Paul, we need to understand his message. What did he believe? What did he preach? In Acts 13 Paul is preaching to some Jews in a synagogue. In this brief message Paul mentions several things that he had become convinced of. These things would continue to be the emphasis of Paul's sermons and the basis for his ministry throughout his life.</p> To fully understand Paul, we need to understand his message. What did he believe? What did he preach? In Acts 13 Paul is preaching to some Jews in a synagogue. In this brief message Paul mentions several things that he had become convinced of. These things would continue to be the emphasis of Paul's sermons and the basis for his ministry throughout his life.

]]> Sun, 14 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1843 108 d384e2eba76d257fa7dca21ed90f2b93 no Seeing Jesus More Clearly Dave Jeffreys <p>Mary Magdalene was the first person Jesus appeared to after his resurrection. However, Mary had a hard time seeing him clearly. Although he spoke to her, she thought he was a gardener at first. Let's be honest, we all have a hard time seeing Jesus clearly at times. In John's account of the resurrection we can learn from Mary how to see Jesus more clearly in our own lives.</p> <p>Mary Magdalene was the first person Jesus appeared to after his resurrection. However, Mary had a hard time seeing him clearly. Although he spoke to her, she thought he was a gardener at first. Let's be honest, we all have a hard time seeing Jesus clearly at times. In John's account of the resurrection we can learn from Mary how to see Jesus more clearly in our own lives.</p> Mary Magdalene was the first person Jesus appeared to after his resurrection. However, Mary had a hard time seeing him clearly. Although he spoke to her, she thought he was a gardener at first. Let's be honest, we all have a hard time seeing Jesus clearly at times. In John's account of the resurrection we can learn from Mary how to see Jesus more clearly in our own lives.

]]> Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1897 109 e91a64c3dd8bdca6e81b5144a384ed86 no Good Friday 2024 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2966 110 16f6db88491d21c07225f04a477750ac no The Cup the Father Has Given Me Austin Fischer <p>Jesus is betrayed by many people in the moment of his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane; especially Judas and Peter. Judas' is the betrayal of the "overly liberal" and Peter's is the betrayal of the "overly conservative." In contrast to all the betrayal, Jesus is the one faithful person because he purses trust instead of control.</p> <p>Jesus is betrayed by many people in the moment of his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane; especially Judas and Peter. Judas' is the betrayal of the "overly liberal" and Peter's is the betrayal of the "overly conservative." In contrast to all the betrayal, Jesus is the one faithful person because he purses trust instead of control.</p> Jesus is betrayed by many people in the moment of his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane; especially Judas and Peter. Judas' is the betrayal of the "overly liberal" and Peter's is the betrayal of the "overly conservative." In contrast to all the betrayal, Jesus is the one faithful person because he purses trust instead of control.

]]> Sun, 24 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1506 111 4394d81692c59ba1c659f1384949e674 no He's Still Here Sarah Hammond <p>In a final lesson to His disciples, Jesus tells them that He has to leave them but it will be to their benefit because He is sending them the Spirit. They don't quite understand the significance of what he is telling them. But they soon will.</p> <p>In a final lesson to His disciples, Jesus tells them that He has to leave them but it will be to their benefit because He is sending them the Spirit. They don't quite understand the significance of what he is telling them. But they soon will.</p> In a final lesson to His disciples, Jesus tells them that He has to leave them but it will be to their benefit because He is sending them the Spirit. They don't quite understand the significance of what he is telling them. But they soon will.

]]> Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1672 112 32a16ab83ee0a02593046168f9a09163 no Foot Washing Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus is having a final meal with his disciples in the upper room. During the dinner, Jesus takes a towel and a basin of water and begins to wash the disciples feet. This astonishing act of humility takes the disciples by surprise. Peter even tries to stop Jesus from washing his feet. Why does Jesus do this? What is he trying to show/teach his followers by this act and what should we learn from it?</p> <p>Jesus is having a final meal with his disciples in the upper room. During the dinner, Jesus takes a towel and a basin of water and begins to wash the disciples feet. This astonishing act of humility takes the disciples by surprise. Peter even tries to stop Jesus from washing his feet. Why does Jesus do this? What is he trying to show/teach his followers by this act and what should we learn from it?</p> Jesus is having a final meal with his disciples in the upper room. During the dinner, Jesus takes a towel and a basin of water and begins to wash the disciples feet. This astonishing act of humility takes the disciples by surprise. Peter even tries to stop Jesus from washing his feet. Why does Jesus do this? What is he trying to show/teach his followers by this act and what should we learn from it?

]]> Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1725 113 eebcea87a77a7c8b6a9adcb44fd7270e no Sitting and Doing Dave Jeffreys <p>After Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave (his most public and astonishing miracle), they had a dinner party at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus with Jesus and his disciples. Mary takes a jar of expensive perfume and pours it on Jesus' feet, and begins to wipe his feet with her hair. This is an astonishing act of love and devotion to Jesus. However, Judas doesn't like what takes place. He criticizes Mary for her humble act. We can learn a lot by looking at how Mary responds to Jesus, and Judas responds to Mary. Ultimately, Mary is the one who teaches us to both sit at the feet of Jesus and do something with our faith.</p> <p>After Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave (his most public and astonishing miracle), they had a dinner party at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus with Jesus and his disciples. Mary takes a jar of expensive perfume and pours it on Jesus' feet, and begins to wipe his feet with her hair. This is an astonishing act of love and devotion to Jesus. However, Judas doesn't like what takes place. He criticizes Mary for her humble act. We can learn a lot by looking at how Mary responds to Jesus, and Judas responds to Mary. Ultimately, Mary is the one who teaches us to both sit at the feet of Jesus and do something with our faith.</p> After Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave (his most public and astonishing miracle), they had a dinner party at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus with Jesus and his disciples. Mary takes a jar of expensive perfume and pours it on Jesus' feet, and begins to wipe his feet with her hair. This is an astonishing act of love and devotion to Jesus. However, Judas doesn't like what takes place. He criticizes Mary for her humble act. We can learn a lot by looking at how Mary responds to Jesus, and Judas responds to Mary. Ultimately, Mary is the one who teaches us to both sit at the feet of Jesus and do something with our faith.

]]> Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1743 114 59b0a016d3b83fd7b9cb5e3afbd9a3ee no The Fight, The Fear, and The Future Joel Perritte <p>This is a message about the ongoing unresolved fight against evil humanity finds itself perpetually engaged in. This message is about the fear of death that hangs over our lives like a specter. This message is about how Jesus has restored, is restoring, and ultimately will restore everything that humanity lost in the fall.</p> <p>This is a message about the ongoing unresolved fight against evil humanity finds itself perpetually engaged in. This message is about the fear of death that hangs over our lives like a specter. This message is about how Jesus has restored, is restoring, and ultimately will restore everything that humanity lost in the fall.</p> This is a message about the ongoing unresolved fight against evil humanity finds itself perpetually engaged in. This message is about the fear of death that hangs over our lives like a specter. This message is about how Jesus has restored, is restoring, and ultimately will restore everything that humanity lost in the fall.

]]> Wed, 14 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1499 115 b6c34ebaf74b52f93275f7d6fe1833be no How to Age Well Austin Fischer <p>Everybody ages, but not everybody ages well. Three keys to aging well are knowing when you are, knowing how to be when you are, and remembering righteousness ages well.</p><p><br></p> <p>Everybody ages, but not everybody ages well. Three keys to aging well are knowing when you are, knowing how to be when you are, and remembering righteousness ages well.</p><p><br></p> Everybody ages, but not everybody ages well. Three keys to aging well are knowing when you are, knowing how to be when you are, and remembering righteousness ages well.


]]> Sun, 25 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1653 116 99b69d595af6be6bcba9afcef0ccfe19 no How to Repent Dave Jeffreys <p>Although repentance is not a popular topic in a world that values tolerance, the bottom line is that you cannot be a follower of Jesus without practicing repentance. Jesus calls his followers to repentance. But what does true repentance involve? True repentance involves three things... Confession, Contrition, and Change. We'll explore all of these and be reminded of what should lead us to repentance in the first place.</p><p><br></p> <p>Although repentance is not a popular topic in a world that values tolerance, the bottom line is that you cannot be a follower of Jesus without practicing repentance. Jesus calls his followers to repentance. But what does true repentance involve? True repentance involves three things... Confession, Contrition, and Change. We'll explore all of these and be reminded of what should lead us to repentance in the first place.</p><p><br></p> Although repentance is not a popular topic in a world that values tolerance, the bottom line is that you cannot be a follower of Jesus without practicing repentance. Jesus calls his followers to repentance. But what does true repentance involve? True repentance involves three things... Confession, Contrition, and Change. We'll explore all of these and be reminded of what should lead us to repentance in the first place.


]]> Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1956 117 40bb7d7d605fd215bbacf65d10cc142f no How to Doubt and Still Believe Austin Fischer <p>How do you doubt and still believe? It's an increasingly pressing question for modern people who are increasingly conflicted about faith. The good news here is that the gospel is not about God's demand that you have perfect faith, but God's promise to be faithful despite our imperfect faith.</p> <p>How do you doubt and still believe? It's an increasingly pressing question for modern people who are increasingly conflicted about faith. The good news here is that the gospel is not about God's demand that you have perfect faith, but God's promise to be faithful despite our imperfect faith.</p> How do you doubt and still believe? It's an increasingly pressing question for modern people who are increasingly conflicted about faith. The good news here is that the gospel is not about God's demand that you have perfect faith, but God's promise to be faithful despite our imperfect faith.

]]> Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1616 118 34950a547f3a87061e37ad8f1d50ee9a no How to Pray Dave Jeffreys <p>Prayer is one of the most, if not the most, important spiritual disciplines. Yet, many Christians feel like they don't really know how to pray or even why it's so important. There are a lot of questions about prayer, even for some people who have been Christians for a long time. Did you know that Jesus' disciples asked him how to pray? Of all the things they saw Jesus do, including many miracles, prayer was the thing they wanted him to teach them. So, how did Jesus teach his followers to pray?</p> <p>Prayer is one of the most, if not the most, important spiritual disciplines. Yet, many Christians feel like they don't really know how to pray or even why it's so important. There are a lot of questions about prayer, even for some people who have been Christians for a long time. Did you know that Jesus' disciples asked him how to pray? Of all the things they saw Jesus do, including many miracles, prayer was the thing they wanted him to teach them. So, how did Jesus teach his followers to pray?</p> Prayer is one of the most, if not the most, important spiritual disciplines. Yet, many Christians feel like they don't really know how to pray or even why it's so important. There are a lot of questions about prayer, even for some people who have been Christians for a long time. Did you know that Jesus' disciples asked him how to pray? Of all the things they saw Jesus do, including many miracles, prayer was the thing they wanted him to teach them. So, how did Jesus teach his followers to pray?

]]> Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1766 119 570fb4d559c36fd7a82fc333851bc0cb no How to Hear God's Voice Austin Fischer <p>How do we hear God's voice? When God speaks, where does it come from and what does it sound like? Learning to hear God's voice in the convergence of within, without, and around is a good biblical guide to making sure that when God speaks, we hear it.</p> <p>How do we hear God's voice? When God speaks, where does it come from and what does it sound like? Learning to hear God's voice in the convergence of within, without, and around is a good biblical guide to making sure that when God speaks, we hear it.</p> How do we hear God's voice? When God speaks, where does it come from and what does it sound like? Learning to hear God's voice in the convergence of within, without, and around is a good biblical guide to making sure that when God speaks, we hear it.

]]> Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1687 120 79ec587f06ce5f608fb8e4ef5c340e27 no How to Stay Married Austin Fischer <p>Fewer and fewer people are getting married, and fewer and fewer people are staying married. Why? Because marriage is outdated? Or because we've lost sight of what marriage is really for? The key to staying married, and wanting to stay married, is to understand that we find our best self when we get over our self.</p> <p>Fewer and fewer people are getting married, and fewer and fewer people are staying married. Why? Because marriage is outdated? Or because we've lost sight of what marriage is really for? The key to staying married, and wanting to stay married, is to understand that we find our best self when we get over our self.</p> Fewer and fewer people are getting married, and fewer and fewer people are staying married. Why? Because marriage is outdated? Or because we've lost sight of what marriage is really for? The key to staying married, and wanting to stay married, is to understand that we find our best self when we get over our self.

]]> Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1797 121 dcc031d146858dc43817e795e6a4c58e no How To Share Your Faith Dave Jeffreys <p>Most Christians know that they should share their faith, but many don't know how... or they just feel like they don't know enough to share. In John chapter 4, Jesus has a conversation with a woman at a well. We'll take a look at how Jesus engages with this woman and see what lessons we can learn about how to share our faith with someone else.</p> <p>Most Christians know that they should share their faith, but many don't know how... or they just feel like they don't know enough to share. In John chapter 4, Jesus has a conversation with a woman at a well. We'll take a look at how Jesus engages with this woman and see what lessons we can learn about how to share our faith with someone else.</p> Most Christians know that they should share their faith, but many don't know how... or they just feel like they don't know enough to share. In John chapter 4, Jesus has a conversation with a woman at a well. We'll take a look at how Jesus engages with this woman and see what lessons we can learn about how to share our faith with someone else.

]]> Sun, 14 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1979 122 686c010d5b05336c0b4078291ef44298 no State of the Church Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys <p>We remember God's faithfulness to us as a church over the course of 2023 by sharing some numbers and stories, and also anticipate God's faithfulness to us over the course of 2024.</p> <p>We remember God's faithfulness to us as a church over the course of 2023 by sharing some numbers and stories, and also anticipate God's faithfulness to us over the course of 2024.</p> We remember God's faithfulness to us as a church over the course of 2023 by sharing some numbers and stories, and also anticipate God's faithfulness to us over the course of 2024.

]]> Sun, 07 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1865 123 4ecd5e23ecb314c49a2fe2b4e23173ba no A Day of Small Things Joel Perritte <p>An obscure and enigmatic story reminding us that God cares for us in the everyday stuff of life and that God is pleased to use his power to restore what we've lost.</p> <p>An obscure and enigmatic story reminding us that God cares for us in the everyday stuff of life and that God is pleased to use his power to restore what we've lost.</p> An obscure and enigmatic story reminding us that God cares for us in the everyday stuff of life and that God is pleased to use his power to restore what we've lost.

]]> Sun, 31 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1888 124 c4f6a32cc17acab7b584c2111ee7dd4a no Christmas Eve 2023 Dave Jeffreys <p>The Christmas story is wonderful, majestic, and mysterious... but it's also humble, simple, and common. As Max Lucado says, "The story of Christmas is the story of God's relentless love for us."</p> <p>The Christmas story is wonderful, majestic, and mysterious... but it's also humble, simple, and common. As Max Lucado says, "The story of Christmas is the story of God's relentless love for us."</p> The Christmas story is wonderful, majestic, and mysterious... but it's also humble, simple, and common. As Max Lucado says, "The story of Christmas is the story of God's relentless love for us."

]]> Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 3326 125 2406377ff4c73b7eadad60a7a733920b no Blessed Is He Who Does Not Take Offense Austin Fischer <p>In Isaiah 35, we get a glimpse of the joyful homecoming God has in store for all of his creatures. If we'll submit to being grown into goodness, instead of fixated on quick fixes, we able to receive God's work in our lives.</p> <p>In Isaiah 35, we get a glimpse of the joyful homecoming God has in store for all of his creatures. If we'll submit to being grown into goodness, instead of fixated on quick fixes, we able to receive God's work in our lives.</p> In Isaiah 35, we get a glimpse of the joyful homecoming God has in store for all of his creatures. If we'll submit to being grown into goodness, instead of fixated on quick fixes, we able to receive God's work in our lives.

]]> Sun, 17 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1443 126 6ea766e0ea89798b3ac9c87008b53703 no Not Dead Yet Dave Jeffreys <p>Isaiah prophesy goes on to mention specific characteristics about God's future kingdom, letting us know that just as God's kingdom is marked by certain qualities, God's church should be too.</p> <p>Isaiah prophesy goes on to mention specific characteristics about God's future kingdom, letting us know that just as God's kingdom is marked by certain qualities, God's church should be too.</p> Isaiah prophesy goes on to mention specific characteristics about God's future kingdom, letting us know that just as God's kingdom is marked by certain qualities, God's church should be too.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1783 127 2a1064f531b8c0eddd68d06d707e14c8 no The Light of Advent Dave Jeffreys <p>Before we can understand what a text means for us, we must first understand how this prophesy from Isaiah would have been received by Israel in light of their circumstances. Then we can better understand how it applies to us.</p> <p>Before we can understand what a text means for us, we must first understand how this prophesy from Isaiah would have been received by Israel in light of their circumstances. Then we can better understand how it applies to us.</p> Before we can understand what a text means for us, we must first understand how this prophesy from Isaiah would have been received by Israel in light of their circumstances. Then we can better understand how it applies to us.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1894 128 18394a6e74aa24bcf2e84db9226269dc no Made for More Mark Whitaker <p>Having abundant life comes from living in relationship with God and making that relationship evident as we become more like Jesus. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and into life with him.</p> <p>Having abundant life comes from living in relationship with God and making that relationship evident as we become more like Jesus. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and into life with him.</p> Having abundant life comes from living in relationship with God and making that relationship evident as we become more like Jesus. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and into life with him.

]]> Sun, 26 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1776 129 46f803ef976e1cd3f1af3b9dda27d550 no In Defense of Something Like a Tithe Austin Fischer <p>Using the biblical concept of the tithe as a starting point, we explore what Scripture says about giving, and why modern people have a hard time giving to the Church.</p> <p>Using the biblical concept of the tithe as a starting point, we explore what Scripture says about giving, and why modern people have a hard time giving to the Church.</p> Using the biblical concept of the tithe as a starting point, we explore what Scripture says about giving, and why modern people have a hard time giving to the Church.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1821 130 da45fcf96c7eb92e33bbf639bbda5336 no Living Well on the Way Home Sarah Hammond <p>Peter's message to these persecuted believers is the same message that all of scripture speaks to all believers: the key to living well in the waiting is humility.</p> <p>Peter's message to these persecuted believers is the same message that all of scripture speaks to all believers: the key to living well in the waiting is humility.</p> Peter's message to these persecuted believers is the same message that all of scripture speaks to all believers: the key to living well in the waiting is humility.

]]> Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1704 131 363fa47f61a79c7430f400e822c8d745 no A Faithful Creator Austin Fischer <p>In 1 Peter 4:9-19, we discuss hospitality, spiritual gifts, and suffering. What are spiritual gifts for? How can we live lives filled with suffering but also with happiness and hospitality?</p> <p>In 1 Peter 4:9-19, we discuss hospitality, spiritual gifts, and suffering. What are spiritual gifts for? How can we live lives filled with suffering but also with happiness and hospitality?</p> In 1 Peter 4:9-19, we discuss hospitality, spiritual gifts, and suffering. What are spiritual gifts for? How can we live lives filled with suffering but also with happiness and hospitality?

]]> Sun, 05 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1523 132 ae7b54acdb3103970114d982e73594bb no The Intent to Suffer Austin Fischer <p>A life well and faithfully lived is about having proper expectations. 1 Peter 4:1-8 challenges us to live with the expectation of suffering; there is something about faithfulness to Christ that creates additional suffering in our lives that helps us become more like Him.</p> <p>A life well and faithfully lived is about having proper expectations. 1 Peter 4:1-8 challenges us to live with the expectation of suffering; there is something about faithfulness to Christ that creates additional suffering in our lives that helps us become more like Him.</p> A life well and faithfully lived is about having proper expectations. 1 Peter 4:1-8 challenges us to live with the expectation of suffering; there is something about faithfulness to Christ that creates additional suffering in our lives that helps us become more like Him.

]]> Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1689 133 51f73e03e3134c1056e465c9edb30b8c no Showing Honor Dave Jeffreys <p>In chapter 3, Peter gives some instruction to married couples, then turns his attention to the whole church to remind us of qualities we should possess in the midst of a hostile culture.</p> <p>In chapter 3, Peter gives some instruction to married couples, then turns his attention to the whole church to remind us of qualities we should possess in the midst of a hostile culture.</p> In chapter 3, Peter gives some instruction to married couples, then turns his attention to the whole church to remind us of qualities we should possess in the midst of a hostile culture.

]]> Sun, 22 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1920 134 55f8408f149ffc2422ad89b705028369 no The Way of Goodness Austin Fischer <p>In 1 Peter 2:11-25, we're challenged to walk the way of goodness in a fallen world, for the sake of the world. This means suffering injustice with humility, gentleness, and respect, which is hard. So why would we do it? Because Jesus did it for us.</p> <p>In 1 Peter 2:11-25, we're challenged to walk the way of goodness in a fallen world, for the sake of the world. This means suffering injustice with humility, gentleness, and respect, which is hard. So why would we do it? Because Jesus did it for us.</p> In 1 Peter 2:11-25, we're challenged to walk the way of goodness in a fallen world, for the sake of the world. This means suffering injustice with humility, gentleness, and respect, which is hard. So why would we do it? Because Jesus did it for us.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1706 135 5db41432c17ca72be645a1cd0a70e970 no Grow Up Dave Jeffreys <p>Peter is a pastor who wants Christians to grow up into spiritual maturity. That is the hope of all pastors for their church. The question is, what does it take to grow into spiritual maturity? What does spiritual maturity even look like? Peter is going to give the church some specific things to focus on in order to "grow up into salvation." These things are just as important for the church today as they were back then.</p> <p>Peter is a pastor who wants Christians to grow up into spiritual maturity. That is the hope of all pastors for their church. The question is, what does it take to grow into spiritual maturity? What does spiritual maturity even look like? Peter is going to give the church some specific things to focus on in order to "grow up into salvation." These things are just as important for the church today as they were back then.</p> Peter is a pastor who wants Christians to grow up into spiritual maturity. That is the hope of all pastors for their church. The question is, what does it take to grow into spiritual maturity? What does spiritual maturity even look like? Peter is going to give the church some specific things to focus on in order to "grow up into salvation." These things are just as important for the church today as they were back then.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1856 136 5cfa297b0dd9743d5a299bde55d8e722 no Therefore Austin Fischer <p>As we discuss 1 Peter 1:13-25, we see that all of the demanding actions we're implored to take are predicated upon the action God has already taken in Christ.</p> <p>As we discuss 1 Peter 1:13-25, we see that all of the demanding actions we're implored to take are predicated upon the action God has already taken in Christ.</p> As we discuss 1 Peter 1:13-25, we see that all of the demanding actions we're implored to take are predicated upon the action God has already taken in Christ.

