Hill Country Bible Church Dripping Springs Sermons

E1: Why does your mind wander?

Do you ever start to pray and find your mind quickly going somewhere else? That is not a sign that you’re a “bad Christian.” A wandering mind in prayer is part of a spiritual war, shaped by indwelling sin and a distracted culture. Take confidence in Paul's teaching; you’ve been raised with Christ, you’ve died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. God’s acceptance of you doesn’t rise and fall with how focused you feel. Simply keep coming back to the God who already holds you in Christ.

32 min

E2: What do you think about?

What if your prayers are being held back not by a lack of faith, but by the way you think? In this message we unpack how your thought life is silently shaping your prayer life. Are your prayers mostly about fixing circumstances, or fueled by a deep hunger for Christ, His kingdom, and His glory? If you’ve ever felt like your prayers are shallow, repetitive, or powerless, this teaching will give you a biblical path to richer, deeper, more God-centered prayer.

54 min

E3: How do I find the blessed life?

What if the most powerful prayers don’t start with talking, but with listening? Psalm 1 stands at the doorway of the entire Psalms and shows us that transformational prayer is rooted in deep, steady meditation on God’s Word. Before we learn to pour out our hearts, we’re taught how to receive God’s voice. If you've ever felt like your prayers are shallow, rushed, or disconnected from real life, this sermon will help you slow down, listen longer, and discover how Scripture-fed prayer can bring stability, joy, and lasting change.

37 min

E4: How is your prayer life?

Unlock the power of prayer. Dive deep into the biblical approach that promises not just to change your circumstances, but transform your heart and soul. Discover how to connect with God on a profound level, moving from superficial requests to a life-altering communion. Join us on this year-long journey to revolutionize your prayer life and witness the incredible impact on your spiritual walk.

34 min

E5: What are you willing to trade?

Are you trading eternal treasures for temporary comforts? In this sermon we explore two profound parables told by Jesus, revealing the true value of the Kingdom of God. Learn why every decision we make is a trade-off and how understanding the "eternal exchange rate" can transform your life. Live with an eternal perspective that brings joy, purpose, and liberation to give us eyes to see the treasure of a lifetime.

33 min

E6: Citizens of Heaven

This week, we’ll explore what it truly means to live as citizens of heaven while still navigating life in this world. Drawing from practical teachings and biblical truths, we’ll examine how our identity shapes our priorities, our attitudes toward worldly pursuits, and our service within the church. We’ll discuss how investing in God’s work is never a loss but a participation in something with eternal value, and how every believer has unique gifts meant to build up the body of Christ. Join us as we discover how to set our hearts on things above and leverage our lives for Christ’s kingdom, making church a true home and community for all.

26 min

E7: Tent Living is Temporary

26 min

E8: Are you ready for the eternal?

Do you ever experience post-Christmas blues? Discover the profound lessons from the lives of Simeon and Anna, two figures who embraced eternal significance in their everyday lives. Through their stories we can see how to with purpose beyond the holiday season by seeing God, even in the mundane.

33 min

E9: Are you at peace?

Are you feeling pressure and stress this Christmas season? Discover the profound peace that transcends life’s chaos as we dive into the heart of Advent. True and lasting serenity is found not in our circumstances, but in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

29 min

E10: How do you maintain peace with others?

In a world brimming with division and discord, discover how the church can truly embody the peace of Christ. Seek ways to mend fractured relationships and cultivate genuine unity within your community Learn the transformative power of humility, patience, and love, and uncover why our collective oneness as Christ's body is a beacon of hope and be inspired to become a living testimony of God's unifying love.

33 min

E11: What are you willing to pay for peace?

Are you tired of chasing a peace that seems always just out of reach? Uncover the staggering reality of why true peace with God isn't cheap—and why that's good news for you!

34 min

E12: How do I find peace this season?

How do we discover the profound promise of peace in a world full of chaos and conflict? In this first Advent sermon, we explore what it truly means to call Jesus the "Prince of Peace" and how His presence can transform your life. Are you tired of carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Dive into a message that reveals how to find genuine rest and hope amidst life's uncertainties. Uncover the powerful truth about finding peace that surpasses all understanding.

30 min

E13: How do I find contentment?

Discover the transformative power of contentment in every circumstance. In this sermon we can see how to break free from the relentless pursuit of material security and uncover the secret to genuine, unshakable joy that Paul mastered. True happiness doesn't depend on wealth and unveils the radical strength that Christ promises—not for success, but for enduring life's highs and lows with peace and confidence.

31 min

E14: Where do you find peace?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the need to control everything, from your career to your kids’ futures? Are sleepless nights filled with worry your new normal? Dive into this life-changing message where we uncover the incredible truth about trading our earthly burdens for divine contentment. Learn how to reset your mind, heal relationships, and anchor your hope in something eternal.

35 min

E15: What are you complaining about?

Ever feel exhausted by the relentless cycle of performance and self-reliance in your spiritual journey? This sermon reveals how to shift from striving for God's approval to living in freedom and gratitude in Christ. Join us as we unpack what it means to "work out your salvation" and explore the transformative power of God's grace to energize your faith, silence grumbling, and inspire genuine, selfless service.

40 min

E16: What mind do you operate from?

Join us for an inspiring journey into the profound teaching of Philippians 2:1-11, where we uncover "The Revolution of Radical Humility." Discover how embracing the self-emptying love of Christ is the key to unlocking true joy and unity in a world consumed by entitlement and pride. Learn how to break free from the exhausting pressures of self-promotion and find lasting peace through humility. Don't miss this transformative message that promises to change your perspective and enrich your life. Learn how to experience the freedom and contentment found in following the path of the self-emptying God!

34 min

E17: Where do you find confidence?

34 min

E18: Does your love produce obedience?

Discover the profound connection between love for Jesus and obedience in our latest exploration of John 15:1-17. Dive into Jesus's transformative message about Him as the true vine and how our practices shape our spiritual lives. Uncover the secret to complete joy and lasting friendship with God. Are you truly abiding, or just going through the motions? Find out how to cultivate a life that bears fruit and experiences love beyond imagination!

38 min

E19: Do you love Jesus?

Dive into one of the most transformative conversations in history as Jesus meets Peter in his failure and offers a path to true restoration. This story shows us how genuine love for Jesus is examined, deepened, and expressed through our lives. Ensure your love for Christ is not just an outward display, but a profound, transformative force that shapes every decision. Are you ready to challenge where your truest affections lie and embrace the call to costly obedience? Learn what it means to truly follow Jesus.

34 min

E20: Are you thirsty for God?

31 min

E21: What do you love?

Discover the profound truth that shapes your life: who you are flows from what you love. In this message, we explore the wisdom of Proverbs 4:20-27 as we uncover the secret to real transformation. Dive into the depths of your desires and learn how to guide them towards a fulfilling path with practical steps and divine insight.

33 min

E22: What are you complaining about?

In today's sermon on faith and gratitude, we look at events that happened over 3300 years ago. The spiritual pitfalls of forgetfulness demonstrated by the Israelites' journey from Egypt provide powerful insights into our own heart's struggles. Now as then, remembering God's faithfulness serves as the transformative power of our hearts. We see how our complaints might reveal deeper truths about our relationships with God. Join us as we delve into the beauty of God's provision and the ultimate hope found in the cross.

28 min

E23: How do you handle frustration?

Join us as we dive into the gripping story of Moses' greatest failure and learn how deep frustrations can threaten our faith and alter our life's path. Discover the critical lessons from Numbers 20 that reveal how to avoid catastrophic spiritual crashes and find enduring hope through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. This challenging message will inspire you to see your wilderness season in a new light and embrace the grace that quenches every thirst.

31 min

E24: Do you follow fear or faith?

Join us as we dive into a powerful message exploring God's incredible faithfulness and the fear that often holds us back. Discover how the ancient story of the Israelites in Numbers 13 & 14 relates to our modern lives and learn to trust in God's promises even when they seem impossible. With insights on overcoming fear, stepping out in faith, and understanding God's unwavering character, this sermon will build the courage to follow faith. Are you ready to leave the wilderness of doubt and step into the promised land of faith? Learn to find the courage to move forward!

35 min

E25: Do you trust God's timing?

Are you feeling the relentless pace of modern life pulling you in every direction? Discover the profound lessons from the Israelites' journey in Numbers 9 and learn how to find peace and purpose in the midst of life's chaos. This sermon dives into the concept of trusting God's perfect timing—whether you're called to wait patiently or step boldly into something new. Uncover how to discern God's leading through His word, wise counsel, and the persistent presence of the Holy Spirit.

58 min

E26: Is God Your Center?

Despite your achievements, do you still feeling empty? You might have the wrong thing at the center of your life. Just like God placed the tabernacle at the center of Israel's camp in the wilderness, He wants to be at the center of your life—not just a Sunday add-on. With God truly at your center, providing perspective to your approach to like, everything else doesn't become less important—it becomes more meaningful. Organize your entire life around Him.

39 min

E27: Your Faith in Action

In this powerful exploration of James 2:14-26, we're challenged to examine the vital connection between our faith and our actions. The central message reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent, but a living force that compels us to act. We're encouraged to reflect on how we're putting our beliefs into practice, especially in serving those in need. The scripture beautifully illustrates this through the stories of Abraham and Rahab, showing that faith requires sacrifice and courage. As we contemplate our own faith journey, we're invited to consider: Are we just talking the talk, or are we truly walking the walk? This message urges us to step out in faith, overcome our fears and hesitations, and live out our beliefs in tangible ways that glorify God and serve others.

25 min

E28: Willing Hearts, Obedient Feet

Baptism is a necessary sacrement of Christianity, so the same is true for evangelism. Whether it is preaching to crowds or speaking in a one-on-one setting, we each should be prepared to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Opportunities for personal evangelism are all around us and have been prepared ahead of time for us to do. We need only to be willing and obedient whenever, and wherever they present themselves.

38 min

E29: Put on the Armor of God

Recognizing we are engaged in spiritual warfare, Paul calls us to armor up in God's strength. In a world that is increasingly hostile to the Gospel, discover how to stand firm in victory, redefine what real battles mean, and shield yourself against unseen forces. This isn't about culture wars or human enemies—it's about embracing your role as a spiritual soldier and understanding the profound power of prayer.

34 min

E30: Take Off and Put On

This sermon dives into the hidden anxieties and burnout lurking beneath our well-crafted facades. Discover the Apostle Paul’s timeless wisdom from Ephesians 4 as we explore the “hedonic treadmill” of modern life. Learn how to shed the “grave clothes” of old habits and embrace the radical, transformative power of Christ's grace. This message offers a compelling call to action: leave behind the idols of security, achievement, and approval, and step into the vibrant new life you’ve received

34 min

E31: Walk Worthy of Your Calling

40 min

E32: Meet Our Ministry Leads - Steve Isgitt

Steve is an Associate Pastor at our church. He wears many hats (which we discuss a bit). However today, our focus is on one of his less public but probably more important roles, shepherding our benevolence ministry.

20 min

E33: Meet Our Ministry Leads - Mandi McNutt

In this episode we chat with Mandi McNutt about her role as Worship Leader.

35 min

E34: Prayer that Changes Everything

Do your prayers truly reflect what your heart needs the most? Paul shows us a a prayer that radically transforms your identity. It is built on the foundation on God's unshakable love, empowering you to live with courage and peace. More than self-help, it is a call to the Lord for heart transformation and redefinition of sense of self.

30 min

E35: Mystery Revealed

Are you living the bold, purposeful life you were designed for? In this sermon, we explore how God's revealed mystery can transform your life from ordinary to extraordinary. Discover how the same gospel that turned a persecutor into an apostle can unlock your potential and infuse your life with meaning and courage. Uncover the secret to breaking free from the chains of timidity and step into the boldness that is yours in Christ.

30 min

E36: Brought Near

This week we explore the powerful message of unity and reconciliation in the body of Christ. Invisible walls and comfortable tribalism can stifle the transformative power of the gospel. To be a part of God’s diverse, unified community we are called to step out of our comfort zones, break down barriers, and embrace the radical peace and kinship that Jesus offers.

41 min

E37: From Death to Life

This week we explore the profound transformation that occurs when we become Christians. We are more than "just improved" but brought from death to life. Through the radical nature of God's grace and mercy, offered when we are rightly subject to His judgment, does He give us a new life and purpose in Christ.

