Trinity Klein Message Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Trinity Klein
Missed a worship service? Had to take care of little ones during a message? We've got you covered. Now you can listen to past messages from the staff of Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas.
A FOCUSED LIFE IS POWERFUL…but staying focused can get blurry in a hurry. Life’s storms, options, and choices can often find us filling our calendar aimlessly. If you find yourself walking through your daily routines trying to remember the FOCUS, the Purpose, the PRIORITY of it all then I want to invite you to Say it Out Loud, “I Have Lost My Focus.” In Jesus we see a devoted purpose of love and a clear calling and focus for our lives.
Losing empathy guarantees a cold and life of indifference. By admitting this loss to God we will find it in His warming love and redemption through His Son, Jesus.
Perspectives are gonna get turned by Jesus in this section of scripture that is commonly referred to as the Beatitudes or the Blessings. Jesus is going to mention for us four things that we might see and think of as a disadvantage…maybe even a curse. And then He is going to mention four things that we would see as a real advantage in this life…we might even say, REAL BLESSINGS. Jesus is gonna turn our thoughts and our focus on to His blessings as He invites each of us to place our trust and confidence in Him…not in our current situation.
No matter where you go in this world you don’t have to look very hard to find trouble. Trouble comes in many forms. We find trouble with our health, trouble with our cars or homes, trouble with our careers, and trouble with our relationships.
Today we are going to go with Jesus, His mother Mary, and His disciples to a wedding. And you will learn four lessons of what to do when trouble finds you.
Advent is a word that means coming. And not only are we anticipating the coming of Christmas..the remembrance of Christ's birth…we are also anticipating the ADVENT of Christ's return..or his second coming. Today, as we move into Advent consider Jesus' promise that He will return to us. I want to invite you to "BELIEVE IT…and LIVE AS IF."
On this All Saint's Day we remember those who have died in the faith. Many of us reflect on the fragility of our lives and perhaps the destination we are facing. Is heaven real? Today we consider both the answer and the reason that the answer matters!
We hear it in songs, worldly religious thought, and in modern art: God is angry and dangerous. Many of us live in a constant nagging terror of God’s feelings toward us. Martin Luther in 1517 discovered the answer to the question and it is a game changer for us still today!
Is the devil real? 56% of Americans believe it is true. But the real concern about the answer to this question are not those who doubt the devil's existence, it is those who doubt Jesus.
If you do a Google search for images of judgement day, you will discover some dark and troubling images - none of which evoke thoughts of peace and comfort. Even in Christian circles you will discover a lot of fear, anxiety, and angst about what that day will be like. And while we might pray, “Come Lord Jesus,” the truth is that some of us still have some fear about that day. Pastor Gene helps us get to the truth about judgment day, and perhaps even discover how that day might be a little different for us than we might expect.
What makes God angry? When we have questions about God the best place we can turn is to the one who makes Him known: Jesus Christ. Pastor Lee takes a look at this question through the perspective of our Lord from three moments in His ministry!
Philosophers, political pundits, and several segments of culture would have us believe we live in a post-truth world. Some might even say that “truth is dead.” It's true that we are bombarded with 24-hour news cycles filled with “fake news.” Political correctness is making the demand that we throw facts and reality out the window, and instead, let emotions determine truth. All of which leave us hopeless and uncertain, asking the question: “What’s the point of it all?” Join Pastor Gene as he takes us into a deep search to answer the question: “What is Truth?” You’ll walk away empowered with opportunities to be saturated with the truth, which will make you feel secure in being able to find the answers to life’s most critical questions.
What are we waiting for? Some of us are waiting for the world to change while others are waiting for the world to end. What are you waiting for?
Does Jesus still walk on water? And will He do it for me? Jesus walked on water in the storm and in the middle of the night to reach His disciples who were in trouble out In the middle of the lake. Does Jesus still walk on water today? You may be wondering, “Will He do it for me?”
One of the things needed in our world today is compassion for the suffering we see around us. But what is Christ Like Compassion and why is it so needed today? And perhaps even more importantly, have you received it and are you sharing it?
Our world and our lives are full of division. Have you become apathetic to and given up on any possibility of peace? Pastor Chris shares three metaphors that will help you reconsider, trust, and be the peace of Jesus.
