Horizon Community Church - Philadelphia: Recent Episodes
Horizon Community Church
In our August 9 Sunday gathering we continue our series in Matthew by looking at Matthew 21 and the passage usually associated with Palm Sunday.
In our August 2 Sunday gathering we continue our series in Matthew, and look at Jesus healing two blind men before marching toward destiny in Jerusalem.
In our July 26 Sunday gathering, we continue our series in Matthew and look at Jesus instructions to his disciples on what the path of greatness looks like for the follower of Jesus' way of life.
In our July 19 Sunday gathering, uest speaker Jeff Whitebread continues our series in Matthew by looking at Matthew chapter 20, and the generous nature of God.
We continue our series in Matthew, by looking at Matthew 19 and some of the controversial and confusing verses about divorce, marriage and singleness.
We continue our series in the book of Matthew and read Jesus difficult words about forgiveness..
Each summer, we've been working through the biography of Jesus that we call the gospel of Matthew. We kick off this summer with Matthew 18, and a section where Jesus reminds his followers of how his definition of greatness differs from how the world defines greatness.
We wrap up our series on Jonah, by looking at Jonah chapter 4, which ends abruptly and leaves us with a decision about how to respond to God's mercy and grace toward the people we don't like. Will we be like Jonah or like Jesus?
In part three of our series on Jonah, guest speaker Jeff Whitebread talks about easy it is to do the bare minimum for God -- to fulfill an assignment, without really getting to know God and become like Him. Like a fighter pilot pulls back on the stick for a steep ascent, but unaware they are flying upside down, they fly straight into the ground. Intensity of effort and discipline matters little if we are fundamentally mistaken about our orientation to God.
In our May 17, Sunday gathering we continue our series in Jonah by looking at Jonah 2, and why the fish is a distraction from the core message of the book.
Guest Speaker Tim Imber closes out our series about relationships by talking about the reasons Christians are often perceived as toxic and struggle to have healthy relationships.
In our April 26 Sunday gathering we continue our series on relationships by talking about commitment. This week's reflection questions are below:1. How does our culture typically define “love”? How is that different from what you heard today?2. Why do you think commitment is often undervalued in relationships?3. When relationships get difficult, what is your natural tendency: lean in or pull away?4. Where in your life are you currently tempted to give up or disengage?5. How would you define the difference between “being in love” and choosing to love?6. What are some practical ways you can choose commitment when your feelings don’t cooperate? What does it look like in real life to “stay” in a healthy way?7. Where might you need stronger boundaries in your relationships? How can boundaries actually strengthen—not weaken—your commitment to someone?8. In John 6, Peter says, “Where else would we go?” What do you think that reveals about his commitment to Jesus? What are some reasons people walk away from faith when it becomes difficult? Have you ever had a moment where following Jesus felt hard? What kept you committed?9. How does knowing that God stays committed to you—even at your worst—impact the way you see Him? Do you struggle more to believe that God loves you, or that He will stay with you? Why? How can God’s commitment to you shape the way you approach your relationships this week?10 What is one relationship in your life where you need to lean into commitment right now? What is one specific action you can take this week to “stay” (listen, forgive, show up, set a boundary, etc.)?
We continue our series about relationships by talking about selfishness and what true selflessness looks like. This week's reflection questions are below:Reflection QuestionsApril 12, 2026Where do you most often see selfishness show up in your relationships—wanting your way, your timing, or your preferences?Think about a recent conflict. How might that situation have revealed something inside of you, rather than just something wrong with the other person?In what ways do you tend to view life as scarce (like there’s “not enough” to go around), and how does that shape how you treat others?Do you tend to lean more toward selfishness (putting yourself first) or self-neglect (ignoring your own needs)? How has that affected your relationships?Have you ever avoided expressing your needs or desires to keep peace? What did that produce in you over time (e.g., resentment, distance, exhaustion)?When have you been labeled “selfish” for setting a healthy boundary or prioritizing the right things? How did that shape your thinking?Where are you currently looking for security, affirmation, or worth from other people instead of from God?How might your relationships change if you truly believed that God is generous and that you are deeply loved and secure in Him?What is one relationship where you need to grow in honestly expressing your needs, rather than hiding them?What is one relationship where you need to grow in listening and prioritizing the needs of someone else, even when it costs you something?