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1646 137 af3adcef4bab1c059954446093ce652c no Living Hope Dave Jeffreys <p>All Christians live with a bit of a dual identity. First, we are children of God. Secondly, we are strangers in the world. Because of these identities, scripture is clear that we will face trials... it's a part of our life in this broken world. In this letter to the church, Peter writes to Christians who are going through various trials based on that duel identity. He writes to give them hope and to remind them that even their trials can deepen their faith and be a source of their joy.</p> <p>All Christians live with a bit of a dual identity. First, we are children of God. Secondly, we are strangers in the world. Because of these identities, scripture is clear that we will face trials... it's a part of our life in this broken world. In this letter to the church, Peter writes to Christians who are going through various trials based on that duel identity. He writes to give them hope and to remind them that even their trials can deepen their faith and be a source of their joy.</p> All Christians live with a bit of a dual identity. First, we are children of God. Secondly, we are strangers in the world. Because of these identities, scripture is clear that we will face trials... it's a part of our life in this broken world. In this letter to the church, Peter writes to Christians who are going through various trials based on that duel identity. He writes to give them hope and to remind them that even their trials can deepen their faith and be a source of their joy.

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1911 138 4b1e1029219ba7d1f7c14f17e77b2bef no To The Scattered Austin Fischer <p>First Peter is a letter written to scattered Christians, who found themselves socially excluded, out of control, and struggling to live faithfully in an unfaithful world. In many ways we're in a similar place, and are invited to see our scattering as a divine sending and not a demonic disaster.</p> <p>First Peter is a letter written to scattered Christians, who found themselves socially excluded, out of control, and struggling to live faithfully in an unfaithful world. In many ways we're in a similar place, and are invited to see our scattering as a divine sending and not a demonic disaster.</p> First Peter is a letter written to scattered Christians, who found themselves socially excluded, out of control, and struggling to live faithfully in an unfaithful world. In many ways we're in a similar place, and are invited to see our scattering as a divine sending and not a demonic disaster.

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1500 139 59e1741d5fa05a03360eb85bfc42267c no God, Sex, and the Self Austin Fischer <p>What does a healthy biblical sexual ethic look like? We end the series exploring how not being our own helps us better navigate the confusing terrain that is modern sexuality.</p> <p>What does a healthy biblical sexual ethic look like? We end the series exploring how not being our own helps us better navigate the confusing terrain that is modern sexuality.</p> What does a healthy biblical sexual ethic look like? We end the series exploring how not being our own helps us better navigate the confusing terrain that is modern sexuality.

]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1743 140 42e0bf8e26b83b7b8da9c22841c9f6dd no Counter - Cultural Dave Jeffreys <p>The current culture tells us to live one way, but God's word clearly tells us something different. For those who have surrendered their life to Christ, God gives us direction on how we should live.</p> <p>The current culture tells us to live one way, but God's word clearly tells us something different. For those who have surrendered their life to Christ, God gives us direction on how we should live.</p> The current culture tells us to live one way, but God's word clearly tells us something different. For those who have surrendered their life to Christ, God gives us direction on how we should live.

]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1773 141 f2d2d258b258752c546b799cb76e1131 no The Weariness of the Self Austin Fischer <p>Rather than being denied, our humanity is fully affirmed when we accept that we are not our own. Christ-like self-denial is the ultimate form of self-care.</p> <p>Rather than being denied, our humanity is fully affirmed when we accept that we are not our own. Christ-like self-denial is the ultimate form of self-care.</p> Rather than being denied, our humanity is fully affirmed when we accept that we are not our own. Christ-like self-denial is the ultimate form of self-care.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1732 142 70541598ba134669df6c47ba8aa6458d no Marriage & Family Dave Jeffreys <p>As followers of Jesus, we should be less concerned with what culture says about family, and more about what God says. So, what does God say about marriage and family?</p> <p>As followers of Jesus, we should be less concerned with what culture says about family, and more about what God says. So, what does God say about marriage and family?</p> As followers of Jesus, we should be less concerned with what culture says about family, and more about what God says. So, what does God say about marriage and family?

]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1843 143 52867dd48d8bd6d76390d53cdbe8fcaf no Moon Unit Austin Fischer <p>Scripture nudges us toward understanding that true freedom is not writing your own story but joyfully accepting your role in God's story.</p> <p>Scripture nudges us toward understanding that true freedom is not writing your own story but joyfully accepting your role in God's story.</p> Scripture nudges us toward understanding that true freedom is not writing your own story but joyfully accepting your role in God's story.

]]> Sun, 13 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1723 144 d8d092ab007f75719b4cffcfacc86074 no Infinite and Intimate Dave Jeffreys <p>In this beautiful Psalm we see David mention many of God's truths, which are both convicting and comforting. It really is an astonishing truth that God is both infinite and intimate.</p> <p>In this beautiful Psalm we see David mention many of God's truths, which are both convicting and comforting. It really is an astonishing truth that God is both infinite and intimate.</p> In this beautiful Psalm we see David mention many of God's truths, which are both convicting and comforting. It really is an astonishing truth that God is both infinite and intimate.

]]> Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1823 145 337c9bef6b4a14f44b20cad4367b84b2 no Psalm 91 Larry Locke Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1964 146 44935619ffa59b5bc652252d49146e37 no Psalm 8 Nick Followwell <p>Psalm 8 reflects that the God of creation chooses to reveal His glory through humanity, caring for them and crowning them "with glory and honor." What is the purpose of humanity? To rule and reign with God and to bless the world in His name.</p> <p>Psalm 8 reflects that the God of creation chooses to reveal His glory through humanity, caring for them and crowning them "with glory and honor." What is the purpose of humanity? To rule and reign with God and to bless the world in His name.</p> Psalm 8 reflects that the God of creation chooses to reveal His glory through humanity, caring for them and crowning them "with glory and honor." What is the purpose of humanity? To rule and reign with God and to bless the world in His name.

]]> Sun, 23 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1947 147 9e48d9830916bb3491b62e61b8762fc3 no Love the Word Dave Jeffreys <p>Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is all about learning to love scripture. So, how do we become like the psalmist and learn to love the word of God?</p> <p>Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is all about learning to love scripture. So, how do we become like the psalmist and learn to love the word of God?</p> Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is all about learning to love scripture. So, how do we become like the psalmist and learn to love the word of God?

]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1952 148 15ae27a791d4523cb4d44fdcf472d22d no True Repentance Dave Jeffreys <p>Psalm 51 is one of the most clear and concise picture of repentance – mirroring the repentance in King David's life. This is something we all should learn how to do often, because we're all sinners and repentance is our way back to God.</p> <p>Psalm 51 is one of the most clear and concise picture of repentance – mirroring the repentance in King David's life. This is something we all should learn how to do often, because we're all sinners and repentance is our way back to God.</p> Psalm 51 is one of the most clear and concise picture of repentance – mirroring the repentance in King David's life. This is something we all should learn how to do often, because we're all sinners and repentance is our way back to God.

]]> Sun, 09 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1613 149 c9baca85d9fa1ab6dfd3979d68011535 no Psalm 24 - Preparing for the King Dave Jeffreys <p>Psalm 24 sets practical implications for us; as the psalmist prepares for the Ark of the Covenant, we can prepare our lives for Christ to return.</p> <p>Psalm 24 sets practical implications for us; as the psalmist prepares for the Ark of the Covenant, we can prepare our lives for Christ to return.</p> Psalm 24 sets practical implications for us; as the psalmist prepares for the Ark of the Covenant, we can prepare our lives for Christ to return.

]]> Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1842 150 87267b9def00678265297058e9e9d8bc no Psalm 22 - When God Seems Distant Dave Jeffreys <p>If we're honest, we've all had seasons where we feel unheard by God and suffer alone. David felt the same way while writing Psalm 22—reminding us that God is not silent in our suffering but that He's already spoken.</p> <p>If we're honest, we've all had seasons where we feel unheard by God and suffer alone. David felt the same way while writing Psalm 22—reminding us that God is not silent in our suffering but that He's already spoken.</p> If we're honest, we've all had seasons where we feel unheard by God and suffer alone. David felt the same way while writing Psalm 22—reminding us that God is not silent in our suffering but that He's already spoken.

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1903 151 7a0d69eb24935929789cdb6774730be5 no Psalm 73 - Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud Austin Fischer <p>Why be good if being good isn't good for you? Why be faithful to God when God isn't faithful in return? Psalm 73 asks these questions and reminds us that God's faithfulness does not always come in the form of worldly prosperity but divine nearness.</p> <p>Why be good if being good isn't good for you? Why be faithful to God when God isn't faithful in return? Psalm 73 asks these questions and reminds us that God's faithfulness does not always come in the form of worldly prosperity but divine nearness.</p> Why be good if being good isn't good for you? Why be faithful to God when God isn't faithful in return? Psalm 73 asks these questions and reminds us that God's faithfulness does not always come in the form of worldly prosperity but divine nearness.

]]> Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1543 152 1370fd7652e276394c416a640b3a1470 no Psalm 1 - A Blessed Life Dave Jeffreys <p>Psalm 1 sets the book's tone by contrasting the life God blesses versus the life he won't bless. We all want to be blessed by God, but what does God's blessing look like, and how do we attain it?</p> <p>Psalm 1 sets the book's tone by contrasting the life God blesses versus the life he won't bless. We all want to be blessed by God, but what does God's blessing look like, and how do we attain it?</p> Psalm 1 sets the book's tone by contrasting the life God blesses versus the life he won't bless. We all want to be blessed by God, but what does God's blessing look like, and how do we attain it?

]]> Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1719 153 b2611e506829eed58c82356d2be7309f no The Power of Surrender Exploring Jesus’ Strength in Defenselessness Jude Austin <p>Jude Austin, one of our elders, explores Christ's defenselessness and helps us break down our defensiveness to better trust in God's plan.</p> <p>Jude Austin, one of our elders, explores Christ's defenselessness and helps us break down our defensiveness to better trust in God's plan.</p> Jude Austin, one of our elders, explores Christ's defenselessness and helps us break down our defensiveness to better trust in God's plan.

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1564 154 8b234b5992ecd12d2451501cacf4ec07 no Future Austin Fischer <p>The future should fill the present with meaning rather than drain it of meaning. This happens when we spend time with the future in healthy ways but resist the temptation to live ahead of our time.</p> <p>The future should fill the present with meaning rather than drain it of meaning. This happens when we spend time with the future in healthy ways but resist the temptation to live ahead of our time.</p> The future should fill the present with meaning rather than drain it of meaning. This happens when we spend time with the future in healthy ways but resist the temptation to live ahead of our time.

]]> Sun, 21 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1433 155 279e4efae8080761acf6b223b8daf2cc no Present Austin Fischer <p>We relate to the present properly by attending to it with stability, attention, and curiosity instead of wanderlust, distraction, and boredom.</p> <p>We relate to the present properly by attending to it with stability, attention, and curiosity instead of wanderlust, distraction, and boredom.</p> We relate to the present properly by attending to it with stability, attention, and curiosity instead of wanderlust, distraction, and boredom.

]]> Sun, 14 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1680 156 41d9169e93f226032b977754fb0e9e60 no Past Austin Fischer <p>The past is not what we leave behind so much as what we carry. How do we carry it well? We carry the past well when we carry it with gratitude, acceptance, and contrition – instead of nostalgia, denial, and shame.</p><p><br></p> <p>The past is not what we leave behind so much as what we carry. How do we carry it well? We carry the past well when we carry it with gratitude, acceptance, and contrition – instead of nostalgia, denial, and shame.</p><p><br></p> The past is not what we leave behind so much as what we carry. How do we carry it well? We carry the past well when we carry it with gratitude, acceptance, and contrition – instead of nostalgia, denial, and shame.


]]> Sun, 07 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1686 157 530eacf46c2e4ac45f3ba239c1a0987e no A Hallelujah Coda Austin Fischer <p>Psalms takes us on a rollercoaster because that's what life is. But, Psalms ends with five psalms of joy and praise, because the rollercoaster of life ends on the highest note imaginable: hallelujah!</p> <p>Psalms takes us on a rollercoaster because that's what life is. But, Psalms ends with five psalms of joy and praise, because the rollercoaster of life ends on the highest note imaginable: hallelujah!</p> Psalms takes us on a rollercoaster because that's what life is. But, Psalms ends with five psalms of joy and praise, because the rollercoaster of life ends on the highest note imaginable: hallelujah!

]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 3255 158 b6454352e461be400a5db54384c6034d no A Boy Called Laughter Austin Fischer <p>The gospel (when rightly heard and received) is a source of laughter. Because His promises exceed our expectations, we can't help but laugh when God comes through for us.</p> <p>The gospel (when rightly heard and received) is a source of laughter. Because His promises exceed our expectations, we can't help but laugh when God comes through for us.</p> The gospel (when rightly heard and received) is a source of laughter. Because His promises exceed our expectations, we can't help but laugh when God comes through for us.

]]> Sun, 23 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1644 159 24bd28ef73449d59e207c55958f4066c no Finding Joy in a Broken World Dave Jeffreys <p>How can Paul write about having joy, despite his dire circumstances? And how do we find that kind of joy? Paul gives us insight into how to live joyfully in a broken world.</p> <p>How can Paul write about having joy, despite his dire circumstances? And how do we find that kind of joy? Paul gives us insight into how to live joyfully in a broken world.</p> How can Paul write about having joy, despite his dire circumstances? And how do we find that kind of joy? Paul gives us insight into how to live joyfully in a broken world.

]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2057 160 183d6bee51e20dba74d5504606498379 no Easter 2023 - Sunday Service Austin Fischer <p>What happens at the end of Mark's gospel account? This Easter, we're examining why it ends the way it does and what we can learn about the resurrection story.</p> <p>What happens at the end of Mark's gospel account? This Easter, we're examining why it ends the way it does and what we can learn about the resurrection story.</p> What happens at the end of Mark's gospel account? This Easter, we're examining why it ends the way it does and what we can learn about the resurrection story.

]]> Sun, 09 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1422 161 41dc00468af728f3818fd4736b0767c4 no Easter 2023 - Saturday Service Dave Jeffreys <p>What happens at the end of Mark's gospel account? This Easter, we're examining why it ends the way it does and what we can learn about the resurrection story.</p> <p>What happens at the end of Mark's gospel account? This Easter, we're examining why it ends the way it does and what we can learn about the resurrection story.</p> What happens at the end of Mark's gospel account? This Easter, we're examining why it ends the way it does and what we can learn about the resurrection story.

]]> Sat, 08 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1454 162 d77a822e5ac97f907a2d9edb08713c2f no Good Friday 2023 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 3237 163 79cb1e917fcaefb92b9900d1b84cc9ad no All Leaves No Fruit Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus leaves Jerusalem after the palm procession, and we read about a rather odd account with a fig tree. This story leads us to ask, are we bearing any fruit? Or are we just leaves?</p> <p>Jesus leaves Jerusalem after the palm procession, and we read about a rather odd account with a fig tree. This story leads us to ask, are we bearing any fruit? Or are we just leaves?</p> Jesus leaves Jerusalem after the palm procession, and we read about a rather odd account with a fig tree. This story leads us to ask, are we bearing any fruit? Or are we just leaves?

]]> Sun, 02 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1946 164 b32f020217934d0a216001ef534ab45f no Ash Wednesday - Invitation, Indictment, and Insistence Joel Perritte <p>Ash Wednesday is an invitation into a season of preparation for Easter, and an antidote for our temptation to have "Easter without Good Friday."</p> <p>Ash Wednesday is an invitation into a season of preparation for Easter, and an antidote for our temptation to have "Easter without Good Friday."</p> Ash Wednesday is an invitation into a season of preparation for Easter, and an antidote for our temptation to have "Easter without Good Friday."

]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1671 165 93cb29b777fa32c9ccabad4e96203bca no Provisional Joys Austin Fischer <p>How do we enjoy life when it is so unmanageable and fleeting? By cherishing life's many provisional joys and remembering we are not entitled to permanence.</p> <p>How do we enjoy life when it is so unmanageable and fleeting? By cherishing life's many provisional joys and remembering we are not entitled to permanence.</p> How do we enjoy life when it is so unmanageable and fleeting? By cherishing life's many provisional joys and remembering we are not entitled to permanence.

]]> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1656 166 48528b4f4122b8b70cde01427f7c37d9 no 7 Characteristics of Wise People Dave Jeffreys <p>Although Solomon declares that much of life is vanity, he recognizes that it's better to live with wisdom. In Ecclesiastes 10, Solomon describes the difference between a life of wisdom and a life of folly.</p> <p>Although Solomon declares that much of life is vanity, he recognizes that it's better to live with wisdom. In Ecclesiastes 10, Solomon describes the difference between a life of wisdom and a life of folly.</p> Although Solomon declares that much of life is vanity, he recognizes that it's better to live with wisdom. In Ecclesiastes 10, Solomon describes the difference between a life of wisdom and a life of folly.

]]> Sun, 19 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1521 167 bd20449378b1481dd63c127ddec4cd50 no The House of Mourning Sarah Hammond <p>God alone is who orders our life, and we can't predict outcomes of prosperity or adversity – still, how we live matters. Our response to adversity and how we handle prosperity can influence their effect on our lives.</p> <p>God alone is who orders our life, and we can't predict outcomes of prosperity or adversity – still, how we live matters. Our response to adversity and how we handle prosperity can influence their effect on our lives.</p> God alone is who orders our life, and we can't predict outcomes of prosperity or adversity – still, how we live matters. Our response to adversity and how we handle prosperity can influence their effect on our lives.

]]> Sun, 12 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1714 168 da9e0ed53f7cbd9756c9097c4f262b83 no Two Fists Full of Labor Austin Fischer <p>When it comes to our work, we need to find a proper balance between laziness and pathological productivity. Paradoxically, many of us need to lower our expectations to have lives filled with gratitude and contentment – instead of entitlement and resentment.</p><p><br></p> <p>When it comes to our work, we need to find a proper balance between laziness and pathological productivity. Paradoxically, many of us need to lower our expectations to have lives filled with gratitude and contentment – instead of entitlement and resentment.</p><p><br></p> When it comes to our work, we need to find a proper balance between laziness and pathological productivity. Paradoxically, many of us need to lower our expectations to have lives filled with gratitude and contentment – instead of entitlement and resentment.


]]> Sun, 05 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1786 169 ae59302ab0fc84d3cdd237ed460bf099 no Activism & Eschatology Austin Fischer <p>Life can be mean. Given the injustice that fills the world, Solomon has a wise but challenging suggestion: stop waging war on reality, and surrender to the small but important work of being faithful with your little piece of the world.</p> <p>Life can be mean. Given the injustice that fills the world, Solomon has a wise but challenging suggestion: stop waging war on reality, and surrender to the small but important work of being faithful with your little piece of the world.</p> Life can be mean. Given the injustice that fills the world, Solomon has a wise but challenging suggestion: stop waging war on reality, and surrender to the small but important work of being faithful with your little piece of the world.

]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1885 170 7cd148dcc407c0f7b61904ec1f9498d7 no A Season and Time for Everything Dave Jeffreys <p>We should remember the past seasons and prepare for future seasons, but ultimately we should live in the season that God has us in right now so that we don't miss current opportunities. Life is a gift, so enjoy it and live with a proper fear of God.</p><p><br></p> <p>We should remember the past seasons and prepare for future seasons, but ultimately we should live in the season that God has us in right now so that we don't miss current opportunities. Life is a gift, so enjoy it and live with a proper fear of God.</p><p><br></p> We should remember the past seasons and prepare for future seasons, but ultimately we should live in the season that God has us in right now so that we don't miss current opportunities. Life is a gift, so enjoy it and live with a proper fear of God.


]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1985 171 0ca6f4e729e9337d9ba13fe5776816ab no Gift or Giver Dave Jeffreys <p>Solomon recognized that the gifts from God are good and enjoyable, however they were never meant to bring ultimate satisfaction. Far too often, we settle for fleeting pleasures when infinite joy is available to us in Christ–we worship the gift, rather than the giver.</p> <p>Solomon recognized that the gifts from God are good and enjoyable, however they were never meant to bring ultimate satisfaction. Far too often, we settle for fleeting pleasures when infinite joy is available to us in Christ–we worship the gift, rather than the giver.</p> Solomon recognized that the gifts from God are good and enjoyable, however they were never meant to bring ultimate satisfaction. Far too often, we settle for fleeting pleasures when infinite joy is available to us in Christ–we worship the gift, rather than the giver.

]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1818 172 e55e0c484211a9646e5ef640e6672c9e no All is Vanity! Dave Jeffreys <p>The writer of Ecclesiastes wants us to learn about life. In chapter one, the writer is frustrated and sees everything he's pursued as empty and meaningless. No doubt we have all felt this way from time to time, but the real question is "what's the solution?"</p> <p>The writer of Ecclesiastes wants us to learn about life. In chapter one, the writer is frustrated and sees everything he's pursued as empty and meaningless. No doubt we have all felt this way from time to time, but the real question is "what's the solution?"</p> The writer of Ecclesiastes wants us to learn about life. In chapter one, the writer is frustrated and sees everything he's pursued as empty and meaningless. No doubt we have all felt this way from time to time, but the real question is "what's the solution?"

]]> Sun, 05 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2060 173 1e56d7b1a9ca10abf32fff470980079c no Submission & Autonomy Austin Fischer <p>We're increasingly skeptical of authority, which can be a good thing. We also don't want to live in a world where we trust no authority but our own. Looking at an event in the life of Paul, we discuss embracing the tension between submission and autonomy.</p><p><br></p> <p>We're increasingly skeptical of authority, which can be a good thing. We also don't want to live in a world where we trust no authority but our own. Looking at an event in the life of Paul, we discuss embracing the tension between submission and autonomy.</p><p><br></p> We're increasingly skeptical of authority, which can be a good thing. We also don't want to live in a world where we trust no authority but our own. Looking at an event in the life of Paul, we discuss embracing the tension between submission and autonomy.


]]> Sun, 29 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1802 174 fdc962571edb19a99957ec891493ec2c no Conservative & Progressive Dave Jeffreys <p>We seem to be pushed to be either more conservative or more progressive – politically, socially, theologically, financially, etc. But how conservative or progressive should Christ followers, or the church, be? Maybe instead of being either conservative or progressive, we should seek to be conservative AND progressive in the right ways.</p> <p>We seem to be pushed to be either more conservative or more progressive – politically, socially, theologically, financially, etc. But how conservative or progressive should Christ followers, or the church, be? Maybe instead of being either conservative or progressive, we should seek to be conservative AND progressive in the right ways.</p> We seem to be pushed to be either more conservative or more progressive – politically, socially, theologically, financially, etc. But how conservative or progressive should Christ followers, or the church, be? Maybe instead of being either conservative or progressive, we should seek to be conservative AND progressive in the right ways.

]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1986 175 af483e9a2c9a7aef4240926704fde39d no Inclusion & Judgement Austin Fischer <p>Do we have to choose between including people and judging people? No! Inclusion includes a healthy form of judgment, just as Christian judgment always happens in the context of inclusion.</p> <p>Do we have to choose between including people and judging people? No! Inclusion includes a healthy form of judgment, just as Christian judgment always happens in the context of inclusion.</p> Do we have to choose between including people and judging people? No! Inclusion includes a healthy form of judgment, just as Christian judgment always happens in the context of inclusion.

