Avenue Church: Recent Episodes
Avenue Church Murfreesboro
Weekly messages from Avenue Church in Murfreesboro, TN. We pray that these will inspire and equip you to experience the way of life you were created to live in Christ.
Have you ever tried to live in two worlds at once?
James 4 calls a divided heart spiritual adultery — and unpacks why God's response isn't anger that pushes us away, but a jealous love that pulls us back. If you've been flirting with the world and wondering why God feels distant, this one is for you.
What if I want to invite someone to church, but I feel awkward, unqualified, or afraid they’ll say no? The answer is simpler than you think: just offer the same invitation Jesus and the early disciples did—“Come and see.” You don’t have to know every answer; your experience with Jesus is worth sharing, and rejection isn’t really about you anyway. This message calls us to move from a welcoming culture to an inviting one, remembering that we create the moment, but Jesus does the transforming work.
This message exposes the altar of self—pleasure, control, comfort, and success—through Saul’s “monument” moment in 1 Samuel 15, showing how good gifts become false gods when they serve and protect us. Romans 1 warns that when we disconnect God from His gifts, our worship drifts and our hearts grow dark and confused. The way back is clear: recognize it, repent quickly, and replace it with worship, putting God back on the throne (1 John 5:20–21).
Why does money feel so powerful over our peace and decisions? Because money is a good gift that turns into a god when we trust it to give us what only God can—security, identity, and control (Romans 1:21–25; 1 Tim. 6:10, 17). Jesus warns that life isn’t measured by what we own, and “bigger barns” can still leave us spiritually bankrupt (Luke 12:15–21). This message exposes the altar money can build in our hearts—whether through pride or anxiety—and shows how stewardship and generosity break its grip. The goal isn’t more wealth; it’s a richer relationship with God.
Where should a Christian place their hope when politics feels like everything is at stake? Not in a party or a politician, but in the God who reigns over every kingdom (Daniel 2:20–21). This message shows how God designed authority, how our hearts distort it, and why Jesus refused to be used as an earthly king. When we treat politics as ultimate, we drift into idolatry (Romans 1:21–25)—but when we live as citizens of heaven first, we lead with conviction, compassion, and confidence.
Can love become an idol? Yes—when a good gift takes God’s place in your heart and becomes what you trust for wholeness (1 John 5:21; Romans 1). This message exposes how love gets disordered when it shifts from commitment to feeling and from action to possession—turning people into saviors they were never meant to be. The answer isn’t to love less, but to love God first so you can love others rightly (1 John 4:10–12, 19).
Why do we keep so many “options” open spiritually—just in case? Because our hearts instinctively look for something we can see and control, even if it’s not the true God (Acts 17:16–32; Romans 1:21–25). This message exposes how modern idols aren’t statues—they’re anything that takes our affection, devotion, and trust away from God. We’ll dig into the “dark rooms” of the heart where hidden idols live (Ezekiel 8; 14) and ask honest questions that lead us back to freedom. The way forward is simple and powerful: confession names it, repentance releases it, and worship replaces it (1 John 5:20–21).
Is it possible to pray the right prayer—and still refuse the next step? In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father… take this cup… yet not my will, but Yours,” and then He got up and moved forward (Mark 14:35–36; Matt. 26:45–46). At some point, you have to stop circling in the garden and step into what God has already made clear. What’s your next step—faith forward, or fear stalled?
What do you do when you want God’s will… but you also want control?
In Mark 14:32–42, Jesus prays in Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours,” showing that tension isn’t a lack of faith—it’s the battleground of surrender. This message helps you name your “power move,” trade control for trust, and learn how honest prayer and surrendered resolve lead to freedom, clarity, and rest.
What do you do when what you want and what God wants don’t match?
In Mark 14:32–42, Jesus steps into the garden of Gethsemane and prays an honest, gut-level prayer: “Abba… everything is possible… take this cup… yet not my will, but Yours.” If even Jesus experienced the tension of desire and obedience, what does that mean for the decisions, fears, and pressures you’re carrying right now?
This message explores the tension of two wills—the pull of the flesh versus the leading of the Spirit—and shows how, in the tension, we can pray honestly, surrender fully, and take the next step with confidence that God is a Father you can trust.