In his farewell sermon, Pastor John Cordrey reviews the lessons he has learned over his 12 years at Trinity Klein and from the reading of Ephesians 3:14-21. Pastor John urges Trinity Klein to continue loving others as Christ has loved us and to keep the main thing the main thing.
Why can't I be a Good Christian? Have you ever felt like Christianity was impossible? Have you ever felt like you can't be a GOOD CHRISTIAN? Do you believe you can't measure up to who God wants you to be? Have you given up on trying? You are feeling these things because you have become imprinted on the wrong definition of Christianity and God.
What would it look like to raise up the next generation of church workers? Jesus said, “The harvest is plenty, the workers are few.” The truth of these words resonates today as we look at our world. God is preparing His harvest in the hearts of people but who will go out to reap it? Join us as we discuss what it might mean for you to join us as we raise up the next generation of church workers to go to work reaping the harvest God has prepared.
How do you hear the Holy Spirit speaking to you? While there are moments in our journey where God may be silent with loving purpose. The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit speaks to all of us. The Bible is also clear that the Holy Spirit is working to move and compel us into doing the Lord’s will.
Prayer is an unnatural activity for us. In fact, it’s awkward and often uncomfortable. The Good News is the Holy Spirit is alive and active in each of our lives, and often praying in, through and for us (See Romans 8). In today’s message we discover three things that prayer demands from us: 1) faith and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, 2) Humility and 3) Vulnerability. Key quote from the message: "It is when we are at our weakest and most vulnerable state, that the Holy Spirit is allowed to work most powerfully in our lives."
In Acts 27-28 we see the Apostle Paul experience one traumatic event after another. Yet, in each instance we see him approaching each moment with a confidence that God is not only present, but perhaps even guiding him through this experience to put Paul, and us, right where we need to be for His purposes. Key quote from the message: "We need to consider that sometimes the Holy Spirit is causing a detour in our lives to put us right where He needs us for His purposes."
Who are the people in our neighborhood (Church), and who are the people who aren’t, but should be? This was the question being posed by the Holy Spirit to Peter in Acts 10. It was a transformational moment for Peter, and for the future of the Church. The Holy Spirit gave Peter a greater vision of who the Church is in Acts 10, and a greater vision of the eternal Church to the Apostle John in Revelation 7. Join Pastor Gene as he challenges us to consider how the current Church should be a reflection of the eternal Church as the Holy Spirit has presented.
What does it mean when the Holy Spirit places a calling on someone’s life? What does that feel like, sound like, and how does a person respond? We will examine one of the basic calls of the Holy Spirit through the view of Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9.
Our special guest speaker is Chad Williams, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and bestselling author.
Chad Williams draws from his experience in the SEAL Teams to communicate an instructive perspective on teamwork, resilience, leadership and self-motivation. Steeled in his resolve to follow in his mentor's footsteps and complete SEAL training, Chad entered and completed the military's most difficult and grueling training known as BUD/S. Serving his country proudly through multiple deployments as a U.S. Navy SEAL, on SEAL Teams One and Seven Chad continued to hone the qualities and values that our nation's best adhere to. Chad captivates his listeners as he illustrates and instructs the SEAL mindset and ethos that involve: mental toughness, discipline, teamwork, leadership, safety and motivation.
Jesus’ call to follow Him is a call to radical change and transformation. With the Holy Spirit, He gives us the courage to follow Him where ever He calls us.
In this message Pastor Gene walks us through Acts 4:32-5:11 and helps us better understand what it means for the Church to be of one heart and one soul. You will learn a simple spiritual discipline that Jesus Himself modeled that will help you tap into the power of the Holy Spirit to transform your passions to match His passions.
How does the Holy Spirit help us to live courageous and daring lives in the face of our fears and failures?
Why is the Trinity important? The doctrine of the Trinity is complicated and controversial. However, it is vitally important in your everyday life.
Why do you need and how do you get Holy Spirit fire? Why is the Holy Spirit pictured as fire? What does this mean for us?
Uncertainty can leave us feeling anxious, stressed, and fearful. It can turn us into discontented creatures full of complaint. For all those living in these uncertain times you can discover enough for today.
Jesus loves the unlovable. In Acts, it was the gentiles deemed unlovable. In our lives, we have a long list of unlovable people. Many times we even include our children and family on that list. We oftentimes fail to consider or realize that we are part of that list; a list of unlovable people who Christ Jesus loves. Jesus loves not only embraces us but inspires us by faith to love the unlovable. There is no greater example of that than in the cross, but moms do a pretty great job too.