]]> Sun, 15 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1808 176 c43d77d1a4c834c1ce3c366f2665fbd2 no Faith and Works Dave Jeffreys <p>The reality is that faith and works do not contradict each other – they compliment one another. Christian "faith" is about trusting in what God has done for us, and then "works" is the evidence of what God has done in us. Those who follow Jesus should have both: internal faith and external works.</p> <p>The reality is that faith and works do not contradict each other – they compliment one another. Christian "faith" is about trusting in what God has done for us, and then "works" is the evidence of what God has done in us. Those who follow Jesus should have both: internal faith and external works.</p> The reality is that faith and works do not contradict each other – they compliment one another. Christian "faith" is about trusting in what God has done for us, and then "works" is the evidence of what God has done in us. Those who follow Jesus should have both: internal faith and external works.

]]> Sun, 08 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1809 177 087cb1d6197831d9ce4400bd40f4861b no A Year of Sabbath Jonah Fox <p>Busyness, restlessness, and lack of Sabbath plague our culture; we struggle to truly rest well. Yet, God's invitation to us is to Sabbath – to find true rest. What if 2023 was not about hustling or accomplishing goals, but a year of Sabbath?</p><p><br></p> <p>Busyness, restlessness, and lack of Sabbath plague our culture; we struggle to truly rest well. Yet, God's invitation to us is to Sabbath – to find true rest. What if 2023 was not about hustling or accomplishing goals, but a year of Sabbath?</p><p><br></p> Busyness, restlessness, and lack of Sabbath plague our culture; we struggle to truly rest well. Yet, God's invitation to us is to Sabbath – to find true rest. What if 2023 was not about hustling or accomplishing goals, but a year of Sabbath?


]]> Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1628 178 f42b97fe8aeb0621cfd1752bb2c5acf3 no Best Gift Ever! <p>What’s the best gift you’ve received? For Simeon and Anna, it was meeting Jesus! Like Simeon, we realize that Jesus is the only gift that will make us whole and give us peace. As we celebrate Christmas (the arrival of the best gift ever), don’t forget to thank the giver and share the joy with everyone around you!</p> <p>What’s the best gift you’ve received? For Simeon and Anna, it was meeting Jesus! Like Simeon, we realize that Jesus is the only gift that will make us whole and give us peace. As we celebrate Christmas (the arrival of the best gift ever), don’t forget to thank the giver and share the joy with everyone around you!</p> What’s the best gift you’ve received? For Simeon and Anna, it was meeting Jesus! Like Simeon, we realize that Jesus is the only gift that will make us whole and give us peace. As we celebrate Christmas (the arrival of the best gift ever), don’t forget to thank the giver and share the joy with everyone around you!

]]> Sun, 25 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2735 179 b9a66c2927e6fcf33a9bfc4954ecc9cf no Christmas Eve Austin Fischer <p>Jesus is born in order to make room for people who did not make room for Him, because God does not want to be without us.</p> <p>Jesus is born in order to make room for people who did not make room for Him, because God does not want to be without us.</p> Jesus is born in order to make room for people who did not make room for Him, because God does not want to be without us.

]]> Sat, 24 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1190 180 c2b8e3668e7bcbb5a7539021c5362170 no Best Gift Ever! Sydney Pfleeger <p>What’s the best gift you’ve received? For Simeon and Anna, it was meeting Jesus! Like Simeon, we realize that Jesus is the only gift that will make us whole and give us peace. As we celebrate Christmas (the arrival of the best gift ever), don’t forget to thank the giver and share the joy with everyone around you!</p> <p>What’s the best gift you’ve received? For Simeon and Anna, it was meeting Jesus! Like Simeon, we realize that Jesus is the only gift that will make us whole and give us peace. As we celebrate Christmas (the arrival of the best gift ever), don’t forget to thank the giver and share the joy with everyone around you!</p> What’s the best gift you’ve received? For Simeon and Anna, it was meeting Jesus! Like Simeon, we realize that Jesus is the only gift that will make us whole and give us peace. As we celebrate Christmas (the arrival of the best gift ever), don’t forget to thank the giver and share the joy with everyone around you!

]]> Sun, 25 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1020 181 b726d7e60d7d32d8e585b7f12d6f663d no Lessons in Greatness Dave Jeffreys <p>John the Baptist is such an interesting, challenging character in the Bible – but what made him so great? What questions should his life cause us to ask ourselves regarding greatness?</p> <p>John the Baptist is such an interesting, challenging character in the Bible – but what made him so great? What questions should his life cause us to ask ourselves regarding greatness?</p> John the Baptist is such an interesting, challenging character in the Bible – but what made him so great? What questions should his life cause us to ask ourselves regarding greatness?

]]> Sun, 18 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1716 182 250e44d1519b9f403ee0fb9e63f8952f no Let It Be Austin Fischer <p>God chooses Mary to give birth to the Messiah, because she is a person of deep, hidden faithfulness. Mary consents to God's plan and becomes the paradigm of human obedience to the will of God.</p> <p>God chooses Mary to give birth to the Messiah, because she is a person of deep, hidden faithfulness. Mary consents to God's plan and becomes the paradigm of human obedience to the will of God.</p> God chooses Mary to give birth to the Messiah, because she is a person of deep, hidden faithfulness. Mary consents to God's plan and becomes the paradigm of human obedience to the will of God.

]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1554 183 a2aa6a51bef9a1084e22467133a71426 no Waiting Fiathfully Dave Jeffreys <p>In Luke chapter 1 we are introduced to Zechariah and Elizabeth – a remarkable couple who teach us how to wait patiently on the Lord which is, in part, what the season of Advent is all about.</p> <p>In Luke chapter 1 we are introduced to Zechariah and Elizabeth – a remarkable couple who teach us how to wait patiently on the Lord which is, in part, what the season of Advent is all about.</p> In Luke chapter 1 we are introduced to Zechariah and Elizabeth – a remarkable couple who teach us how to wait patiently on the Lord which is, in part, what the season of Advent is all about.

]]> Sun, 04 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1812 184 ab6bac7903e64a44cb3406ef8fd6b3d7 no The State of Our Youth Chris Lackey <p>This generation faces many challenges amidst a rapidly changing cultural climate; yet they also have a great capacity to love, serve others, and fight for justice. We'll look at a few trends in youth culture, and what we can do to help them discover their identity in Christ.</p> <p>This generation faces many challenges amidst a rapidly changing cultural climate; yet they also have a great capacity to love, serve others, and fight for justice. We'll look at a few trends in youth culture, and what we can do to help them discover their identity in Christ.</p> This generation faces many challenges amidst a rapidly changing cultural climate; yet they also have a great capacity to love, serve others, and fight for justice. We'll look at a few trends in youth culture, and what we can do to help them discover their identity in Christ.

]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1729 185 0dad75dbb5f1d01370c7acba6b76e13d no Thanks Austin Fischer <p>It is not happy people who are grateful, but grateful people who are happy. Psalm 100 succinctly and joyfully expresses Scripture's assertion that our most appropriate response to God is gratitude.</p> <p>It is not happy people who are grateful, but grateful people who are happy. Psalm 100 succinctly and joyfully expresses Scripture's assertion that our most appropriate response to God is gratitude.</p> It is not happy people who are grateful, but grateful people who are happy. Psalm 100 succinctly and joyfully expresses Scripture's assertion that our most appropriate response to God is gratitude.

]]> Sun, 20 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1797 186 234ba1c92cd07c21d5b3dafa69bc4abb no Sorry Austin Fischer <p>Sorry is an essential prayer, because we make a lot of mistakes and commit a lot of sins. But, instead of dreading confession, we learn to embrace it when we see it as the path to wholeness.</p> <p>Sorry is an essential prayer, because we make a lot of mistakes and commit a lot of sins. But, instead of dreading confession, we learn to embrace it when we see it as the path to wholeness.</p> Sorry is an essential prayer, because we make a lot of mistakes and commit a lot of sins. But, instead of dreading confession, we learn to embrace it when we see it as the path to wholeness.

]]> Sun, 13 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1815 187 73a72d25a993e2c92e15497abefe152e no Help Larry Locke <p>Pray can be hard, mainly because we do not know God. As we start off our series on prayer, we see that praying and asking God for help becomes natural when we know who God is.</p> <p>Pray can be hard, mainly because we do not know God. As we start off our series on prayer, we see that praying and asking God for help becomes natural when we know who God is.</p> Pray can be hard, mainly because we do not know God. As we start off our series on prayer, we see that praying and asking God for help becomes natural when we know who God is.

]]> Sun, 06 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2125 188 0b5408945b77fe5713ab355d7c99b5a9 no A Manner Worthy Austin Fischer <p>On All Saints Day, we celebrate the unity and diversity of Christian faith, spread out across space and time. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4, there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.</p> <p>On All Saints Day, we celebrate the unity and diversity of Christian faith, spread out across space and time. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4, there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.</p> On All Saints Day, we celebrate the unity and diversity of Christian faith, spread out across space and time. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4, there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

]]> Sun, 30 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1816 189 d035c8f71382c0e41af0dca1644b78fc no The Space Between Sarah Hammond <p>John closes his letter with a tone of urgency: the message of Jesus is for now, the message of Jesus is for all, and the message of Jesus is the purpose of the church.</p> <p>John closes his letter with a tone of urgency: the message of Jesus is for now, the message of Jesus is for all, and the message of Jesus is the purpose of the church.</p> John closes his letter with a tone of urgency: the message of Jesus is for now, the message of Jesus is for all, and the message of Jesus is the purpose of the church.

]]> Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1351 190 a281c784871af7380908e6cabd1e6e30 no Babylon Must Die Austin Fischer <p>Babylon is what happens when good things become evil things, because they were treated like ultimate things. Revelation 17-18 proclaims how and why Babylon must be destroyed, and how and why we must "come out" of her.</p> <p>Babylon is what happens when good things become evil things, because they were treated like ultimate things. Revelation 17-18 proclaims how and why Babylon must be destroyed, and how and why we must "come out" of her.</p> Babylon is what happens when good things become evil things, because they were treated like ultimate things. Revelation 17-18 proclaims how and why Babylon must be destroyed, and how and why we must "come out" of her.

]]> Sun, 16 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1832 191 b6d86149d246e3eeeeba64034aed71d7 no All Things New Austin Fischer <p>The story of Revelation ends with God's promise to make all things new. The end is not demolition and evacuation, but a redemption and restoration project; it's the consummation and celebration of all the world was meant to be.</p> <p>The story of Revelation ends with God's promise to make all things new. The end is not demolition and evacuation, but a redemption and restoration project; it's the consummation and celebration of all the world was meant to be.</p> The story of Revelation ends with God's promise to make all things new. The end is not demolition and evacuation, but a redemption and restoration project; it's the consummation and celebration of all the world was meant to be.

]]> Sun, 09 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1755 192 64135ad703eff32e2560a9bdfef59301 no Lydia Dave Jeffreys <p>Lydia was the first convert to Christianity in Europe. She was a founding member of the church in Philippi. She is only mentioned in a few verses in Acts, but her life teaches us how to live with open hearts, open homes, and open hands. She is a beautiful picture of a life of obedience, hospitality, and generosity.</p> <p>Lydia was the first convert to Christianity in Europe. She was a founding member of the church in Philippi. She is only mentioned in a few verses in Acts, but her life teaches us how to live with open hearts, open homes, and open hands. She is a beautiful picture of a life of obedience, hospitality, and generosity.</p> Lydia was the first convert to Christianity in Europe. She was a founding member of the church in Philippi. She is only mentioned in a few verses in Acts, but her life teaches us how to live with open hearts, open homes, and open hands. She is a beautiful picture of a life of obedience, hospitality, and generosity.

]]> Sun, 10 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1986 193 595c067b698589b7bb7e6406e979f905 no Peacemaker Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus tells his followers to be peacemakers. Far too often, rather than being peacemakers, we end up being peace-breakers, or even peace-fakers resulting in a great deal of conflict. In this text, we learn that Jesus takes reconciliation very seriously and we see how He is our great example of how to pursue reconciliation with someone, even when we've been wronged.</p> <p>Jesus tells his followers to be peacemakers. Far too often, rather than being peacemakers, we end up being peace-breakers, or even peace-fakers resulting in a great deal of conflict. In this text, we learn that Jesus takes reconciliation very seriously and we see how He is our great example of how to pursue reconciliation with someone, even when we've been wronged.</p> Jesus tells his followers to be peacemakers. Far too often, rather than being peacemakers, we end up being peace-breakers, or even peace-fakers resulting in a great deal of conflict. In this text, we learn that Jesus takes reconciliation very seriously and we see how He is our great example of how to pursue reconciliation with someone, even when we've been wronged.

]]> Sun, 27 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1919 194 01eb2a1ddf2444c188d7566e3f198a15 no How the World Lost Its Story Austin Fischer <p>How did the world lose its story? How do we define our identity? We start our series exploring these questions and discussing why the most important thing about us must be Christ.</p> <p>How did the world lose its story? How do we define our identity? We start our series exploring these questions and discussing why the most important thing about us must be Christ.</p> How did the world lose its story? How do we define our identity? We start our series exploring these questions and discussing why the most important thing about us must be Christ.

]]> Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1819 195 4e8c9f32c9cf4b0278459a235aa928c3 no Treading on the Heights Austin Fischer <p>Although he neither agrees with God's plan nor apologizes for failing to agree, Habakkuk does come to a place of acceptance. How? And how can we find a faith rooted in acceptance instead of phoniness or grumbling?</p> <p>Although he neither agrees with God's plan nor apologizes for failing to agree, Habakkuk does come to a place of acceptance. How? And how can we find a faith rooted in acceptance instead of phoniness or grumbling?</p> Although he neither agrees with God's plan nor apologizes for failing to agree, Habakkuk does come to a place of acceptance. How? And how can we find a faith rooted in acceptance instead of phoniness or grumbling?

]]> Sun, 19 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1541 196 d2e292abfc912b7c3eb1c01fee31b902 no Faith for the Frustrated Dave Jeffreys <p>Habakkuk is frustrated and angry that God is going to use the Chaldeans of all people to judge Israel. So he brings his frustration and anger to God and God gives him a response. God's response is to tell Habakkuk that the Chaldeans will be judged as well. God also reminds Habakkuk to patiently wait on the Lord to act and have faith in his promises. This text reminds us that frustration and anger are normal human emotions that we all experience, so as believers we must figure out what it looks like to live with these emotions in a faithful way.</p> <p>Habakkuk is frustrated and angry that God is going to use the Chaldeans of all people to judge Israel. So he brings his frustration and anger to God and God gives him a response. God's response is to tell Habakkuk that the Chaldeans will be judged as well. God also reminds Habakkuk to patiently wait on the Lord to act and have faith in his promises. This text reminds us that frustration and anger are normal human emotions that we all experience, so as believers we must figure out what it looks like to live with these emotions in a faithful way.</p> Habakkuk is frustrated and angry that God is going to use the Chaldeans of all people to judge Israel. So he brings his frustration and anger to God and God gives him a response. God's response is to tell Habakkuk that the Chaldeans will be judged as well. God also reminds Habakkuk to patiently wait on the Lord to act and have faith in his promises. This text reminds us that frustration and anger are normal human emotions that we all experience, so as believers we must figure out what it looks like to live with these emotions in a faithful way.

]]> Sun, 12 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1753 197 a4a1f7361686fff1d56f5494005b27bb no How Long? Austin Fischer <p>Questioning the wisdom of God's plans, Habakkuk the prophet shows us how to navigate the tension between protest and trust.</p> <p>Questioning the wisdom of God's plans, Habakkuk the prophet shows us how to navigate the tension between protest and trust.</p> Questioning the wisdom of God's plans, Habakkuk the prophet shows us how to navigate the tension between protest and trust.

]]> Sun, 05 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1714 198 44afd016cadc333beb42072f39e0ce6c no Finding Gifts Inside of the Gift Dave Jeffreys <p>After unpacking how we are justified (declared righteous) before God by faith alone, Paul unpacks some of the benefits that we receive based on our justification. He reminds us that God's peace, grace, and hope are available to us and that he has given us his Holy Spirit to help us in life.</p> <p>After unpacking how we are justified (declared righteous) before God by faith alone, Paul unpacks some of the benefits that we receive based on our justification. He reminds us that God's peace, grace, and hope are available to us and that he has given us his Holy Spirit to help us in life.</p> After unpacking how we are justified (declared righteous) before God by faith alone, Paul unpacks some of the benefits that we receive based on our justification. He reminds us that God's peace, grace, and hope are available to us and that he has given us his Holy Spirit to help us in life.

]]> Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2066 199 9016b7aed9e3598d37c28d1bca6f7ed5 no There Are Only Sinners Austin Fischer <p>Are you better than them? In Romans 2-3, Paul poses this difficult and irritating question and reminds us that while we may sin differently than them, we are not better than them, and our judgment of others puts us under the judgment of God.</p> <p>Are you better than them? In Romans 2-3, Paul poses this difficult and irritating question and reminds us that while we may sin differently than them, we are not better than them, and our judgment of others puts us under the judgment of God.</p> Are you better than them? In Romans 2-3, Paul poses this difficult and irritating question and reminds us that while we may sin differently than them, we are not better than them, and our judgment of others puts us under the judgment of God.

]]> Sun, 31 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1554 200 b615074a0017e60901e7708623f9c042 no Confidence in Christ Dave Jeffreys <p>Paul was a unique person who God used to accomplish amazing things. The rapid spread of the gospel and the early church can largely be traced back to Paul and his ministry. Although he endured a lot, he never seemed to tire of serving Jesus and the church. Paul preached and wrote with authority and confidence, but where does this come from? What allowed the Apostle Paul to keep pushing forward with the mission God gave him? What drove him in the face of many obstacles? I believe the first half of Romans chapter 1 gives us some keys to the Apostle Paul and what made him tick. We can learn a lot from Paul's life as we seek to live a life of service to Jesus.</p> <p>Paul was a unique person who God used to accomplish amazing things. The rapid spread of the gospel and the early church can largely be traced back to Paul and his ministry. Although he endured a lot, he never seemed to tire of serving Jesus and the church. Paul preached and wrote with authority and confidence, but where does this come from? What allowed the Apostle Paul to keep pushing forward with the mission God gave him? What drove him in the face of many obstacles? I believe the first half of Romans chapter 1 gives us some keys to the Apostle Paul and what made him tick. We can learn a lot from Paul's life as we seek to live a life of service to Jesus.</p> Paul was a unique person who God used to accomplish amazing things. The rapid spread of the gospel and the early church can largely be traced back to Paul and his ministry. Although he endured a lot, he never seemed to tire of serving Jesus and the church. Paul preached and wrote with authority and confidence, but where does this come from? What allowed the Apostle Paul to keep pushing forward with the mission God gave him? What drove him in the face of many obstacles? I believe the first half of Romans chapter 1 gives us some keys to the Apostle Paul and what made him tick. We can learn a lot from Paul's life as we seek to live a life of service to Jesus.

]]> Sun, 24 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2013 201 212089f2a18e6b85a4eee2bd5f87f11e no We Will Not Be Disappointed Austin Fischer <p>Dabbling in issues of free will and sovereignty, in Romans 9-11 Paul offers a tour-de-force explanation of why Israel's rejection of Jesus does not mean God has been unfaithful to Israel. Yet despite all the complications involved, Paul's final diagnosis is simple: God has shut up all in sin in order to show mercy to all.</p> <p>Dabbling in issues of free will and sovereignty, in Romans 9-11 Paul offers a tour-de-force explanation of why Israel's rejection of Jesus does not mean God has been unfaithful to Israel. Yet despite all the complications involved, Paul's final diagnosis is simple: God has shut up all in sin in order to show mercy to all.</p> Dabbling in issues of free will and sovereignty, in Romans 9-11 Paul offers a tour-de-force explanation of why Israel's rejection of Jesus does not mean God has been unfaithful to Israel. Yet despite all the complications involved, Paul's final diagnosis is simple: God has shut up all in sin in order to show mercy to all.

]]> Sun, 17 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1525 202 145a354c88842d835473729c066c9179 no Good Citizens and Residents Dave Jeffreys <p>The Apostle Paul discusses how believers should respond to the government... specifically instructing those in the church to not pursue political zealotry, but rather seek to live as good citizens who respect authority and obey the laws.</p> <p>The Apostle Paul discusses how believers should respond to the government... specifically instructing those in the church to not pursue political zealotry, but rather seek to live as good citizens who respect authority and obey the laws.</p> The Apostle Paul discusses how believers should respond to the government... specifically instructing those in the church to not pursue political zealotry, but rather seek to live as good citizens who respect authority and obey the laws.

]]> Sun, 10 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2056 203 ce93b0e9dbbc92442e3a65c20697b98f no Christoformity Chris Lackey <p>What is forming you? Christ or culture? If you are being molded more everyday into the image of Christ, it is going to change the way you see and engage the world; it is going to change the way you view the Church, the Body of Christ, and participate in Christian community; and it will change the way you respond to those who oppose and mistreat you.</p> <p>What is forming you? Christ or culture? If you are being molded more everyday into the image of Christ, it is going to change the way you see and engage the world; it is going to change the way you view the Church, the Body of Christ, and participate in Christian community; and it will change the way you respond to those who oppose and mistreat you.</p> What is forming you? Christ or culture? If you are being molded more everyday into the image of Christ, it is going to change the way you see and engage the world; it is going to change the way you view the Church, the Body of Christ, and participate in Christian community; and it will change the way you respond to those who oppose and mistreat you.

]]> Sun, 03 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1709 204 1ced825233db5858662fed5d55f28fd4 no Weak & Strong Austin Fischer <p>The Roman churches are divided between two groups: the weak and the strong. Who are they and why are they in conflict? Should our morality be more cautious and conservative, or more lenient and laissez faire?</p> <p>The Roman churches are divided between two groups: the weak and the strong. Who are they and why are they in conflict? Should our morality be more cautious and conservative, or more lenient and laissez faire?</p> The Roman churches are divided between two groups: the weak and the strong. Who are they and why are they in conflict? Should our morality be more cautious and conservative, or more lenient and laissez faire?

]]> Sun, 26 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1711 205 ea1b22a19dda49e208bf905ad47093e4 no Twenty-Six Names Austin Fischer <p>Starting in chapter 16, we learn that all the complicated theological stuff Paul says in the first half of Romans builds to a simple goal that's revealed at the end of the book. Paul wants these 5 small Roman house churches to be the united and scandalously diverse family of God they've been called to be by learning to embrace one another in Christ, despite their differences.</p> <p>Starting in chapter 16, we learn that all the complicated theological stuff Paul says in the first half of Romans builds to a simple goal that's revealed at the end of the book. Paul wants these 5 small Roman house churches to be the united and scandalously diverse family of God they've been called to be by learning to embrace one another in Christ, despite their differences.</p> Starting in chapter 16, we learn that all the complicated theological stuff Paul says in the first half of Romans builds to a simple goal that's revealed at the end of the book. Paul wants these 5 small Roman house churches to be the united and scandalously diverse family of God they've been called to be by learning to embrace one another in Christ, despite their differences.