In our Easter 2026 Sunday gathering we continue our series about relationships, by talking about our relationship with the living Jesus. This week's discussion questions are below:Reflection QuestionsApril 5, 2026How does the idea that “relationship is what reality is built on” challenge or affirm your current worldview?Do you find it easy or difficult to believe in the resurrection?What barriers (intellectual, emotional, or personal) make it hard for you to pursue a relationship with God?What would it look like for you to “know God” rather than just know about Him?How does the idea that “relationships are forever” impact the way you view people in your life right now?How healthy would you say your relationship with God is right now? What can you do to improve it?The sermon ended with a suggestion to pray a simple pray. What hesitations do you feel about praying a prayer like that?
In our March 29 Sunday gathering, we continue our new series about relationships and delve into why empathy is essential. This week's reflection questions are below:
In our March 22 Sunday gathering we kick off a new series about relationships. This week's Reflection Questionsare below:1. Who are your closet relationships? Who do you have the most strained relationships with?2. The Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that relationships are the strongest predictor of a healthy life. Do your current priorities reflect that—or is something else taking their place?3. Peter Scazzero says you cannot be spiritually mature and emotionally immature. Where do you see a gap between what you believe spiritually and how you relate to people?4. When you think about “spiritual maturity,” what do you instinctively measure— knowledge, behavior, or relationships? How might God be redefining that for you?5. Jesus teaches that loving God and loving others are inseparable (Matthew 22:37– 39). Who in your life is currently hardest to love well—and why?6. Genesis says it is “not good” for humans to be alone. Where in your life are you experiencing isolation—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?7. Think about your closest relationships (family, friends, coworkers). Would those people describe you as loving, patient, and present? Why or why not?8. In what ways have convenience, busyness, or technology made your relationships more shallow? What is one intentional step you could take this week to deepen a relationship?9. If your spiritual maturity were evaluated only by the health of your relationships, what would need to change starting today?
We conclude our mini series about the obstacles in the way of our spiritual growth. This week's reflection questions are below: 1. The sermon suggests that some of the negative or anxious thoughts we experience may come from lies of the enemy. Can you think of a recent moment when a thought about yourself, others, or God might have been shaped by a lie rather than truth?3. John Make Comer in Live No Lies says the devil’s primary strategy is “deceitful ideas that play to disordered desires and are normalized in society.” Where do you see this pattern showing up in your life or in the culture around you?4. Which of the example lies mentioned in the sermon (about God, about yourself, or about the good life) feels most familiar or tempting for you personally?5. Why do you think lies that appeal to our desires are often easier to believe than the truth?6. The story of Ananias and Sapphira shows how a lie can grow until it affects actions and relationships. What are some ways small lies or false beliefs can slowly shape a person’s life?7. The sermon encourages humility in recognizing that anyone can believe a lie, even brilliant and influential people. How can humility help protect us from self-deception?8. Jesus responded to the enemy’s lies with truth from Scripture. What are some practical ways you can train yourself to recognize and replace lies with truth?9. When a thought enters your mind, how might asking “Is this the voice of Jesus leading me toward love and truth, or the voice of accusation and deception?” change the way you respond?
In our March 8 Sunday gathering we continue our mini series on the obstacles that slow our spiritual growth. Reflection Questions:March 8, 20261. Paul describes an inner conflict in Epistle to the Romans 7, where he says he doesthe things he hates and fails to do the things he wants to do.Where do you see this kind of inner struggle showing up in your own life?2. In the message, the flesh was defined as disordered desires rather than the physicalbody itself.How does this definition change the way you think about temptation or sin?3. The sermon described examples like rest becoming laziness, food becominggluttony, or work becoming pride.Which good desire in your life do you think is most likely to become disordered?4. The message contrasted trying harder with training differently.Where have you seen willpower alone fail in your life? What might “training” look likeinstead?5. The message used the image of two wolves: the one you feed is the one that growsstronger.What habits or influences in your life tend to feed the flesh? What habits help feed yourspirit?6. The sermon talked about three historic Christian practices that weaken the flesh:generosity, fasting, and abstaining from good things.Which of these feels most challenging for you? Why?7. The message suggested that giving to the poor weakens greed and teaches us thatmoney is not our security.How might generosity reshape your relationship with money?8. Fasting teaches us to sit with discomfort instead of immediately soothing it.Where in your life do you tend to escape discomfort quickly instead of sitting with it?9. If the goal is to “starve the flesh and feed the Spirit,” what is one concrete practiceyou could begin this week to train your desires toward God?