Join us as we talk about the good news of Jesus Christ and how we are always on the receiving end of it. When it comes to the Gospel, God is and will always be the agent of the incredible action of saving us. He has taken us out of death and into life!
In our lives we often encounter actions, news, and events that shock us. The devil would love to use this to his advantage. Jesus brings trust and security to our shock.
What can you do about fears that keep you in hiding and doubts that trap you in isolation? Pastor Singer shares a personal story as he reflects on the peace and faith that Jesus brings.
There is a lot of talk about how much of our life has been taken away due to the pandemic. But there is another human pandemic which has taken even more away from our lives. Meet Jesus! He is Alive! And He wants you to Get Your Life Back!
The cross of Christ holds great terror for us as we see the crucified Jesus die for our sins. At the same time it hold great glory as it is there that God begins His work of bringing life to us.
For this past year we have been yearning for the opportunity to get back to life. What if life has been waiting for us this whole time? Join us as we find a picture of what God had in mind for our lives as we reflect on Jesus’ final night before the cross. Join us as we remember Maundy Thursday.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy week, and a march toward the passion and death of Jesus on a cross on Calvary. But why? Why did Jesus need to endure the passion and death? Then answer can be found in the events surrounding Palm Sunday that are captured in John 11 and 12. And the heart of the answer lies in a deeper look into the character and holiness of God.
Today it seems that much of our life is spent chasing contentment, yet never finding it. Discover with us where true contentment comes form and what true contentment is in life.
Have you noticed that our world seems to be losing things like honor, respect, fidelity, and positive talk? Perhaps you have found it missing from your life lately? God cares greatly about these things and opens a door to find Refuge in Him through Repentance.
In light of the 8th commandment, as those who have been redeemed by Jesus and now restored as His disciples, how then should we live? We are called to be defenders, protectors and builders of others.
Have you noticed that our world seems to be losing things like honor, respect, fidelity, and positive talk? Perhaps you have found it missing from your life lately? God cares greatly about these things and opens a door to find Refuge in Him through Repentance.
Unfaithfulness is something that takes all shapes and sizes in our lives—and it hurts deeply in whichever form we find it. Join us as we walk alongside of Peter in his unfaithfulness when he betrayed Jesus as we step into his shoes and witness Jesus responds in the last chapter of John’s gospel: with restoration.
Have you noticed that our world seems to be losing things like honor, respect, fidelity, and positive talk? Perhaps you have found it missing from your life lately? God cares greatly about these things and opens a door to find Refuge in Him through Repentance.
A life without revenge is not a life of doing nothing, rather it is stepping into a life of mercy. When we are transformed by the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, we are moved to step into moments with mercy in mind.
Have you noticed that our world seems to be losing things like honor, respect, fidelity, and positive talk? Perhaps you have found it missing from your life lately? God cares greatly about these things and opens a door to find Refuge in Him through Repentance.
A focus on John 17:22, "I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one."
In a world that was created with HONOR built in as a pre-requisite we find ourselves living in the ugliness of DISHONOR. The call to repentance is a road that will lead us to refuge and restoration in this integral design for life because of Jesus. In this message Pastor Chris looks at the DISHONOR in our lives as we look at the 3rd commandment, “Honor the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy” and the the 4th commandment, “Honor Your Father and Mother.”
Valentine's Day - LOVE LOVE LOVE. Its what we need, but is it what we give? Pastor Singer looks at 1 Cor. 13 and the biblical description of what love is all about. When was a time when someone showed you deep compassion/love like Jesus? And what is one way you plan to give that compassion/love away this week?
God’s promises to deliver us, but how exactly does He do that? Join us and discover three ways God provides deliverance.
The Apostle Paul helps us discover the hilarious joy and elation we experience when we imitate the generous nature of God. Pastor Gene wraps up our Free To Be series helping us be challenged to allow our generous nature as followers of Jesus to flow forth through strategic and sacrificial giving.
After the COVID pandemic one of the most common symptoms was the loss of smell. Jesus' reveals the devastating disease of sin has the same symptom. Pastor Chris shares the healing properties of grace for every sinner.
As we turn to the feeding of the 5,000 in the Gospel of Matthew, we see Jesus make a familiar invitation to His disciples: to trust Him to provide with exactly what they have. Join us as we imagine it must have been like for the disciples to have looked back on that night later in their lives and were reminded of the freedom Jesus gave them to take all that they had and just pass it out.