]]> Sun, 19 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1612 206 60595610cb9b1172005a59a2e1837fa8 no Consummation Dave Jeffreys <p>Christians throughout history have believed that Jesus will return one day. Jesus himself said that he would return and it is spoken of by many New Testament writers. The second coming of Christ is an essential doctrine that the church continues to hold today. But what will Jesus do upon his return and what does that mean for us here and now?</p> <p>Christians throughout history have believed that Jesus will return one day. Jesus himself said that he would return and it is spoken of by many New Testament writers. The second coming of Christ is an essential doctrine that the church continues to hold today. But what will Jesus do upon his return and what does that mean for us here and now?</p> Christians throughout history have believed that Jesus will return one day. Jesus himself said that he would return and it is spoken of by many New Testament writers. The second coming of Christ is an essential doctrine that the church continues to hold today. But what will Jesus do upon his return and what does that mean for us here and now?

]]> Sun, 12 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1943 207 a860b6e008f9fd897373d433154a205a no Salvation Dave Jeffreys <p>Paul says that the gospel is of "first importance." The fact that Christ died for our sin, was buried and rose from the grave is the most important thing we can know because it's by his work that we are saved. Most Christians know, if even on a surface level, that Christ died for them. However, a greater understanding of exactly what Christ accomplished for us at the cross will lead to a greater appreciation of the gospel and a deeper love and devotion to Jesus.</p> <p>Paul says that the gospel is of "first importance." The fact that Christ died for our sin, was buried and rose from the grave is the most important thing we can know because it's by his work that we are saved. Most Christians know, if even on a surface level, that Christ died for them. However, a greater understanding of exactly what Christ accomplished for us at the cross will lead to a greater appreciation of the gospel and a deeper love and devotion to Jesus.</p> Paul says that the gospel is of "first importance." The fact that Christ died for our sin, was buried and rose from the grave is the most important thing we can know because it's by his work that we are saved. Most Christians know, if even on a surface level, that Christ died for them. However, a greater understanding of exactly what Christ accomplished for us at the cross will lead to a greater appreciation of the gospel and a deeper love and devotion to Jesus.

]]> Sun, 05 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1770 208 2c08ec012b42100b3addc5e2d0aa19ea no Church & Worship Austin Fischer <p>Discussing Ephesians 1:18-23, we learn that besides Jesus, the Church is the greatest thing that's ever happened to the world, and despite all of her flaws, the Church makes God believable.</p> <p>Discussing Ephesians 1:18-23, we learn that besides Jesus, the Church is the greatest thing that's ever happened to the world, and despite all of her flaws, the Church makes God believable.</p> Discussing Ephesians 1:18-23, we learn that besides Jesus, the Church is the greatest thing that's ever happened to the world, and despite all of her flaws, the Church makes God believable.

]]> Sun, 29 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1718 209 9ef324b34c4f84bf6d7f18afe03667b9 no Humanity & Confession Austin Fischer <p>Humans are created in the image of God, and yet fallen and in need of redemption. Balancing our dignity and depravity is tricky, and the ancient practice of confession keeps us grounded in our belovedness yet humble and honest about our sinfulness.</p> <p>Humans are created in the image of God, and yet fallen and in need of redemption. Balancing our dignity and depravity is tricky, and the ancient practice of confession keeps us grounded in our belovedness yet humble and honest about our sinfulness.</p> Humans are created in the image of God, and yet fallen and in need of redemption. Balancing our dignity and depravity is tricky, and the ancient practice of confession keeps us grounded in our belovedness yet humble and honest about our sinfulness.

]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1686 210 885d64246532e75a70d542e8685709a8 no Scripture Dave Jeffreys <p>What a church believes about scripture is extremely important. We desire to be a church that "rightly handles the word of truth" as the apostle Paul encourages Timothy (II Tim. 2:15). But what does it mean to "rightly handle the word of truth" and how do we do that?</p> <p>What a church believes about scripture is extremely important. We desire to be a church that "rightly handles the word of truth" as the apostle Paul encourages Timothy (II Tim. 2:15). But what does it mean to "rightly handle the word of truth" and how do we do that?</p> What a church believes about scripture is extremely important. We desire to be a church that "rightly handles the word of truth" as the apostle Paul encourages Timothy (II Tim. 2:15). But what does it mean to "rightly handle the word of truth" and how do we do that?

]]> Sun, 15 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1892 211 04a4ba22375ab4bdf4576b7b511edcf7 no God & Prayer Austin Fischer <p>We start off our series by exploring the essential beliefs and practices of Christianity so that our faith stays both faithful and fresh. Because we don't get to make Christianity up! So what do Christians believe about God, and what does prayer have to do with that?</p> <p>We start off our series by exploring the essential beliefs and practices of Christianity so that our faith stays both faithful and fresh. Because we don't get to make Christianity up! So what do Christians believe about God, and what does prayer have to do with that?</p> We start off our series by exploring the essential beliefs and practices of Christianity so that our faith stays both faithful and fresh. Because we don't get to make Christianity up! So what do Christians believe about God, and what does prayer have to do with that?

]]> Sun, 08 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1910 212 de8239762d7eee45a1efed6e5233aeaa no Guest Preacher - Sean Palmer Sean Palmer Sun, 25 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1862 213 74789447b99478332b22a907629b2d01 no The Story of Joseph (Part 8) Dave Jeffreys <p>Despite all that Joseph has done for his brothers, they still have a hard time accepting that he is good and genuinely loves them. They continue to doubt his mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Often this is the way we are with God. Joseph's life parallels that of Jesus in many ways. His story reminds us of the gospel where a good God demonstrated his love and forgiveness for sinners. When we learn to fully trust God's love and forgiveness then we will live life with much more joy and purpose.</p> <p>Despite all that Joseph has done for his brothers, they still have a hard time accepting that he is good and genuinely loves them. They continue to doubt his mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Often this is the way we are with God. Joseph's life parallels that of Jesus in many ways. His story reminds us of the gospel where a good God demonstrated his love and forgiveness for sinners. When we learn to fully trust God's love and forgiveness then we will live life with much more joy and purpose.</p> Despite all that Joseph has done for his brothers, they still have a hard time accepting that he is good and genuinely loves them. They continue to doubt his mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Often this is the way we are with God. Joseph's life parallels that of Jesus in many ways. His story reminds us of the gospel where a good God demonstrated his love and forgiveness for sinners. When we learn to fully trust God's love and forgiveness then we will live life with much more joy and purpose.

]]> Sun, 01 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1947 214 5d71a5fb393932d2f1a75958b7104174 no The Story of Joseph (Part 7) Dave Jeffreys <p>Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers in Gen. 45. It's one of the most beautiful expressions of forgiveness anywhere in the Bible. Joseph forgives his brothers completely and they are reconciled to their brother. <br><br>As humans who sin against one another, forgiveness is one of the most difficult things we must learn. For believers in Jesus, it's not a mere suggestion... it's a command. As we explore Joseph's forgiveness toward his brothers, hopefully we can learn how to be people who practice forgiveness towards those who have hurt and wounded us.</p> <p>Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers in Gen. 45. It's one of the most beautiful expressions of forgiveness anywhere in the Bible. Joseph forgives his brothers completely and they are reconciled to their brother. <br><br>As humans who sin against one another, forgiveness is one of the most difficult things we must learn. For believers in Jesus, it's not a mere suggestion... it's a command. As we explore Joseph's forgiveness toward his brothers, hopefully we can learn how to be people who practice forgiveness towards those who have hurt and wounded us.</p> Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers in Gen. 45. It's one of the most beautiful expressions of forgiveness anywhere in the Bible. Joseph forgives his brothers completely and they are reconciled to their brother.

As humans who sin against one another, forgiveness is one of the most difficult things we must learn. For believers in Jesus, it's not a mere suggestion... it's a command. As we explore Joseph's forgiveness toward his brothers, hopefully we can learn how to be people who practice forgiveness towards those who have hurt and wounded us.

]]> Sun, 18 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1993 215 ee3324bd11f33bfc0df8995658b86bc3 no The Story of Joseph (Part 6) Dave Jeffreys <p>As we continue to look at the life of Joseph, we see a transformation take place in his brother Judah. He goes from being someone who is completely selfish, hard-hearted, cruel, and far from God, to being someone who is willing to sacrifice himself for his brother and help heal his family. Like much of the Old Testament, this points us to Jesus (the Lion of the tribe of Judah) who will also sacrifice himself for those he loves.</p> <p>As we continue to look at the life of Joseph, we see a transformation take place in his brother Judah. He goes from being someone who is completely selfish, hard-hearted, cruel, and far from God, to being someone who is willing to sacrifice himself for his brother and help heal his family. Like much of the Old Testament, this points us to Jesus (the Lion of the tribe of Judah) who will also sacrifice himself for those he loves.</p> As we continue to look at the life of Joseph, we see a transformation take place in his brother Judah. He goes from being someone who is completely selfish, hard-hearted, cruel, and far from God, to being someone who is willing to sacrifice himself for his brother and help heal his family. Like much of the Old Testament, this points us to Jesus (the Lion of the tribe of Judah) who will also sacrifice himself for those he loves.

]]> Sun, 11 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1775 216 af39550a214f9fb7299747c8fe476d01 no The Story of Joseph (Part 5) Dave Jeffreys <p>Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to find food during the famine. Joseph recognizes them, but they don't recognize Joseph. Rather than getting even with them or revealing to them who he is, he decides to test them to determine if they have changed. By the end of the chapter, we see that they really haven't changed much. It begs the question for us... how much have we grown/changed in our own spiritual walk over time? Are we growing in Christlikeness? Are we more loving, humble, kind, forgiving, generous, etc... The apostle Paul says that God's will for us is our sanctification. So, how are we being sanctified?</p> <p>Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to find food during the famine. Joseph recognizes them, but they don't recognize Joseph. Rather than getting even with them or revealing to them who he is, he decides to test them to determine if they have changed. By the end of the chapter, we see that they really haven't changed much. It begs the question for us... how much have we grown/changed in our own spiritual walk over time? Are we growing in Christlikeness? Are we more loving, humble, kind, forgiving, generous, etc... The apostle Paul says that God's will for us is our sanctification. So, how are we being sanctified?</p> Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to find food during the famine. Joseph recognizes them, but they don't recognize Joseph. Rather than getting even with them or revealing to them who he is, he decides to test them to determine if they have changed. By the end of the chapter, we see that they really haven't changed much. It begs the question for us... how much have we grown/changed in our own spiritual walk over time? Are we growing in Christlikeness? Are we more loving, humble, kind, forgiving, generous, etc... The apostle Paul says that God's will for us is our sanctification. So, how are we being sanctified?

]]> Sun, 04 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1911 217 617e71cb67e2bd60cdc9d543faa49a98 no The Story of Joseph (Part 4) Dave Jeffreys <p>In Gen. chapter 41 Joseph goes from prison to powerful. He ultimately ends up as the second most powerful man in all of Egypt. Joseph is a great example to us all of not letting our circumstances dictate our attitude in life. Joseph learned to grow where he was planted and despite many unfair situation that he was put in, he continued to serve God and the people around him.</p> <p>In Gen. chapter 41 Joseph goes from prison to powerful. He ultimately ends up as the second most powerful man in all of Egypt. Joseph is a great example to us all of not letting our circumstances dictate our attitude in life. Joseph learned to grow where he was planted and despite many unfair situation that he was put in, he continued to serve God and the people around him.</p> In Gen. chapter 41 Joseph goes from prison to powerful. He ultimately ends up as the second most powerful man in all of Egypt. Joseph is a great example to us all of not letting our circumstances dictate our attitude in life. Joseph learned to grow where he was planted and despite many unfair situation that he was put in, he continued to serve God and the people around him.

]]> Sun, 27 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1706 218 c381d3ca13bb57b791fef3740b79dd13 no The Story of Joseph (Part 2) Dave Jeffreys <p>Once he's sold as a slave, Joseph ends up in Egypt in the house of an important man named Potiphar. Joseph proves himself to be trustworthy and is put in charge of all of Potiphar's dealings. Not long after this Potiphar's wife tries to seduce Joseph. Joseph repeatedly refuses her advances and ultimately flees from her grasp. After being rejected she lies and accuses Joseph of assaulting her and Joseph is then thrown in prison. <br><br>Sexual temptation is all around and we must learn to guard against it. Joseph is a great example to us of how to do that and honor God in the face of constant temptation.</p> <p>Once he's sold as a slave, Joseph ends up in Egypt in the house of an important man named Potiphar. Joseph proves himself to be trustworthy and is put in charge of all of Potiphar's dealings. Not long after this Potiphar's wife tries to seduce Joseph. Joseph repeatedly refuses her advances and ultimately flees from her grasp. After being rejected she lies and accuses Joseph of assaulting her and Joseph is then thrown in prison. <br><br>Sexual temptation is all around and we must learn to guard against it. Joseph is a great example to us of how to do that and honor God in the face of constant temptation.</p> Once he's sold as a slave, Joseph ends up in Egypt in the house of an important man named Potiphar. Joseph proves himself to be trustworthy and is put in charge of all of Potiphar's dealings. Not long after this Potiphar's wife tries to seduce Joseph. Joseph repeatedly refuses her advances and ultimately flees from her grasp. After being rejected she lies and accuses Joseph of assaulting her and Joseph is then thrown in prison.

Sexual temptation is all around and we must learn to guard against it. Joseph is a great example to us of how to do that and honor God in the face of constant temptation.

]]> Sun, 13 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1764 219 118c0b480f3dc87f491865e2e97e6ebc no Sandcastles Austin Fischer <p>With Beyonce's song "Sandcastles" serving as our jumping-off point, we talk about infidelity, betrayal, and God's eternal faithfulness towards even unfaithful people.</p> <p>With Beyonce's song "Sandcastles" serving as our jumping-off point, we talk about infidelity, betrayal, and God's eternal faithfulness towards even unfaithful people.</p> With Beyonce's song "Sandcastles" serving as our jumping-off point, we talk about infidelity, betrayal, and God's eternal faithfulness towards even unfaithful people.

]]> Sun, 23 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1869 220 7ff8c4883a54b360accc4d77f6f2391c no Stop This Train Austin Fischer <p>In a youth-obsessed society, we often associate aging with stagnation, inconvenience, and irrelevance. But in Scripture, aging is a gift and not a burden, and the aged among us are essential and not irrelevant. Indeed, when God wants to do something new, he first enlists the services of the old.</p> <p>In a youth-obsessed society, we often associate aging with stagnation, inconvenience, and irrelevance. But in Scripture, aging is a gift and not a burden, and the aged among us are essential and not irrelevant. Indeed, when God wants to do something new, he first enlists the services of the old.</p> In a youth-obsessed society, we often associate aging with stagnation, inconvenience, and irrelevance. But in Scripture, aging is a gift and not a burden, and the aged among us are essential and not irrelevant. Indeed, when God wants to do something new, he first enlists the services of the old.

]]> Sun, 16 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1771 221 e7e9d8add4c94740c35eb19efec30107 no Lost Austin Fischer <p>Being a human is hard and somebody should do something about it! This week we listen to the song "Lost" by NF & Hopsin, and then discuss why being a human is hard and Jesus has done something about it.</p> <p>Being a human is hard and somebody should do something about it! This week we listen to the song "Lost" by NF & Hopsin, and then discuss why being a human is hard and Jesus has done something about it.</p> Being a human is hard and somebody should do something about it! This week we listen to the song "Lost" by NF & Hopsin, and then discuss why being a human is hard and Jesus has done something about it.

]]> Sun, 09 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1610 222 966045bb57d932d2101daa340dddedd7 no Stick Around Austin Fischer <p>Modern Americans are the freest and loneliest people who have ever lived. Exploring Galatians 5, we discuss how true freedom is enslaving ourselves to each other's good by learning how to belong to a people and a place.</p> <p>Modern Americans are the freest and loneliest people who have ever lived. Exploring Galatians 5, we discuss how true freedom is enslaving ourselves to each other's good by learning how to belong to a people and a place.</p> Modern Americans are the freest and loneliest people who have ever lived. Exploring Galatians 5, we discuss how true freedom is enslaving ourselves to each other's good by learning how to belong to a people and a place.

]]> Sun, 02 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1575 223 d1d0e8b09e3e5c796264c3ae2257c645 no Daddy Austin Fischer <p>Using Coldplay's song, "Daddy", as a jumping off point, we explore the fatherlessness dilemma afflicting American culture, and the prophet Malachi's assertion that God desires to turn the hearts of parents and children back toward one another.</p> <p>Using Coldplay's song, "Daddy", as a jumping off point, we explore the fatherlessness dilemma afflicting American culture, and the prophet Malachi's assertion that God desires to turn the hearts of parents and children back toward one another.</p> Using Coldplay's song, "Daddy", as a jumping off point, we explore the fatherlessness dilemma afflicting American culture, and the prophet Malachi's assertion that God desires to turn the hearts of parents and children back toward one another.

]]> Sun, 25 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1809 224 18def9ddd448f8dab106c5d456f0dfdd no Good Friday 2021 Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2705 225 2655b9782e51e5bee15f6b76154e73cf no Rich Ruler Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus has a short conversation with a rich ruler and quickly reveals this man's heart... or better yet, he reveals this man's idol. Idolatry can be very sneaky in our lives, but it can quickly take over our hearts. We need to able to spot it and get rid of it before we are consumed by it.</p> <p>Jesus has a short conversation with a rich ruler and quickly reveals this man's heart... or better yet, he reveals this man's idol. Idolatry can be very sneaky in our lives, but it can quickly take over our hearts. We need to able to spot it and get rid of it before we are consumed by it.</p> Jesus has a short conversation with a rich ruler and quickly reveals this man's heart... or better yet, he reveals this man's idol. Idolatry can be very sneaky in our lives, but it can quickly take over our hearts. We need to able to spot it and get rid of it before we are consumed by it.

]]> Sun, 21 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1881 226 952c66cdf0cacc419ee042a17a661731 no The Thread of Humility Sarah Hammond <p>Jesus tells the Pharisees a shocking parable to reveal their spiritual blindness and prideful unbelief. The disciples overhear and Jesus has a word for them (and us) too. Don't be like those guys! Rather in humility, show unending forgiveness, have the right faith, and be obedient as an unworthy servant.</p> <p>Jesus tells the Pharisees a shocking parable to reveal their spiritual blindness and prideful unbelief. The disciples overhear and Jesus has a word for them (and us) too. Don't be like those guys! Rather in humility, show unending forgiveness, have the right faith, and be obedient as an unworthy servant.</p> Jesus tells the Pharisees a shocking parable to reveal their spiritual blindness and prideful unbelief. The disciples overhear and Jesus has a word for them (and us) too. Don't be like those guys! Rather in humility, show unending forgiveness, have the right faith, and be obedient as an unworthy servant.

]]> Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1620 227 4fe7514b0db7311591b9731a3aa1964a no This Man Welcomes Sinners Austin Fischer <p>Sinners loved to be around Jesus because Jesus loved sinners. This bothers the Pharisees, who would rather grumble about sin than celebrate repentance.</p> <p>Sinners loved to be around Jesus because Jesus loved sinners. This bothers the Pharisees, who would rather grumble about sin than celebrate repentance.</p> Sinners loved to be around Jesus because Jesus loved sinners. This bothers the Pharisees, who would rather grumble about sin than celebrate repentance.

]]> Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1493 228 9bee800c7f3137406ff44a60f0474941 no Preparing for the Party Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus tells the parable of the Great Banquet while sitting in the home of a prominent Pharisee. In many ways, this parable is told to rebuke the Pharisees... which probably made the dinner party pretty awkward. In so doing, Jesus gives us a picture of what heaven will be like, who will be there, and how we can live life preparing for the future party.</p> <p>Jesus tells the parable of the Great Banquet while sitting in the home of a prominent Pharisee. In many ways, this parable is told to rebuke the Pharisees... which probably made the dinner party pretty awkward. In so doing, Jesus gives us a picture of what heaven will be like, who will be there, and how we can live life preparing for the future party.</p> Jesus tells the parable of the Great Banquet while sitting in the home of a prominent Pharisee. In many ways, this parable is told to rebuke the Pharisees... which probably made the dinner party pretty awkward. In so doing, Jesus gives us a picture of what heaven will be like, who will be there, and how we can live life preparing for the future party.

]]> Sun, 28 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1550 229 8ddc528d44a31d9b937de79f783e52ed no Don't Worry, Be Generous Austin Fischer <p>Jesus' road trip to Jerusalem gets off to a bumpy start, and he teaches his disciples that they don't have the right to reject people who reject Jesus.</p> <p>Jesus' road trip to Jerusalem gets off to a bumpy start, and he teaches his disciples that they don't have the right to reject people who reject Jesus.</p> Jesus' road trip to Jerusalem gets off to a bumpy start, and he teaches his disciples that they don't have the right to reject people who reject Jesus.

]]> Sun, 21 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1777 230 d8cad67cf487348576189bb98c1ca9fd no The Secret to Prayer Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>So often when it comes to prayer the focus is on prayer itself.... (how do we pray? What do we say? Styles of prayer, the philosophy behind prayer, etc...) But when Jesus taught his disciples to pray through this very short and succinct prayer in Luke 11 he seems to be teaching his disciples more about who God is. Maybe the secret to prayer is less focus on prayer itself and more focus on delighting in the God we're praying too.</p> <p>So often when it comes to prayer the focus is on prayer itself.... (how do we pray? What do we say? Styles of prayer, the philosophy behind prayer, etc...) But when Jesus taught his disciples to pray through this very short and succinct prayer in Luke 11 he seems to be teaching his disciples more about who God is. Maybe the secret to prayer is less focus on prayer itself and more focus on delighting in the God we're praying too.</p> So often when it comes to prayer the focus is on prayer itself.... (how do we pray? What do we say? Styles of prayer, the philosophy behind prayer, etc...) But when Jesus taught his disciples to pray through this very short and succinct prayer in Luke 11 he seems to be teaching his disciples more about who God is. Maybe the secret to prayer is less focus on prayer itself and more focus on delighting in the God we're praying too.

]]> Sun, 14 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1780 231 ed57bcd8d58d9174ccd5ad86cc3ee054 no A Generous Orthodoxy Austin Fischer <p>Jesus' road trip to Jerusalem gets off to a bumpy start, and he teaches his disciples that they don't have the right to reject people who reject Jesus.</p> <p>Jesus' road trip to Jerusalem gets off to a bumpy start, and he teaches his disciples that they don't have the right to reject people who reject Jesus.</p> Jesus' road trip to Jerusalem gets off to a bumpy start, and he teaches his disciples that they don't have the right to reject people who reject Jesus.