How do we trust God when what He asks feels impossible? This week, we trace Abraham’s journey from simple obedience to deep confidence in God’s character. God strengthens our faith through time under tension and provides exactly what He asks us to surrender. Be encouraged to trust God’s direction even when you can’t yet see the destination.
What do you do when your resources feel like they’re running out? Let's unpack Elijah’s encounter with the widow at Zarephath and how God used her small act of obedience to release daily provision. Let's break the scarcity mindset and learn to depend on God’s word even when circumstances look bleak. Seek God first and respond with a handful of obedience.
Do you ever feel like life is a battle? Some days are tougher than others. We aren't just fighting for victory; we are fighting FROM victory and are called to stand in the Full Armor of God. The armor isn't a different outfit we put on just for battle. Instead, it's another way to visualize ourselves in Christ. Suit Up with the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and Sword of the Spirit.
What are the most important relationships in your life? They probably fall into one of these categories: your spouse, your parents, your kids, or your work relationships. We are to bring our identity and righteousness in Christ into those relationships. When we do, they are transformed from relationships of selfish gain to opportunities for humble submission and service as unto the Lord.
If you are in Christ, you are made new and have received a new nature. But that doesn't free you from the need to CHOOSE to follow God's Word and His Spirit. Living intentionally to please God is essential. This is where the spiritual meets the practical. Paul provides some simple (but not easy) ways to live according to our calling as saints.
Paul wants us to do something with everything he's shared with us in the first three chapters of Ephesians. He wants us to live in a way that reflects our calling in Christ. He doesn't begin with rules; he starts with relationships. The first relationship he emphasizes is with the local church. It is more than an event we attend; it's a body we're connected to. Believers are part of it and have something to contribute.
What would you do if you were in prison? Paul prayed! Even though Paul was in a Roman prison, he considered himself only a prisoner of Jesus Christ. As he shifts from what we need to know to what we need to do, Paul prays that we would experience, understand, and have the power to live the life we've been called to live!
We've all felt like outsiders at some point in our lives. At the same time, we may have contributed to others feeling like outsiders. The Gospel message is the most unifying message there is. Christ has brought down all the walls of hostility between us and brought us together in peace.
We are more than just lost without Christ. We are spiritually dead. Apart from Him, we are depraved and deserving of His wrath. BUT GOD - in His goodness and grace — has brought us to life through Christ. Understanding our original condition and our new position in Him is more than encouraging because this is not something we can do ourselves. We are saved by faith through grace.
Paul was a persecutor of Christians who became an apostle, church planter, and author of much of the New Testament. His letter to the church in Ephesus is a highlight in helping us understand the new life we have in Christ and how we should live as a result.
When life becomes difficult, we can overlook the goodness of God or doubt His presence in our lives. We can even see our situations as unfair or undeserved. There is more to life than we see know, but it can only be experienced in Christ.
What comes to mind when you think about certain people in your life? Your spouse, ex-spouse, co-workers, anyone that you would consider not "for us, with us, or like us?" What comes to mind when we think about others reveals how much of Christ is in us." This one cuts so get ready!
When you look at yourself in the mirror, what thoughts come to mind? What are those thoughts based on? We are often our harshest critics, and the lie we believe the most about ourselves is "I'm NOT good enough." This lie is mass-produced by a couple of more subtle lies. Find out how to take back the power this has over you.
Have you ever been disappointed in God? Feeling like you have to act right to earn His love? Do your prayers feel unanswered, like He's holding out on you? Do you find it hard to trust God? If you said yes, you are believing the lie "that God is not good. " The truth is God is always good! Even when things don't feel good!
The devil is a liar!! Since the beginning of creation, our enemy has been deceiving and accusing us. But we get to choose who we believe. What we CHOOSE to believe directs our gaze, perception, desire, behavior, and influence. We are always to choose God's word over anything else because everything contradictory to God's word is a lie.
The Psalms end with PRAISE. For a Christian, at the end of lament, at the end of doubt, at the end of confession, at the end of fear, at the end of anger...there can only be praise. Praise is a posture and attitude, not just an event. It's what we were created to do for all of eternity.