We kick off a mini series exploring the three historic obstacles to spiritual growth: the world, the flesh and the devil. This week's reflection questions are below: Reflection Questions March 1, 2026Have you ever wrestled with the question, “If Christianity is real, why doesn’t it seem to work?” What experiences (in yourself or others) have made that question feel personal?The sermon suggests Christianity works, but we underestimate the resistance. What kinds of “resistance” have you experienced in your own spiritual growth?In 1 John 2, “the world” refers to a system of values, not the people God loves. What are some ways our culture subtly shapes what we value, desire, or pursue?The sermon described the world as “the way the world operates” — a rival kingdom. Where do you most clearly see a clash between the kingdom of God and the way our culture operates?Which of these three do you feel most pressure from right now?Lust of the eyes (misdirected desires)Lust of the flesh (more = happier)Pride of life (achievement, status, recognition)“The world is always attempting to form us.” Where are you being most formed right now — media, work culture, social media, friend groups, family expectations?Formation happens at the intersection of desire, imagination, and instinct. What are you currently desiring? What are you imagining life would look like if you “made it”? What habits are becoming instinctual?“Hurry and noise are the great enemies of love.” How do hurry and noise show up in your life? How might they be shaping your ability to love well?The sermon emphasized intentional guardrails. Which area most needs boundaries in your life right now: entertainment, phone use, schedule, money, ambition, something else?The sermon mentioned that 45 minutes on Sunday cannot undo a week of formation. What daily or weekly rhythms could help you intentionally be formed by Jesus instead of the culture?Jesus says, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” How does remembering that the world is “passing away” change how you view success, comfort, or pressure?
(your home, your workspace, your social media) where you are struggling to surrender control to His governance this week?
Guest Sam Spatafore sits down with Alex to talk about having a healthy prayer life, as a bonus episode in our Reteach Us to Pray series.
We continue our series on prayer in our Feb 15 Sunday gathering. This week's discussion questions are below:Discussion Questions1. When you hear the line “lead us not into temptation,” what has it meant to you in the past? Did anything in this sermon change or clarify your understanding?2. The sermon described three dangers: disordered desires within us tests around us lies from the enemy Which of these feels most real in your life right now?3. What are some everyday “temptations” that don’t seem dramatic but slowly lead you away from the life Jesus invites you into?4. The Didache talks about two ways: the way of life and the way of death. What are some small daily choices that move you in one direction or the other?5. Have you ever gone through a “test” or difficult season that revealed something about your faith or character? What did you learn from it?6. Which of the lies mentioned in the sermon felt most familiar or personal to you?7. Why do you think it is often easier to believe lies about ourselves or God than to believe the truth?8. This week’s practice is to ask: “God, where am I believing a lie?” What would it look like to build that into your daily prayer rhythm?
In our Feb 8 Sunday gathering we continue to explore the Lord's Prayer. This week's discussion questions are below:1. When you think about prayer, what do you usually ask God for? How does that compare to the idea of “daily bread” in the Lord’s Prayer?2. What do you think Jesus is teaching us by telling us to ask for what we need today instead of what we might need tomorrow?3. Why do you think daily dependence on God can feel uncomfortable or even scary?4. In what ways do we try to control the future instead of trusting God to provide for us?5. The sermon said, “Daily bread teaches us to trust God as provider, and forgiveness teaches us to trust God as judge.” What does that idea mean to you?6. Is there a difference between forgiveness and removing consequences? Why is that distinction important?7. How has God already provided for your real needs in this season of your life?8. Is there someone you are struggling to forgive, or a hurt you’re still carrying? What would it look like to “release it to God” this week?9. This week’s practice is to ask two questions each day: What do I really need today? What do I need to release today? How might that change the way you pray or live this week?