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1728 232 71751c0ffcd88780af17ae2ad97835bf no Don't be a Pharisee Dave Jeffreys <p>In Luke 5 Jesus heals a paralytic man whose friends bring him to Jesus and He calls Levi, a tax collector, to be one of his disciples. Two stories with some common chords that tie them together. In both stories we see Jesus hanging out in homes with smaller groups of people. Jesus made this a regular habit... so should we. In both stories we see Jesus' love and compassion for sinful, hurting people. And in both stories, we see the lack of love and compassion from the religious leaders of the day. The contrast between the heart of Jesus and the heart of the religious is on full display.</p> <p>In Luke 5 Jesus heals a paralytic man whose friends bring him to Jesus and He calls Levi, a tax collector, to be one of his disciples. Two stories with some common chords that tie them together. In both stories we see Jesus hanging out in homes with smaller groups of people. Jesus made this a regular habit... so should we. In both stories we see Jesus' love and compassion for sinful, hurting people. And in both stories, we see the lack of love and compassion from the religious leaders of the day. The contrast between the heart of Jesus and the heart of the religious is on full display.</p> In Luke 5 Jesus heals a paralytic man whose friends bring him to Jesus and He calls Levi, a tax collector, to be one of his disciples. Two stories with some common chords that tie them together. In both stories we see Jesus hanging out in homes with smaller groups of people. Jesus made this a regular habit... so should we. In both stories we see Jesus' love and compassion for sinful, hurting people. And in both stories, we see the lack of love and compassion from the religious leaders of the day. The contrast between the heart of Jesus and the heart of the religious is on full display.

]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1705 233 4223aaa8d76c29ac8842800699bfd4ca no Today! Austin Fischer <p>In Luke 4:14-30, Jesus gives a sermon in his hometown that does not go over well. Challenging people's tendency toward procrastination, he proclaims that the day of God's call on us is today and not tomorrow.</p> <p>In Luke 4:14-30, Jesus gives a sermon in his hometown that does not go over well. Challenging people's tendency toward procrastination, he proclaims that the day of God's call on us is today and not tomorrow.</p> In Luke 4:14-30, Jesus gives a sermon in his hometown that does not go over well. Challenging people's tendency toward procrastination, he proclaims that the day of God's call on us is today and not tomorrow.

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1557 234 71060624824e449dcc4b4f34c3958a46 no Temptation Dave Jeffreys <p>Immediately after Jesus' baptism, he is led into the wilderness where he is tempted by Satan for forty days. Although Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, he was without sin. Jesus shows us more than just how to endure temptation... he shows us how to plan against it and be ready when Satan tempts us.</p> <p>Immediately after Jesus' baptism, he is led into the wilderness where he is tempted by Satan for forty days. Although Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, he was without sin. Jesus shows us more than just how to endure temptation... he shows us how to plan against it and be ready when Satan tempts us.</p> Immediately after Jesus' baptism, he is led into the wilderness where he is tempted by Satan for forty days. Although Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, he was without sin. Jesus shows us more than just how to endure temptation... he shows us how to plan against it and be ready when Satan tempts us.

]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1769 235 39984873d80864b03fe2fb960d4a1d8d no The Beloved Son Austin Fischer <p>We kick off our series walking through the Gospel of Luke with the story of Jesus' baptism. As Jesus' first public appearance of note, he leaves us with a somewhat strange first impression.</p> <p>We kick off our series walking through the Gospel of Luke with the story of Jesus' baptism. As Jesus' first public appearance of note, he leaves us with a somewhat strange first impression.</p> We kick off our series walking through the Gospel of Luke with the story of Jesus' baptism. As Jesus' first public appearance of note, he leaves us with a somewhat strange first impression.

]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1735 236 93514b8cea4c9ffd3fc0add600889814 no Vision Sunday 2021 Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys Sun, 03 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1814 237 3c76ec64c90e5620e779f0c5656ba169 no Reflections on 2020 Chris Lackey <p>When we say, we trust God, many times that trust has actually been more dependent on our ability to control our lives than in our God. But, this year has revealed just how little control we have and how much we need Jesus.</p> <p>When we say, we trust God, many times that trust has actually been more dependent on our ability to control our lives than in our God. But, this year has revealed just how little control we have and how much we need Jesus.</p> When we say, we trust God, many times that trust has actually been more dependent on our ability to control our lives than in our God. But, this year has revealed just how little control we have and how much we need Jesus.

]]> Sun, 27 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1456 238 5cb5b2f7289557fb7f7133325dec3cfd no Advent - The Sound of a Forrest Growing Austin Fischer Sun, 20 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1593 239 984f8efd22fddb249b2bc497dbef62c7 no Advent - Promise Keeper Messages Dave Jeffreys <p>In Isaiah 40: 1-11 God is making some promises to his people through the prophet Isaiah. We have the benefit of not only seeing these promises, but also seeing just how God came through on those promises and delivered as he said he would. These promises are not just for them (God's people long ago), but they are for us today as well.</p> <p>In Isaiah 40: 1-11 God is making some promises to his people through the prophet Isaiah. We have the benefit of not only seeing these promises, but also seeing just how God came through on those promises and delivered as he said he would. These promises are not just for them (God's people long ago), but they are for us today as well.</p> In Isaiah 40: 1-11 God is making some promises to his people through the prophet Isaiah. We have the benefit of not only seeing these promises, but also seeing just how God came through on those promises and delivered as he said he would. These promises are not just for them (God's people long ago), but they are for us today as well.

]]> Sun, 13 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1662 240 a6676ccc8130fa050f24bfcf33101a87 no Advent - Yet You Are Our Father Messages Austin Fischer <p>Isaiah prays a prayer on behalf of the disappointed people of Israel. After initially demanding things from God and blaming others, Isaiah's prayer turns toward the confession and repentance rooted in a trust in God's goodness.</p> <p>Isaiah prays a prayer on behalf of the disappointed people of Israel. After initially demanding things from God and blaming others, Isaiah's prayer turns toward the confession and repentance rooted in a trust in God's goodness.</p> Isaiah prays a prayer on behalf of the disappointed people of Israel. After initially demanding things from God and blaming others, Isaiah's prayer turns toward the confession and repentance rooted in a trust in God's goodness.

]]> Sun, 06 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1613 241 96a209eb09ca3acbaca2feb1e6308655 no Grateful (Part 4) - Joy > Happiness Message Jonah Fox Sun, 29 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1249 242 e8b7d8822125d0d157fd3a09398f5475 no Grateful (Part 3) - Grateful Jesus Message Dave Jeffreys Sun, 22 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1351 243 1d86d93514bd900688855fbe284ceb8c no Grateful (Part 2) - A Grateful Life Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Luke 17:11-19<br><br><br>In Luke 17 Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to worship and give thanks. There's several things we can learn from this one thankful person about living a life of gratitude. However, there's also some things we can learn from the other 9 about avoiding a lack of gratitude.<br><br>1. Grateful people don't live life in a hurry<br><br>2. Grateful people don't just assume others know how grateful they are<br><br>3. Grateful people don't postpone gratitude<br><br>4. Grateful people don't feel entitled</p> <p>Luke 17:11-19<br><br><br>In Luke 17 Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to worship and give thanks. There's several things we can learn from this one thankful person about living a life of gratitude. However, there's also some things we can learn from the other 9 about avoiding a lack of gratitude.<br><br>1. Grateful people don't live life in a hurry<br><br>2. Grateful people don't just assume others know how grateful they are<br><br>3. Grateful people don't postpone gratitude<br><br>4. Grateful people don't feel entitled</p> Luke 17:11-19


In Luke 17 Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to worship and give thanks. There's several things we can learn from this one thankful person about living a life of gratitude. However, there's also some things we can learn from the other 9 about avoiding a lack of gratitude.

1. Grateful people don't live life in a hurry

2. Grateful people don't just assume others know how grateful they are

3. Grateful people don't postpone gratitude

4. Grateful people don't feel entitled

]]> Sun, 15 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1643 244 7443f004bee39f0969759ac6b61153d3 no Grateful (Part 1) - Grateful Worship Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 08 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1537 245 de2e199c8f5df52143c7aab082e7c3dd no Us For Them (Pt 8) - A Manner Worthy Sermon Only Austin Fischer Sun, 01 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1545 246 e61c1eb81a4cd78fda7ece5cdd82904d no Us For Them (Part 7) Sermon Only Austin Fischer Sun, 25 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1526 247 854d1a3f9e77c5be55677a4a1acae9a2 no Us For Them (Pt 6) - Words Matter Full Service Dave Jeffreys Sun, 18 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3475 248 9448c4d9c906ee06693b0c292621a260 no Us For Them (Pt 6) - Words Matter Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 18 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1396 249 53ec6c552c0f648fb83c612e0f3cc4fd no Us For Them (Pt 5) - Conservative and Progressive Full Service Austin Fischer <p>In Acts 15, the early Christians face a very complicated situation regarding the inclusion of Gentiles. Their discernment process reveals why it's important for Christians to be conservative and progressive instead of one or the other.</p> <p>In Acts 15, the early Christians face a very complicated situation regarding the inclusion of Gentiles. Their discernment process reveals why it's important for Christians to be conservative and progressive instead of one or the other.</p> In Acts 15, the early Christians face a very complicated situation regarding the inclusion of Gentiles. Their discernment process reveals why it's important for Christians to be conservative and progressive instead of one or the other.

]]> Sun, 11 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3235 250 204a8e4882dbe9698161ed739063b32c no Us For Them (Pt 5) - Conservative and Progressive Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>In Acts 15, the early Christians face a very complicated situation regarding the inclusion of Gentiles. Their discernment process reveals why it's important for Christians to be conservative and progressive instead of one or the other.</p> <p>In Acts 15, the early Christians face a very complicated situation regarding the inclusion of Gentiles. Their discernment process reveals why it's important for Christians to be conservative and progressive instead of one or the other.</p> In Acts 15, the early Christians face a very complicated situation regarding the inclusion of Gentiles. Their discernment process reveals why it's important for Christians to be conservative and progressive instead of one or the other.

]]> Sun, 11 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1681 251 b871578f78adb01241528c3d1c9db2a0 no Us For Them (Pt 4) - Fight Like a Christian Full Service Dave Jeffreys <p>If people are going to know that we (the church) are FOR them, then we must be able to model a love and unity for one another within the church. In order to do that, we must learn how to handle conflict and disputes in a God honoring way. Jesus is very clear that unresolved conflict among brothers and sisters in Christ is a serious issue because a lack of unity disrupts the mission of the church. Jesus is equally clear about how to resolve conflict and work towards reconciliation.</p> <p>If people are going to know that we (the church) are FOR them, then we must be able to model a love and unity for one another within the church. In order to do that, we must learn how to handle conflict and disputes in a God honoring way. Jesus is very clear that unresolved conflict among brothers and sisters in Christ is a serious issue because a lack of unity disrupts the mission of the church. Jesus is equally clear about how to resolve conflict and work towards reconciliation.</p> If people are going to know that we (the church) are FOR them, then we must be able to model a love and unity for one another within the church. In order to do that, we must learn how to handle conflict and disputes in a God honoring way. Jesus is very clear that unresolved conflict among brothers and sisters in Christ is a serious issue because a lack of unity disrupts the mission of the church. Jesus is equally clear about how to resolve conflict and work towards reconciliation.

]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3350 252 466e8e13da16b3509d3444cc7b2b8b99 no Us For Them (Pt 4) - Fight Like a Christian Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>If people are going to know that we (the church) are FOR them, then we must be able to model a love and unity for one another within the church. In order to do that, we must learn how to handle conflict and disputes in a God honoring way. Jesus is very clear that unresolved conflict among brothers and sisters in Christ is a serious issue because a lack of unity disrupts the mission of the church. Jesus is equally clear about how to resolve conflict and work towards reconciliation.</p> <p>If people are going to know that we (the church) are FOR them, then we must be able to model a love and unity for one another within the church. In order to do that, we must learn how to handle conflict and disputes in a God honoring way. Jesus is very clear that unresolved conflict among brothers and sisters in Christ is a serious issue because a lack of unity disrupts the mission of the church. Jesus is equally clear about how to resolve conflict and work towards reconciliation.</p> If people are going to know that we (the church) are FOR them, then we must be able to model a love and unity for one another within the church. In order to do that, we must learn how to handle conflict and disputes in a God honoring way. Jesus is very clear that unresolved conflict among brothers and sisters in Christ is a serious issue because a lack of unity disrupts the mission of the church. Jesus is equally clear about how to resolve conflict and work towards reconciliation.

]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1678 253 bd862488727795a830058edd6352e642 no Us For Them (Pt 3) - Reunion! Full Service Austin Fischer <p>The gospel is the good news of the redemption and reunion of humanity. But what happens when the Church looks more like the divorce of humanity than the reunion of humanity? When the Church is full of people who look, think, and vote the same? And how can the Church recover the scandalous diversity that is central to her witness and mission?</p> <p>The gospel is the good news of the redemption and reunion of humanity. But what happens when the Church looks more like the divorce of humanity than the reunion of humanity? When the Church is full of people who look, think, and vote the same? And how can the Church recover the scandalous diversity that is central to her witness and mission?</p> The gospel is the good news of the redemption and reunion of humanity. But what happens when the Church looks more like the divorce of humanity than the reunion of humanity? When the Church is full of people who look, think, and vote the same? And how can the Church recover the scandalous diversity that is central to her witness and mission?

]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3208 254 ad8299789829dd02252eb4fbd8b9d4af no Us For Them (Part 2) - True Peace Full Service Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace, but in Matt. 10:34-39 he as some very difficult words for his followers... words that sound contradictory to a message of peace. However, rather than a contradictory message, within these few verses Jesus is actually teaching his followers some very valuable lessons about conflict and what complete devotion to Christ looks like.</p> <p>Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace, but in Matt. 10:34-39 he as some very difficult words for his followers... words that sound contradictory to a message of peace. However, rather than a contradictory message, within these few verses Jesus is actually teaching his followers some very valuable lessons about conflict and what complete devotion to Christ looks like.</p> Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace, but in Matt. 10:34-39 he as some very difficult words for his followers... words that sound contradictory to a message of peace. However, rather than a contradictory message, within these few verses Jesus is actually teaching his followers some very valuable lessons about conflict and what complete devotion to Christ looks like.

]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4527 255 462cab32df89964e02c3506c66282a15 no Us For Them (Part 2) - True Peace Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace, but in Matt. 10:34-39 he as some very difficult words for his followers... words that sound contradictory to a message of peace. However, rather than a contradictory message, within these few verses Jesus is actually teaching his followers some very valuable lessons about conflict and what complete devotion to Christ looks like.</p> <p>Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace, but in Matt. 10:34-39 he as some very difficult words for his followers... words that sound contradictory to a message of peace. However, rather than a contradictory message, within these few verses Jesus is actually teaching his followers some very valuable lessons about conflict and what complete devotion to Christ looks like.</p> Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace, but in Matt. 10:34-39 he as some very difficult words for his followers... words that sound contradictory to a message of peace. However, rather than a contradictory message, within these few verses Jesus is actually teaching his followers some very valuable lessons about conflict and what complete devotion to Christ looks like.

]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1767 256 78a053508897884f24dcf23e5f9aacc1 no Us for Them - Cats Must Also Fail Full Service Austin Fischer <p>We begin our Us FOR Them series going to the beginning of Genesis and seeing Satan is the original antagonist, turning us against God and then turning us against each other. That ancient antagonism is still an open wound in our world, creating people who don't know who they are unless they know who they're against. But Jesus offers a better way.</p> <p>We begin our Us FOR Them series going to the beginning of Genesis and seeing Satan is the original antagonist, turning us against God and then turning us against each other. That ancient antagonism is still an open wound in our world, creating people who don't know who they are unless they know who they're against. But Jesus offers a better way.</p> We begin our Us FOR Them series going to the beginning of Genesis and seeing Satan is the original antagonist, turning us against God and then turning us against each other. That ancient antagonism is still an open wound in our world, creating people who don't know who they are unless they know who they're against. But Jesus offers a better way.

]]> Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4970 257 3db10334e54464e7c23f4c174b7c0407 no Us for Them - Cats Must Also Fail Message Austin Fischer <p>We begin our Us FOR Them series going to the beginning of Genesis and seeing Satan is the original antagonist, turning us against God and then turning us against each other. That ancient antagonism is still an open wound in our world, creating people who don't know who they are unless they know who they're against. But Jesus offers a better way..</p> <p>We begin our Us FOR Them series going to the beginning of Genesis and seeing Satan is the original antagonist, turning us against God and then turning us against each other. That ancient antagonism is still an open wound in our world, creating people who don't know who they are unless they know who they're against. But Jesus offers a better way..</p> We begin our Us FOR Them series going to the beginning of Genesis and seeing Satan is the original antagonist, turning us against God and then turning us against each other. That ancient antagonism is still an open wound in our world, creating people who don't know who they are unless they know who they're against. But Jesus offers a better way..

]]> Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1628 258 256340d196b2b9a35a4a01df56661e76 no How to Be - Rule of Life Full Service Nick Followwell & Sarah Hammond <p>We all need a little help when it comes to spiritual practices, but sometimes we are too afraid to ask. The Rule of Life provides just enough structure that helps us grow with purpose toward Christlikeness. It consists of 4 daily and 4 weekly habits. These habits help us pay more attention to God and those around us.</p> <p>We all need a little help when it comes to spiritual practices, but sometimes we are too afraid to ask. The Rule of Life provides just enough structure that helps us grow with purpose toward Christlikeness. It consists of 4 daily and 4 weekly habits. These habits help us pay more attention to God and those around us.</p> We all need a little help when it comes to spiritual practices, but sometimes we are too afraid to ask. The Rule of Life provides just enough structure that helps us grow with purpose toward Christlikeness. It consists of 4 daily and 4 weekly habits. These habits help us pay more attention to God and those around us.

]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3976 259 67e5706e1ed10eb9007839a4f975f354 no How to Be - Rule of Life Sermon Only Nick Followwell & Sarah Hammond <p>We all need a little help when it comes to spiritual practices, but sometimes we are too afraid to ask. The Rule of Life provides just enough structure that helps us grow with purpose toward Christlikeness. It consists of 4 daily and 4 weekly habits. These habits help us pay more attention to God and those around us.</p> <p>We all need a little help when it comes to spiritual practices, but sometimes we are too afraid to ask. The Rule of Life provides just enough structure that helps us grow with purpose toward Christlikeness. It consists of 4 daily and 4 weekly habits. These habits help us pay more attention to God and those around us.</p> We all need a little help when it comes to spiritual practices, but sometimes we are too afraid to ask. The Rule of Life provides just enough structure that helps us grow with purpose toward Christlikeness. It consists of 4 daily and 4 weekly habits. These habits help us pay more attention to God and those around us.

]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1936 260 d5fb811b09b7ed422bc4166fc69564e5 no How to Be - Civilized to Death Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>What if the key to becoming a more compassionate person and a more compassionate society was not being nice, but rather being unhurried? God commands his people to be unhurried because hurry kills compassion, and the Church is intended to be a family of rest and justice that stands as an alternative to the hurry and injustice of "civilization."</p> <p>What if the key to becoming a more compassionate person and a more compassionate society was not being nice, but rather being unhurried? God commands his people to be unhurried because hurry kills compassion, and the Church is intended to be a family of rest and justice that stands as an alternative to the hurry and injustice of "civilization."</p> What if the key to becoming a more compassionate person and a more compassionate society was not being nice, but rather being unhurried? God commands his people to be unhurried because hurry kills compassion, and the Church is intended to be a family of rest and justice that stands as an alternative to the hurry and injustice of "civilization."

]]> Sun, 30 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1650 261 b3744c56ec4940dc39c16be2b407671e no How To Be - Part III - The Seventh Day Full Service Austin Fischer <p>Busy, bored, distracted, inside. These four words describe much of what ills modern culture. In contrast, God invites us to live that are unhurried, curious, interested, and outside, and God does so by asking us to practice the Sabbath.</p> <p>Busy, bored, distracted, inside. These four words describe much of what ills modern culture. In contrast, God invites us to live that are unhurried, curious, interested, and outside, and God does so by asking us to practice the Sabbath.</p> Busy, bored, distracted, inside. These four words describe much of what ills modern culture. In contrast, God invites us to live that are unhurried, curious, interested, and outside, and God does so by asking us to practice the Sabbath.

]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4438 262 d8c0959989de8f5ffb1c5ab92efc2ec6 no How To Be - Part III - The Seventh Day Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>Busy, bored, distracted, inside. These four words describe much of what ills modern culture. In contrast, God invites us to live that are unhurried, curious, interested, and outside, and God does so by asking us to practice the Sabbath.</p> <p>Busy, bored, distracted, inside. These four words describe much of what ills modern culture. In contrast, God invites us to live that are unhurried, curious, interested, and outside, and God does so by asking us to practice the Sabbath.</p> Busy, bored, distracted, inside. These four words describe much of what ills modern culture. In contrast, God invites us to live that are unhurried, curious, interested, and outside, and God does so by asking us to practice the Sabbath.

]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1641 263 f7f503f15e8afe50a37716173f21bc3c no How To Be (Part II) "The Ground Work" Full Service Dave Jeffreys <p>One of the more popular parables Jesus ever told was the parable of the Sower. Ultimately it's a lesson about what it takes to "bear fruit" in your life. It doesn't start by examining the the fruit itself, or even the tree. It starts with the seed hitting the ground. There are different types of ground that the seed falls on and only one kind ultimately can produce fruit. That type of good ground in our lives doesn't come by accident. Before we can experience spiritual growth and ultimately produce fruit, we must lay the ground work.</p> <p>One of the more popular parables Jesus ever told was the parable of the Sower. Ultimately it's a lesson about what it takes to "bear fruit" in your life. It doesn't start by examining the the fruit itself, or even the tree. It starts with the seed hitting the ground. There are different types of ground that the seed falls on and only one kind ultimately can produce fruit. That type of good ground in our lives doesn't come by accident. Before we can experience spiritual growth and ultimately produce fruit, we must lay the ground work.</p> One of the more popular parables Jesus ever told was the parable of the Sower. Ultimately it's a lesson about what it takes to "bear fruit" in your life. It doesn't start by examining the the fruit itself, or even the tree. It starts with the seed hitting the ground. There are different types of ground that the seed falls on and only one kind ultimately can produce fruit. That type of good ground in our lives doesn't come by accident. Before we can experience spiritual growth and ultimately produce fruit, we must lay the ground work.

]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3929 264 ba93b19e108993f42f8e579e700de242 no How To Be (Part II) "The Ground Work" Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>One of the more popular parables Jesus ever told was the parable of the Sower. Ultimately it's a lesson about what it takes to "bear fruit" in your life. It doesn't start by examining the the fruit itself, or even the tree. It starts with the seed hitting the ground. There are different types of ground that the seed falls on and only one kind ultimately can produce fruit. That type of good ground in our lives doesn't come by accident. Before we can experience spiritual growth and ultimately produce fruit, we must lay the ground work.</p> <p>One of the more popular parables Jesus ever told was the parable of the Sower. Ultimately it's a lesson about what it takes to "bear fruit" in your life. It doesn't start by examining the the fruit itself, or even the tree. It starts with the seed hitting the ground. There are different types of ground that the seed falls on and only one kind ultimately can produce fruit. That type of good ground in our lives doesn't come by accident. Before we can experience spiritual growth and ultimately produce fruit, we must lay the ground work.</p> One of the more popular parables Jesus ever told was the parable of the Sower. Ultimately it's a lesson about what it takes to "bear fruit" in your life. It doesn't start by examining the the fruit itself, or even the tree. It starts with the seed hitting the ground. There are different types of ground that the seed falls on and only one kind ultimately can produce fruit. That type of good ground in our lives doesn't come by accident. Before we can experience spiritual growth and ultimately produce fruit, we must lay the ground work.