Do you ever forget that God knows everything and is everywhere... all at the same time? Psalm 139 reminds us to be aware of God's knowledge of us, His presence with us, and His power within us. When we recognize these truths, living with God's purpose in our lives becomes more meaningful.
We can't fool God. He knows how we feel and what we want to say to Him. Hiding our feelings and holding our words doesn't help anything. Psalm 42 and 43 challenge us to feel what we need to feel and say what we need to say. We don't stop there! We can praise Him again.
Confidence in God can be tricky. If we are not careful, we can base our hopes and beliefs on only what we can see. But we are called to believe and hope for the things that we can see. That means we have to be confident about something. What is that? We must be confident in the character of God, even when we don't feel like He's moving. We must choose to have confidence in the absence of evidence and the presence of negative feelings.
Psalm 23 can be familiar and we can sometimes take it for granted, but we can never forget that Jesus is our "Good Shepherd."
It's hard to see those who aren't living for God prosper. This Psalm of Aseph calls us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when earthly circumstances seem unfair. It emphasizes the value of seeking God's guidance and presence for comfort and understanding during times of doubt.
The Psalms are an incredibly vivid collection of praises and prayers in poem format that touch every emotion. You can't rush through them. This week, we provide an overview of the Psalms and examine Psalm 1, which offers a description of life rooted in God.
As Christians, some of our spiritual habits can be practiced alone. However, that doesn't mean we can live out our faith in isolation. Engagement with the local church is essential for our transformation. This involves not only showing up on Sundays but also on Mondays. What step can you take to engage with the community this week?
Bible reading and prayer are not just things that we do as Christians; they are the primary ways we engage with God relationally. Before we seek knowledge, wisdom, revelation, or answers, let's focus on strengthening our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Before adding anything else to our schedules and lists, let's create space to hear from God. We live in a culture filled with notifications and busy schedules that makes it difficult to hear from God. This week, we discuss simplicity, fasting, sabbath, silence, and solitude.
Habits are hard but helpful. They require discipline. If self-discipline is the greatest form of self-love, spiritual disciplines are how we respond to Christ's love. What if we chose to see spiritual disciplines as an opportunity to build our relationship with Christ instead of an obligation to a religious duty or ritual? Do you see spiritual disciplines as an obligation to fulfil or an invitation to connect?
The anchor of our faith is not just in the death of Jesus on the cross, but in His resurrection. We also experience grief, fear, and disappointment in death. Jesus does more than bring comfort, peace, and hope; He gives us new life.
Jesus heals the man who was born blind. This sets off a firestorm of opinions. Why was he born blind? Was he healed? Who gives Jesus the authority? Do you believe who He says He is? Jesus doesn't open blind eyes; he opens our spiritual eyes, too.
What do you desire most? If it were offered to you, would you accept it or make an excuse for not being able to possess it? After 38 years of sickness, Jesus addresses a sick man's excuses while breaking the fixed religious mindsets of the religious leaders who witnessed Jesus' first public miracle. He also confronts ours.
Jesus' first miracle wasn't healing, a resurection, or even calming a storm. It was keeping the party going at a wedding. Imagine being the servants tasked with filling the jars with water and offering a cup of water that would miraculously become wine. In this miracle, we are reminded that our lack makes room for God's provision, and our obedience precedes the miracle.
We often think of miracles as rare moments when God briefly steps into our lives. But the truth is, He is always present, always working. Miracles are extraordinary glimpses of His divine power—meant to stir our wonder and reveal His truth. Yet, how do we wrestle with the tension when the miracle we long for doesn’t come?
One of the most critical aspects of faithfulness is obedience. Partial and delayed obedience is still disobedience. We can live with purpose as much as we decide to walk in obedience to God's word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Obedience is simple, but it's not easy!
Purpose isn't just something we pursue and fulfill; it’s a gift that the Gospel brings into our lives. We don't have to chase it; we can begin right where we are. In its simplest form, purpose means to "bring glory to God and enjoy Him forever." Let's learn how to start where we are with faithfulness.
Let'd de-compartmentalize our worship. Deuteronomy tells us to bring "everything" to the temple. Paul echoes that we are to offer our entire life to God as a living sacrifice in an act of worship. We should see our opportunities to give as an opportunity to worship. What we worship determines what we hold onto the tightest and what has the tightest hold on us.