In our Feb 1 Sunday gathering we continue our series on prayer. 2/1/26Discussion Questions:Phillip Yancey describes prayer as “power sharing.” What do you think about that idea? Does it challenge or affirm how you normally think about prayer?The sermon describes the kingdom as “already available, but not yet fully realized.” Where do you see signs of God’s kingdom breaking in right now? Where do you most feel the tension of the “not yet”?Using Dallas Willard’s definition of kingdom as “the space where your will gets done,”what are the main “territories” of your personal kingdom right now? Which ones are hardest to surrender to God’s rule?“Your kingdom come” assumes something is wrong with the world as it is. What realities in our world, community, or personal lives most stir you to pray this prayer honestly?The sermon claims that not everything that happens on earth is God’s will. How does that idea sit with you emotionally and theologically? How does it affect the way you respond to suffering, sin, or injustice?Peter Greig says we can’t pray for the kingdom until what breaks God’s heart breaks ours. What do you think breaks God’s heart today—and how aware are you of those things in your daily life?Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane models “not my will, but yours.” Have you ever had to pray that kind of prayer? What did surrender look like in that situation?The sermon suggests God often answers kingdom prayers by moving us. Can you think of a time when prayer changed your perspective or prompted you to act rather than wait?This week’s practice is to pause and ask what God would want done before praying. How might that reshape the way you pray for your family, work, finances, or future this week?
In our Jan 18 Sunday gathering we continue our series on prayer, working line by line through the Lord's Prayer. Discussion Questions: 1/18/26Do you think how much we enjoy being with God is a good indication of spiritual maturity? Why or why not?What kind of thoughts do you have about the word “father”. How do those feelings effect how you feel about calling God, father?What are some ways that you can hallow the name of God? What are some things that you have done that un-hallow his name?Tyler Staton argues that the biggest barrier to prayer is our inability to accept the relentless love of God for us. Do you agree or disagree? What do you think the biggest barrier is?Jesus teaches us to pray Our Father, not My Father. How does communal prayer shape us differently than private prayer? Where have you experienced being sustained by the prayers of others?The sermon describes hallowing God’s name as treating him as “weighty” and sacred—not casual, but also not distant. How do you tend to drift in prayer: toward flippancy or toward fear? What helps restore a healthy balance?The sermon describes using imagination (throne room imagery, biblical visions) to remember who God is in prayer. How do you feel about using imagination in prayer? What practices might help you become more aware that you’re meeting a real Person, not just saying words?If prayer is primarily about being with someone rather than getting something, how might that change the way you pray this week? What is one small, concrete practice you could try?
We kick off our first series of 2026 about Prayer! Alex explains the power of reciting the Lord's Prayer daily. This week's discussion questions are below:Discussion Questions January 11, 20261. When you hear Jesus’ disciples ask, “Lord, teach us to pray,” whatstands out to you? Why do you think seasoned disciples still neededto ask this question?2. The message names a gap between “I should pray” and “I want topray.”Where do you see that gap in your own life right now—if at all?3. Jesus does not shame the disciples for needing to learn prayer again.How does that shape the way you think God views your currentprayer life?4. The sermon describes prayer as “relationship, not performance.”What kinds of pressures or expectations have made prayer feel like aperformance for you?5. Dallas Willard defines prayer as “talking to God about what we aredoing together.” How does that definition challenge or expand howyou normally think about prayer?6. The early church practiced praying the Lord’s Prayer multiple times aday. What reactions do you have to the idea of repetition or ritual inprayer—positive or negative?7. The invitation is to pray the Lord’s Prayer three times a day. What doyou think might be life-giving about that practice? What might bedifficult?8. When words are hard to find, the message encourages us to “borrowthe words of Jesus.” Where in your life right now do you feel tired,stuck, or unsure of what to pray?
Guest speaker Tim Imber continues our 2025 series in our first sunday gathering of 2026. Due a snowsotrm, his message originally intended for December was preached on January 4, 2026 and he discusses Mary and Joseph and their willingness to follow God's plan even when it was difficult.
In our online only service for December 28, we look at the fourth Advent candle, the candle of love. This week's discussion questions are below:Discussion Questions:1. Alex says the angels’ message can be summarized as “Do not be afraid—God loves you.” Where do you most need to hear that message right now?2. Fear is described as the opposite of love. What fears tend to shape your decisions, reactions, or relationships? How might love change those responses?3. 1 John says love begins not with our love for God, but with God’s love for us. Why is that distinction important for how we understand faith and obedience?4. Alex (quoting Willard) claims that because of Jesus, the universe is ultimately a “safe place” for us. What does “safe” mean in a world where pain, loss, and injustice still exist?5. Which part of the Christmas story (Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels) best reflects your current emotional or spiritual state—and why?6. The message says some of our deepest anxieties come from feeling alone, hopeless, or that our suffering is meaningless. Which of these feels most real to you right now?7. How does believing in resurrection—things lost being restored—shape the way we grieve or hope today?8. Alex describes biblical love as “wanting the best for someone else, even at cost to yourself.”What might that kind of love look like in one specific relationship this week?9. Fear leads to scarcity; love leads to generosity. Where might God be inviting you to live more generously—with time, forgiveness, attention, or resources?