Pastor Chris shares a personal testimony of a blessing that came in the middle of bad news. Pastor reminds us of the truth found in Psalm 112:7, "They do not fear bad news..."
As we turn our focus to the Parable of the Talents, Jesus invites us to renew our perspective. He frees us up to see Him for who He is so that we might also see clearly ourselves and the possessions He has entrusted to each of us servants.
How can your life be a demonstration of God’s grace-filled and eternal reign over all things to those that God has placed in your midst?
Where and what are you investing yourself into these days? Now more than ever, we are aware of the fleeting nature of this life and this world. Jesus invites us to invest ourselves into the eternal things of His Kingdom and watch how our passion for His Kingdom grows in our hearts.
As we live out these days we must remember that we are only seeing part of the entire portrait. The complete view will be a glorious and sweet surprise that will far outweigh the current view.
God generously sows the seed of His Kingdom into our Hearts and then nourishes it as it grows. Unfortunately, many times the thorns of wealth and possessions grow up with it and choke out its fruitfulness; our generosity. Today we discover how Christ removes us from the thorns to be free to live and grow in the joy of generosity.
Sermon one of our sermon series Free To Be. The pursuit of the stuff of life only leads to a life filled with worry and anxiety. Jesus teaches us that freedom from anxiety and the cares of the world is found when we make it our #1 priority to seek after the reign of God and His righteousness over our lives, rather than the pursuit of stuff.
The New Year is often a time to reset our past and to place new hope in goals and resolutions. But what happens when the new year is clouded by fear and "more of the same?”
How often in life do you see the obstacles but miss the goal? That’s certainly the case sometimes when it comes to Jesus, who is THE goal of our lives. Simeon and Anna, however, seem to see Jesus with such completeness that all obstacles melt away. Join us as we see what they saw in Jesus.
The Wonder of Christmas is not necessarily found in the presents that are exchanged, rather it is found in the presence of those whom we gather with, nad especially in the presence of the one who has chosen to dwell with and among us – God Himself.
Wonder teaches us to discover those beautiful childlike values like trust, joy, innocence, curiosity, and forgiveness.
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Wonder is something that has been intricately connected to the Nativity of Our Lord ever since that very first Christmas. The good tidings of the angels were an inspiration to all who heard those words from that night on into the centuries and they have brought great joy to all. This Christmas, let’s hear those wonder-inspiring words that will spark life back into what has been a wonder-draining year.
Glory, fear, and peace. These three words shape the message of the angel as he announces the birth of Christ to the shepherds. In the Angels Song we discover just how wonderous it is that the glory of God has returned!
What we really need for Christmas - is LOVE. A higher love. A heavenly love that would grace our hardened and angry hearts with a kiss of peace.
The story of Zechariah in Luke 1 is a story that is often overlooked, but it is a central moment in the Christmas story. Pastor Gene walks us through his story, and helps us discover how our personal stories are also a significant part of God’s greater story.
Christmas points is back to a day to remember but Advent points us ahead to day that will be remembered into eternity.
Christmas songs have a way of reaching deep within us and stirring up our hearts to reconsider what it means to believe, hope, and take to heart what God has done. Mary’s song certainly does that. Join us as Mary teaches us what overflows out of us once we reflect on everything God has done, is doing, and will do.
Gratitude gives birth to many good things, but only one experienced the power of gratitude. Pray that gratitude returns to your Thanksgiving table in such a powerfully, positive way today!
As the Israelites prepared to cross over into the promised land, Moses took a moment to remind them to remember and be humbled by the goodness of God who had kept them safe and nourished these past 40 years. It’s a great reminder for us to likewise remember the goodness of God to us in Jesus. Remembeing to thank Him is not just something for us to do at Thanksgiving, but every moment of our God-given lives.
Consider just three of many amazing reasons why Jesus is the GOOD SHEPHERD.
1 - He finds the lost and leads the wandering. 2 - He defends the threatened. 3 - He sets the stuck free.
We don't know the day or time of Christ's return, but in our faith we remain awake and active making the most of the day as we have it. In the same way, we may not know the times and days when things are going to change and allow us to return to life as we know it, but we are encouraged to remain awake and active even now.