39 min

E38: Know who you are

This week in our Ephesians series, we see how our self-perception shapes the way we live. Rather than having an identity built from the world's perspectives, we must recognize we are treasured by God, and empowered by His mighty strength.

37 min

E39: How do you make your suffering a sermon?

34 min

E40: Does your invitation reach outside your walls?

Acts 10 has a story of the radical inclusivity of the Gospel where Peter and Cornelius's unlikely encounter challenges deeply ingrained cultural and religious boundaries. We see that true acceptance and salvation cannot exist without the specific revelation of Jesus. We are challenged to consider hidden biases and boundaries and urged to move beyond mere tolerance to genuine community by building a counter-culture of grace that transcends societal divisions.

39 min

E41: Are you allowing grace to interrupt your life?

We explore the story where Saul, an accomplished Pharisee in a world obsessed with performance and achievement, was confronted on the road to Damascus. Here, this unlikely persecutor of the early church, is chosen, transformed, and sent as a beacon of hope to the entire world. This message challenges us to embrace our own transformation and mission by recognizing God's grace doesn't just save; it sends us into the world to introduce others to Jesus.

34 min

E42: What borders have we drawn that God is calling us to cross?

In this sermon, we explore the powerful story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8:26-40—a story of God breaking down racial, cultural, and spiritual barriers to bring the gospel to the margins. Discover how God's invitation extends beyond our human boundaries, how He prepares hearts long before we speak, and how His mission leads us to people we often overlook. This message will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and follow the God who crosses every border to seek and save the lost.

29 min

E43: Who do you need to serve?

In Acts 6, we uncover how a simple act of service transformed the early Christian church and fueled its continued growth. By addressed a potentially divisive and distracting situation, head on, they elevated service to others to a spiritual calling. It isn't just charity—it's an invitation to participate in God's love in action. See how this ancient wisdom applies to our modern world, challenging us to rethink our approach to leadership, community, and faith.

34 min

E44: Meet Our Ministry Leads - Chris Jones

Among other responsibilities, Associate Pastor Chris Jones shepherds a counseling ministry for our church. We asked him to share his perspective on Biblically based counseling.

28 min

E45: Does your generosity reflect the radical grace of God?

This sermon explores the transformative power of generosity as a reflection of God's radical grace. The early church in Acts was a vibrant example of how sharing resources, time, and love can powerfully testify to the reality of Jesus Christ. Unlike the deceptive giving of Ananias and Sapphira, true generosity stems from a heart fully surrendered to God, not seeking personal recognition but glorifying Him. We are called to live out a countercultural generosity that not only meets needs but invites others to experience the abundant love of God.

28 min

E46: What If Your Boldness Could Defy Fear, Ignite Courage, and Shift Culture?

This sermon explores the theme of boldness in the face of opposition, drawing from Acts 4 where Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin. The sermon emphasized that true boldness comes from a deep conviction of the truth, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and trust in God's sovereignty. Peter and John's trusted in the truth of the gospel. We should be challenged to cultivate boldness by being rooted in Scripture, wrestling with doubts, relying on the Holy Spirit and trusting in God's sovereign plan.

27 min

E47: How are your actions pointing people to the healing of Jesus?

This sermon explores the profound message of healing and transformation, where we see Peter and John heal a man who has been lame from birth. This miracle serves as a powerful illustration of the gospel's invitation to grace, not just as a means of coping with life's challenges but as a call to complete restoration. We begin by seeing that true healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—begins with recognizing our need and turning to Jesus, who offers more than temporary relief. Acts 3 reminds us that the gospel is about transformation, repentance, and the ultimate restoration of all things.

27 min

E48: Are we a church that truly invites?

In this powerful exploration of Acts 2, we're challenged to reimagine what it means to be an inviting church. The early Christian community didn't just attend services; they were devoted to each other, to God's truth, and to prayer. This devotion wasn't casual—it was all-encompassing, transforming their relationships and daily lives. We're called to ask ourselves: Are we truly devoted in the same way? Are we building a church that invites people not just to attend, but to belong? In a world plagued by loneliness, the church has a unique opportunity to offer genuine, Christ-centered community. This isn't about making surface-level friends, but about deep fellowship rooted in our shared commitment to Jesus. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to prioritize presence over busyness, to treat church like family rather than an event, and to create a space where no one feels unseen or alone.

36 min

E49: Does your compassion point to God's glory?

The story of the Good Samaritan is well known, both inside and outside church circles. Today the name "Samaritan" does not elicit the same reaction it would have gotten from a group of Jews in Jesus' day. However, it was this unlikely character, not the Jewish religious figures who proved to follow God's law to love those we encounter. Compassion, loving others, is a trait Jesus' disciples must demonstrate to point others to Him as the perfect provider of compassion.

28 min

E50: Do you confess or cover?

33 min

E51: Why is being together so important?

39 min

E52: What is your foundation?

Answers to questions about ethics, morality, or life are based on one underlying question, "How do you know what is right?". For Christians, that come from God through His inspired word, the Bible. Scripture may not have an answer for every modern day matter but where it speaks, it is true. Understanding how to apply God's Word in modern situations, is essential to living as disciples of Jesus.

46 min

E53: Return to Me

The early church in Ephesus was persistently doing good work. However, their service lacked love. They had abandoned, not lost, their first love, Jesus. We are prone to do that too. To recapture that initial affection and joy for Jesus, we, like the Ephesians are called to remember our initial joy, repent from sin, desire holiness, and return to Jesus. In short we must reject a faith that is correct but cold.

33 min

E54: Where are you finding hope?

32 min

E55: What does it mean to wait on God?

Whether it is because of uncertainty, or we do not see God’s presence, we do not like to wait on Him. However, taking matters into our own hands is not the answer. Instead, we need to remember God is faithful, wise and good. He always keeps His promises. We see that fulfilled in Jesus. So we must trust Him and believe in Him, regardless of circumstances.

31 min

E56: What are you expecting this season?

Human natures is to habitually chase after the next good thing. We become frustrated, though, because we are constantly confronted with unmet or unfulfilling expectations. Instead, we need to have the right expectations that transform the way we live and where we can find hope. Trusting in Jesus sets the right expectations for us.

38 min

E57: Do you think God has forgetten you?

Life is challenging. We may feel that God has forgotten us. However, that would be inconsistent with His character. When the Psalmist writes “God remembers”, he is telling us that God is persistently aware of our situation, despite how things may feel. As we celebrate Advent, we continue to wait and hope, just as Israel did before King Jesus was born.

32 min

E58: Are you ready to surrender control to Jesus?

We pursue wealth and status because we believe they give us control and security. But Scripture shows us that they are false gods, eventually failing us. Jesus challenged the rich, young ruler to give up his wealth and follow Him. We are called to do the same thing for the same reason. So we can experience salvation as God’s gift through grace, not something we can strive to earn.

34 min

E59: Where do you find your identity?

Jesus not only challenged His closest followers, but He also reached across cultural divisions. John 4 is a remarkable story because He is speaking alone with a Samaritan woman of questionable reputation. He looks beyond the superficial social divisions to deal with heart matters. He is showing us that finding our identity in Him and not some group or tribe should motivate us to love anyone we encounter.

37 min

E60: How do you respond to offense?

Jesus spoke challenging words to His closest disciples, including Peter. Like Peter, we should not fall away or resist because we are being challenged. Instead, we lean into the offense with the understanding that Jesus is exposing idolatry and leading us to grow in faith. We persist because offense is where God can do some of His deepest work in us.

42 min

E61: Does Jesus offend you?

If we only think of Jesus as gentle and merciful, we will miss how He uses offense to draw attention to our blind spots. How we react to Jesus’ confrontation will either lead to spiritual growth or spiritual atrophy. His intention is to show us the idols in our hearts that keep us from truly knowing Him. Reflection instead of rejection leads to our transformation.

35 min

E62: Where do you seek affirmation?

We sometimes react to being offended by seeking affirmation. However, affirmation for the sake of self-appeasement can be devoid of truth. Instead of seeking counsel from someone who tells us what we think we want to hear, we need to be confronted. Confrontation grounded in the Gospel’s declaration of who we are (sinners in need of a Savior) leads to transformation. Then, we do not become just a better version of ourselves, we are made into new creations and true followers of Jesus.

34 min

E63: Meet Our Ministry Leads - Brandi Cox

Join us as we learn more about Brandi Cox, our Director of Children's Ministries

31 min

E64: Where do you point the finger?

Rivalry and jealousy can cause us to take joy at another’s misfortune, especially when we view the other person as standing in the way of getting something we desire. Rather than examine the validity of our desires, we shift the blame to others. Jesus does not allow that. He exposes the fallacy of our desire, leading to reflection and repentance. The outcome is our spiritual transformation.

38 min

E65: Where do your desires come from?

Culture tells us we should fulfill our hearts’ desires. Yet we rarely explore whether these are valid desires. Satan deceived Eve and Adam by getting them to think that gaining knowledge was something they wanted. Today our worldly desires are shaped by what we observe. Only by focusing on Jesus and grounding our desires in Him do we get a God-centered and authentic perspective of what our desires should be.

32 min

E66: What is your greatest insecurity?

The Bible has many stories of deep personal insecurity leading to vulnerability. We see that in Adam and Eve. God had placed them in a garden that satisfied their every need. Yet they were vulnerable to Satan’s insinuation that God’s provision was incomplete. God’s greatness was eclipsed by their insecurity. As disciples of Jesus, we find freedom from insecurity by finding all-sufficient security in Jesus.

45 min

E67: Why Are You So Easily Offended?

“Being offended” is a prolific cultural sentiment. With all the effort made to avoid offensiveness, we ignore the fundamental question, “why is this happening?”. This is especially challenging for us as Jesus’ disciples. How do we share the Gospel which Scripture itself describes as fundamentally offensive. In this series, we will explore how understanding “why” can show us how to preach the Gospel with faithfulness and clarity.

44 min

E68: Do you believe Jesus is worth sharing?

These final verses in Matthew are intended to awaken a desire in us to make disciples for Jesus. Matthew is telling the original Jewish audience, and us, that King Jesus is Lord over all people groups. This commissioning of His ambassadors has efficacy because Jesus has all authority.

37 min

E69: Have you submitted to the absolute authority of Jesus?

Today, religion has become a matter of personal preference, it is driven by feelings not absolute truth. This is dangerous and irresponsible. Christianity is based on the truth that Jesus was resurrected from death and now reigns over His Kingdom. Therefore, we are compelled to repent of sin and submit to His authority.

41 min

E70: Meet Our Ministry Leads - Jason McNutt

Jason is our Senior Pastor. He and his wife, Mandi, with a small group of folks planted the church in Dripping Springs in September, 2009. We chat with Jason about coming to faith, his early ministry work and thoughts on HCBC-Dripping Springs today.

39 min

E71: How can God love me?

The climax of the Biblical story takes place at the crucifixion. The cross is the key to understanding how a sovereign, righteous and just God can forgive rebellious people without abandoning His character. King Jesus bore the consequences of our sin. In doing so our sin is forgiven without being excused.

42 min

E72: Could you be sincerely wrong?

When Jesus condemned scribes and Pharisees, He was speaking to people who were highly respected religious leaders. They sincerely believed they were doing the right things. Jesus tells them they are outside His kingdom because they have an earthly focus on image, not a desire to serve God.

43 min

E73: Why do you reject Jesus' authority?

People exercise authority selfishly, so we struggle accepting it. However, disciples of Jesus are called to unconditionally place our full trust in Jesus’ authority and submit to it. We can do that because we are confident, knowing He uses His authority for the good of His people to His glory.

36 min

E74: Who is this?

While remaining humble, with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He s anything but modest. We now see Him publicly acknowledging the messianic title of “Son of David”. From this point forward, Matthew is showing us Jesus’ claim to Kingship over all humanity, beginning with the Jews.

38 min

E75: Do you strive for first or last?

Human measures of success, such as status and wealth, can keep us from following Jesus’ true calling. In God’s kingdom, humility, generosity and grace reign supreme. We are called to surrender and depend on God’s gift of divine mercy, given totally devoid of any merit we might think we have.

41 min

E76: How do you view marriage and divorce?

God's created marriage, only He has the right to define it. Marriage's purpose is to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church. Therefore, divorce is at odds with God's plan. It is permitted, in some circumstances, due to hardness of heart. Yet even then, He redeems it.