We continue our Advent series in our December 21 Sunday gathering. Please note: there was a microphone recording issue, and the audio quality is damaged. This week's discussion questions are below: 1. Where do you find joy hardest to access right now, and why?2. Have you ever felt pressure—inside or outside the church—to appear joyful when you weren’t? What did that do to your faith or emotional life?3. How would you describe the difference between happiness and joy in your own words or experience?4. What might it look like to hold both joy and grief at the same time in your current season of life?5. When have you felt unseen, unimportant, or overlooked? How does the shepherds’ story speak into that experience?6. What fears most easily shape how you see the world or your future right now? How might joy offer a different way of seeing?7. What does it look like, practically, to slow down and “ponder” God’s work in your own life? What gets in the way of that?8. Can you name a moment when God’s light changed the direction of your story? How might revisiting that memory cultivate joy now?9. What would it look like for you to return to your “ordinary life” this week carrying Advent joy—not because circumstances changed, but because Christ has come?
In our December 7 Sunday Gathering, we kick off our 2025 Advent series by talking about the prophets and their long wait for Jesus. Discussion QuestionsWhen you think about Christmas, do you feel more wonder or more boredomand cynicism? Why do you think that is?What parts of the Christmas story have become “too familiar” for you?Where do you feel numb?The sermon talks about needing “fresh eyes to see the old again.”What helps you rediscover wonder in your spiritual life? What kills it?Dallas Willard said, “What you get out of your spiritual life is determined by whatyou are waiting for.” What are you really waiting for these days? Is Jesus actuallyon that list?What do you find hardest about waiting—in life or in faith? How do you normallyrespond when God feels slow or silent?N.T. Wright said Advent teaches us to “live in the present with the faith thatGod’s new world is on the way.” What would it look like for you to “live in thepresent” while still holding deep hope for Jesus’ return?Simeon waited his whole life for something he never saw until old age. Whatdoes his patience reveal about what it means to trust God?Eugene Peterson wrote, “Advent is not a time to pretend things are better thanthey are.” What darkness do you need to name this Advent—honestly, withoutpretending?What is one concrete way you can “slow down enough to hear the Spirit” thisweek?Is there someone in your life who embodies hopeful waiting—like a Simeon?
In our Nov 30 Sunday gathering we conclude our series about the Big Story - what Christians believe and what the Bible is all about. This week's discussion questions are below: Which of the seven core beliefs from this series has reshaped your understanding of the Bible the most? Why?How does the ending of the biblical story (Revelation 21) change how you see the beginning (Genesis 1–2)?The sermon compared Revelation’s ending to a “twist ending” that reframes everything. What did the ending of Scripture reframe for you personally?Revelation 21 shows heaven coming down to earth. How is this different from how you grew up imagining “heaven”?What part of the New Jerusalem imagery (garden, city, river, the tree of life, God dwelling with His people) speaks most to you? Why?Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come… on earth as it is in heaven.” What does that reveal about the current state of the world?Where do you see “shadowlands” in our world today—places where God’s effective will is clearly not being done?Why does it matter that Christians understand themselves as living between two kingdoms?How does the parable of the “Good King” help you understand Jesus’ mission in a fresh way?What strikes you most about the King entering the rebel kingdom “in fragile flesh and blood”? How does that deepen your understanding of the gospel?The sermon said: “You are an ambassador of the King.” What does an ambassador do? What might that look like in your daily routines?Where do you feel God calling you to “carry His light into the shadowlands” this week?What difference does it make that our future is bodily resurrection—not escaping to a spiritual sky-world?How does the promise that “your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:58) encourage you right now?The sermon said: “Resurrection hope doesn’t pull us out of the world—it roots us more deeply in it.” What does that look like in practical terms?If God is renewing creation, how does that change the way you think about your job, your art, or your acts of justice and service?Which part of your ordinary life feels most connected to God’s kingdom purposes?How does the Christian hope of the restoration of all things reshape the way we face pain, loss, or injustice today?Can you think of a time when remembering “the ending of the story” carried you through a hard season?Jesus’ final words are: “Behold, I am coming soon.” What stirs in you when you hear that? Anticipation? Confusion? Comfort? Something else?What would change in your week if you lived with a conscious awareness: “The King is returning”?