In the New Testament, most giving is regarded as generosity. In 2nd Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul challenges the church to excel in the ministry of generous giving. He points to the "poor Macedonians" as an example of generosity. If we are not careful, we will see our generosity fueled by the amount we can safely give and the reward we seek. But generosity is best driven by a joyful attitude and a step of faith.
Are New Testament Christians obligated to give tithes? Before it was a law to follow, tithes were given as an act of faith and in response to God's goodness. Jesus affirmed the tithe but emphasized the heart. It's not really about money but about our hearts. Today, giving is a way to show that we are placing God first in our finances.
Everything belongs to the Lord. He has entrusted us with everything we have. He is our source and supply. Do we put it to good use or spend and bury it out of selfishness and fear? The amount we have and the actions we take in faithfulness reflect our hearts and test our trust. Let's accept the challenge of using what we've been given well.
Many voices are speaking to us. How do we know it's the voice of the Shepherd and not my voice, something I heard somewhere else, or even worse...the enemy's voice? Take time to listen and test what you hear against scripture. Ultimately, you will know it is the voice of the Good Shepherd if it leads you closer to him, even in the midst of a storm.
As we celebrate Avenue Church's fourth anniversary, we want to ensure we are clear on our mission. The reason we exist is more important than what we do.
We want to help you know and follow Jesus, in community for a transformed life.
Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of life can make it tricky to hear God's voice. Yet, He is always communicating with us, whether through Scripture or other gentle reminders. His voice often comes as a gentle whisper, inviting us to listen closely. This week, we'll explore ways to tune out the noise and truly hear God's whispers in our hearts.
Learning to listen to God's voice is our most significant ability as believers. It's simple but not always easy. We'll learn from Samuel, the last judge of Israel, how he grew in listening to and following God's voice.
Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus at the temple, where Simeon and Anna offered prophecy and encouragement. Their faith in God's promises and dedication to spending time at the temple are examples of living expectantly.
Two groups, the magi and the shepherds, from polar opposite ends of society, found themselves at the young savior's feet. The invitations were different. But the response was the same. They worshiped!
Things don't always go according to our plans, especially when God intervenes—Mary and Joseph's plans for a typical marriage were everything but that. Even when God disrupts our plans, it winds up being way better. But it requires extraordinary surrender on our part.
In the opening of our Christmas Series, we look at Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. John would be the voice preparing the way of the Lord. The surprising thing is that Zechariah would be silenced because of his unbelief. But just because things are silent doesn't mean God isn't working.
The parts of ourselves that we like the least are often the result of unresolved and unhealed wounds. God wants to heal your heart and bind your wounds.
To delight in something or someone is to find joy. God doesn't just want us to fear, trust, and obey Him. He wants us to delight in Him, and then He promises to give us the desires of our hearts. The incredible thing is that as we delight in Him, He changes our desires to match His.
Don't waste your wait! Waiting is never fun, especially in a waiting room. In scripture, God's waiting room is often the wilderness. It can feel like a waste of time, but God uses it to purify us, prepare us, and grow our dependence on Him.
Trusting ain't easy. Trusting in the Lord is easier said than done, especially when our circumstances contradict our desires. Learning to trust God is the foundation of peace in our life. It allows us to rest in Him as we trust in Him in the chaos of situations.
We can know God's nature. But some postures and attitudes help us anchor our lives in those truths and experience Him fully. In Part 1, we learn how to properly walk in fear of the Lord and enjoy its benefits.
Part 3 of a 3-part series that helps us navigate the duality of faith and politics. The early church probably never considered being able to vote for who would be their governing authority. As Christians, we should see our vote as a gift from God to steward. But we must also remember that God places all governing authorities in power and removes them from power.
Part 2 of a 3-part series that helps us navigate the duality of faith and politics. An idol can be anything that we think can give us more than what Christ can give us. During election seasons, it can be easy for patriotism and politics to get the attention that only Christ should get.
This is part 1 of a three-part series that helps us navigate the duality of faith and politics. Christians are called to live as foreigners and exiles during their time on earth while also doing the work of an ambassador of Christ. How can we do both?