Fear, anxiety and grief are all consuming in our current cultural reality, which is why we need to be reminded and encouraged by the sure and certain hope of the resurrection that is to come. The Apostle Paul consistently used this truth to be an encourager to God’s people, and we are called to do the same.
Christ’s identity is essential for our salvation. Even though debates continue, John gives a clear and precise answer to Christ’s identity.
The book of Revelation opens with the Apostle John broken, suffering and all alone in prison. But, in the midst of what was probably the lowest moment in John’s life, Jesus shows up bringing hope. Discover how the hope that Jesus brought Joh that day was for us as well. through this Word Jesus brings us hope, especially in the midst of our brokenness and our suffering.
This is the reality of our faith. We have overcome the world and we have victory but it wasn't won by us. In fact we did nothing for it. Jesus did it all, our victory is in faith - in trust in His work and His victory. Now, just because we did nothing for the victory, doesn't mean it has no impact on our lives. In fact it's just the opposite. Since we participate in Christ's victory and through him have overcome the world, our lives are changed and transformed. Through His victory we are given three significant traits that help us live now as overcomers of this world. Assurance. Hope. Confidence.
You are called to be an ambassador serving in the embassy of God's Kingdom where all people can find refuge through repentance and restoration in Jesus.
From 1 John 4:7-21, Love is absolutely unavoidable when dealing with God because as we will read God is love. In this section of John’s epistle we will discover that without God you don’t have real love.
The journey of life is not meant to be a solo climb. Who is walking with you? Who will you start walking with?
Pastor Gene walks us through 1 John 4:1-6 as we discover what it looks like for us to have a Spirit-led discernment of the true teaching of God’s Word as opposed to that of false teachers.
Where does your mind go when your world finally stops? David, in Psalm 19, invites us to find rest and strength in those moments in the one place where it can be found: with God. He shares with us a prayer that we can all take to heart, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and Redeemer." Join us as we reflect on the importance of living out this prayer.
Pastor Gene will lead us in a greater awareness of our various callings (or vocations), and how they find their ultimate purpose in God’s work in this world; especially in our call to be His Ambassadors who are calling all people to Come Back To God. What roles do you play, in which you need to be more intentional about being an Ambassador for Jesus in that role? And what is one thing you will do this week to make that a reality?
In chapter 3 of 1 John, the convicting words of the Apostle have us facing a question…. IS YOU IS or IS YOU AIN’T?
As ambassadors of the Kingdom, we are called to love sincerely. But what does this mean? To find that answer we turn to Jesus' words in John 15 where He reminds us that when it comes to love actions truly speak louder than words. Join us as we rediscover what it means to love sincerely as we turn to the One who showed us the greatest love this world has ever known.
Have you felt the temptation to replace God with yourself? To trade love for him for love of the world? It’s not a new temptation by any means. But, it is one that we as followers of Jesus need to be reminded of time and time again.
Fear and doubt have kept so many from achieving all that God has for them in life. But the good news is that in Jesus the invitation for you is to Come Back to God through faith; and for us to cancel fear and doubt; and Believe Actively!
John reminds us that spiritual integrity and fulfilling the command to love our neighbors starts in the heart (inside) and then moves to the outward actions of life. If we love in outward appearance only and hate in our hearts, then we find ourselves walking in darkness.
Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan Woman at the well teaches us that Jesus calls all people, no matter how broken and seemingly unworthy, to come back to God.
In 1 John 2:1-6 the Apostle John teaches us that it takes discipline to be able to “abide in Jesus and walk as He walked.” To have a disciplined life as a follower of Jesus means having a life that is influenced by Jesus.
Ever felt useless? Ever been told you won't amount to anything? Have you ever given up on someone else? Salvation through Jesus replants us into a new productive life with renewed purpose.
In Matthew 18, one of the disciples asks Jesus, "Who is the greatest?" In response, Jesus places in front of His disciples a child before he also sharing a story about a lost sheep. Jesus turns the world's definition of greatness on its head and He does so for a reason: so that we will understand ourselves, our God, and our neighbor better. Join us as we consider three important questions that emerge from this conversation Jesus has with His disciples: How do you see yourself? How do you see God? And how do you see your neighbor?
A big component of the discipleship process is confession. But, there’s more to it than just saying I know I’ve done something wrong. In this teaching, we dive into 1 John 1:5-9 and discover what it means to agree with God about sin, and experience the Good News of how our fair and just God delay with our sin when we truly confess.