In our Nov 23 Sunday gathering we explore how Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension conquered sin, death and the devil. Discussion questions:Discussion Questions:Which part of Jesus’ story—his life, death, resurrection, or ascension—have youpersonally emphasized most in your own understanding of the faith? Why?Was there anything in today’s message that surprised you, challenged you, or reframedsomething you grew up hearing?How did you first hear the “why” behind Jesus’ death growing up? Was it encouraging,confusing, or frightening?The sermon suggested that love requires consequences and real agency. How does thatidea help (or not help) you understand why sin can’t simply be “magicked away”?Which atonement images in Scripture (ransom, victory, healing, sacrifice, substitute,etc.) resonate most with you? Which feel less intuitive?How do you respond to the idea that Christians agree on what Jesus accomplished, butnot why it required his death? Does this diversity feel freeing or unsettling?Have you ever heard PSA presented in ways similar to the “cultural version” describedin the sermon? What effect did it have on your picture of God?Do you think PSA can be presented in a healthy, love-centered way? What would thatlook like?How does hearing that there are multiple historic, orthodox explanations for the crossaffect your conversations with non-religious friends or those deconstructing?The sermon said that the resurrection is the heartbeat of the gospel. How does that shiftyour focus or understanding of Christianity?Why do you think the early church emphasized the resurrection far more than explainingthe mechanics of atonement?What difference does it make—emotionally, spiritually, practically—if Jesus is actuallyalive right now?What would you say to someone who wants the resurrection to be true but struggles tobelieve it?How does it impact your prayer life to know that Jesus intercedes for you as a humanwho understands human weakness?Previous message about stuntmen theories :https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/horizon-community-church-philadelphia/id1297006389?i=1000618259145Article summarizing major Atonement theories:https://www.sdmorrison.org/7-theories-of-the-atonement-summarized/
There is no in person church gathering on November 16. This short message talks about how the Big Story helps us make sense of weird stories in the Bible. This week's discussion questions are below:Discussion Questions:→ How does viewing the Old Testament through the “lens of Jesus” change the way you understand difficult or confusing passages about God?→ What do these stories teach us about God’s patience and faithfulness—and about our own calling to partner with Him today?→ How does understanding Israel’s covenant with God help us interpret passages that seem outdated or harsh?→ When you read scripture, what helps you stay focused on Jesus as the central point of the story? How might this change the way you apply scripture to daily life?→ What are some practical ways you can “partner with God” this week—reflecting His character and joining in His story of redemption?
that you have identified in the sermon, and how can you do it this week to experience the blessed life?
In our November 2 Sunday Gathering we continue our series about what Christians believe and what the Bible is all about. This week's discussion questions are below: When you hear that “God became human in order to be with us,” what emotions or questions come to mind?Why do you think the incarnation — God taking on flesh — is such a central belief of Christianity?How does the idea that God “tabernacled” or “pitched his tent” among us help you understand God’s character?How would you describe the Trinity in simple terms to a friend who’s never heard of it before?Why do you think God’s triune nature is meant to be mysterious rather than fully explainable?What does it mean that “at the heart of the universe there is a community of love”? How does that reshape how you think about God?How does the incarnation change the way we understand God’s empathy for human suffering?In what ways does Jesus’ humanity make Him more approachable or relatable to you personally?Think of a time when God felt distant — how might remembering that He “became flesh” change your perspective in that moment?
In our October 26 Sunday gathering, we continue our series about what Christians believe and what the Bible is all about. This week's discussion questions are below: Why do you think God chose to work through a family (Israel) instead of simply acting unilaterally to fix the world?What stands out to you about Abraham’s faith and failures? How does that shape your understanding of what it means to “trust God”?The Old Testament is full of people who fail but whom God keeps pursuing. What does this reveal about God’s character?How would you summarize Israel’s mission in one sentence?Read Deuteronomy 10:18–19 and Amos 5:21–24.What do these verses show about God’s priorities?How did Israel’s treatment of the poor, immigrant, and widow reflect (or fail to reflect) God’s heart?Why do you think God tied worship and justice together so closely in the prophets’ writings?In what ways can modern Christians or churches fall into the same trap as Israel—practicing religion but neglecting compassion?The prophets longed for a faithful human partner who would finally keep the covenant. How does Jesus fulfill that hope?How does understanding Israel’s story change the way you read the New Testament or see Jesus’ mission?What does it mean that followers of Jesus are now called to be what Israel was meant to be—“a people who show the world what God is like”?