37 min

E77: Are you walking in humility?

Culturally, we are motivated to outdo each other, driven by individual pride. Not so in the kingdom of Heaven. To become a citizen of God’s Kingdom we must become His children, living with a recognition we are dependent on Him. That fosters a life of humility, love, and a wiliness to lavish forgiveness of others.

46 min

E78: What do you behold?

To behold something or someone is more than a casual glance. It implies intense observation. Over time we will become what we behold, whether good or bad. As Jesus’ disciples our desire is to behold Him so that our character, our love and our lives becomes like His. This is sanctification.

41 min

E79: Jesus on His Terms

Opposition to Jesus grows. The Pharisees, together with their rivals ,the Sadducees. ask for "one more sign" from Jesus to prove He is who He says He is. Rather than comply, He challenges their inclination. Once alone with His disciples, He asks "who am I?" Peter, responds "The Christ". Peter responses as he does, because God revealed that to him. We declare Jesus as Christ because the Lord is at work in our hearts today.

43 min

E80: The Heart of the Problem is the Problem of the Heart

Isaiah warned of a people who honor God in words and deeds but worship in vain because their hearts are not in the right place. Jesus is interested in our hearts. He is teaching us that God’s word should never be nullified by human traditions and commandments.

27 min

E81: Why do you worship God?

People see Jesus’ miracles, hear his teaching and are offended. However, there are two different types of responses to this offense. One group outright rejects Him. Others, like the disciples, respond in repentance and worship Him because they see in Him, Someone greater than themselves. Who do you see when you are confronted by Jesus?

30 min

E82: Thank God for Ears

Jesus was a powerful storyteller. Using parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven, He confronts us with the necessity of a heart change to be His follower. Only then do His parables show us His Kingdom as it is and as it will be. Otherwise, we only hear without understanding and see without perceiving.

30 min

E83: Are you for or against Jesus?

Jesus never leaves room to accept Him only as a good moral teacher. When the Pharisees challenge His disciples’ rule-breaking, He questions their willingness to make rules that reject Scripture. Theirs is a self-righteous, self-driven moralism. Instead, Jesus shows us that accepting Him means we join in an intimate relationship inspired by inner transformation of our hearts. That is a work of the Holy Spirit.

38 min

E84: Do you struggle with doubts?

Doubts arise when unmet expectations collide with current circumstances. John was in prison in the most difficult conditions, giving rise to his question whether Jesus was the Messiah. Rather than scold him, Jesus shares what He is doing that fulfills Messianic prophecies. Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest from our doubts.

34 min

E85: Do you really want to be like Christ?

Jesus was driven by a compassion for the lost. When He sent twelve disciples to heal and spread the Good News, He told them it would be hard. We must, like Him, be willing to go so far as to sacrifice our lives carrying out the missions He gave us as His disciples today.

40 min

E86: Do you trust in the authority of Jesus?

God’s presence on the mountaintop is undeniable. We see it in stories about Moses, Abraham, and Elijah. Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount. We experience it during the high points of our lives. However, in a fallen world, we may wonder if God really is in the valleys. Matthew takes us from the words of Jesus to His works where He demonstrates His absolute authority everywhere. This merits our unwavering allegiance to Him.

38 min

E87: What path are you on?

There are two ways to pursue God. One is the religious path where we srive to look virtuous, winning accolades from people. However, inside that person is empty. The second is to abide in our relationship with Jesus being filled with His righteousness, letting Him define our worth. This gives God glory and leads to eternal life.

33 min

E88: How do I discern without condemning?

Judging, or taking a critical attitude toward others, leads us to eventually condemn them. Jesus warns that attitude results in being held to the standard we held to others. Instead, He calls His people to humbly seek moral discernment, treating others as we want them to treat us.

39 min

E89: Don't Be a Hypocrite

In Jesus’ time, Pharisees modeled holiness. Their acts of kindness; helping the poor, fasting, or prayer, had to be performed publicly. Jesus uses a theatric term, hypocrite, a masked actor performing for people, to describe this. However, Jesus teaches it is not public acts for societal approval but it is pious acts, done in private, that God treasures.

49 min

E90: How can I be perfect?

Jesus calls His followers to respond to God's commands by living radically different lives.

45 min

E91: What is the difference between Christianity and religion?

Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount with a description of Kingdom citizens' role in the world. He calls for us to live radically different lives. Our response to His commands goes beyond religious rule-keeping.

38 min

E92: Do you want the approval of God?

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes, bold statements about the character traits of citizens of God’s Kingdom. They are foundational to understanding how the LORD works to shape a people that are approved (blessed) by Him.

36 min

E93: Am I Following Jesus?

Follow Me! That is the life changing call by Jesus to His earliest disciples and to us today. We need to grasp who is calling us first. Then we have the proper perspective on the earthly hardships and difficulties that come with being a disciple.

38 min

E94: How do I fight temptation?

In fighting temptation, we must recognize there is a spiritual world and the enemy wages a spiritual war. His weapon of choice is to assault our relationship to God our Father. However we are equipped, in Christ, to resist temptation. Jesus shows us how. Satan tempts for evil intent. God turns those into tests for our good.

43 min

E95: How do I come to Jesus?

The salvation story says that Jesus paid the price for our sin but there is more. Salvation means Jesus deals with the damage sin inflicts in our lives and He fulfilled the law. Fulfilment of the law involves big changes for us. We are called to immediate and continual repentance, which leads us from sin into a holy life. Repentance leads us to Jesus.

38 min

E96: Living a Life of Confession

29 min

E97: Annual State of the Church report from Pastors and Deacons

Reports from various ministries including Jason's vision statement for 2024.

37 min

E98: Why does the local church gather?

Throughout the Bible, we see that God acts distinctly toward and through His chosen people. Today we see Him working when the local church gathers in weekly worship.

31 min

E99: Why do small groups matter?

Modern people strive to live life without being known or knowing others. That is not God's plan. There is plenty of Scripture to attest to His design for life to be lived in community with others. Small Biblical community is essential to spiritual growth.

33 min

E100: How do I read the Bible for life transformation?

34 min

E101: The Reason for Salvation

Sometimes overlooked, the story of the birth of John the Baptist is an important part in the Christmas story. Zechariah's disbelief of Gabriel's prophecy was overcome at the birth of his son. John the Baptist. In his praise that ensued, Zechariah expresses the reason for our salvation; to serve the Lord forever.

38 min

E102: Behold the Promised King!

Wise men from foreign lands east of Israel are drawn to Jerusalem to worship the newborn King of the Jews when His star appears signaling His birth. Yet chief priests and scribes, who knew about the prophecies of the Messiah, do not respond. They know about Him but choose not to get to know Him. Foreigners acting by faith show us that He is the promised King for all nations.

27 min

E103: Behold, the Personal King!

31 min

E104: Behold, the King has Come!

In Matthew's opening sentence, he presents Jesus the Annointed One (Christ) who fulfills the covenants God made with Abraham and David. This would have resonated with any Jewish person familar with their Scripture.

31 min

E105: How do I show compassion to someone struggling with gender dysphoria?

52 min

E106: How do I engage a culture that is hostile to my beliefs?

40 min

E107: What is the relationship between Israel and the church?

43 min

E108: Are we in the last days?

For generations, people have tried to link events to the imminent return of Jesus. The recent, violent attack by Hamas in Israel spawned another round of speculation. Yet, Paul (and Jesus) teach that is futile to try to predict His return. We do know that once He does return, His disciples will be with Him forever.

45 min

E109: What is a better Gospel presentation?

Sharing the Gospel is grounded in historical truths presented in Scripture. The invitation is to acknowledge Jesus as King and live in obedient faithfulness as His disciple. That makes Jesus central to the Gospel message, not the benefits we derive as Kingdom citizens.

39 min

E110: What does it mean to be made in the image of God?

41 min

E111: What is the goal of final salvation?

In the end, God will create a new cosmos (heaven and earth). Scripture teaches that the final destination for redeemed humanity is this new earth where God resides with us. Loyalty to Jesus is the qualification for citizenship in this kingdom.

39 min

E112: How do works operate in faith?

Good feelings are not a characteristic of saving faith. Instead it is our good works, done in obedience to King Jesus, that are indicative of saving faith enacted.

44 min

E113: What must I do to be saved?

We accept the facts of the Gospel to be able to publicly confess loyalty to Jesus as King. That loyalty is then demonstrated by a genuine and obedient faithfulness to Him. Jesus showed us perfect obedient faithfulness by going to the cross. We have His example as we pray to have the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us to live out the same obedient faithfulness.

39 min

E114: What is saving faith?

There are instances when the English translation in Scripture does not capture the concept that was originally communicated in Greek. The description of faith (pistis) is one of those such instance. Faith is not a blind, optimistic feeling that we act on. Instead, saving faith (pistis in the Greek) is an affirmation of acting in obedience to Jesus because we know He is King.

39 min

E115: Why does Lord of All matter?

Jesus is King; that is the Gospel. As King, He brings benefits, like salvation, that are exclusive to His people. He also brings benefits, through His people, to all humankind. Finally, He brings cosmic benefits for eternity that come from His restoration of creation.

34 min

E116: Why do you need the good news of a king?

Last week, we saw in Acts 2 that Peter’s declaration of the Good News (Gospel) was emphatic; Jesus is King and Lord. Our personal salvation and redemption are grounded in that foundational truth. In looking at the purpose for which we were created, to rule creation, (Genesis 2) we see that Gospel tells us we have a King who shows us how to rule, sinlessly, by serving and safe-guarding creation. In doing so, we are restored as God’s image bearers and make His glory visible.

37 min

E117: How do you need God to serve you today?

Recognizing our dependence on God, in every aspect of our lives, requires humility. We can go to Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and earth, because He said He came to serve. Rather than acting as if we can do things independent of His help, we call on Him to serve us. Then we follow His example and seek to serve others.

25 min

E118: How can the right pursuit save us from ourselves?

Being centered on righteousness is the overarching theme of the Sermon on the Mount. In this passage, about halfway through the sermon, Jesus teaches that the Father’s love for us reminds us that our basic needs will be met. We focus on seeking His kingdom. We do that by following His commands, the first being “do not be anxious”.

40 min

E119: What are you holding on to that is keeping you from the fullness of God?

We may declare that "Jesus is Lord", yet we are tempted to hold onto things that keep us from giving Him our full allegiance. We must learn to be ready to relinquish anything that keeps us from committing fully to Him. He calls us to do that because He loves us.

30 min

E120: Are you desperate in seeking God?

There are many reasons to seek God; salvation, confession of sin, healing are just a few. The reality is that we all need to seek God. Our sense of urgency and desparation is directly proportional to our view of our own inadequacy. You should seek Him in whatever way He is leading you.

31 min

E121: What is the purpose of it all?

If we believe there is "right" and "wrong", then we must accept the need for a standard greater than indiviuduals' views or opinions. As disciples of Jesus, we first acknowledge God as the Creator who has a purpose for His people, We fulfill that purpose when we recognize we cannot keep his commandments and accept salvation through Jesus. We love because He first loved us.

38 min

E122: How does death help us rejoice in life?

Our culture does not place value on age, we marginalize it. We fear aging because we fear death. Yet, the life of a disciple of Jesus is a call to find joy, even in the face of death. In this passage, the Preacher encourages us, especially the young, to find joy in life because that is what God commands us to do.

37 min

E123: Do you ever wonder if what you do really matters?

Often it seems that we do the right things but never observe any difference for the Kingdom of God. Solomon shows us that we must act even when we do not know how God is using us. More times than not, that is the case. Abundantly sharing our time, talents, gifts and treasures is an exercise in faith, acting with courage through Christ.

31 min

E124: Facts are Good, Wisdom is Better, God's Truth is Best

Even a little foolishness compromises wisdom. That is why we must guard against its polluting effects. Instead, we persist in pursuing wisdom, valuing it above and beyond material trappings.

28 min

E125: More than good advice?

Solomon continues to use the certainty of death to inspire a realistic view of life. Life activities, approved by God, should be viewed as gifts from the Giver for our enjoyment. Furthermore, as Christians, we can begin to appreciate their value, in the here and now and as a foretaste of heaven.

32 min

E126: What is the heavenly perspective on earthly authority?