]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1794 265 866953799764166db3e9606022ebd7de no How To Be - I Will Give You Rest Full Service Austin Fischer <p>Modern culture is in the mist of an epidemic called "hurry sickness." Our lives are too fast and out of control, and while we sense it we don't know what to do about it. But Jesus does. He invites us to a life of rest, but it's a life that also takes work and discipline to discover.</p> <p>Modern culture is in the mist of an epidemic called "hurry sickness." Our lives are too fast and out of control, and while we sense it we don't know what to do about it. But Jesus does. He invites us to a life of rest, but it's a life that also takes work and discipline to discover.</p> Modern culture is in the mist of an epidemic called "hurry sickness." Our lives are too fast and out of control, and while we sense it we don't know what to do about it. But Jesus does. He invites us to a life of rest, but it's a life that also takes work and discipline to discover.

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4584 266 9eb969dbaa3cef282f3201385632760e no How To Be - I Will Give You Rest Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>Modern culture is in the mist of an epidemic called "hurry sickness." Our lives are too fast and out of control, and while we sense it we don't know what to do about it. But Jesus does. He invites us to a life of rest, but it's a life that also takes work and discipline to discover.</p> <p>Modern culture is in the mist of an epidemic called "hurry sickness." Our lives are too fast and out of control, and while we sense it we don't know what to do about it. But Jesus does. He invites us to a life of rest, but it's a life that also takes work and discipline to discover.</p> Modern culture is in the mist of an epidemic called "hurry sickness." Our lives are too fast and out of control, and while we sense it we don't know what to do about it. But Jesus does. He invites us to a life of rest, but it's a life that also takes work and discipline to discover.

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1761 267 5d3563c63d36426fbaedc996a7ccae25 no A Reminder, A Temptation, and an Opportunity Message Only Sun, 21 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1731 268 cd0a9e3b5a4bd2e93cd6fd533b0f447a no Did God Really Say...? (You should never judge anyone) Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Matthew 7:1 may be the most misused and misunderstood verse in all of the Bible. What did Jesus mean when he says, "Judge not...?" Is there ever a right time and a right way to Judge someone else?</p> <p>Matthew 7:1 may be the most misused and misunderstood verse in all of the Bible. What did Jesus mean when he says, "Judge not...?" Is there ever a right time and a right way to Judge someone else?</p> Matthew 7:1 may be the most misused and misunderstood verse in all of the Bible. What did Jesus mean when he says, "Judge not...?" Is there ever a right time and a right way to Judge someone else?

]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1469 269 940b89febe6c297269cccb117bcb6e05 no Did God Really Say? I Will Never Give You More Than You Can Handle Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>God never promises that we will not have more than we can handle in life. However, God does promise to be with us in our seasons of struggle and if we're willing, our seasons where we seem to have more than we can handle can create in us a greater dependence on God and others.</p> <p>God never promises that we will not have more than we can handle in life. However, God does promise to be with us in our seasons of struggle and if we're willing, our seasons where we seem to have more than we can handle can create in us a greater dependence on God and others.</p> God never promises that we will not have more than we can handle in life. However, God does promise to be with us in our seasons of struggle and if we're willing, our seasons where we seem to have more than we can handle can create in us a greater dependence on God and others.

]]> Sun, 28 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1476 270 b458835f9bdf58982b1f2d3ff489ac9d no Did God really say? (God want's you to be happy so be true to yourself) Message Only Dave Jeffreys <p>God is revealed in scripture as a good Father, so of course He wants his children (us) to have joy and be happy. What kind of good father doesn't? So why are there so many rules, laws, and commandments? Shouldn't I just be true to myself in order to live a happy life? What's the secret to a happy life? We'll answer these and other questions in this second sermon in the series "Did God really say?"</p> <p>God is revealed in scripture as a good Father, so of course He wants his children (us) to have joy and be happy. What kind of good father doesn't? So why are there so many rules, laws, and commandments? Shouldn't I just be true to myself in order to live a happy life? What's the secret to a happy life? We'll answer these and other questions in this second sermon in the series "Did God really say?"</p> God is revealed in scripture as a good Father, so of course He wants his children (us) to have joy and be happy. What kind of good father doesn't? So why are there so many rules, laws, and commandments? Shouldn't I just be true to myself in order to live a happy life? What's the secret to a happy life? We'll answer these and other questions in this second sermon in the series "Did God really say?"

]]> Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1650 271 1afd02a2834ca06e1865a5e44999b8bf no Did God Really Say? Part 1: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Message Dave Jeffreys <p>The disciples want Jesus to have the people "help themselves." Instead, Jesus tells them to help the people. <br><br>Often we're a lot like the disciples... it's easier if people just help themselves.<br><br>We're so prone to believe something like this because...<br>1. It makes me feel better about me... pride<br>2. It gives me an excuse not to help someone... it excuses my sin of omission. <br><br>The essence of the Gospel isn't that God helps those who help themselves, but rather that God helps those who don't (Eph. 2:1-5)</p> <p>The disciples want Jesus to have the people "help themselves." Instead, Jesus tells them to help the people. <br><br>Often we're a lot like the disciples... it's easier if people just help themselves.<br><br>We're so prone to believe something like this because...<br>1. It makes me feel better about me... pride<br>2. It gives me an excuse not to help someone... it excuses my sin of omission. <br><br>The essence of the Gospel isn't that God helps those who help themselves, but rather that God helps those who don't (Eph. 2:1-5)</p> The disciples want Jesus to have the people "help themselves." Instead, Jesus tells them to help the people.

Often we're a lot like the disciples... it's easier if people just help themselves.

We're so prone to believe something like this because...
1. It makes me feel better about me... pride
2. It gives me an excuse not to help someone... it excuses my sin of omission.

The essence of the Gospel isn't that God helps those who help themselves, but rather that God helps those who don't (Eph. 2:1-5)

]]> Sun, 07 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 5449 272 b4d084b629920c7322145e0e8bb6e2f2 no The Rich Young Ruler: A Call to True Faith Full Service Sarah Hammond <p>Jesus rarely did or said the obvious. In the story of the rich young ruler, Jesus gives some strange answers to the mans question about eternal life. Sometimes how Jesus works can bring up some questions in us. Sometimes we're hard pressed in life. But we're invited in to the FULLNESS of following Him, where He shows us our hearts and makes sense of it all.</p> <p>Jesus rarely did or said the obvious. In the story of the rich young ruler, Jesus gives some strange answers to the mans question about eternal life. Sometimes how Jesus works can bring up some questions in us. Sometimes we're hard pressed in life. But we're invited in to the FULLNESS of following Him, where He shows us our hearts and makes sense of it all.</p> Jesus rarely did or said the obvious. In the story of the rich young ruler, Jesus gives some strange answers to the mans question about eternal life. Sometimes how Jesus works can bring up some questions in us. Sometimes we're hard pressed in life. But we're invited in to the FULLNESS of following Him, where He shows us our hearts and makes sense of it all.

]]> Sun, 24 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 5126 273 80f35c8c97904709639ceb0d14c6e3e6 no Beautiful Terrible World: The Happiest Happy Ending Message Only Austin Fischer <p>Having finally heard from God, Job responds in surrender and trust. God chastises Job's friends, and restores Job, and the story culminates in a happy ending that seems too good to be true.</p> <p>Having finally heard from God, Job responds in surrender and trust. God chastises Job's friends, and restores Job, and the story culminates in a happy ending that seems too good to be true.</p> Having finally heard from God, Job responds in surrender and trust. God chastises Job's friends, and restores Job, and the story culminates in a happy ending that seems too good to be true.

]]> Sun, 31 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 5527 274 b28e9f8bd3d30418768fdcbc4218b36c no Neither Everything Nor Nothing Message Only Austin Fischer <p>Job finally gets his showdown with God, but instead of offering Job an explanation, God offers Job an invitation into a bigger world. God invites Job to understand that humans are neither everything nor nothing</p> <p>Job finally gets his showdown with God, but instead of offering Job an explanation, God offers Job an invitation into a bigger world. God invites Job to understand that humans are neither everything nor nothing</p> Job finally gets his showdown with God, but instead of offering Job an explanation, God offers Job an invitation into a bigger world. God invites Job to understand that humans are neither everything nor nothing

]]> Sun, 17 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1884 275 4b463c914fd3507b2939ab23bf0fb044 no Neither Everything Nor Nothing Full Service Austin Fischer <p>Job finally gets his showdown with God, but instead of offering Job an explanation, God offers Job an invitation into a bigger world. God invites Job to understand that humans are neither everything nor nothing</p> <p>Job finally gets his showdown with God, but instead of offering Job an explanation, God offers Job an invitation into a bigger world. God invites Job to understand that humans are neither everything nor nothing</p> Job finally gets his showdown with God, but instead of offering Job an explanation, God offers Job an invitation into a bigger world. God invites Job to understand that humans are neither everything nor nothing

]]> Sun, 17 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 5344 276 4f9834d7908d73968dd3ac631e89f041 no The Tilted Earth (Part 1) Message Only Austin Fischer Sun, 26 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2007 277 dece45b0054e2a11adeafa7b39e40c51 no Sai Weng Lost His Horse Message Only Austin Fischer <p>Just when we think God is finally going to speak for himself, the story is interrupted by yet another attempt to explain Job's suffering. Instead of trying to make all the suffering make sense, we accept that it doesn't, but Jesus does.</p> <p>Just when we think God is finally going to speak for himself, the story is interrupted by yet another attempt to explain Job's suffering. Instead of trying to make all the suffering make sense, we accept that it doesn't, but Jesus does.</p> Just when we think God is finally going to speak for himself, the story is interrupted by yet another attempt to explain Job's suffering. Instead of trying to make all the suffering make sense, we accept that it doesn't, but Jesus does.

]]> Sun, 10 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1856 278 e34e72c0a599522d5c8f4aebd4ea8aa3 no Sai Weng Lost His Horse Full Service Austin Fischer <p>Just when we think God is finally going to speak for himself, the story is interrupted by yet another attempt to explain Job's suffering. Instead of trying to make all the suffering make sense, we accept that it doesn't, but Jesus does.</p> <p>Just when we think God is finally going to speak for himself, the story is interrupted by yet another attempt to explain Job's suffering. Instead of trying to make all the suffering make sense, we accept that it doesn't, but Jesus does.</p> Just when we think God is finally going to speak for himself, the story is interrupted by yet another attempt to explain Job's suffering. Instead of trying to make all the suffering make sense, we accept that it doesn't, but Jesus does.

]]> Sun, 10 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 5337 279 0fa3b6094d9a877eae1ddc0e56c12142 no A Scapegoat for Every Plague Austin Fischer <p>Job finally opens his mouth, questioning God and demanding explanations for his suffering. His friends offer explanations, telling Job God gives people what they deserve in life.</p> <p>Job finally opens his mouth, questioning God and demanding explanations for his suffering. His friends offer explanations, telling Job God gives people what they deserve in life.</p> Job finally opens his mouth, questioning God and demanding explanations for his suffering. His friends offer explanations, telling Job God gives people what they deserve in life.

]]> Sun, 03 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 5642 280 ebc9d906423ce9a017742aa3786a348c no The Tilted Earth (Part 1) Full Service Austin Fischer Sun, 26 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 5631 281 5bc9a87c6aed4bc06d90d15b656e9bfa no I Corinthians... Love Message Only Dave Jeffreys <p>In what is probably the most popular chapter in all of I Cor. the Apostle Paul writes to challenge the believers in Corinth to love one another. Instead of focusing on disagreements and arguing about spiritual gifts, believers should be pursuing and displaying a deeper love for one another because, at the end of the day, love is the one thing that will demonstrate to the world that God is real and that we belong to Him.</p> <p>In what is probably the most popular chapter in all of I Cor. the Apostle Paul writes to challenge the believers in Corinth to love one another. Instead of focusing on disagreements and arguing about spiritual gifts, believers should be pursuing and displaying a deeper love for one another because, at the end of the day, love is the one thing that will demonstrate to the world that God is real and that we belong to Him.</p> In what is probably the most popular chapter in all of I Cor. the Apostle Paul writes to challenge the believers in Corinth to love one another. Instead of focusing on disagreements and arguing about spiritual gifts, believers should be pursuing and displaying a deeper love for one another because, at the end of the day, love is the one thing that will demonstrate to the world that God is real and that we belong to Him.

]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1745 282 fbf311d8ccb683affcb41ac839980a33 no I Corinthians... Love Full Service Dave Jeffreys <p>In what is probably the most popular chapter in all of I Cor. the Apostle Paul writes to challenge the believers in Corinth to love one another. Instead of focusing on disagreements and arguing about spiritual gifts, believers should be pursuing and displaying a deeper love for one another because, at the end of the day, love is the one thing that will demonstrate to the world that God is real and that we belong to Him.</p> <p>In what is probably the most popular chapter in all of I Cor. the Apostle Paul writes to challenge the believers in Corinth to love one another. Instead of focusing on disagreements and arguing about spiritual gifts, believers should be pursuing and displaying a deeper love for one another because, at the end of the day, love is the one thing that will demonstrate to the world that God is real and that we belong to Him.</p> In what is probably the most popular chapter in all of I Cor. the Apostle Paul writes to challenge the believers in Corinth to love one another. Instead of focusing on disagreements and arguing about spiritual gifts, believers should be pursuing and displaying a deeper love for one another because, at the end of the day, love is the one thing that will demonstrate to the world that God is real and that we belong to Him.

]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 5102 283 6d2390abc21b0efaf9c455830cfcf576 no 1 Corinthians - Diversity & Dependence Message Only Austin Fischer <p>In 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Paul explains that God has designed the diversity of the Church to ensure mutual dependence and facilitate unity. God filled the world with people who aren't like you because God wanted to teach you to depend on others and others to depend on you.</p> <p>In 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Paul explains that God has designed the diversity of the Church to ensure mutual dependence and facilitate unity. God filled the world with people who aren't like you because God wanted to teach you to depend on others and others to depend on you.</p> In 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Paul explains that God has designed the diversity of the Church to ensure mutual dependence and facilitate unity. God filled the world with people who aren't like you because God wanted to teach you to depend on others and others to depend on you.

]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1768 284 c811a03bbd2a4727de045aac85c96b43 no I Corinthians... Most Important Message Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Paul describes in chapter 15 what is most important. There are a lot of things that Christians can, and do, disagree about. However, there is agreement about what is most important... that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.<br><br>1. Christ Died<br>2. Christ was buried <br>3. Christ was raised <br>4. Christ Appeared <br>5. Christ Rules and Reigns</p> <p>Paul describes in chapter 15 what is most important. There are a lot of things that Christians can, and do, disagree about. However, there is agreement about what is most important... that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.<br><br>1. Christ Died<br>2. Christ was buried <br>3. Christ was raised <br>4. Christ Appeared <br>5. Christ Rules and Reigns</p> Paul describes in chapter 15 what is most important. There are a lot of things that Christians can, and do, disagree about. However, there is agreement about what is most important... that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

1. Christ Died
2. Christ was buried
3. Christ was raised
4. Christ Appeared
5. Christ Rules and Reigns

]]> Sun, 12 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1754 285 f39ce780d712bb32b15b038d8ed8d41e no 1 Corinthians - Wait for One Another Message Only Austin Fischer <p>Paul gives instructions about the Lord's Supper, reminding the Corinthians that Jesus' family should be a place of unification and not segregated clusters of status-similar people. His remedy for the disunity is simple and profound: wait for each other.</p> <p>Paul gives instructions about the Lord's Supper, reminding the Corinthians that Jesus' family should be a place of unification and not segregated clusters of status-similar people. His remedy for the disunity is simple and profound: wait for each other.</p> Paul gives instructions about the Lord's Supper, reminding the Corinthians that Jesus' family should be a place of unification and not segregated clusters of status-similar people. His remedy for the disunity is simple and profound: wait for each other.

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1912 286 4ee7512be7b137067d11eb0d6c70ef15 no Sunday March 22 2020 Message Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 22 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2339 287 2bc4754e2d055a8d600929cd1a35f3c0 no March 15, 2020 Message Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Trust God.<br>Psalms 84:12<br>Proverbs 3:5<br><br>Don't Fear<br>Matthew 6:27<br>Matthew 6:33-34<br>2 Timothy 1:7<br><br>Find Opportunity<br>Matthew 5:14-16<br><br>Share Hope<br>1 Peter 1:3<br>1 Peter 3:15</p> <p>Trust God.<br>Psalms 84:12<br>Proverbs 3:5<br><br>Don't Fear<br>Matthew 6:27<br>Matthew 6:33-34<br>2 Timothy 1:7<br><br>Find Opportunity<br>Matthew 5:14-16<br><br>Share Hope<br>1 Peter 1:3<br>1 Peter 3:15</p> Trust God.
Psalms 84:12
Proverbs 3:5

Don't Fear
Matthew 6:27
Matthew 6:33-34
2 Timothy 1:7

Find Opportunity
Matthew 5:14-16

Share Hope
1 Peter 1:3
1 Peter 3:15

]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1028 288 7cc317487b44162a955a323abd8f0b91 no I Corinthians... Most Important Message & Worship Dave Jeffreys <p>Paul describes in chapter 15 what is most important. There are a lot of things that Christians can, and do, disagree about. However, there is agreement about what is most important... that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.<br><br>1. Christ Died<br>2. Christ was buried <br>3. Christ was raised <br>4. Christ Appeared <br>5. Christ Rules and Reigns</p> <p>Paul describes in chapter 15 what is most important. There are a lot of things that Christians can, and do, disagree about. However, there is agreement about what is most important... that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.<br><br>1. Christ Died<br>2. Christ was buried <br>3. Christ was raised <br>4. Christ Appeared <br>5. Christ Rules and Reigns</p> Paul describes in chapter 15 what is most important. There are a lot of things that Christians can, and do, disagree about. However, there is agreement about what is most important... that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

1. Christ Died
2. Christ was buried
3. Christ was raised
4. Christ Appeared
5. Christ Rules and Reigns

]]> Sun, 12 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4421 289 bb5663cd11693a23c9789c9e3f242f0d no 1 Corinthians - Diversity & Dependence Message Only Austin Fischer <p>In 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Paul explains that God has designed the diversity of the Church to ensure mutual dependence and facilitate unity. God filled the world with people who aren't like you because God wanted to teach you to depend on others and others to depend on you.</p> <p>In 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Paul explains that God has designed the diversity of the Church to ensure mutual dependence and facilitate unity. God filled the world with people who aren't like you because God wanted to teach you to depend on others and others to depend on you.</p> In 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Paul explains that God has designed the diversity of the Church to ensure mutual dependence and facilitate unity. God filled the world with people who aren't like you because God wanted to teach you to depend on others and others to depend on you.

]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4173 290 576613237545bd76b892e7c7c7a625e6 no 1 Corinthians - Wait for One Another Message & Worship Austin Fischer <p>Paul gives instructions about the Lord's Supper, reminding the Corinthians that Jesus' family should be a place of unification and not segregated clusters of status-similar people. His remedy for the disunity is simple and profound: wait for each other.</p> <p>Paul gives instructions about the Lord's Supper, reminding the Corinthians that Jesus' family should be a place of unification and not segregated clusters of status-similar people. His remedy for the disunity is simple and profound: wait for each other.</p> Paul gives instructions about the Lord's Supper, reminding the Corinthians that Jesus' family should be a place of unification and not segregated clusters of status-similar people. His remedy for the disunity is simple and profound: wait for each other.

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4732 291 d08c10e274d7d05115e4627343e93b5b no March 15, 2020 Message and Worship Dave Jeffreys <p>Trust God.<br>Psalms 84:12<br>Proverbs 3:5<br><br>Don't Fear<br>Matthew 6:27<br>Matthew 6:33-34<br>2 Timothy 1:7<br><br>Find Opportunity<br>Matthew 5:14-16<br><br>Share Hope<br>1 Peter 1:3<br>1 Peter 3:15</p> <p>Trust God.<br>Psalms 84:12<br>Proverbs 3:5<br><br>Don't Fear<br>Matthew 6:27<br>Matthew 6:33-34<br>2 Timothy 1:7<br><br>Find Opportunity<br>Matthew 5:14-16<br><br>Share Hope<br>1 Peter 1:3<br>1 Peter 3:15</p> Trust God.
Psalms 84:12
Proverbs 3:5

Don't Fear
Matthew 6:27
Matthew 6:33-34
2 Timothy 1:7

Find Opportunity
Matthew 5:14-16

Share Hope
1 Peter 1:3
1 Peter 3:15

]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2656 292 175bdae0a54970296dc6e694363bc32e no 1 Corinthians (Part 6) - What do we do with our freedom? Nick Followwell <p>Big Ideas: We are free in Christ. What we do with that freedom determines who we're becoming; as individuals and as the church. <br><br>Paul calls the strong/mature to take the form of a servant to win the weak into a more robust faith. <br><br>Your knowledge of Christ should never outpace your service to Christ.<br><br>Paul calls the weak to allow the strong to help them mature in their faith. The weak need to acknowledge why their conscience won't allow certain things. <br><br>The end goal for the strong and the weak is mutual submission. We have to discipline ourselves to submit our lives to one another. When we do this, we show the world around us that we've found a better way to live; a way to true freedom.</p> <p>Big Ideas: We are free in Christ. What we do with that freedom determines who we're becoming; as individuals and as the church. <br><br>Paul calls the strong/mature to take the form of a servant to win the weak into a more robust faith. <br><br>Your knowledge of Christ should never outpace your service to Christ.<br><br>Paul calls the weak to allow the strong to help them mature in their faith. The weak need to acknowledge why their conscience won't allow certain things. <br><br>The end goal for the strong and the weak is mutual submission. We have to discipline ourselves to submit our lives to one another. When we do this, we show the world around us that we've found a better way to live; a way to true freedom.</p> Big Ideas: We are free in Christ. What we do with that freedom determines who we're becoming; as individuals and as the church.

Paul calls the strong/mature to take the form of a servant to win the weak into a more robust faith.

Your knowledge of Christ should never outpace your service to Christ.

Paul calls the weak to allow the strong to help them mature in their faith. The weak need to acknowledge why their conscience won't allow certain things.