In our October 19 Sunday gathering, we continue our series about what Christians believe and what the Bible is all about. This week's discussion questions are below: What stood out to you from this message about what it means to be human? How does this view differ from what our culture usually says about human purpose or identity?Genesis says we are made “in the image of God.” What do you think that means in practical terms? How should this belief shape the way we see ourselves and others?Alex said that harming another human being is “sacrilege — an attack on God.” How does that challenge the way we think about conflict, prejudice, or the value of people who are different from us?The sermon mentioned that Christians throughout history have held different views about how God created life. How can we hold to our faith while also respecting science? What might it look like to talk about faith and science in a way that’s humble and invitational?You heard that “work is worship” — that when we cultivate, create, and serve, we reflect God’s image. How does that change the way you think about your daily work or responsibilities?The Hebrew phrase for “helper suitable” is also used to describe God as our “rescuing ally.” How does this understanding reshape how we view the partnership between men and women in God’s design?Alex said, “We were made to mirror God, but instead we tried to replace Him.” In what ways do people today still try to “shine on our own”? What does that look like in your life or in our world?Even after humanity turned away, God kept pursuing partnership — ultimately through Jesus. What does it mean to you that Jesus is “the perfect image of the invisible God”? How does He restore what’s been broken in us?If humans were created to spread “order and beauty,” what might that look like in your week ahead — in your home, relationships, work, or community?
In our October 12 Sunday gathering, we kick off a new series about what Christians believe and what the Bible is all about, and we start with belief #1, God is a transcendent being who has made himself known. This week's discussion. questions are below: When people today hear the word “Christian,” what kinds of assumptions do you think they make? Which of those assumptions are true, and which are misunderstandings?If someone asked you, “What is Christianity all about?” how would you answer right now, in one or two sentences?Why do you think so many people (even lifelong churchgoers) struggle to summarize what the Bible is really about?The sermon proposes seven core beliefs that summarize the story of Scripture. Which one stands out to you most, and why?How does seeing the Bible as one unified story leading to Jesus change the way you read or understand individual stories—especially the strange or difficult ones?Have you ever been taught a version of Christianity that focused only on “going to heaven when you die”? How does the idea that heaven is coming to earth shift your understanding of what God is doing?Tim Keller said, “There is a thirst in the human heart that will not be denied... that thirst is for transcendence.” Where do you see that thirst showing up in our culture today? How have you seen people try to fill it apart from God?Do you agree that every person has a “God-shaped hole,” as Blaise Pascal put it? What evidence do you see of that in your own life or in the world around you?
We conclude our series about Rage in our October 5 Sunday gathering. Discussion Questions are below: 1. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” What does it mean to you to “carry on the family business” of your heavenly Father? 2. 2 Corinthians 5:18 says God has given us the “ministry of reconciliation.” What does reconciliation require that is different from just “keeping the peace”? 3. In Ephesians 6:12 Paul reminds us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. How might remembering the real enemy change how you approach conflict with people? 4. What’s the difference between being a peacekeeper (avoiding conflict) and being a peacemaker (entering conflict to bring peace)? Which do you more naturally lean toward? 5. Where in your life right now might God be inviting you to be a peacemaker—at work, in your family, in your neighborhood, or in the church? 6. What are some practical ways we can bring peace into spaces that are full of outrage (online, in conversations, in public discourse)? 7. How do we balance speaking truth with being a peacemaker, especially when truth itself can feel divisive? 8. Peacemaking often requires laying down pride, absorbing offense, or even being misunderstood by both sides. What cost of peacemaking feels hardest for you? 9. Have you ever seen reconciliation happen in a situation where it seemed impossible? What role did humility, forgiveness, or God’s Spirit play in that? 10. Imagine if our church/community truly lived as peacemakers. What would look different? 11. What small step could you take this week to embody the peace of Christ in one specific relationship or situation?