The make-up of God's Kingdom is counterintuitive; meek, humble, and repentent are just a few descriptions of those that enter. The authority is ultimately God's; He makes and keeps all the rules. it is to His glory. Our observed experience with human authority is different. it is corruptible. We judge it's efficacy based on how it serves us. In the end, we trust in His eternal plan, not what we observe in the moment.

30 min

E127: How do you discern what is good, better and best?

Most decisions we face do not neatly reduce to black or white responses. (The ones that do should be obvious.) Instead, we need to choose between bad, good, better, or best. We can have Biblical wisdom that is gained two ways; knowing God’s word and our life experiences. Then we can apply that wisdom to consider our response.

44 min

E128: What do your desires reveal about your heart?

Sinfulness causes our hearts to gravitate toward discontent. We assume that having just a little more will satisfy us. It never does. Finding meaning in life is not done through the constant pursuit of more material things. Instead, we can enjoy life with a heart, given over to Jesus, that is content with what we have.

36 min

E129: Is your worship for gain or God's glory?

We must accept our limits and boundaries as created beings. Once we do that, we can enjoy life as a gift from God, not something we master for our personal satisfaction. This includes the way we approach worshiping the Lord.

30 min

E130: Are you searching for a better life?

People recognize that the meaning of life comes from something other than having better jobs, houses, vacations, and such. We want better but better at what? Solomon shows us that compassion, contentment, community, and wisdom are the things that are better than their alternatives. We embrace life for what it is, not what we want it to be.

37 min

E131: How do you navigate the seasons of life?

Solomon continues with the theme that, as temporal beings, time exerts tension in our lives. However, he moves from the finality of live at death to contrast a series of pleasant and distressing times or seasons. We desire to avoid times that are distressing. Rather than trying to control them, Solomon encourages us to experience joy by submitting to God's sovereignty instead.

44 min

E132: How do you cope with the brevity of life?

Solomon’s records his attempts to find significance. They are no different than the things we pursue. Even at the pinnacle of his earthly success, none of it satisfied. Yet, he begins to give us a glimpse of the way to find enjoyment. Rather than striving for gain, we enjoy life for what it is, a gift from God.

43 min

E133: Do you know your limits?

We can grow frustrated with the apparent smallness of our lives. We assume fulfillment lies outside of our circumstances, pursue it, and then grow frustrated all over again. Solomon makes this point saying, everything “under the sun” is futile. Yet, right next to it, he adds a second theme; we can be called to joy by something deeper than the things around us. We just need to accept our limits.

40 min

E134: Is everything really futile? (An Introduction to Ecclesiastes)

Is everything futile, meaningless or vanity? Solomon opens Ecclesiastes with this attention-grabbing claim (v.2). Throughout the book he builds on this point, declaring the reality of living in a fallen world. However, the book is not about despair. It shows us how to have contentment and satisfaction despite the brokenness of our world. By living in grace, as disciples of Jesus, it challenges us to consider our priorities. It should not leave us neutral.

38 min

E135: How do I stay faithful?

In Scripture we see faith and faithfulness translated interchangeably because faith is more a belief. Faith manifests itself in faithfulness, which is obedience and action in accordance with the Lord’s will. We know how to do that through daily devotion to the Lord remembering who He is and what He has done.

36 min

E136: Can gentleness aways be my motivation?

Jesus described Himself as "..gently and lowly in heart" (ESV), a remarkable claim to a world that values bolder qualities. Yet throughout His earthly ministry, time and again, He showed that gentleness led to unlikely relationships with unlikely people in unlikely places.

31 min

E137: How do I show kindness in a culture of hostility?

Daily we observe acts of kindness and goodness or generosity. As Jesus' disciples, these acts should have depth. Our attitude should be to act in a way that we are affirming the infinite value in people with our time, money, talents and other things God has put at our disposal.

40 min

E138: How can I be patient in a fast-paced world?

Patience is more than just waiting. Biblical patience often calls for “stamina and grit” in the face of hostility and persecution. It is grounded in love and modeled after Jesus’ love for us.

38 min

E139: Where do I find peace in a world of contempt?

Rather than just respite from a hectic, stressful world, Biblical peace offers the promise of the unity of God’s Kingdom. Rather than feeding the contempt of others that can come from amplifying our differences, it shows us that we have oneness in Christ.

35 min

E140: Where can we find joy?

Sorrow and grief were an undeniable part of the life of Jesus. Yet, He was joyful as well. One does not preclude the other. As His disciples, we can find joy by abiding in Him; both as individuals and as a community of believers.

61 min

E141: How can I experience true love?

God’s plan is for us is to dwell in His eternal presence. That is our aim and where we are meant to be. As experience Biblical love, we are drawn closer to the perfection Jesus prayed for us (John 17) when He prayed for union with Him and with each other.

34 min

E142: What is love?

Love is not an abstract list of traits. Paul gives us a personification of love. It is a description of Jesus, the One who loved perfectly. In following Him, we experience His love. That changes our hearts and we show ourselves to be His disciples by the way it is reproduced in our lives.

34 min

E143: How do I know I am a Christian?

Scripture shows us that love is different than the world defines it. Good things can happen through anyone. Exercising gifts with Christ-like love, produces spiritual fruit, eternal in nature. As a people with hearts given to God, this love is a hallmark of Jesus’ disciples.

33 min

E144: Why is confession important?

Confession is an act of declaring truths of our faith. When we confess our sinfulness, it is the step we take in affirming God’s grace through Jesus. Confession leads to our repentance. Repentance leads to God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness demonstrates our restored relationship with God.

33 min

E145: Why is corporate worship important?

Sunday services are a glimpse of the worship that takes place, throughout eternity, in heaven. God brings together intrinsically different people, praising Him. We make a harmonious sound; something we can only do among a company of believers.

34 min

E146: Why are small groups important?

Sunday morning sermons are not enough. We share personal application of God's word in our lives through intimate, Bible-based small group relationships. As interdependent members of one body, we grow as disciples of Jesus together by fulfilling ministry in small groups.

31 min

E147: What happens when you read the Bible?

Reading Scripture with a right motive shows us God’s desires for righteous living by bringing us face-to-face with Jesus. We read His Word, to both learn something and meet Someone.

28 min

E148: Is there a story big enough to build my life on? (part 5)

There are over 300 mentions of Jesus’ return in the New Testament. The early church had a conviction that Jesus had been resurrected and that He would return to usher in the new heaven and new earth. His return will complete the reconciliation of people to God and mark the end of history as we know it.

37 min

E149: Is there a story big enough to build my life on? (part 4)

There is extensive historical evidence affirming the resurrection of Jesus. He was raised through the power of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit is at work in His church today and shows us the life changing transformation only He can bring.

42 min

E150: Is there a story big enough to build my life on? (Part 2)

Sin is rejection of a God-ruled life; engaging in a self-ruled life instead. The Bible teaches this is a problemtrue of everyone, handed down to us from Adam and Eve. Ultimately sin is a heart problem and the explanation for the world’s brokenness. In Jesus, we have the only effective answer.

37 min

E151: Is there a story big enough to build my life on? (Part One)

The creation story gives Jesus’ disciples the world view for understanding the purpose of our lives. We must recognize someone who is not Jesus’ disciple has a different perspective, sometimes even hostile to ours. We can lovingly question their perspective on life as an opening to share the Good News.

44 min

E152: Where do I find the boldness to speak up?

It is only through the Holy Spirit that we can find the power and boldness to share the gospel. When we have a right view of reality, walk in the Spirit and commit to prayer in evangelism we will see great things happen.

31 min

E153: How do I overcome my feelings of inadequacy?

We can feel inadequate when sharing our faith. Our reasons are varied; we lack training, we feel intellectually inferior or we do not handle opposition well. Yet, sharing our faith is a Biblical mandate. More than once Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will work within us to let God's glory be displayed through our imperfection.

41 min

E154: What does the world hear when it listens to you?

Grace without truth leads to tolerance of sin. Truth without grace leads to legalism. In describing the incarnation, John tells us that Jesus was “full of grace and truth”. These traits dwelt in Him inseparably, not paradoxically. We are to be the same.

36 min

E155: How should I speak to others?

Our words bear witness to our inner character; our spiritual maturity, our thoughts, and our feelings. They have power to destroy or build up. Ultimately the motivation for our words should be to honor God.

36 min

E156: What is in your heart?

A tree produces its own type of fruit. Jesus uses this metaphor show that our words, like fruit, tell us the state of our hearts, the tree. To tame the tongue our need is different than merely filtering our speech. We must depend on God’s grace to transform our hearts and make us the right type of fruit-bearer.

30 min

E157: What comes out of your mouth?

Words, both online and spoken, play a crucial role in our witness. As Jesus' disciples we must let our changed hearts shape the way we communicate.

35 min

E158: Is Jesus Christ in you?

The appeal of a “false gospel” was as strong in the Corinthian church as it is in the western church today. Are we Christian or counterfeit? The ultimate test is to examine and confirm the presence of Jesus Christ in us, individually and communally. His presence confirms we are, indeed, His disciples.

35 min

E159: What are the marks of a true servant of Christ?

Paul was the spiritual father of the Corinthian church. However, he was forced to defend the faith in Corinth because he was not as smooth and appealing as that of the false teachers. In doing so, he shows how a true servant of Christ carries out ministry.

37 min

E160: How do I handle discouragement?

Discouragement is common. How often we are discouraged can be an index for our spiritual maturity. Being discouraged all the time shows that we have not yet learned how to deal with challenges in a God-honoring way. Too little or no discouragement shows us not caring or detached from those around us.

37 min

E161: Will you embrace your weaknesses?

When people boast about their accomplishments or credentials, the motivation is generally self-centered. We can find that tedious. Even worse, though, boasting leaves no room for God to be glorified. Instead, we are called to boast about something unlikely, things that show our weakness.

37 min

E162: How do I protect from spiritual error?

From the moment we place our faith in Christ, our growth must remain grounded in the Gospel. Otherwise, we are susceptible to deception from teaching that sometimes veers from the truth of who He is.

42 min

E163: How do I maximize my potential?

God made each of us unique. As in our creation, we have unique salvation stories with unique parts in His redemption plan (Ephesians 2:10). Paul’s purpose was to preach the Gospel. In giving authority to his ministry in Corinth, he shows us how we should consider the use of our time to advance the Gospel.

43 min

E164: How do we fight darkness?

: Christians are living in the “right now” and “not yet” of the kingdom of God. We experience many eternal blessings such as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. However, this world is not the promised new earth and so we constantly confront darkness. We are reminded that how we fight darkness is as important as what we are called to confront.

42 min

E165: How can I be generous?

Just like loving others, speaking truth and sharing our faith, generosity is a characteristic of a disciple of Jesus. Paul has shown that grace leads to repentance and repentance leads to joy. Now he shows that joy inspires generosity. Because we have been so richly blessed, we desire to be a blessing to others.

37 min

E166: How do I find joy in my life?

As unlikely as it may seem, joy is directly and proportionally tied to genuine repentance for sin in ourselves and other believers. Admitting wrongdoing may not seem a right path to joy. However, it is because it leads us to celebrate the things God celebrates.

42 min

E167: What are obstacles that hinder us?

If we become complacent, the greatest threats to ministry can come from within the church, not outside of it. It is with this perspective that Paul identifies transparent love and uncompromising purity as solutions to two of the obstacles to reconciliation ministry.

41 min

E168: How do I represent Jesus well?

Ambassadors of Jesus must represent Him well. Paul returns to the theme that a comfortable life does not affirm God’s power or work in our lives. Instead, it is the way He enables us to persevere, despite distress, that shows us as legitimate ambassadors.

36 min

E169: How can we change things?

Evil and brokenness have plagued mankind since the Fall. The solution to ridding ourselves of evil’s effects on the world will never originate from people. Instead, our hope comes from knowing God has reconciled us to Himself bringing peace through Jesus. In turn, all believers are called to be ambassadors of this reconciliation ministry.

40 min

E170: What is there to live for?

A glance at the news and you might conclude this is an unprecedented time of crisis. However, times of crisis are not new. Today, as in Paul’s day, reflecting on the eternal “weight of glory” keeps us from becoming pessimistic and fatalistic. We are aware of life’s realities, but our eternal perspective motivates how we live.

34 min

E171: Don't Lose Eternal Focus

Hope in Christ focuses us beyond current circumstances to the future. Paul recognizes that temporal afflictions, no matter how significant they seem, are no comparison to the eternal glory that awaits him (and us).

39 min

E172: Why Me God?