We have been brought together in an uncommon way in the body of Christ. In today’s message discover what it takes to continue in that uncommon way of being together.
As John writes his letter he is addressing people who have some competing ideas about what it means to be a Christian in the world they live in. We face a similar challenge. Join us as we rediscover how the journey of a Christian starts, grows, and finds completion. As John starts his letter he challenges us to see Christ revealed, experienced, and proclaimed with joy.
Throughout the pandemic, so much has changed and we long to go back to normal. But what if normal isn’t the best thing to go back to. Discover how an uncommon bond in the body of Christ can bring us together in a way that is better than normal.
There seems to be a rising darkness all around us that throws us into fear and doubt. But we have light that has already risen to meet this darkness and to overcome it. That light and our life is Jesus Christ. Join us on a journey through 1 John discovering that we have the assurance of Jesus Christ our light and life in the midst of a dark world.
How do we do life in times like these? Everything seems so different! God promises us confidence and assurance when we embrace living UNCOMMON.
In his final two verses, James encourages us to join His Daring Rescue for those who have wandered. Who will you bring back?
While our human nature would have us run away from the world that is full of decay and darkness; God would ask us to view that very world through the cross of Jesus, and discover our purpose as His disciples is to run into the world and proclaim the Good News of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus.
As James all but closes out his letter he turns our attention to our prayer life. What does it mean to pray from a place of faith? Is it possible for prayer to truly be effective each and every time? Join us as we learn about prayer from the example of a man just like us, Elijah.
When listening to preachers and teachers of God’s Word, make sure you hear them preach and teach the whole Gospel truth. God’s Word is the only source of power to save and transform life. Preachers and teachers need not add anything to it, nor should they ever take anything away from it.
Unsatisfied? Feeling weak? Worn out, tired, and lethargic? God's invitation is for you to feast on His forgiveness and be fully strengthened for life.
James encourages us to be long-suffering...not just patient. To actually endure hardships without grumbling. And He gives us a very good reason why we should do so!
From the beginning, God's plan of salvation in Jesus Christ has been moving towards one single point: making all things new! The book of Revelation gives us a clear vision and promise that one day Christ will make all things new; a new heaven, a new earth, a new place to dwell, and even a new you. Having all these things to look forward to can make our present struggles bearable.
James has some harsh words to say about wealth and our material goods. Once again he is calling us to allow our faith to be lived out, even when it comes to our money and possessions. We have two options: to see money from a worldly perspective or a kingdom-focused one. Join us as we talk about the blessings God pours into our lives and how He calls us to see them as we live out our calling in His kingdom both now and still to come.
Everything in our world needs to be still, needs to hush, and allow the full spotlight of our lives to shine on the only thing that really matters; Jesus. And when we do this, we will experience true elation and joy; and will then fully experience the Greater Things that God is giving to us. What does it look like for you to humble yourself before Jesus and others? 6 months from today, how do you want Jesus and others to see you and what will you do to make that become a reality?
God alone knows and holds the future and He alone controls the present. So, while we may not know what tomorrow will bring us in this world, we do know that Jesus holds our future; and He is coming again to make all things new. So, as we wait, as followers of Jesus, we are called to do the right thing. What’s the right thing that you should be doing, and what’s holding you back?
"Dress for Success" articulates the belief that what you wear matters in everyday life. Jesus invites us to Dress for Greater Things!
God shares with His people through the prophet Isaiah a promise of things to come in the middle of one of their darkest chapters. When it was difficult to carry on, God invited His people to go out with joy and be guided by peace—He extends that same invitation to you today.
What does it mean for you to be a “good” judge? One of the things we need to recognize as we consider others, and even come to conclusions or judgments about others, is the truth that we need to do it with the same eyes that God uses on us. That means doing it with humility.
So, here is a coaching question for you to ponder: What do you personally need to change in order to ensure you are acting as a “good judge” and not a “sinful judge” in your daily interactions with others?
Have you ever considered the full impact grace can have on a person’s life? Grace is essential to the Christian faith and to the way that our God relates to us as he brings life through Christ. It is also essential for our relationships as we seek to forgive and be forgiven. Grace as the power to bring life into each one of us.
Proud to be American? What's happening in our country doesn’t feel positive. How does faith in God impact our view of the current state of the union? Discover the freedom to think #GREATERTHINGS!