There is something special about God's Anointing. No one recognized that more than King David. What is God's anointing, and how can we walk in it?
The lists of spiritual gifts in Scripture are not exhaustive but exemplary. There are also no set categories in Scripture. This week, we look at those that might be considered "ministry gifts" and those that might be regarded as "manifestation gifts."
We are connected to The Body of Christ (the church) through our relationship with Him, not because of our gifts. However, being connected to the body gives us a responsibility to use our gifts for those we are connected to.
Spiritual gifts are given to us by God through the Holy Spirit so that we can serve Him and others. Understanding how and why these gifts are given helps us better understand the One who gives us these gifts.
We are living on a mission at Avenue Church. The harvest is plentiful, the workers are few, and our field is growing. Let's embrace the mission and engage in ministry to see people experience the way of life they were created to live in Christ.
When we feel like our backs are against the wall, the enemy likes to deceive us into thinking we don't have a choice. His deceptions lead to loss, destruction, and death, but Jesus' way leads to life more abundantly. Tyler and Jessie share how failing to follow through with planned parenting has led to the breaking of generational baggage and a calling as mother and father!
When we say yes, we don't always know the full plan. Sometimes saying yes in obedience can lead to heartache before it leads to joy. Hear April's story of a desire to foster led to building her new home with her two adopted daughters.
Kenny and Scottina share how a season of alcoholism birthed a passion for helping others with their addictions. After 4 years of sobriety, they've started Beacon Recovery Residences to create places where women can confidently transition back into the life God has for them.
Reading the Bible is just one aspect of getting God's word into your life. Memorizing and meditating are two great ways to soak your heart in scripture. Another one is praying scripture.
Three truths to help us stand strong when culture shifts. Culture is always trying to captivate God's people. How we respond will determine whether we stand for the things of God or bow to the kings of this world.
The Church was Jesus' Idea. He will build the church. We are responsible for obedience and the results are up to him. We need to understand the importance of the mission Jesus has given His Church.
The Church. What is it? It's important that we understand that the church is not the place people gather in, but really the people who are gathering.
One of the most debatable gifts in scripture, but also one of the most intimate gifts for personal edification. It's available to all as a benefit and blessing of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but it can seem "spooky or strange" for those who don't understand it.
The Holy Spirit gives believers special abilities for ministry. We each have different gifts, but they are given by the same Spirit for the same work of building The Church.
Throughout the book of Acts, we see the believer experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a regular occurrence following salvation. What is it? Why should we experience it? Is it normal?
We celebrate Easter because of our Risen Savior. His death has made a way into God's presence and His power can roll the stones away in our life.
The disciple's obedience helped get him into the city. Our obedience can bring Jesus into the lives of those around us and into our city.
We've been told we should be brave like David and face our giants. How would we live if we recognized Jesus as our giant slayer?
The story of the beloved son, Joseph, is more than rags to riches story. It's the story of reconciliation and restoration and the foreshadowing of what Jesus would offer us. We've been forgiven and should work to forgive others.
Isaac might have been God's promised son for Abraham, but Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God's promises. You may feel like you've been waiting forever. God will fulfill his promise just like he said he would.
For followers of Jesus our story doesn’t start with “In the Beginning,” but with “ It is Finished.”
It’s not always the presence of conflict that causes marriages to deteriorate, but it’s the subtle loss of laughter over time. Let’s have fun with this. “WINKIE WINKIE 😉”
ALL conflict in marriage (or any relationship) happens when Expectations don’t meet the Experience. Let’s learn the most foundational and powerful rules for fighting fair. It’s simple but not easy.
Is this what we signed up for? Our marriage isn't just about our rights and benefits. In a covenant marriage, we have to be prepared to surrender our rights and take responsibility in loving our spouse.
The Single Season can be terribly lonely. However, it can also be an incredible gift if seen in the right light. If we can trust God with our eternity, then we can trust him with our singleness. Nothing is wasted in His hands.
Some things can only be accomplished in the context of community. We believe that you grow stronger in community.
Faith is sometimes spelled RISK. We have to trust that God's presence is with us, his power is in us, his provision is for us, and his purpose is through us. When we can believe this we can pursue what He's called us to do.