To have the most impact one would think God uses people and circumstances that have visible blessings in place. So that there is no doubt about whose power is at work, God moves through the unlikely to accomplish His plan to His glory.

28 min

E173: How to be Bold

Have you ever had the opportunity to share the Gospel but did not? We must think of ourselves as stewards of God’s ministry instead of thinking it is “ours”. Then, success the way the world defines it is irrelevant. We only need declare what God calls us to; Jesus Christ is Lord.

31 min

E174: An Everlasting Glory

Using the comparison of the glory associated with the two covenants (v1-11), Paul applies it directly to false teaching occurring in Corinth. He shows how the Gospel provides a transformation the Law could not. In the Gospel, we have an unveiled view of God’s glory.

33 min

E175: Are you living in greater glory?

Paul had devoted his life to knowing the Law. After his conversion to Christianity, he was highly qualified to share the Gospel as a part of God's continuing story in Scripture. He shows the glory from Moses bringing the Law is exceeded by the glory of the ministry of the Gospel through the Holy Spirit.

32 min

E176: How do I know if my faith is authentic?

People following Jesus must live authentic lives. Otherwise, observations about our faith can lead to false expectations about Jesus and what it means to follow Him. Paul shares his authenticity with four marks of the faith. They are about our attitudes, not our temperaments or personalities.

35 min

E177: How do I truly forgive someone?

God’s instruction for faithful confrontation, personal repentance and corporate forgiveness gives testimony to the Holy Spirit’s work within the church. We should always have a readiness to extend true, God-honoring forgiveness.

35 min

E178: How to handle misunderstandings

A God-honoring approach to resolving misunderstandings requires that we first examine our motivation. It should not be a defensive reaction nor an attempt to inflict punishment. If done correctly, it will show the Holy Spirit’s work in His church.

39 min

E179: How to handle the stresses of life

The way we deal with suffering is a visible indication of the influence of God’s grace and peace in our lives. Rather than question why Christians suffer, we are called to rely on God’s strengthening (comfort) to have a restful spirit despite suffering.

37 min

E180: The Gospel: Our Foundation for Confession

If the penalty for our sin has been cancelled in Christ, then why must we keep confessing our sin? Declaring our penalty as paid, affirms our faith in Jesus’ redeeming work. Living a life of confession leads us to experience the joy of our standing in Christ. Confession wages war on sin and gives glory to God.

36 min

E181: Restoring Relationships within the Church

Regular confession of sin to each other is important. Sadly, it is infrequent in today’s church. Evidence suggests we are hiding sin from each other to the demise of our spiritual health. The church should be a safe place to experience grace.

35 min

E182: Confession: From Brokeness to Restoration

Lent, the season leading up to the celebration of Easter, is a time for personal and church-wide repentance and confession. Psalm 51 serves as an apex of confession where David, a man after God’s own heart, confesses his sin and transgression.

37 min

E183: The Joy of God's Forgiveness

Jesus’s followers know they need God’s forgiveness and know they are completely forgiven in Christ. There is a rich joy (blessing) in experiencing this forgiveness.

35 min

E184: Repentance: Restoring Fellowship with God

Through God’s grace we can approach Him without fear. Thus, we go to Him able to confess our sins with genuine repentance.

78 min

E185: Grace that Grows

2 Peter 1:1-8 We talk a lot about grace but tend to stop short of where grace is taking us. Grace is not meant to make us comfortable where we are but grow us in great knowledge and relationship with our Father. 1. Real grace will bring relationship 2. Real grace will bring repentance 3. Real grace will bring revelation 4. Real grace will bring reward

38 min

E186: Grace is Bigger than our Circumstances

The world would have us believe that improving “just one thing” would make life perfect. That is an illusion. Rather than being controlled by our circumstances Jesus’ disciples can find true joy by resting in God’s grace.

21 min

E187: God's Grace in Our Weakness

We experience God’s power in our weakness. To do that we must put aside our pride and reliance on earthly credentials. Then our approach to ministry can be like Paul’s; to elevate Christ and a dependence on the Gospel in our lives.

34 min

E188: Experiencing the Full Measure of Grace

Grace is fully understood when it is experienced. It involves more than receiving God’s grace. A fuller understanding comes when we give grace to others. When that seems impossible, we’re reminded God’s grace is greater than any grace we’re asked to show to others.

36 min

E189: The Infinite Sufficiency of Grace

Authentic confession begins with a foundation of faith based on grace. In turn, we can be vulnerable before God and others without fear from the guilt of our sin.

39 min

E190: Living a Life of Confession

To live a life of confession is to live in affirmation of the truth in Scripture. It is a declaration that life is centered on Jesus. Anything else is at odds with reality.

29 min

E191: Attending Worship Weekly

All week the culture stresses the importance of self. Our gathering on Sunday dispels that lie and replaces it with a right perspective for the week ahead. Grounded in the Gospel, we gather to celebrate access to our Creator.

30 min

E192: Reading our Bibles Daily

God's Word is the foundation for our ethics, morals and view of salvation. We can submit to God by learning, with others, from His Word, the Bible.

37 min

E193: Biblical Community

We participate in Biblical community for the well-being of others. In turn, we are blessed by others doing the same. This is God's design and shows how He works through His people

34 min

E194: A Merciful God is Waiting

We do not like to wait, especially in our instant gratification culture. We can be tempted to avoid circumstances by working detours or just avoid problems altogether. Despite our impatience, God waits for us. Once we turn and trust Him, He shows us a better way.

32 min

E195: Waiting with Confidence

In the midst of waiting, we may lack perspective on what God is doing. However, Scripture can remind us that we do know the ultimate outcome. God will accomplish what He intends. We can wait with confidence.

31 min

E196: Waiting in Faith

We long for the Christmas promise of “peace on earth”. However, the realities and turmoil of life make this seem elusive. God’s word reminds us that we have the option to wait confidently, trusting in His promises and power.

32 min

E197: Waiting While God Works

The Christmas story began 400 years after the last of God’s Old Testament prophets, Malachi, warned Israel about turning away from God. During that time, God was silent. However, He never stopped carrying out His plan.

33 min

E198: God's Immeasurable Forgiveness

When we view God through a human perspective, we get a flawed view. That flawed view impacts how we relate to Him, particularly when we consider His forgiveness. We struggle because we think He forgives like we do.

33 min

E199: Caring for the Vulnerable

An unchanging theme throughout all Scripture is that God is drawn tot eh vulnerable and marginalized. God chooses to use His power to defend the weak. The heart of God is for the vulnerable. (Psalm 68:5-6). God calls us to minister to the vulnerable (James 1:27)

35 min

E200: God's Abounding & Enduring Love

Without fully appreciating how much God loves us, our understanding of His love is too shallow. Hence, we do not realize the impact His love should have on our lives.

25 min

E201: A God Who Long Suffers

God's nature is to be slow to anger (long suffering). However, in this and other things we can mistake the silence that comes with His patience as an indication He is like us (Psalm 50:21). That is not the case. God's anger is nuanced and His patience has limits.

29 min

E202: Compassionate and Gracious

Due to a recording problem, we're missing a short part of the sermon which set context. We're in Exodus where the Lord is responding to Moses right after Israel had abandoned God to worship the golden calf. (Exodus 32). We pick up where Jason is teaching on the Lord's response (Exodus 33) which is most remarkable, given this context. Understanding how God describes Himself is fundamental to understanding His desire for us as His image-bearers (Genesis 1:27). We do not have to guess about who He is because He tells us. He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and steadfast.

25 min

E203: Living in Community

God's plan for the church is to create a supernatural community that makes the glory of the invisible God visible. That happens by depending on God

32 min

E204: Baptism and Communion: Ordained by Jesus

Baptism and communion are both ordained by Jesus. Baptism is the event that marks our entrance into Christ's church. Communion is the ongoing covenant of renewal that Jesus provides for His people. Both show us God's promises, in physical form, that we use to affirm one another.

37 min

E205: Proclaiming the Gospel: Music, Preaching and Prayer

In worship, the church proclaims the Gospel. Worship prepares us, collectively, for the individual challenges we will face during the week ahead. Done deeply, worship is multifaceted and God-focused.

34 min

E206: Gathering as the Church

When people gather, they are noticed; making a collective and powerful statement. When the church gathers, we proclaim God's Kingdom.

28 min

E207: Who is a Christian?

Christians are people who follow Jesus. Jesus teaches that we must be made new to be His followers. He makes the difference in our lives in ways that He desires.

33 min

E208: This is the Church

Our understanding of the church can get tainted. We need to return to Jesus' definition of His church; an assembly gathered around the confession that Jesus is Messiah.

31 min

E209: Psalm 37

Access to information does not make us wiser. We need Godly wisdom to guide our lives. Written when he was older (v.25a), David shows us how that looks based on wisdom he gathered throughout his life.

35 min

E210: Psalm 34

David had a remarkable calling to succeed Saul as king from a very humble beginning. (1 Samuel 16). Even early in life, through no consequence of sin, David was placed in situations that brought on extreme personal duress. Like him, we go to God asking for deliverance, depending, most of all, on His protection.

32 min

E211: Psam 94

Impartiality under the law is a hallmark of the U.S. system. All are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Under God's law, however, we are already presumed guilty (Romans 3:23). Yet, God can mete out perfect justice while granting mercy. He does this without compromising His character.

35 min

E212: Psalm 63

We turn to God even when our challenge are the self-inflicted consequences of our sinfulness. His desire is to forgive us.

31 min

E213: Psalm 31

Everyone experiences anxiety, an ominous view of the future or FEAR (seeing Future Events As Real). We try to avoid it by minimizing it for substituting something to dull it. Neither works. David shows us that we should seek refuge in God.

38 min

E214: Psalm 11

One response to life challenges is to listen to the counsel of fear, leading to emotional and/or physical withdrawal. However, David shows us that we should listen to the counsel of faith, seeking refuge in God by actively trusting Him.

36 min

E215: Psalm 103

Blessing the Lord starts with eye-opening awareness that moves our souls into gratitude, thankfulness and worship, not just in words, but in the very obedience of our lives. We bless the Lord most significantly, as we walk in obedience driven by reverential awe, allowing Him to make us new...transforming us into His image.

37 min

E216: Psalm 27

Waiting on the Lord is an active process. We can have confidence in His leading by recalling His past deliverances and mediating on His character.

22 min

E217: Psalm 25

God is with us, even during difficult times. That is when He gives us opportunities for growth, to His glory.

21 min

E218: Psalm 80

The psalmist, Asaph, proclaims that God, in His might, is working against Israel (v4-6). When we are unfaithful, there comes a time when He will work against us. However, we remain His people and He will save when we repent and abide in Christ.

37 min

E219: Psalm 86

When we pray, we view needs from our perspective. We have two types of needs; those we believe we're able to handle on our own and those that are beyond the resources within our control. David shows us the right way to pray about our neediness.

35 min

E220: Psalm 98

When God demonstrates His power, He shows His dominion over creation and faithfulness to His covenant people. Praising Him is all creation's response.

24 min

E221: Psalm 150

Often called the "grand doxology for the book of Psalms", these verses show us the outcome of life lived in obedience to God's word.

24 min

E222: 1 Peter 5:6-11

God offers rest and peace in the face of life’s difficulties. There are five things we do to experience this.

29 min

E223: 1 Peter 4.12-19

God allows us to participate in suffering to refine us. God uses it to show us what may be occupying a place in our lives that rightfully belongs to Jesus.

30 min

E224: Following Jesus

Jesus died and rose again so that everyone who repents and turns to Him can have new life. That is the Gospel. We must be willing to let it turn us away from our previous lifestyle of satisfying sinful desires.

35 min

E225: Prepared for Exile

At the time Peter wrote this letter, the recipients were experiencing subtle persecution for the Gospel. In time that persecution became dramatically more overt. We are told that suffering for our faith is to be expected.

31 min

E226: Virtues of the Exiled Life

Living as Jesus’ disciples enables the church to demonstrate authentic community. In doing so, we demonstrate the virtues of Christian culture to those outside the church.

33 min

E227: Exiled Marriage

Peter continues on the theme of submission to human institutions by moving to marriage. Wives are to follow the example of Christ is joyful submission to their husband and husbands are to follow the example of Christ by using their strength and authority to serve their wives.

37 min

E228: Suffering for the Sake of Jesus

No one likes suffering. We do everything possible to avoid it. However, it is something we are told will happen if we are living distinctively for Jesus.