James warns us that being friends with the world makes us an enemy of God. The ways of the world push us to climb our way to the top, to gain influence and power of others. But, God’s Kingdom is just the opposite. Those who humble themselves are lifted up by God in His upside-down kingdom.
When we pray to our Father in Heaven with consistency and persistence, it leads to a deeper connection with God and a transformation of our lives.
James asks the question, “Where do quarrels and fights come from?” It’s a question many of us are asking at this point. Both in our own homes and in our larger communities it seems fights and quarrels are breaking out everywhere. So what is the root cause of them, and more importantly what is the solution?
Those who follow Jesus have resurrection power to do GREATER THINGS as we listen and follow the love of God the Father, through His Son, Jesus, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Discover the meaning of living with the power to do greater things!
How do you know when you have wisdom? The greater question in James 3 is which wisdom do you have? The answer is in your day to day life…come discover the wisdom test of IF-THEN.
Pharisaical: the practicing or advocating strict observance of external forms and ceremonies of religion or conduct without regard to the spirit.
Pharisees in the time of Jesus were so preoccupied with the laws of God that they ended up missing His grace. Unfortunately, that spirit of being pharisaical still finds its way into our lives. But the good news of Jesus is an invitation to receive a renewed spirit and to enjoy “A Heart for Greater Things.”
James strikes again with another harsh reminder that how we often live is not a reflection of how we were created to live. This time he turns our attention to our words. James points out the power of words as he enters into chapter three. Like a small flame that can ignite a forest, our words have great capacity to destroy when they should be blessing. We were created to defend, speak well of, and explain everything in the kindest of ways about our neighbors--we have no other option as Christians. So what do we do with those places where we've used our words for destruction? What do we do with all of the lies, betrayal, slander, or hurt that has come from our lips? Join us as we take that journey together.
With so much bad news around us, we can begin to become conditioned to the expectation that nothing will ever change. But with Jesus comes GOOD NEWS that there are Greater Things still ahead. Hear as Pastor Singer shares the invitation of Jesus for you to Believe and Do Greater Things.
In 1985 Coke tried to fool us or fake us out with NEW Coke. Outage occurred. Shortly thereafter, Coke Classic was released with the tagline of "CAN’T BEAT THE REAL THING." Culture craves authenticity...and so does God.
What does it look like to be in the presence of God? As we turn to the first seven verses of Isaiah 6 we step into the throne room of the King and take in Isaiah’s experience. How would you feel? How would your life look after stepping into that throne room? Join us as we talk about what it means to live in God’s presence each and every moment of each and every day.
Where do you go to find God? Where God promises to be. Throughout scripture, we see how God's people would turn to the tabernacle or the temple as that place where God promised to be. The temple was the place where heaven and earth met. That all changed when God poured out His Spirit as the apostles were celebrating Pentecost following Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Join us as we discover where you can expect to find God from that moment forward--even now.
Which triumphs in your life, mercy, or judgment? James warns us that how we judge others will be the measure of how we will be judged. Knowing that each of us has broken the law and will be judged, how crucial is mercy in your life and the life of others?
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. -1 Peter 4:7–14, 19
Tonight we want to consider appearances. Often times we make judgments on people based on the way they look. These judgments often cause us to miss the wisdom, the delight, and the joy of God's Kingdom. Experience the working of the Holy Spirit as we look at James chapter two and Pastor Chris teaches tonight’s praise and prayer.
Jesus Ascension leaves us with the certain hope that He is our perfect King who reigns over all things now and forever. We are left with the privilege of sharing this Good News with everyone that Jesus places in and around our lives, and we do it with humility by being influenced by the humility of Jesus who saved us from our sin, and ensures us that because He lives we live as well.
James challenges us here at the end of chapter one to be doers of the Word and not just hearers. As we look into God’s Word we see the people He has created us to be. As James points out, however, too often we find ourselves in the filth and corruption of this world and forget who we are. Join us as we explore this challenge and balance it with the good news we have in Jesus Christ. God loves you! Jesus took care of that. Because God loves you, James calls you to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer.
James outlines for us how trials can lead us to a greater experience of life in Christ while temptations when indulged lead only to death.
Has the last few months stripped away your joy? Emerging out of a living hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a joy that no circumstance can strip away. Find the true joy in that comes from the resurrection of Jesus!