The end goal for the strong and the weak is mutual submission. We have to discipline ourselves to submit our lives to one another. When we do this, we show the world around us that we've found a better way to live; a way to true freedom.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1826 293 7cd82d5165c93c72957bc1b8671255dc no 1 Corinthians (Part 5) Dave Jeffreys <p>Big Ideas: In order to discern when something is okay or appropriate for a Christian to engage in it is helpful to ask several questions.<br><br>Can I do this?<br>1. What does the Bible say?<br>2. What does my conscience allow?<br><br>Should I do this?<br>1. Is it helpful/beneficial?<br>2. How will it affect those around me?</p> <p>Big Ideas: In order to discern when something is okay or appropriate for a Christian to engage in it is helpful to ask several questions.<br><br>Can I do this?<br>1. What does the Bible say?<br>2. What does my conscience allow?<br><br>Should I do this?<br>1. Is it helpful/beneficial?<br>2. How will it affect those around me?</p> Big Ideas: In order to discern when something is okay or appropriate for a Christian to engage in it is helpful to ask several questions.

Can I do this?
1. What does the Bible say?
2. What does my conscience allow?

Should I do this?
1. Is it helpful/beneficial?
2. How will it affect those around me?

]]> Sun, 01 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1853 294 8d08883dbec80c4543bbc2cea1e2bebc no 1 Corinthians (Part 4) - The Problem with Tolerance Austin Fischer <p>Scripture envisions two different kinds of judgment, one of which is good and healthy, the other of which is bad and unhealthy.<br><br>The Church's tolerance can damage her witness as much as her intolerance.</p> <p>Scripture envisions two different kinds of judgment, one of which is good and healthy, the other of which is bad and unhealthy.<br><br>The Church's tolerance can damage her witness as much as her intolerance.</p> Scripture envisions two different kinds of judgment, one of which is good and healthy, the other of which is bad and unhealthy.

The Church's tolerance can damage her witness as much as her intolerance.

]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1748 295 ac5adbdc039f9e0d36834737965c3858 no 1 Corinthians (Part 3) - Leadership Dave Jeffreys <p>1. Spiritual leaders must be humble servants<br>2. Spiritual leaders must be trustworthy stewards<br>3. Spiritual leaders must recognize that they will be judged by God<br>4. Spiritual leaders must know their Bibles<br>5. Spiritual leaders must be prepared for sacrifice <br>6. Spiritual leaders must set an example to follow<br>7. Spiritual leaders must understand where their strength/power comes from<br>8. Spiritual leaders must discern when to use the gentle hand of grace/patience and when to use the firm hand of discipline/rebuke</p> <p>1. Spiritual leaders must be humble servants<br>2. Spiritual leaders must be trustworthy stewards<br>3. Spiritual leaders must recognize that they will be judged by God<br>4. Spiritual leaders must know their Bibles<br>5. Spiritual leaders must be prepared for sacrifice <br>6. Spiritual leaders must set an example to follow<br>7. Spiritual leaders must understand where their strength/power comes from<br>8. Spiritual leaders must discern when to use the gentle hand of grace/patience and when to use the firm hand of discipline/rebuke</p> 1. Spiritual leaders must be humble servants
2. Spiritual leaders must be trustworthy stewards
3. Spiritual leaders must recognize that they will be judged by God
4. Spiritual leaders must know their Bibles
5. Spiritual leaders must be prepared for sacrifice
6. Spiritual leaders must set an example to follow
7. Spiritual leaders must understand where their strength/power comes from
8. Spiritual leaders must discern when to use the gentle hand of grace/patience and when to use the firm hand of discipline/rebuke

]]> Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1788 296 3e1a876e91c583bc2e601f761d8153f7 no 1 Corinthians (Part 2) - Fake Deep Message Only Austin Fischer <p>Paul addresses the division in the Corinthian community by calling it a sign of spiritual immaturity. Because when we stand in self-righteous judgment of someone else's spiritual immaturity, we've merely revealed our own.</p> <p>Paul addresses the division in the Corinthian community by calling it a sign of spiritual immaturity. Because when we stand in self-righteous judgment of someone else's spiritual immaturity, we've merely revealed our own.</p> Paul addresses the division in the Corinthian community by calling it a sign of spiritual immaturity. Because when we stand in self-righteous judgment of someone else's spiritual immaturity, we've merely revealed our own.

]]> Sun, 09 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1800 297 d2a310646b3c6170f38670fdd69f0235 no 1 Corinthians (Part 1) Message Only Dave Jeffreys <p>After the Apostle Paul plants a church in the city of Corinth, he leaves to plant other churches elsewhere. However, once Paul leaves the young church encounters many problems. One of the big problems is that there is not unity among the people. There are a lot of divisions and factions within the church that threaten to tear the church apart. So, Paul pens his first letter to the Corinthian church to address the problems.</p> <p>After the Apostle Paul plants a church in the city of Corinth, he leaves to plant other churches elsewhere. However, once Paul leaves the young church encounters many problems. One of the big problems is that there is not unity among the people. There are a lot of divisions and factions within the church that threaten to tear the church apart. So, Paul pens his first letter to the Corinthian church to address the problems.</p> After the Apostle Paul plants a church in the city of Corinth, he leaves to plant other churches elsewhere. However, once Paul leaves the young church encounters many problems. One of the big problems is that there is not unity among the people. There are a lot of divisions and factions within the church that threaten to tear the church apart. So, Paul pens his first letter to the Corinthian church to address the problems.

]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1861 298 9de7939b7cc261b203e8e87f3857dc12 no Come and See (Part 3) - Evangelism Message Only Austin Fischer <p>In John 1:35-49, we read a cluster of stories about evangelism. But modern people are increasingly uncomfortable with evangelism. Why? And what does it look like to do evangelism Jesus's way?</p> <p>In John 1:35-49, we read a cluster of stories about evangelism. But modern people are increasingly uncomfortable with evangelism. Why? And what does it look like to do evangelism Jesus's way?</p> In John 1:35-49, we read a cluster of stories about evangelism. But modern people are increasingly uncomfortable with evangelism. Why? And what does it look like to do evangelism Jesus's way?

]]> Sun, 26 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1872 299 7eaca5dfdc21b8f061ba73a2095dfe47 no Come and See... Superfluity (Part 2) - Message Message Only Austin Fischer <p>For his first public miracle, Jesus chooses to turn 150 gallons of water into wine. Why? Because the gospel is good news of great joy for all people, and Jesus wanted the world to know God was throwing a party for all creation, and everyone was invited.</p> <p>For his first public miracle, Jesus chooses to turn 150 gallons of water into wine. Why? Because the gospel is good news of great joy for all people, and Jesus wanted the world to know God was throwing a party for all creation, and everyone was invited.</p> For his first public miracle, Jesus chooses to turn 150 gallons of water into wine. Why? Because the gospel is good news of great joy for all people, and Jesus wanted the world to know God was throwing a party for all creation, and everyone was invited.

]]> Sun, 19 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1953 300 cf54c2c674444db66e1064e8ddad10fa no Come and See... Discovering and rediscovering the Gospel (Part I) Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>The Gospel is more than just a set of theological principles. It is also a narrative story of God's promises and fulfillment of those promises. God works to reveal himself through a specific group of people. We ultimately see the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ who comes as the Messiah... the savior of the world. Today, the church continues to reveal the beauty and character of God to a broken world through the sharing of this gospel story.</p> <p>The Gospel is more than just a set of theological principles. It is also a narrative story of God's promises and fulfillment of those promises. God works to reveal himself through a specific group of people. We ultimately see the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ who comes as the Messiah... the savior of the world. Today, the church continues to reveal the beauty and character of God to a broken world through the sharing of this gospel story.</p> The Gospel is more than just a set of theological principles. It is also a narrative story of God's promises and fulfillment of those promises. God works to reveal himself through a specific group of people. We ultimately see the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ who comes as the Messiah... the savior of the world. Today, the church continues to reveal the beauty and character of God to a broken world through the sharing of this gospel story.

]]> Sun, 12 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1986 301 2f3aad7c3089928d752399400089eb8a no Vision Sunday 2020 Sermon Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys <p>The church's purpose is to be a kingdom of priests; to connect others to God and to show the world what He is like. The church lives in such a way that brings God's future into the present. When we do this, people don't need to be pressured into following Jesus, but they are drawn to him by the way we live. <br><br>So how do we live this way? We submit to a rule of life that we call the Discipleship Pathway; a set of five actions that are measurable and doable. <br><br>They are worship, connect, give, serve and go.</p> <p>The church's purpose is to be a kingdom of priests; to connect others to God and to show the world what He is like. The church lives in such a way that brings God's future into the present. When we do this, people don't need to be pressured into following Jesus, but they are drawn to him by the way we live. <br><br>So how do we live this way? We submit to a rule of life that we call the Discipleship Pathway; a set of five actions that are measurable and doable. <br><br>They are worship, connect, give, serve and go.</p> The church's purpose is to be a kingdom of priests; to connect others to God and to show the world what He is like. The church lives in such a way that brings God's future into the present. When we do this, people don't need to be pressured into following Jesus, but they are drawn to him by the way we live.

So how do we live this way? We submit to a rule of life that we call the Discipleship Pathway; a set of five actions that are measurable and doable.

They are worship, connect, give, serve and go.

]]> Sun, 05 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2243 302 090e4dd3f1f62b072af8b5d30a497f2a no Advent Part 3 - Expectations, Delayed Austin Fischer <p>Joseph, Jesus's earthly, adopted father, is confused, insulted, and left in the dark due to the strange pregnancy of Mary. Why does God make Joseph wait for an explanation? Why does God make us wait for explanations? And in what sense has Jesus already explained everything we need to know?</p> <p>Joseph, Jesus's earthly, adopted father, is confused, insulted, and left in the dark due to the strange pregnancy of Mary. Why does God make Joseph wait for an explanation? Why does God make us wait for explanations? And in what sense has Jesus already explained everything we need to know?</p> Joseph, Jesus's earthly, adopted father, is confused, insulted, and left in the dark due to the strange pregnancy of Mary. Why does God make Joseph wait for an explanation? Why does God make us wait for explanations? And in what sense has Jesus already explained everything we need to know?

]]> Sun, 22 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1765 303 cc565dd5eed924135dee4494cfb7ec17 no Advent Part 2 Dave Jeffreys <p>At Christmas we remember and celebrate the first Advent (coming) of Christ. As believers, we also look forward to another Advent (the 2nd coming) one day. But there is also a current advent where Christ longs for us to know Him, hear from Him, and be used by him in our lives. How can prepare rather than procrastinate when it comes to this current advent?</p> <p>At Christmas we remember and celebrate the first Advent (coming) of Christ. As believers, we also look forward to another Advent (the 2nd coming) one day. But there is also a current advent where Christ longs for us to know Him, hear from Him, and be used by him in our lives. How can prepare rather than procrastinate when it comes to this current advent?</p> At Christmas we remember and celebrate the first Advent (coming) of Christ. As believers, we also look forward to another Advent (the 2nd coming) one day. But there is also a current advent where Christ longs for us to know Him, hear from Him, and be used by him in our lives. How can prepare rather than procrastinate when it comes to this current advent?

]]> Sun, 15 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1889 304 81d41c9148daf90ee6c1a24bc2e91f68 no Advent Part 1 - The Great & Terrible Day Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>John the Baptizer prepares the way for Jesus by preaching a message of judgment and repentance. But behind John's judgment, there is a deep and severe kindness, because the God who comes to judge us is the same God who loves us unconditionally, and is committed to our redemption and renewal.</p> <p>John the Baptizer prepares the way for Jesus by preaching a message of judgment and repentance. But behind John's judgment, there is a deep and severe kindness, because the God who comes to judge us is the same God who loves us unconditionally, and is committed to our redemption and renewal.</p> John the Baptizer prepares the way for Jesus by preaching a message of judgment and repentance. But behind John's judgment, there is a deep and severe kindness, because the God who comes to judge us is the same God who loves us unconditionally, and is committed to our redemption and renewal.

]]> Sun, 08 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1930 305 d1e98719186faec5b6eda27ce425f2f0 no Sex Talk Q&A Sermon Only Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys <p>Join us as Austin and Dave wrap up our Sex Talk Series.</p> <p>Join us as Austin and Dave wrap up our Sex Talk Series.</p> Join us as Austin and Dave wrap up our Sex Talk Series.

]]> Sun, 01 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2248 306 1de4ca7e67699634e9b122ac2ca497e0 no Sex Talk (part 4) Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>If we're honest, we probably all have to admit that we've failed when it comes to sexual sin in one way or another. So, the question becomes... what do we do about it? The good news is that Jesus has already done something about it. His sacrifice for us both pays for and cleanses our sin. We need to acknowledge our sin and realize that it is a big deal to God despite what our culture says. Then we must receive and live in the forgiveness, grace, and love of Jesus, remembering that there is no condemnation for those who are "in Christ."</p> <p>If we're honest, we probably all have to admit that we've failed when it comes to sexual sin in one way or another. So, the question becomes... what do we do about it? The good news is that Jesus has already done something about it. His sacrifice for us both pays for and cleanses our sin. We need to acknowledge our sin and realize that it is a big deal to God despite what our culture says. Then we must receive and live in the forgiveness, grace, and love of Jesus, remembering that there is no condemnation for those who are "in Christ."</p> If we're honest, we probably all have to admit that we've failed when it comes to sexual sin in one way or another. So, the question becomes... what do we do about it? The good news is that Jesus has already done something about it. His sacrifice for us both pays for and cleanses our sin. We need to acknowledge our sin and realize that it is a big deal to God despite what our culture says. Then we must receive and live in the forgiveness, grace, and love of Jesus, remembering that there is no condemnation for those who are "in Christ."

]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1757 307 357de10d72892238dc350438fc7fbc55 no Sex Talk (Part 3) - Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>What does Scripture say about homosexuality? What does that mean? How can the church be a place that is faithful to Scripture and welcoming to those who experience same-sex attraction?<br><br>Big Ideas: -The church has a history of singling out homosexuality for an especially severe condemnation while turning a blind eye to many other forms of sexual sin.<br><br>-When it comes to homosexuality and Scripture, there are two primary views: the traditional view and the affirming view.<br><br>Read Romans 1:26-27 before jumping into the questions.<br><br>Q1: What was most interesting or encouraging to you this week?<br><br>Q2: What was most challenging or raised questions for you?<br><br>Q3: What have you done, personally, to look into this issue and discern whether homosexual relationships can be holy? What did you learn from that?<br><br>Q4: As the traditional view was discussed, what parts of it did you find most persuasive and what parts did you have questions about?<br><br>Q5: As the affirming view was discussed, what parts of it did you find most persuasive and what parts did you have questions about?<br><br>Action Step: Do your homework—discern what Scripture says and means regarding homosexuality. Love your same-sex attracted brothers and sisters.<br><br>A) Have you had a chance to take this step? If so, tell the group about your experience.<br><br>B) If not, how can the group help you?</p> <p>What does Scripture say about homosexuality? What does that mean? How can the church be a place that is faithful to Scripture and welcoming to those who experience same-sex attraction?<br><br>Big Ideas: -The church has a history of singling out homosexuality for an especially severe condemnation while turning a blind eye to many other forms of sexual sin.<br><br>-When it comes to homosexuality and Scripture, there are two primary views: the traditional view and the affirming view.<br><br>Read Romans 1:26-27 before jumping into the questions.<br><br>Q1: What was most interesting or encouraging to you this week?<br><br>Q2: What was most challenging or raised questions for you?<br><br>Q3: What have you done, personally, to look into this issue and discern whether homosexual relationships can be holy? What did you learn from that?<br><br>Q4: As the traditional view was discussed, what parts of it did you find most persuasive and what parts did you have questions about?<br><br>Q5: As the affirming view was discussed, what parts of it did you find most persuasive and what parts did you have questions about?<br><br>Action Step: Do your homework—discern what Scripture says and means regarding homosexuality. Love your same-sex attracted brothers and sisters.<br><br>A) Have you had a chance to take this step? If so, tell the group about your experience.<br><br>B) If not, how can the group help you?</p> What does Scripture say about homosexuality? What does that mean? How can the church be a place that is faithful to Scripture and welcoming to those who experience same-sex attraction?

Big Ideas: -The church has a history of singling out homosexuality for an especially severe condemnation while turning a blind eye to many other forms of sexual sin.

-When it comes to homosexuality and Scripture, there are two primary views: the traditional view and the affirming view.

Read Romans 1:26-27 before jumping into the questions.

Q1: What was most interesting or encouraging to you this week?

Q2: What was most challenging or raised questions for you?

Q3: What have you done, personally, to look into this issue and discern whether homosexual relationships can be holy? What did you learn from that?

Q4: As the traditional view was discussed, what parts of it did you find most persuasive and what parts did you have questions about?

Q5: As the affirming view was discussed, what parts of it did you find most persuasive and what parts did you have questions about?

Action Step: Do your homework—discern what Scripture says and means regarding homosexuality. Love your same-sex attracted brothers and sisters.

A) Have you had a chance to take this step? If so, tell the group about your experience.

B) If not, how can the group help you?

]]> Sun, 10 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1811 308 fe2908e57ef403b1a456a85b884713b5 no Sex Talk (Part 2) - Battle of the Sexes Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>What is God's design for gender? How has sin corrupted God's design for gender? How is Jesus redeeming God's design for gender, and what does that look like in the church?<br><br><br>Message Title: Battle of the Sexes<br><br>Message Date: 11/3/2019<br><br> <br><br>Big Ideas: -Genesis 2 describes the creation of gender as something characterized by equality, similarity, and complementarity.<br><br>-This relationship was infected by sin, resulting in a battle of the sexes where men dominate females.<br><br> <br><br> <br><br>Q1: What stood out to you this week?<br><br> <br><br>Q2: What was most challenging or raised questions for you?<br><br> <br><br>Q3: What, if anything, is problematic about trying to make males and females equal by making them the same?<br><br> <br><br>Q4: What are some ways you have seen patriarchy at work in the world?<br><br> <br><br>Q5: We discussed two biblical options...<br><br>Complementarianism: men and women are equals in Christ, designed for different roles, and it’s the role of men to lead the church and the family.<br><br>Complementary egalitarianism: men and women are equal in Christ, designed with different traits, and yet equally capable of leading churches and families.<br><br>Where do you tend to fall and why?<br><br> <br><br>Q6: <br><br> <br><br>Action Step: Prayerfully consider the ways in which you have contributed to the hostility between male and female.<br><br>A) Have you had a chance to take this step? If so, tell the group about your experience.<br><br>B) If not, how can the group help you?</p> <p>What is God's design for gender? How has sin corrupted God's design for gender? How is Jesus redeeming God's design for gender, and what does that look like in the church?<br><br><br>Message Title: Battle of the Sexes<br><br>Message Date: 11/3/2019<br><br> <br><br>Big Ideas: -Genesis 2 describes the creation of gender as something characterized by equality, similarity, and complementarity.<br><br>-This relationship was infected by sin, resulting in a battle of the sexes where men dominate females.<br><br> <br><br> <br><br>Q1: What stood out to you this week?<br><br> <br><br>Q2: What was most challenging or raised questions for you?<br><br> <br><br>Q3: What, if anything, is problematic about trying to make males and females equal by making them the same?<br><br> <br><br>Q4: What are some ways you have seen patriarchy at work in the world?<br><br> <br><br>Q5: We discussed two biblical options...<br><br>Complementarianism: men and women are equals in Christ, designed for different roles, and it’s the role of men to lead the church and the family.<br><br>Complementary egalitarianism: men and women are equal in Christ, designed with different traits, and yet equally capable of leading churches and families.<br><br>Where do you tend to fall and why?<br><br> <br><br>Q6: <br><br> <br><br>Action Step: Prayerfully consider the ways in which you have contributed to the hostility between male and female.<br><br>A) Have you had a chance to take this step? If so, tell the group about your experience.<br><br>B) If not, how can the group help you?</p> What is God's design for gender? How has sin corrupted God's design for gender? How is Jesus redeeming God's design for gender, and what does that look like in the church?


Message Title: Battle of the Sexes

Message Date: 11/3/2019



Big Ideas: -Genesis 2 describes the creation of gender as something characterized by equality, similarity, and complementarity.

-This relationship was infected by sin, resulting in a battle of the sexes where men dominate females.





Q1: What stood out to you this week?



Q2: What was most challenging or raised questions for you?



Q3: What, if anything, is problematic about trying to make males and females equal by making them the same?



Q4: What are some ways you have seen patriarchy at work in the world?



Q5: We discussed two biblical options...

Complementarianism: men and women are equals in Christ, designed for different roles, and it’s the role of men to lead the church and the family.

Complementary egalitarianism: men and women are equal in Christ, designed with different traits, and yet equally capable of leading churches and families.

Where do you tend to fall and why?



Q6:



Action Step: Prayerfully consider the ways in which you have contributed to the hostility between male and female.

A) Have you had a chance to take this step? If so, tell the group about your experience.

B) If not, how can the group help you?

]]> Sun, 03 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2085 309 324539c87630b931c53c24887423e808 no Sex Talk (Part 1) Message Only Dave Jeffreys <p>We live in a culture that is absolutely consumed by sex. Our culture says a lot of different things about sex, but what does God have to say about sex? What is a proper sexual ethic for believers and how do we live in the midst of a culture that send such confusing messages? The truth is that sex was designed by God and given to us as a gift to be shared within a particular context... the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Sin corrupts and perverts God's good gift and the consequences have far reaching effects.</p> <p>We live in a culture that is absolutely consumed by sex. Our culture says a lot of different things about sex, but what does God have to say about sex? What is a proper sexual ethic for believers and how do we live in the midst of a culture that send such confusing messages? The truth is that sex was designed by God and given to us as a gift to be shared within a particular context... the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Sin corrupts and perverts God's good gift and the consequences have far reaching effects.</p> We live in a culture that is absolutely consumed by sex. Our culture says a lot of different things about sex, but what does God have to say about sex? What is a proper sexual ethic for believers and how do we live in the midst of a culture that send such confusing messages? The truth is that sex was designed by God and given to us as a gift to be shared within a particular context... the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Sin corrupts and perverts God's good gift and the consequences have far reaching effects.

]]> Sun, 27 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2300 310 9e7882ee5d64add24b03f75c620ca938 no SONGS (Part 2) - "Changes" Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>Does America have a race problem? How much should Christians care? What can Christians do? In discussion Changes by Tupac Shakur, we address these questions and try to understand why racial reconciliation is an essential feature of the gospel.</p> <p>Does America have a race problem? How much should Christians care? What can Christians do? In discussion Changes by Tupac Shakur, we address these questions and try to understand why racial reconciliation is an essential feature of the gospel.</p> Does America have a race problem? How much should Christians care? What can Christians do? In discussion Changes by Tupac Shakur, we address these questions and try to understand why racial reconciliation is an essential feature of the gospel.

]]> Sun, 13 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2040 311 a69698087064e6d1ccbe8a020ceb34bd no SONGS (Part 1) - "My Church" Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>There is a worldwide migration away from religion and toward spirituality. But are we supposed to be spiritual instead of religious, or should we be spiritual and religious? Jesus was a deeply religious and spiritual person, showing us what it looks like to be both instead of one or the other.</p> <p>There is a worldwide migration away from religion and toward spirituality. But are we supposed to be spiritual instead of religious, or should we be spiritual and religious? Jesus was a deeply religious and spiritual person, showing us what it looks like to be both instead of one or the other.</p> There is a worldwide migration away from religion and toward spirituality. But are we supposed to be spiritual instead of religious, or should we be spiritual and religious? Jesus was a deeply religious and spiritual person, showing us what it looks like to be both instead of one or the other.