30 min

E229: Free to Submit

Human nature is to rebel against authority. However, as Jesus’ disciples, we are called to live distinctively. We must joyfully submit to human authority because it is God’s authority made visible.

32 min

E230: Exiled to Community

We are called to be a counter-cultural community that is based on service. Peter describes this as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a a people for God's own possession.

36 min

E231: Exiled for Love

Through all circumstances we are called to love.

33 min

E232: Exiled to Holiness

We are called to be holy because God is holy. We have been exiled from unholiness to holiness.

34 min

E233: Gazing into the Gospel

Peter lived during an extraordinarily time. He saw the prophetic Old Testament promises of Messiah fulfilled. Firsthand, person to person, he experienced Jesus’ grace. His teaching on dependence on grace in suffering shapes our outlook on life’s struggles.

35 min

E234: Living Hope

These verses, in the original Greek, comprise one long sentence with Peter giving praise for our salvation. In them Peter teaches salvation as a living hope of comfort providing perspective on life struggles in the here and now.

25 min

E235: Welcome to the Exile

Just as in Peter’s day, there is a stark contrast between the Christian’s and the world’s values. We look like strangers or exiles.

34 min

E236: A Life of Confession

We all know that we have done wrong in some aspect. The guilt that comes is inevitable but we not have to deal with the guilt on our own, God offers a better way.

37 min

E237: The Church Gathered

We gather not primarily for what the church can do for us but what it does for God and the kingdom. It is to engage in communal life for the sake of the world and the glory of our King.

38 min

E238: Engaging in Community

32 min

E239: Reading Scripture

Psalm 1 tells us that the person who meditates on God’s Word is blessed, like a well-watered, fruitful tree. Meditation is a spiritually enriching, fruit-producing spiritual habit.

34 min

E240: Hope For Tomorrow

There is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ

28 min

E241: The Right Stuff

700 years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah taught that Israel could trust the coming Messiah. Remembering His first coming, we can trust the promise of His return.

34 min

E242: Hope

Advent is a celebration of Jesus’ first coming and a reminder that He will come again. Even in the face of enormous challenges, God is our Anchor and we can trust in His promises for the future.

33 min

E243: Expectation

Advent should bring expectations and expectations always affect your behavior.

29 min

E244: Get a Grip on Grumbling

At its core, grumbling is an expression of ingratitude to God.

31 min

E245: Habit of Gratitude

Developing a habit of giving thanks requires that we intentionally and repeatedly practice it.

32 min

E246: Foundation of Gratitude

24 min

E247: The Temptation of Selfishness

Unity is weakened by selfishness. God calls us to have a bigger view of His Kingdom.

35 min

E248: The Temptation of Division

Differences should not create divisions in the body of Christ. Oneness in spite of our differences glorifies God.

42 min

E249: The Temptation of Success

Striving for success always comes at a cost. We must recognize how we approach achieving success is as important as what we describe as success.

34 min

E250: The Temptation of Religion

39 min

E251: A Way Out

Temptation is anything that promises satisfaction in place of obedience to God. God is faithful and will always provide a way out.

39 min

E252: Truth About Lies

The devil's main strategy against you is lies. Spiritual Warfare is first and foremost about the war to believe truth over lies.

45 min

E253: Path to Temptation

37 min

E254: Cross-centered Grace

In the first century, the cross represented shameful, torturous death. Yet Paul points to Jesus’ redeeming work on the cross as the only source of confidence in a Christian’s life.

36 min

E255: Communal Grace

A life led by the Holy Spirit produces personal fruit (Galatians 5:22-23a). However, His influence does not end there. He leads us in Christian community as well.

36 min

E256: Fruitful Grace

While grace seems “stunningly free”, we do not have the option to walk our own path. We are called to be led by the Holy Spirit. We follow His lead in the spiritual war for believers that continues between our flesh (human nature) and His desires.

42 min

E257: Motivating Grace

Gospel transformation is different from moral reformation. Gospel transformation is centered on Jesus’ redeeming work. Moral reformation depends on individual effort. One leads to a motivation from freedom and the other is motivated by fear.

40 min

E258: Preserving Grace

Scripture teaches us that we keep our freedom in Christ through faith in the Gospel. Reverting to reliance on our own means leads to slavery, not salvation.

33 min

E259: Forward Grace

It is easy to replace one for of slavery for another or to desire to go back to what was once familiar and "safe". Paul reminds us to push forward in grace.

33 min

E260: Adopting Grace

We cannot over-emphasize the importance of the doctrine of justification, for every follower of Christ needs a strong understanding of this biblical teaching. But justification is not the end of the gospel. In fact, it may not even be the greatest truth in the gospel. The doctrine of justification makes us right before God the judge, but in the doctrine of adoption we are loved by God the Father.

48 min

E261: Promised Grace

Salvation comes through a promise from God and therefore cannot come from keeping the law. Then why the law? Paul explains promise and law in this passage.

41 min

E262: Sanctifying Grace

Most Christians understand imputed righteousness (we are declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus) but we struggle to understand imparted righteousness (living a righteous life). We must understand that the same thing that saves us also keeps us.

37 min

E263: Justifying Grace

Legalism leads to fear and fear leads to hypocrisy. Our hypocrisy condemns us but grace justifies us.

45 min

E264: Uncompromising Grace

We must contend for the purity of the gospel and never compromise a single point. Anything we add or subtract from the gospel makes it no gospel at all.

42 min

E265: Transforming Grace

In this passage the amazing, powerful, counter-intuitive grace of God is on display. Paul gives us a picture of God's transforming grace by relating his own story. Paul was transformed by his encounter with Jesus.

36 min

E266: Freeing Grace

Paul writes to churches that are being tempted to trade the simplicity of the gospel for a false message of works. We need to learn how to recognize legalism in our lives and fight against it with the truth of the gospel.

37 min

E267: Joy in Trials

How do you find joy in trials? Habakkuk has discovered the secret and leads us to the answer.

35 min

E268: Looking Up

This week we looked at Habakkuk 3 where we are called to rely on God, remember who He is and rejoice in Him. In doing that we learn to look up to God instead of our circumstances.

32 min

E269: Two Ways to Live

If God is infinite, sovereign, all-powerful, all knowing and can do whatever He pleases, then what do we do with pain, suffering, loss and hurt? What do we do with those things since God is good and He is sovereign and those things exist? The Bible says we’ll have one of two reactions to that kind of thing.

32 min

E270: Patient Waiting

What does it mean "to wait on the Lord"? How do we do that in the midst of struggles and suffering?

34 min

E271: Faithful Wrestling

In moments of hardships and trials, we are going to have questions. Habakkuk show us that we can bring these questions and complaints to God. What we can’t do is come puffed up before God when his ways don’t make sense. We are not peers. We cannot take the position that God must do things in our understanding.

30 min

E272: Questions We All Ask

When our circumstances overwhelm us, when God's promises seem unfulfilled, where do we turn? For starters, we long for answers: Why, God? It is a question we have all asked at one time but it is not a new question.

31 min

E273: Darkness to Light

The resurrection means that moving from darkness to light is possible.

24 min

E274: Prayer in Spiritual Warfare

How does prayer fit into the armor of God and spiritual warfare?

25 min

E275: Humility in Prayer

Prayer combats pride and cultivates humility in the life of the believer.

27 min

E276: Lament in Prayer

We know how to cry. But we may not know how to lament. Lament is an honest prayer to God about the emotions you are feeling and the questions you have in the midst of suffering and pain.

29 min

E277: The Invitation to Prayer

Jesus teaches us to bank our prayer life on God's love for you.

33 min

E278: Purpose of Prayer

The primary purpose of prayer is not to gratify our natural desires but to magnify the glory of God.

34 min

E279: Possibility of Prayer

Prayer is either the greatest insanity or the most wonderful news. Prayer is calling on God for his attention. We ask him to turn away from the exploding stars and supernovas and give attention to our trouble. We ask him to show us mercy. Why would we think this is a good idea?

36 min

E280: Kingdom Come

The "Already/Not yet" feature of the kingdom of God is a truth that can shape not only our future but direct us in the present.

40 min

E281: Kingdom Identity

The kingdom of God provides us with a different way of thinking about our identity. Through the gospel our identity is received, not achieved. We are drawn into a royal story, it doesn’t depend on circumstances. It doesn’t change with trends. It doesn’t come and go with seasons. At the core of our God-given identity is this profound truth: we are God’s beloved children, sons and daughters of the King.

38 min

E282: Kingdom Followers

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus in light of the kingdom of God?

38 min

E283: Life in Community

What does community look like in light of the kingdom of God?

43 min

E284: King Jesus

Sadly, many Christians today are promoting what amounts to a kingdom without a king. People talk about “kingdom justice” or “kingdom living,” in a way that eclipses the person and work of Christ the king. For some, “kingdom work” seems to be no different than a secular attempt to make the world a better place. This approach couldn’t be further from the truth. To genuinely embrace the kingdom, we have to keep the focus on Jesus the king.

39 min

E285: The Kingdom Story

Scripture is not a mismatch of stories about morality; it is one grand story of God’s royal grace. And Jesus tells the story of the Bible as a kingdom story. “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15).

36 min

E286: First Things First

Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter. Jesus command to "seek first the kingdom of God".

33 min

E287: Behold The Gospel

The story of the shepherds and Mary show us how to respond the good news that a Savior has come.

36 min

E288: Behold the King

Jesus came as a King to overthrow our little kingdoms. We are not the rulers and our lives make sense when we know our place and Jesus' place.

36 min

E289: Behold Immanuel

Immanuel means Jesus is fully God, he is fully human and he is fully with us.

36 min

E290: Behold the Coming

Christmas is more than just a baby being born, it is the coming of a King to rescue his people.

35 min

E291: Behold the Light

We know it is Christmas when the lights start to go up on houses and trees. What does the light really mean?

29 min

E292: Jesus & Justice

Jesus does not move on from the commands of justice from the Old Testament. He echos the same call and shows us the path for justice and mercy.

38 min

E293: Practical Justice

Doing justice is an important part of living the Christian life in the world. The question is how to practically answer this call today.

43 min

E294: Love Your Neighbor

We are called to love our neighbor with all the strength, intensity and generosity that we would use to help ourselves.

39 min

E295: Biblical Justice

God is just and has a heart for those that are overlooked, pushed down, and at an economic and social disadvantage. Christians should seek to help and be the voice of those without a voice.

43 min

E296: Unseen Grace

Sometimes we miss the grace of God because it comes in packages of suffering and discipline.

31 min

E297: Transforming Grace

Grace is about transformation not behavior modification.

33 min

E298: Pleasure of Grace

Grace should lead Christians to find the most pleasure in life and discovery the greatest joy.

39 min

E299: Profound Grace

There is a difference between deep and profound. One is intellectual and detached and the other is life changing. Discover the profound grace of Jesus.

42 min

E300: Grace Multiplied

Grace is a gift we continually need, through our entire lives of faith.

32 min

E301: River of Life

This was the message during our 10th anniversary celebration.

46 min

E302: Follow Your Heart

Our culture says "follow your heart". It sounds so romantic and freeing, but is it really wise advice?

33 min

E303: Don't Judge Others

Our cultural use the defense mechanism, "Don't judge me" to mean that someone can never tell another person what is right and wrong. But is that really what Jesus commanded or how he intended us to understand his words?

36 min

E304: The Power of the Holy Spirit

What we see in the New Testament church is that they were completely dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t about the show. It wasn’t about the performance. It was the power of the Holy Spirit. That was the only way to explain it.

41 min

E305: Promise of the Holy Spirit

The promise of the Holy Spirit is a promise of true life. He is our promised Advocate, filling our lives permanently with His presence and unleashing us to live out of the promises of God.

44 min

E306: The Person of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has personhood and we can have a relationship with this person.

34 min

E307: Redeeming Love

We often don’t understand the full significance of a story until we get to the end. That’s certainly true in the book of Ruth, as Ruth’s redemption is put in the larger framework of God’s redemptive purposes. In Ruth 4, we see how Ruth’s redemption looks forward to King David and the Redeemer who would come from David’s line.

43 min

E308: Risky Love

Ruth boldly approaches Boaz on the threshing floor and asks for his redemption; Boaz sends Ruth back from the threshing floor with an abundance of barley indicating his intention to act toward her redemption.