What do The Beatles, Paul McCartney's mother, and the book of James have in common?
And why do you care? Besides curiosity, it will mean a lot to you if you are feeling worn and weary from all this stay-at-home and slow reopening!
All of us get lost for many different reasons. Loss, choice, and ultimately sin separates us from the presence of the Good Shepherd. Yet God is One who Saves those who wander.
Jesus is a friend who brings peace with His very presence. Receiving Him into your heart means receiving peace into your life.
This week our journey with Jesus, friend of sinners, takes us all the way to the cross. Join us as we come to appreciate once again the grace Jesus has shown to us sinners as we hear His words from the cross. Truly we have never found a greater friend than the one we have in Jesus.
While we try to hide and lie about our brokenness and shame, Jesus is the friend who gives us the truth; that no matter how broken and sin-filled our lives are, He loves us still.
Sin happens and we feel the condemnation of God's law in our lives. Between that and the culture of condemnation that we are surrounded by, it's easy for it to focus inward and turn into self-condemnation. But Romans 8 reminds us that now, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Jesus understands the pain of loneliness. He is the One friend who will visit you when you're lonely.
We need to understand the "From Dust" as a wonderful miracle of God's handiwork and not equate it with sinful shame. However, sin is what stains, corrupts, destroys so that to "DUST we will return." Therefore we need to be remade.
Jesus is a friend to the broken. He will not turn the broken away but instead, He turns toward them and saves.
Based on Isaiah 25:6-9. Isaiah talks about a future Day where there will be much celebrating--even though the current reality doesn't look like that. Like, Isaiah, we are looking forward to That Day. Christ will return and we will join with Isaiah saying, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in Him, and He saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in Him; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation."
"Life is Going Somewhere Actually"...there is purpose, plan, and a place for all that is being lived. "How LIfe Works" is an opportunity for us to recognize six foundational truths for discovering true abundant life. Each week we will be called back to a truth that will help realign our daily living to hope, health, joy, and peace.
"Life Hurts Sometimes"...dealing with pain incorrectly can be a major shattering for our experience of living this life. "How Life Works" is an opportunity for us to recognize six foundational truths for discovering true abundant life. Each week we will be called back to a truth that will help realign our daily living to hope, health, joy, and peace.
"Life is to be Given Away"...the tighter you hold on the more difficult it becomes to breathe. "How Life Works" is an opportunity for us to recognize six foundational truths for discovering true abundant life. Each week we will be called back to a truth that will help realign our daily living to hope, health, joy, and peace.
LIFE IS LIVED IN THE MIDDLE...if you don’t recognize this truth your identity will always be in question. "How Life Works" is an opportunity for us to recognize six foundational truths for discovering true abundant life. Each week we will be called back to a truth that will help realign our daily living to hope, health, joy, and peace.
Life is About One Word...if you don’t have it...your not living. "How Life Works" is an opportunity for us to recognize six foundational truths for discovering true abundant life. Each week we will be called back to a truth that will help realign our daily living to hope, health, joy, and peace.
Life is Found in God Alone...Life breaks if we expect to find it elsewhere. "How Life Works" is an opportunity for us to recognize six foundational truths for discovering true abundant life. Each week we will be called back to a truth that will help realign our daily living to hope, health, joy, and peace.
How much of our lives are spent either running from God or running towards things that leave us empty? In our Epistle, the slave Onesimus ran from his owner and has encountered Paul. In the time of his absence, Onesimus has become a Christian and now Paul is pleading on his behalf for mercy, that his owner would receive him back. At the end of all of our running, what greets us is the love and mercy of God, our redemption in Jesus Christ. Perhaps, it's time for us to stop running and find that God's love and mercy are real and true for us no matter what our circumstances are.
Focusing on our reading from Hebrews, we are encouraged what it means to go where Jesus has gone: outside the camp. We are to welcome the stranger, identify with the prisoner, and so much more all while remaining steadfast in the way God has made clear we should live (namely, holy, set apart, and different). Going outside the camp can be scary, though. Who will we meet? Will they change us? How does God want us to do this exactly? All great questions.
You've heard it before: keep the main thing the main thing. As we've journeyed with Paul through his letter to the Galatians, we can see that they struggled with focusing on the main thing. There's a strong chance that you have a similar struggle in this age of social media and distraction. As Paul closes his letter, he has one last reminder for the Church: focus in on what matters most.