]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1714 312 9445d321dab3744e52fdd10f64faa92e no Long Live the Revolution (Part 9) - Beyond Control Sermon Only Nick Followwell <p>Luke takes his time describing Paul's epic journey to Rome. Paul is a prisoner of Rome and at the mercy of the sea. His life is not in control, but he still proclaims the message of the kingdom "unhindered". How can this be? Maybe the way to live the full life is to not have control of circumstances and outcomes, but to move beyond control into something greater. The Discipleship Pathway is designed to form a person who is responsive to the Spirit.</p> <p>Luke takes his time describing Paul's epic journey to Rome. Paul is a prisoner of Rome and at the mercy of the sea. His life is not in control, but he still proclaims the message of the kingdom "unhindered". How can this be? Maybe the way to live the full life is to not have control of circumstances and outcomes, but to move beyond control into something greater. The Discipleship Pathway is designed to form a person who is responsive to the Spirit.</p> Luke takes his time describing Paul's epic journey to Rome. Paul is a prisoner of Rome and at the mercy of the sea. His life is not in control, but he still proclaims the message of the kingdom "unhindered". How can this be? Maybe the way to live the full life is to not have control of circumstances and outcomes, but to move beyond control into something greater. The Discipleship Pathway is designed to form a person who is responsive to the Spirit.

]]> Sun, 29 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1839 313 3940f7b30b0a3bdadaab95e45aebd15b no Long Live the Revolution (part 8) Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Paul get's arrested and is led through a series of trials. One trial is before Felix the governor or Judea. Felix fails to render a verdict and just keeps Paul in custody. During that time Felix has a lot of opportunity to hear the gospel from Paul, but he never responds to it. Felix's life is a lesson/warning to us in missed opportunity. At the same time, Paul's life is a shining example to us of opportunity seized.</p> <p>Paul get's arrested and is led through a series of trials. One trial is before Felix the governor or Judea. Felix fails to render a verdict and just keeps Paul in custody. During that time Felix has a lot of opportunity to hear the gospel from Paul, but he never responds to it. Felix's life is a lesson/warning to us in missed opportunity. At the same time, Paul's life is a shining example to us of opportunity seized.</p> Paul get's arrested and is led through a series of trials. One trial is before Felix the governor or Judea. Felix fails to render a verdict and just keeps Paul in custody. During that time Felix has a lot of opportunity to hear the gospel from Paul, but he never responds to it. Felix's life is a lesson/warning to us in missed opportunity. At the same time, Paul's life is a shining example to us of opportunity seized.

]]> Sun, 22 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1679 314 3b63315cab2254eb7b15c9e065c79712 no Long Live the Revolution! - Beautiful, Severe Holiness Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>In the early days of the Christian revolution, we catch a vision or radical sharing and generosity. But the idyllic picture is lost when the church faces its first internal crisis and is reminded of the seriousness of her call to holiness.</p> <p>In the early days of the Christian revolution, we catch a vision or radical sharing and generosity. But the idyllic picture is lost when the church faces its first internal crisis and is reminded of the seriousness of her call to holiness.</p> In the early days of the Christian revolution, we catch a vision or radical sharing and generosity. But the idyllic picture is lost when the church faces its first internal crisis and is reminded of the seriousness of her call to holiness.

]]> Sun, 18 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2102 315 1e126a9802206a24be644ccad43f215d no Long Live the Revolution (part 4)... Stephen Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>As the early church continues to grow, seven men are chosen to help minister and serve the growing congregation. Acts 6 tells us that Stephen is one of the seven chosen and he turns out to be a very important part of the revolution that is the church. His life and death stand as a transitional part of the book of Acts. After his death, the church falls under a lot of persecution. However, rather than bringing the revolution to a halt, it has the opposite effect. The church rapidly expands from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria and ultimately, the whole world.</p> <p>As the early church continues to grow, seven men are chosen to help minister and serve the growing congregation. Acts 6 tells us that Stephen is one of the seven chosen and he turns out to be a very important part of the revolution that is the church. His life and death stand as a transitional part of the book of Acts. After his death, the church falls under a lot of persecution. However, rather than bringing the revolution to a halt, it has the opposite effect. The church rapidly expands from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria and ultimately, the whole world.</p> As the early church continues to grow, seven men are chosen to help minister and serve the growing congregation. Acts 6 tells us that Stephen is one of the seven chosen and he turns out to be a very important part of the revolution that is the church. His life and death stand as a transitional part of the book of Acts. After his death, the church falls under a lot of persecution. However, rather than bringing the revolution to a halt, it has the opposite effect. The church rapidly expands from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria and ultimately, the whole world.

]]> Sun, 25 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1736 316 c4e5736799f0a3d8f0a9e6792c0cbad3 no Long Live the Revolution (part 5) Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>As the gospel goes to the Gentiles a question is raised by the Jewish believers regarding what is necessary for salvation. Is faith in Jesus enough, or is it necessary to obey the Jewish laws and customs also? In Acts 15 they hold the first church council meeting to decide this issue. Essentially, it's a question many still ask today. What is necessary for Salvation? Is it just Jesus, or Jesus plus something else? How do we maintain unity in the church when the church is made up of different groups of people with differing views?</p> <p>As the gospel goes to the Gentiles a question is raised by the Jewish believers regarding what is necessary for salvation. Is faith in Jesus enough, or is it necessary to obey the Jewish laws and customs also? In Acts 15 they hold the first church council meeting to decide this issue. Essentially, it's a question many still ask today. What is necessary for Salvation? Is it just Jesus, or Jesus plus something else? How do we maintain unity in the church when the church is made up of different groups of people with differing views?</p> As the gospel goes to the Gentiles a question is raised by the Jewish believers regarding what is necessary for salvation. Is faith in Jesus enough, or is it necessary to obey the Jewish laws and customs also? In Acts 15 they hold the first church council meeting to decide this issue. Essentially, it's a question many still ask today. What is necessary for Salvation? Is it just Jesus, or Jesus plus something else? How do we maintain unity in the church when the church is made up of different groups of people with differing views?

]]> Sun, 01 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2025 317 7e4aa7079831c42d5ad7c1268209e539 no Long Live the Revolution - How to Start a Riot Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>Paul's presence in Thessalonica incites a riot and he is accused of turning the whole world upside down. This is one instance of a pattern in The Acts of the Apostles: faithfulness to the gospel constantly gets the early Christians into a good kind of trouble.</p> <p>Paul's presence in Thessalonica incites a riot and he is accused of turning the whole world upside down. This is one instance of a pattern in The Acts of the Apostles: faithfulness to the gospel constantly gets the early Christians into a good kind of trouble.</p> Paul's presence in Thessalonica incites a riot and he is accused of turning the whole world upside down. This is one instance of a pattern in The Acts of the Apostles: faithfulness to the gospel constantly gets the early Christians into a good kind of trouble.

]]> Sun, 08 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1734 318 7e64b960bfb67940067fea18ce19fbbf no She Speaks (Part 6) Sermon Only Sarah Hammond <p>Leah is unloved and rejected most of her life. We'll see Leah set aside her affliction and agony to offer God a sacrifice of praise. We'll also see God use this seemingly secondary character in the Bible to begin ushering in the ultimate Salvation of the world. He always has the final say.</p> <p>Leah is unloved and rejected most of her life. We'll see Leah set aside her affliction and agony to offer God a sacrifice of praise. We'll also see God use this seemingly secondary character in the Bible to begin ushering in the ultimate Salvation of the world. He always has the final say.</p> Leah is unloved and rejected most of her life. We'll see Leah set aside her affliction and agony to offer God a sacrifice of praise. We'll also see God use this seemingly secondary character in the Bible to begin ushering in the ultimate Salvation of the world. He always has the final say.

]]> Sun, 28 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1815 319 a08347a999b9e7808de318c88e5bda6e no She Speaks (Part 5) Lydia Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Lydia is a wealthy business woman who becomes the first convert to Christianity in Europe. She responds to the gospel preached by Paul in Philippi and immediately responds with obedience, hospitality, and generosity. She opens her home to Paul and his team and provides a space for the new church to meet.</p> <p>Lydia is a wealthy business woman who becomes the first convert to Christianity in Europe. She responds to the gospel preached by Paul in Philippi and immediately responds with obedience, hospitality, and generosity. She opens her home to Paul and his team and provides a space for the new church to meet.</p> Lydia is a wealthy business woman who becomes the first convert to Christianity in Europe. She responds to the gospel preached by Paul in Philippi and immediately responds with obedience, hospitality, and generosity. She opens her home to Paul and his team and provides a space for the new church to meet.

]]> Sun, 21 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1604 320 ce92d4006b1f5994b2e115f363f101ed no She Speaks (Part 4) - Mary Magdalene Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Mary Magdalene is one of the more popular women in the New Testament, but her life has also been the subject of much speculation and false teaching. She was a woman with a rather dark past, but Jesus frees her from her demons and she is completely transformed by his grace. In Christ Mary finds a new freedom and identity, and in the end she becomes one of the most faithful followers of Jesus.</p> <p>Mary Magdalene is one of the more popular women in the New Testament, but her life has also been the subject of much speculation and false teaching. She was a woman with a rather dark past, but Jesus frees her from her demons and she is completely transformed by his grace. In Christ Mary finds a new freedom and identity, and in the end she becomes one of the most faithful followers of Jesus.</p> Mary Magdalene is one of the more popular women in the New Testament, but her life has also been the subject of much speculation and false teaching. She was a woman with a rather dark past, but Jesus frees her from her demons and she is completely transformed by his grace. In Christ Mary finds a new freedom and identity, and in the end she becomes one of the most faithful followers of Jesus.

]]> Sun, 14 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1793 321 198e2c46038cc623e95a5d7b8ec3f291 no She Speaks (Part 3) - Jephthah's Daughter Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>The story of Jephthah's daughter is perhaps the strangest, saddest story in the Bible. A young girl is senselessly sacrificed because of her father's self-absorbed, faithless vow. We remember her story so we can do better, but more importantly, we remember her story because God has done better.</p> <p>The story of Jephthah's daughter is perhaps the strangest, saddest story in the Bible. A young girl is senselessly sacrificed because of her father's self-absorbed, faithless vow. We remember her story so we can do better, but more importantly, we remember her story because God has done better.</p> The story of Jephthah's daughter is perhaps the strangest, saddest story in the Bible. A young girl is senselessly sacrificed because of her father's self-absorbed, faithless vow. We remember her story so we can do better, but more importantly, we remember her story because God has done better.

]]> Sun, 07 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1861 322 7e00970a159f04d72898dc93b7c18bd6 no She Speaks (Part 2) Mary, Mother of Jesus Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Mary is probably the most famous woman in all of scripture. Her life stands as a great example to us of grace and humility. As a young unwed teenage woman, she had a lot of reasons to fear and worry after the angel came to her and announced that she would be the mother of the Lord Jesus. But Mary chose to surrender to the will of God and to remember his past faithfulness rather than worry.</p> <p>Mary is probably the most famous woman in all of scripture. Her life stands as a great example to us of grace and humility. As a young unwed teenage woman, she had a lot of reasons to fear and worry after the angel came to her and announced that she would be the mother of the Lord Jesus. But Mary chose to surrender to the will of God and to remember his past faithfulness rather than worry.</p> Mary is probably the most famous woman in all of scripture. Her life stands as a great example to us of grace and humility. As a young unwed teenage woman, she had a lot of reasons to fear and worry after the angel came to her and announced that she would be the mother of the Lord Jesus. But Mary chose to surrender to the will of God and to remember his past faithfulness rather than worry.

]]> Sun, 30 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1912 323 e4caec93212c48de8184d0cb9af98b2a no She Speaks (Part 1) - Anna Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>After a brief discussion regarding the primary views on roles of women within the church (specifically looking at both the complementarian and egalitarian views), we'll explore the life of Anna. She was a faithful elderly widow mentioned in just a few verses in Luke's gospel. Yet her life has much to teach us about living faithfully for the Lord.</p> <p>After a brief discussion regarding the primary views on roles of women within the church (specifically looking at both the complementarian and egalitarian views), we'll explore the life of Anna. She was a faithful elderly widow mentioned in just a few verses in Luke's gospel. Yet her life has much to teach us about living faithfully for the Lord.</p> After a brief discussion regarding the primary views on roles of women within the church (specifically looking at both the complementarian and egalitarian views), we'll explore the life of Anna. She was a faithful elderly widow mentioned in just a few verses in Luke's gospel. Yet her life has much to teach us about living faithfully for the Lord.

]]> Sun, 23 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1392 324 0276975757270e147874d8dfbe476e2a no This is Us (Part 1) Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Salvation isn't just about believing some things in your heart so that you can go to heaven. Salvation is also about joining a family (community) of faith where you're on mission together building the Kingdom of God. Community is essential to being a Christ follower for several reasons and there is an inseparable link between your faith in Jesus and your love for his family (the Church).</p> <p>Salvation isn't just about believing some things in your heart so that you can go to heaven. Salvation is also about joining a family (community) of faith where you're on mission together building the Kingdom of God. Community is essential to being a Christ follower for several reasons and there is an inseparable link between your faith in Jesus and your love for his family (the Church).</p> Salvation isn't just about believing some things in your heart so that you can go to heaven. Salvation is also about joining a family (community) of faith where you're on mission together building the Kingdom of God. Community is essential to being a Christ follower for several reasons and there is an inseparable link between your faith in Jesus and your love for his family (the Church).

]]> Sun, 12 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2075 325 395b056b7c1dcaafd2e99aead7039f27 no This is Us (Part 2) - Friend of Sinners Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>Sinners loved being around Jesus. Do they love being around you?</p> <p>Sinners loved being around Jesus. Do they love being around you?</p> Sinners loved being around Jesus. Do they love being around you?

]]> Sun, 19 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1688 326 c92a8a83ac182792386e4576501cf37f no This is Us (Part 3) Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>As believers, we are recipients of God's generosity to us through His son Jesus. As such, we should be the most generous people in the world. In order to be generous we must understand that we are not owners of anything, but stewards. So the questions becomes, how do we steward well and invest in God's kingdom?</p> <p>As believers, we are recipients of God's generosity to us through His son Jesus. As such, we should be the most generous people in the world. In order to be generous we must understand that we are not owners of anything, but stewards. So the questions becomes, how do we steward well and invest in God's kingdom?</p> As believers, we are recipients of God's generosity to us through His son Jesus. As such, we should be the most generous people in the world. In order to be generous we must understand that we are not owners of anything, but stewards. So the questions becomes, how do we steward well and invest in God's kingdom?

]]> Sun, 26 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1865 327 f1e6fc144beff7982b25a9a97b28116c no This is Us (Part 4) Sermon Only Austin Fischer Sun, 02 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2011 328 269421967ffa18861e6d7f4921bc69b6 no Advent (Part 2) - Christ Coming Into Our Hearts Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>At Christmas, we celebrate an Advent (coming) that has already happened. As believers, we also look forward to a day when Christ will come again in the future. But there's another Advent that's happening right now, and that's the advent of Christ into our hearts/lives. Ultimately, from the moment we take our first breath to the moment we take our last, Christ is after our hearts. And when He comes into our hearts he wants to completely change us in some really beautiful ways if we'll let Him.</p> <p>At Christmas, we celebrate an Advent (coming) that has already happened. As believers, we also look forward to a day when Christ will come again in the future. But there's another Advent that's happening right now, and that's the advent of Christ into our hearts/lives. Ultimately, from the moment we take our first breath to the moment we take our last, Christ is after our hearts. And when He comes into our hearts he wants to completely change us in some really beautiful ways if we'll let Him.</p> At Christmas, we celebrate an Advent (coming) that has already happened. As believers, we also look forward to a day when Christ will come again in the future. But there's another Advent that's happening right now, and that's the advent of Christ into our hearts/lives. Ultimately, from the moment we take our first breath to the moment we take our last, Christ is after our hearts. And when He comes into our hearts he wants to completely change us in some really beautiful ways if we'll let Him.

]]> Sun, 09 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1586 329 636d9e0c62ad95294c4b1e9ae4533506 no Advent (Part 3) - God Leaves the Mountain Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>Examining Isaiah 7, John 1, and Exodus 25, we look to the incarnation of the Son of God. We discover a disappointing God who walks with us through sin, suffering, and death, instead taking us around sin, suffering, and death.</p> <p>Examining Isaiah 7, John 1, and Exodus 25, we look to the incarnation of the Son of God. We discover a disappointing God who walks with us through sin, suffering, and death, instead taking us around sin, suffering, and death.</p> Examining Isaiah 7, John 1, and Exodus 25, we look to the incarnation of the Son of God. We discover a disappointing God who walks with us through sin, suffering, and death, instead taking us around sin, suffering, and death.

]]> Sun, 16 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1754 330 fe091fcf10faeaeb69de62d5a66999fa no Dear Church (Part II) - Ephesus Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>The church in Ephesus was doing some really great things and they are commended by Jesus for what they are doing well. However, Jesus tells them that they have abandoned their love for Him. Ephesus shows us that it is possible to have a church that looks good on the outside, but has no real love and affection for Jesus.</p> <p>The church in Ephesus was doing some really great things and they are commended by Jesus for what they are doing well. However, Jesus tells them that they have abandoned their love for Him. Ephesus shows us that it is possible to have a church that looks good on the outside, but has no real love and affection for Jesus.</p> The church in Ephesus was doing some really great things and they are commended by Jesus for what they are doing well. However, Jesus tells them that they have abandoned their love for Him. Ephesus shows us that it is possible to have a church that looks good on the outside, but has no real love and affection for Jesus.

]]> Sun, 03 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1621 331 acf89cca780a488011ede2b504e2e143 no Dear Church (Part 3) Sermon Only Austin Fischer <p>What can we learn from a church that is nothing like us? A church that was small, poor, powerless, and persecuted? We can learn how to live bravely in a scary world.</p> <p>What can we learn from a church that is nothing like us? A church that was small, poor, powerless, and persecuted? We can learn how to live bravely in a scary world.</p> What can we learn from a church that is nothing like us? A church that was small, poor, powerless, and persecuted? We can learn how to live bravely in a scary world.

]]> Sun, 17 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1559 332 0573a0f2194639559bcb36a988095cdb no Dear Church (Part 7) - Phil. Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Jesus' letter to the church in Philadelphia contained no criticism, just encouragement. This church was faithfully following Jesus and holding onto the word of God. As a result, the church in Philadelphia lasted longer than all of the other seven churches. This is certainly a church we should look to learn from and imitate.</p> <p>Jesus' letter to the church in Philadelphia contained no criticism, just encouragement. This church was faithfully following Jesus and holding onto the word of God. As a result, the church in Philadelphia lasted longer than all of the other seven churches. This is certainly a church we should look to learn from and imitate.</p> Jesus' letter to the church in Philadelphia contained no criticism, just encouragement. This church was faithfully following Jesus and holding onto the word of God. As a result, the church in Philadelphia lasted longer than all of the other seven churches. This is certainly a church we should look to learn from and imitate.

]]> Sun, 08 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1779 333 8211aa06b385cd298ca29ac03d374afc no Dear Church (Part 5) - Thyatira Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Apparently, in Thyatira, there was a woman who was actively living in sin and leading others to follow her into sin. Jesus sharply criticizes the church for tolerating this woman. Basically, the church was .turning a blind eye and ignoring what she was doing. This brings up two very important topics for the church... 1. tolerance and 2. discipline. How tolerant should we be and what does discipline look like for those living in unrepentant sin?</p> <p>Apparently, in Thyatira, there was a woman who was actively living in sin and leading others to follow her into sin. Jesus sharply criticizes the church for tolerating this woman. Basically, the church was .turning a blind eye and ignoring what she was doing. This brings up two very important topics for the church... 1. tolerance and 2. discipline. How tolerant should we be and what does discipline look like for those living in unrepentant sin?</p> Apparently, in Thyatira, there was a woman who was actively living in sin and leading others to follow her into sin. Jesus sharply criticizes the church for tolerating this woman. Basically, the church was .turning a blind eye and ignoring what she was doing. This brings up two very important topics for the church... 1. tolerance and 2. discipline. How tolerant should we be and what does discipline look like for those living in unrepentant sin?

]]> Sun, 01 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1882 334 33e4291f8ff4457a85055907cef98745 no Dear Church (Part 4) - Pergamum Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys <p>Many in the church in Pergamum were faithful in spite of persecution. However, Jesus calls them out because there are some who are being led astray by false teachings. These particular false teachings were teaching people that they could basically live their lives however they wanted (including sexual sin) and be fine. Jesus instructs them to repent. How we live our lives matters to God.</p> <p>Many in the church in Pergamum were faithful in spite of persecution. However, Jesus calls them out because there are some who are being led astray by false teachings. These particular false teachings were teaching people that they could basically live their lives however they wanted (including sexual sin) and be fine. Jesus instructs them to repent. How we live our lives matters to God.</p> Many in the church in Pergamum were faithful in spite of persecution. However, Jesus calls them out because there are some who are being led astray by false teachings. These particular false teachings were teaching people that they could basically live their lives however they wanted (including sexual sin) and be fine. Jesus instructs them to repent. How we live our lives matters to God.

]]> Sun, 24 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1705 335 e302ca52f5a11a25340ac07865badc33 no The Fight (Part 1) Message Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 11 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2001 336 fec251b16708f93fcb66848db2e2a296 no The Fight (Part 2) Message Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 18 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1610 337 6e085a332186b090561a201d16e529c8 no The Fight (Part 5) Message Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1983 338 e8a0b5e144c609ea5575e0640dbd45fe no Culture Making (Part 1) Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 12 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1828 339 8e9099971537db69accadc2e3f682d25 no Culture Making (Part 2) Sermon Only Austin Fischer Sun, 19 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1628 340 a7eecf2afd984f2c02f3a79c9470530d no Culture making (Part 3) Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 26 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1762 341 97ac8c7249f61d3539d2a058adc76c19 no Following (Part 2) Worship Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 21 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1995 342 a992951a9fa41d603b59efc82eb4ce9a no The Following - Vision Sunday Sermon Only Austin Fischer & Dave Jeffreys Sun, 07 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2142 343 77deb920ae2583273f3d16c90d3ec436 no The Following (Part 2) Worship Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 21 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1995 344 0bf3aa6a095e8109c08e7469ade309dd no Following (Part 4) - Serve Sermon Only Dave Jeffreys Sun, 04 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1649 345 fa83290984557b9a1569ed3bab4de482 no Following (Part 3) - Give Sermon Only Austin Fischer Sun, 28 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1550 346 7c26b2e71639272f64326025bc07b5f3 no Following (Part 1) - Connect Sermon Only Austin Fischer Sun, 14 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1459 347 e43aaecc55a56fe43683cbb646e2f8a5 no