41 min

E309: Mercy Needs No Luck

Ruth meets Boaz and begins to find provision and hope for a brighter future. God’s sovereign hand of blessing is seen in the way Ruth is treated.

39 min

E310: Bitter Sweet

Ruth 1:1-22 The beginning of Ruth is a sad story of a family tragedy resulting from poor decisions. The depth of despair felt by Ruth and her family paves the way toward the redemption that awaits them.

39 min

E311: Legacy of Love

In a man’s zeal to stand firm in the faith, be strong, and fight the spiritual battle love cannot be left behind. Paul reminds us to do “all that you do” in love. Loving in all that we do can be a challenge; but by it not only do we DEEPEN our relationship with Christ but we represent Him well to everyone else.

36 min

E312: Follow the Leader

There are needs in every community. We are sent out in community to serve those needs and proclaim the good news.

34 min

E313: Mission Practice

When we combine our natural rhythms and passions with the gospel and use them to build relationships, powerful things can happen.

33 min

E314: Gospel Foundation

The gospel is how we become Christians but it is also how we grow as believers—through meditating on God’s Word and applying it to every aspect of our lives.

38 min

E315: Life on Mission

An everyday missionary is one who lives life on mission where God has placed him or her.

40 min

E316: Testimony

We don’t have to play a guessing game when it comes to our salvation. God grants us the understanding necessary to grasp our relationship with Him and the world.

37 min

E317: Overcome

We can overcome when we love when tested, obey when tempted and believe when threatened.

31 min

E318: Greater Love

25 min

E319: Exclusivity

To avoid being misled by false prophets, test everything against scripture.

40 min

E320: Love's Assurance

We must love others by being willing to lay down our comforts, our security, and even our own lives for them—just like Jesus.

35 min

E321: Who's Your Daddy?

The Father’s love makes us a child of God as he works to form us to the image of Christ.

41 min

E322: Behold the Love of God

True believers will remain in fellowship with Christ and experience the blessings that come through communion with Him.

41 min

E323: Choose Your Love

You cannot love the Father and worldliness, you must choose what you love.

37 min

E324: Assurance

In Christ, our sins have been forgiven, the power of sin has been destroyed and we now grow in maturity through Christ.

30 min

E325: Love One Another

Love is the supreme command because it fulfills the law and reflects the heart of God as seen in Jesus.

39 min

E326: Obedience

Our obedience to God does not entail our salvation, but it is an effect of our salvation.

39 min

E327: Foundation of Joy

Our doctrinal stance provides a foundation of joy and tests the validity of our fellowship with God.

30 min

E328: Fellowship With God

A strong Christian life must find its foundation in the knowledge that Jesus is real, that He lives, and that we can have a relationship with Him. If we believe these principles, no sacrifice for Christ is too great.

40 min

E329: Gathering Together

Church never refers to an individual, lone-ranger Christian who goes about his or her Christian duties, never gathering together to worship with other believers. The church, by its very nature, means multiple believers assembled together.

42 min

E330: Confession

55 min

E331: Community

32 min

E332: Read Your Bible

Reading and meditating on Scripture daily leads to growth and stability.

40 min

E333: Give Us a Name

31 min

E334: Look Up

How we view life drives how we do life. Look up. God is with you.

32 min

E335: Something New

When you don't understand what God is doing, remember what God has spoken.

32 min

E336: Grateful Joy

46 min

E337: ThankFULL

Gratitude makes you generous, gratitude makes you encouraging, gratitude makes you thankful. Gratitude unlocks so many other positive qualities that I'm asking God to transform my heart from one that is often entitled to one that is by nature more grateful. The tragedy is for many people, they never will experience the true heart of gratitude.

34 min

E338: Laodicea

Don’t allow physical prosperity to drown out your desire for God.

43 min

E339: Philadelphia

True power comes from trusting God even when you’re tempted to give up on your faith.

37 min

E340: Sardis

Being spiritually alive means more than calling yourself a Christian.

36 min

E341: Thyatira

Don’t sacrifice what you need to hear for what you want to hear.

38 min

E342: Pergamum

When you mix the Christian faith with the unbiblical, popular beliefs of the day, you lose Jesus.

38 min

E343: Smyrna

Don’t let persecution push you to give up on your faith. Jesus’ resurrection ensures the resurrection of those who follow him.

37 min

E344: Ephesus

In our pursuit of holiness and doctrinal purity, we cannot lose sight of our love for God and others.

39 min

E345: God of Comfort

God has given us a comfort that is greater than anything the culture, other religions, or our own preferences and desires can provide.

24 min

E346: Uncomfortable Community

The church is made up of people we may not always get along with or agree with—but that’s something God can use for our good.

42 min

E347: Uncomfortable Cross

We should expect uncomfortableness because the crucifixion and what Jesus did on the cross is at the very center of our faith.

35 min

E348: Uncomfortable Christianity

The Christian life—especially when it comes to being part of a church community—is full of discomfort and awkwardness, but God uses these challenges to help us know him better.

34 min

E349: Commission

Based on Christ's authority and His promised presence, His followers are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe Jesus' commands.

39 min

E350: Resurrection

Despite various attempts to explain away the resurrection, Scripture's account remains the most plausible, and it establishes Jesus' lordship over all things and all people, summoning us to trust in Him and surrender to Him.

39 min

E351: Cross

As the centerpiece of all history and the determinant of our eternity, the cross reveals God's holiness, our wickedness, and the humility of Jesus Christ.

41 min

E352: Opportunity

Uncomfortable Christianity, however, leads to life and transformation. It leads us to rely on God and not on ourselves; to serve rather than be served; to live lives marked by sacrifice. It leads us to do hard things, to embrace hard truths, to do life with hard people for the sake and glory of the One who did the hardest thing. It may be uncomfortable, but it will be worth it. On the other side of discomfort is delight in Christ.

39 min

E353: Future

Jesus' prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming are a call for His disciples to trust in His authority, persevere in His power, and long for His return.

38 min

E354: Hypocrisy

The danger of spiritual deception is real, even for those who are sincere in their religious convictions; therefore, we must submit to God's Word and look to the mercy of Christ in the gospel.

36 min

E355: Grace

Jesus' authority has been and continues to be questioned and rejected by some people due to sin and unbelief, but His vindication can be seen in His death, resurrection, and final restoration.

46 min

E356: The King

The glorious attributes of King Jesus are on display during and following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the beginning of the climactic ending to His first coming.

34 min

E357: Defying Gravity

We break free the pull of this world by having a heart that is open and receptive like a child, surrendering our wants, wanting God’s generosity to be lavished on others and serving rather than being served.

50 min

E358: Marriage and Divorce

God created and defined the covenant of marriage, and therefore He alone sets the grounds for divorce, which He hates; nevertheless, God continues to hold out hope in the gospel for all who have disobeyed Him in this area.

40 min

E359: Family

We come to Christ initially with child-like humility and then continue to follow Him under the loving discipline of a local church.

49 min

E360: Behold

As we behold the glories of Jesus Christ, we will become more like Him.

40 min

E361: The Church

The church is the community of people who know Jesus intimately, proclaim Jesus confidently, and obey Jesus sacrificially.

44 min

E362: Holiness

Rather than superficial religion, we need supernatural regeneration based on the authority of God's Word, for this work of God produces holiness of heart and it reaches all peoples.

40 min

E363: Worship

Our worship of Christ is a direct reflection of our belief in Christ. We could also put it this way: What we believe about Jesus will determine everything about how we worship Jesus.

41 min

E364: The Kingdom of God Is Like

Jesus' parables tell of a kingdom that, despite being unrecognized and rejected by some, is already accomplishing its purpose in the world, and it will one day be gloriously consummated, resulting in eternal judgment for those who reject the gospel and eternal life for those who genuinely trust in Christ and treasure His reward.

36 min

E365: Humbled or Hardened

When we see Jesus for who He is, we can either repent and receive His mercy, or we can reject Him and experience eternal judgment.

40 min

E366: Doubt

Although followers of Christ may experience doubt, we must trust in and submit to the truths of God's Word concerning who Jesus is and what He has provided for us in the gospel.

41 min

E367: Sent

We don't just live to celebrate this good news; we live to spread this good news.

44 min

E368: Authority

Jesus meets our greatest need by providing for the forgiveness of our sins and by defeating death on our behalf.

42 min

E369: Authority

Jesus possesses absolute authority in the world and warrants absolute allegiance from the world.

40 min

E370: Manifesto

To follow Jesus means to live with radical abandonment for his glory, to lay down and leave behind all things in order to live for the King, with joyful dependence on his grace, faithful adherence to his person, total trust in his authority, and to live with urgent obedience to his mission.

35 min

E371: Follow Me

To follow Jesus means to live with radical abandonment for his glory, to lay down and leave behind all things in order to live for the King, with joyful dependence on his grace, faithful adherence to his person, total trust in his authority, and to live with urgent obedience to his mission.

38 min

E372: Testing Through Temptation

Jesus overcame temptation through his relationship with the Father by relying on his Word.

36 min

E373: Repentance

Repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of behavior.

40 min

E374: Jesus Is

Only God could have orchestrated the details of Jesus’s early life, fulfilling every prophecy about his origins.

39 min

E375: God With Us

Jesus is the Messiah promised to us in the Old Testament.

30 min

E376: Community

God never intended for us to walk alone. Authentic community in which we deeply know others and are known by others is necessary for a victorious faith life.

36 min

E377: Confession

A blessed life is a life of confession.

42 min

E378: Scripture

Psalm 119 The Bible is God’s authoritative Word, showing us clearly who God has been in the history of humanity and what he desires for us individually.

38 min

E379: Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve service

31 min

E380: Between Darkness and Light

Two thousand years ago when God shined His light into the world to deal with the darkness, after that we are still waiting for Him to put a total end to the darkness—and that will come at the next Advent when Jesus returns. And we know that the Gospel is the deepest solution to all of our problems, but we also know that in between, right now, between today and eternal salvation in heaven, that there are some dark places that need a healthy dose of light.

36 min

E381: Between Earth and Heaven

If the time is coming, if Jesus is on the way, if Advent is really happening, then what kind of people are they being called to be? And the answer to that question is not just a historical one, but it is also one that is quite relevant for all of us. Because as they waited for Jesus to come the first time we wait for Jesus to come the second time, and there are a lot of similarities in how we can prepare to receive Him just as they did.

34 min

E382: Living in Between

The word advent, literally defined, just simply means “coming.” And so the purpose of Advent season oftentimes is thought of as a time to look back and to remember when Jesus came: His coming as a Christ-child, His coming as a baby in a manger, as the long-awaited and promised Messiah who would save the people from their sins. So that tends to be how we think of Advent. It’s looking back and remembering when Jesus came the first time. But Advent also is meant to cause us to look ahead, to anticipate. So it’s both a season of celebration and a season of anticipation, where we remember that Jesus came but we prepare ourselves for the truth that He will come…that He will come again. So we want to celebrate the birth of Jesus; we want to anticipate the return of Jesus during this time of the year especially.

32 min

E383: Soli Deo Gloria

“From Him, through Him and to Him” is really the essence of the Christian life. And an opposite mentality – “from me, through me, and to me” – is the fundamental problem with mankind and why hell exists. So let’s use this framework to look at these verses and the glory of God.

36 min

E384: Sola Christus

We may forget that Christ is actually a title. It’s not Jesus’ last name. So, Jesus Christ should be understood as Jesus, the Christ. It’s a title. Christ is the New Testament equivalent of the Hebrew word Messiah. So Christ is equivalent to Messiah, which literally means ANOINTED ONE.

45 min

E385: Sola Scriptura

When the Reformers used the words sola Scriptura they were expressing their concern for the Bible's authority, and what they meant is that the Bible alone is our ultimate authority not the pope, not the church, not the traditions of the church or church councils, still less personal suggestions or subjective feelings, but Scripture only.

43 min

E386: Following God

The last section of Jonah exposes a heart problem both in the prophet and in us. We worship created things over the creator and, like young children, become angry when God graciously takes them from us. God patiently points out our sins, not to anger us, but because he is kind and full of grace. He puts us in difficult situations so that we might see and have his heart.

36 min

E387: What God Wants

The struggle Jonah is having is not that he is disappointed in God. That is simply an effect of something much deeper. Jonah is disappointed because Jonah does not want what God wants.