Endurance is fighting one more round, taking one more step, praying one more prayer. Rejoice in challenges as an opportunity to grow stronger and experience God's goodness.
Never fasted before? It's actually a spiritual discipline that allows us to remove some "good things" in our lives to make some room for more "God Things."
Jesus didn’t actually promise Peace on earth. He did promise peace within when we have peace in Him.
We can’t have peace anywhere until we have Peace with God. He is our Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.
Our culture is consistently growing in ways that is making it harder to develop and strengthen our patience. Let's learn how to grow our patience with People and God's Purpose for our lives.
Our thoughts are powerful. They direct our word and actions. They determine the quality of our life and relationships. We need to learn to Recognize, Remove, and Replace the thoughts that are contradictory to God's best in our life.
Every act(ion), word spoken, attitude, value, and relationship is a seed planted that will produce more fruit later in life. If you don't like the fruit of your life, you need crop rotation.
Worship is more than just 25 minutes in a Sunday Morning Service. We can only worship God on His terms and nothing else.
The bible clearly states that there is an unseen realm that plays a role in what we experience in the natural. The two are interconnected. What we do in the natural moves the spiritual. What happens in the spiritual affects what we see in the natural.
The average person lies 2x a day. It can be a simple as "I'm Fine." We usually lie to cover up for a lie about ourselves that we believe. Lies help us to protect ourselves from harm and present ourselves as better than we think we are.
Gossip is on of the easiest traps to fall into. When we listen or share these dainty morsels we feel seen, heard, and connected. But the there’s greater damage than good.
Three things we can do in place of complaining because Paul encourages us to "Do everything without complaining." Complaining is easy. Doing the work to not complain is hard, but way more beneficial to you and those around you.
Message recap of how the power of our words have the ability to nourish and poison those around us and to shape the direction our life.
With all that is going on in our communities, nation, and world. The attitude we have as followers as Jesus is so important. We continue to Love, Pray, Serve, Share.
Knowing what and how to pray can seem daunting. We sometimes run out of things to say. Jesus gives us a pattern for prayer to keep the conversation going.
Posture is the attitude in how we approach someone or something. The way in which we approach prayer is just as important as what we say.
God promises to always hear and answer our prayers. We may not like the answers, but “No” and “Not Right Now” are just as important answers as “Yes”.
As Jesus followers we all know we should pray...but it's kind of difficult at times. Knowing the purpose of prayer can help us understand the importance of it much more.
We've all failed at following through with our promises and declarations to God. Don't let that stop you from continuing to follow Jesus.
The command to rest on Sabbath is probably broken more often than any other of the 10 Commandments. Before it was a command to be followed it was a gift to be enjoyed.
Honored to hear from one of Avenue’s overseers and Elevation Campus Pastor, Jayson Price.
It can be easy to focus on the differences and disagreements that we find in the church. But it's the unity of the church and in the church that can bring lasting change.
Our Love for God and People should provoke us to fulfill the Great Commission. Creating Disciples is the greatest call that we can have!
Chances to be a good neighbor are rarely scheduled. " What we call interruptions are usually divine appointments.
We know him as the "Good Samaritan" but to the Jews, he was a Despised Samaritan. We need to recognize and remove the barriers that keep us from loving our neighbors.
Taking a look at the Parable of The Good Samaritan to practically live out the Great Commandment.
Discover the ingredients and practices of a believer that bring out the Richness of the Gospel in our lives.
As Jesus followers, we are not called to produce fruit but to remain connected to him. Let's learn how together!
Jesus made a bold statement of being the one and only, not one of many ways to eternal life. Part of our mission as a church is based on this statement.
Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to heal their brother. He didn’t because He had something better in planned.
When we are in a relationship with Jesus, He promises to care for us as a good shepherd would for his flock.
When our hearts are hopeless or hardened we wind up putting our trust in things other than Jesus. We need to allow the light of Jesus to invade and expose the dark so that he can offer hope and direction.
We all have hungers. Some are physical, but the hardest to satisfy are "soul hungers." Jesus is the only thing that will leave us fully satisfied.
It's often those who we hold the closest that hurt us the deepest. Forgiving those that have hurt us is not for their benefit but for ours.
Your relationship with God's word affects every other relationship. Strengthen this one to strengthen the others.