35 min

E388: God's Love

Sometimes the love of God comes in the form of stinging, hard judgment. You cannot have true love that does not include judgment. Because if you have love that does not have judgment, it doesn't have moral structure to it.

32 min

E389: Your Potential

These five verses are a radical perspective on how you should measure your potential.

31 min

E390: Transforming Grace

One of the biggest questions you could ever ask is how is it that God changes us. We're going to look at a moment in the life of Jonah where we get to be witnesses on how God works to change the heart of a man.

42 min

E391: Why We Run

Running from God is seldom about a change of location. You can run from God in your relationships, in your work, in your own heart and not know you're running. Let's think about what it actually means to run from the god of grace.

32 min

E392: Interpreting Your World

Here's a principle for you: as human beings made in the image of God, we don't live life based on the facts of our experience. We live life based on our interpretation of the facts. Every human being is a philosopher, every human being is a theologian, every human being is an archaeologist, who will dig through the mount of his existence to make sense out of life and the way you interpret life will form why you do the things you do, why you say the things you say.

28 min

E393: Intentional Relationships

How are we to approach people far from God is full of grace and truth by choosing to invest in our relationships with them and then at the right time making an invitation that would be appropriate for them to come and know God?

34 min

E394: Intentional Prayer

We tend to think that evangelism is about mastering massive amounts of apologetic material so whatever somebody asks about we're ready with an answer. No matter the objection you give I have an answer for that and no one in this room feels comfortable to answer every question that might come your way. So, we tend to say nothing. We think sharing about Jesus is fairly simple and it's not as intimidating as you think and it actually can be easier than you think because ultimately evangelism or proclaiming the good news of Jesus is simply this: helping others find Christ in ways that are natural to you.

37 min

E395: Building Health Relationships

Relationships define your life. For good or evil. Relationships define your life.

34 min

E396: Christian Community

Huge numbers of Americans today say to pollsters, “Oh, I’m spiritual, but I’m not religious.” If you listen carefully, what that means is, “I’m interested in God, but I’m not interested in the church.” They’ve lost hope for the church, but if they understood Scripture, they might have hope for the church.

42 min

E397: True Worship

It is clearly the most important topic that a human mind could ever consider. It is the thing that defines everything in your life. It is a thing that is mistakenly connected to religion, but is vastly bigger than that. It is a thing that separates you from the rest of creation. It is the topic of topics. It is worship.

30 min

E398: The Steadfast Love of God

This Psalm can answer the question, “Will life ever get better?”

40 min

E399: God Has a Purpose for You

Few things in life are as important as finding your purpose. When you understand something’s purpose, you can put up with all kinds of inconvenience and pain because of it. Knowing that God has a purpose for you would transform how you see everything in your life—what you do with your blessings; how to interpret your pain. So how can you discover that purpose for you?

40 min

E400: Finding Happiness

What keeps me from being happy?

37 min

E401: The Right Question

Psalm 15 asks the right question. It is a question that really does get to the heart of the identity of every human being. If you want to know who you are, if you want to know why you have been given breath, if you want to know what in the world your life is about, you need to ask this question. It is a question that gets right to the heart of the creative and sovereign purpose of God. It is a question that in its own way summarizes the entire redemptive drama. It is embedded in this question. Who has the right to live in the presence of God?

31 min

E402: Responding to Trials

And so, Psalm 4 is a wonderful look, a wonderful window into the heart of a man who's in the middle of that kind of trial, in the middle of the unthinkable. And in that way, it's a bit of a textbook for us on how to fight this spiritual war of trial.

30 min

E403: The Way of the Righteous

This is a wonderful Psalm of hope and promise. But I would like to look at this Psalm as an interpretive lens with you this morning, maybe a different way of looking at Psalm 1 because there is a real way in which Psalm 1 really does summarize the life perspectives that are resident in every one of the Psalms. And I want to walk through the Psalms with you as if this Psalm is a God-given lens on the world in which you live, and therefore, it's a wonderful critique of the culture in which you live. There's a way in which Psalm 1 is very, very modern although very ancient because it speaks with such power to the weaknesses of the culture that we live.

28 min

E404: Conflict

Conflict happens in all relationships, and marriage tends to bring it out.

48 min

E405: Friendship

Friendship is one of the most forgotten elements of marriage. Many of you probably realize your spouse is supposed to be your friend, but you really see attraction and passion and romance as the core of marriage. If anything, you see marriage as primarily romance spiced with a little friendship. But really marriage is friendship spiced with a little romance.

50 min

E406: The S Word

The one area that provides us the most joy, or the most heartache, is relationships. The closer the relationship the more joy or heartache the relation brings.

40 min

E407: The True Meaning of Marriage

We’re going to learn principles about ourselves that apply to all relationships, including marriage. Here’s what I’ve found: there are no married people issues; there are only people issues that get worse in marriage. Marriage doesn’t really create problems; it just reveals them.

42 min

E408: God is For Us

Many of us have deep questions: Does God love me? Is God for me or against me? This text is designed to give us a confidence that is rooted in the character and grace of God so that the followers of Jesus would be courageous, hopeful and unstoppable.

31 min

E409: Gospel Resources

If your life is really going to be equipped in any spiritual way for real life, we have to see how it is that faith in Christ or how it is that Christ actually does prepare you to face the unavoidable brutalities of life.

47 min

E410: Set Free

Romans 8:1, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” That’s the essence of Christianity. That’s the central, foundational message of God to the world. This is what we announce. This is what we plead. This is what we lay down our lives to communicate to the nations and the neighborhoods: No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

38 min

E411: Living in Light of Hope

How do we live as broken people in a broken world? Should we give in to despair and assume that this is the way things will always be? Should we simply seek to numb our pain through whatever pleasures and comforts we can find in this world, looking to make the best of a bad world? By no means.

38 min

E412: The Touch of God

Something is very wrong here in chapter 10 of Daniel. The end of Israel’s captivity was near. Jeremiah had prophesied it; Daniel had read about it in Jeremiah, and he knows it is the end. But the end of captivity is not the crisis. Although Daniel knows that end is near, he also has been told that great hardship still lies ahead for the people of God. Generations of war and suffering are ahead, and that message throws Daniel. Things should be getting better, but they are getting worse. How can he keep going? He cannot eat; he mourns for three weeks. Daniel needs some assurance of God’s continuing care, but comfort seems distant and impossible. What happens next is critical for understanding how God comforts Daniel and keeps him able to do as he must. A man, dressed in linen with a gold sash, appears. Who is that?

43 min

E413: The Power of Prayer

If you want to know what a person looks like who knows God, Daniel is a good example of that. He was resolute; he was a man who loved God's word; was obedient to Him. He was a man who stood against the trends of the culture in his own day. He was a man of prayer; he was a man of godliness. This is a man who knew God and knew the blessings of knowing God, and he provides a wonderful picture of what it means to know God, because Daniel was a man of prayer and because prayer reveals something very deep about us that perhaps nothing else in the Christian life reveals.

37 min

E414: Great and Good

Daniel 7 is a big picture chapter (though we often get lost in the details). It is recorded and passed on so that the Israelites in exile under an evil ruler will not lose hope but, seeing God’s certain victory, will rededicate themselves to his great purposes. The text is complicated, but the message is simple: despite present difficulties, we are part of God’s big picture—so we must not lose hope but instead rededicate ourselves to his purposes.

40 min

E415: Trust and Live

What is the final gospel truth that a loving God will unveil in this chapter? It’s not complicated. The Lord allows the aged Daniel to face his greatest challenge in a lion’s den to say to his people then and to us now: “Trust me.”

41 min

E416: Search for Significance

We have a deep desire for significance.

42 min

E417: The Insanity of Pride

Not only do the people in the pluralistic society get nervous about Christians, but Christians are nervous about the pluralistic society. It creates great tension. How do we live as believers in a pluralistic society?

33 min

E418: Faith and Fire

That even in the midst of the rise and the fall of world empires and the reigns of good and bad rulers and in good times and bad times, the kingdom of God will be established.

39 min

E419: Resolution to Holiness

This first chapter records for us the stage. It explains to us how these fine young Jewish nobles ended up in the Babylonian court and it records for us their first test, their first challenge living in a different culture, surrounded by a different world view, surrounded by a different pattern of living, surrounded by a very different religious belief system than the one in which they had grown up. And there are many important lessons for us to learn in this passage.

45 min

E420: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

There’s nothing more certain than that you’re going to suffer, and at least people around you are going to be suffering disease, death, disaster, deep disappointment, all of the “deadly D’s.” When you suffer, it’s so natural to ask the question … Why?

42 min

E421: Why is There Evil?

One of the most haunting questions we face concerns the problem of evil. Why is there evil in the world if there is a God? Why isn’t He doing something about it? Many assume that the existence of evil disproves the existence of God.

35 min

E422: Can a Christian ________?

When you think about being a Christian there is a lot of conflict and a lot of tension and how to be a faithful Christian who simultaneously loves their community and neighbors and loves God when your neighbor and God disagree on a lot of very important things – how can you be that mediator in some way, that person in the middle that continues to love God and their community in spite of some of the differences that exist between the community and God. And so if you are a Christian, you’re continually faced with all kinds of questions, like how do I approach alcohol? How do I approach cigarettes? Or certain kinds of music? Or certain kinds of clothes? Or sexuality? That alternative lifestyles?

46 min

E423: What Happens When I Die?

The resurrection of the body and life everlasting, is the foundation of Christian hope, Christian courage, and the ordering of the Christian life. Our general hopes are good things as long as they're not your ultimate hope. They cannot be the engine that drives your life. No, there's an ultimate hope that drives our lives – ETERNITY.

42 min

E424: How do Christians Engage in Politics?

We are called to engage in politics differently than party affiliation.

42 min

E425: What is the Trinity?

The question we are answering this morning is: What is the Trinity? The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith. It is crucial for properly understanding what God is like, how He relates to us, and how we should relate to Him. But it also raises many difficult questions. How can God be both one and three? Is the Trinity a contradiction? If Jesus is God, why do the Gospels record instances where He prayed to God?

43 min

E426: Aren't All Religions the Same?

Some picture it this way: God is at the top of a many-sided mountain. On one side is Islam. On another is Hinduism. Still another, the way of Christianity. Then Judaism, Confucianism, tribal religions . . . you get the picture. Each side presents an equally legitimate path to the same destination. In contrast to this optimistic image, many Christians claim that the only true and valid way to God is through Jesus—a claim often considered intolerant and narrow-minded. So which is it? Do all religions lead to the same place? Or is Jesus truly the only way to God?

45 min

E427: Can We Trust the Bible?

The Christian faith requires belief in the Bible. This is a big stumbling block for many. Most would say that they know there are many great stories and sayings in the Bible, but today “you can’t take it literally.” What they mean is that the Bible is not entirely trustworthy because some parts—maybe many or most parts—are scientifically impossible, historically unreliable, and culturally regressive. But is this true?

41 min

E428: Faith Works in Prayer and Praise

For all that James has said and commanded he knows we are going to fall short. He says commune with the living God, have a relationship with him.

33 min

E429: Faith Works in Patience

Persevering, glad-hearted faith in God requires patience.

39 min

E430: Faith Works in Humility

True wisdom is built upon the foundation of humility, and false wisdom is built upon the eroding brittle foundation of arrogance.

45 min

E431: Faith Works in Conflict

Faith acts in community by resolving conflict and bringing peace.

44 min

E432: Faith Works with Wisdom

Wisdom is important in the life of the believer.

44 min

E433: Faith Works with Words

How we use our words is important.

42 min

E434: Real Faith Works

We are made right with God by our faith in what Jesus did, but we prove that we have been made right with God by what we do.

41 min

E435: Partiality

Those with genuine faith value people for who they are, not for what they have.

40 min

E436: Faith Obeys

Is your faith real? James says that there is a spiritual antidote to deception.

46 min

E437: Trials

Trials will come. Count them all as joy because God is good.

48 min

E438: How do you measure succcess?

What happens when life's plans crumble and success seems out of reach? Dive into the transformative power of joy in the midst of setbacks with us. Explore how the Apostle Paul, under house arrest, discovered an unshakeable joy that's as relevant today as it was two millennia ago. From redefining success and identity to breaking free from anxiety and fear, this message offers a profound shift in perspective. Join us to uncover a life anchored in purpose and fortified with joy, regardless of your circumstances.

33 min