NOTE: Alex mentions Matthew 6, but the passage is actually Mark 6. In our September 28 Sunday gathering we get closer to the conclusion of our series about rage. This week's discussion questions are below: When was the last time you experienced real silence? What did it feel like? Refreshing,uncomfortable, strange?The sermon compared silence to oxygen being cut off from a fire—anger burns out inquiet. How have you seen silence defuse anger in your own life (or in others)?Why do you think our culture is so afraid of quiet? What do we lose by always fillingsilence with noise?Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Why do you think stillness andknowing God are connected?Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places to pray” (Luke 5:16). Why do you think solitudewas so central to his life and ministry? What does that show us about our own need forit?The sermon mentioned that in silence, sometimes we face not just God but also ourenemy and our own inner struggles. Why do you think those things surface when weslow down? How should we respond when they do?Where in your life do you find it hardest to create space for silence and solitude?When you do have a moment of quiet, what is your first instinct—to lean into it or to fill itwith something? Why?What small “on-ramp” could you try this week such as: 2 minutes of quiet beforegrabbing your phone, a short walk without headphones, a time of examen prayer?10. If cultivating outrage is automatic, but cultivating peace is intentional, what intentionalpractices (besides silence) do you think help us become people of peace?11. How might building a rhythm of silence and solitude prepare you to engage a noisy andangry world differently?
We continue our series about rage in our Sept 21 Sunday gathering. This week's discussion questions are below:Discussion Questions:1. In what ways have you noticed culture forming you toward outrage, anxiety, or self-centeredness? The sermon mentioned consumerism, individualism, and digital formation. Which of these has the strongest pull in your life, and how do you see it affecting your peace?2. Read Matthew 16:24–26. What do you think Jesus means by “deny yourself” in practical, everyday terms? How does Jesus’ prayer in the garden—“Not my will, but yours”—challenge the way you usually respond when you don’t get what you want?3. John Ortberg said, “Anger is the energy I feel when my will gets frustrated.” Can you think of a recent time when your will was frustrated? How did you respond? What would a response of peace have looked like instead? Why do you think our happiness so often depends on “getting our way”? How does that set us up for outrage?4. The sermon suggested practices like fasting, eating leftovers, letting someone else decide, or keeping a clever thought to yourself. Which one of these would be hardest for you? How might intentionally denying yourself something small help you resist larger temptations or grow in peace?5. How could practicing self-denial not just change you personally, but change the way you interact with your family, coworkers, or neighbors? Imagine a community of people truly living this way—laying down their right to always get their way. What impact would that have on the world around them?6. Where in your life do you most need to practice self-denial right now? What is one concrete step you can take this week to move toward becoming a person of peace rather than outrage?
We continue our series about rage by talking about how shame both when we wield it and when it is wielded against us causes rage. This week's discussion questions are below:What stood out to you in the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2–11)? How does Jesus respond differently than the crowd?How would you describe the difference between guilt and shame in your own words? Why does it matter that the gospel addresses guilt but rejects shame as identity?Where do you see examples of “honor/shame culture” at work in our society today (online, in schools, workplaces, or even in church)?Can you think of a time when you felt shamed or carried shame? How did it affect your relationships or your emotions?How do you usually respond when you see someone else being shamed? Do you stay silent, join in, or push back?In what ways has the love of Jesus helped you find freedom from shame or a false identity?How can we as a church resist participating in the culture of shaming others? What would it look like to be a “countercultural” community of grace?What practices can help us remember who we are in Christ when shame creeps in?How might refusing to shame others—and refusing to carry shame ourselves—change the way we handle anger and outrage in everyday life?
In our August 7 Sunday gathering we continue our series on outrage and anger. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions 1. When was the last time you found yourself angry or outraged? Looking back, do you think there was a deeper pain beneath that anger?2. Our culture trains us to numb pain with entertainment, distractions, or busyness. What are some of the ways you tend to numb pain rather than face it?3. The sermon compared anger to a “dashboard light” in your heart. How does this image help you think differently about your own anger?4. Why do you think anger can sometimes feel safer than sadness, grief, or lament?5. Do you agree with the idea that many of us (especially in the West) are “emotionally fragile”? Why or why not?6. What stood out to you in Psalm 88 or other lament passages in Scripture? How does it challenge your assumptions about prayer?7. How does lament differ from rage? In what ways does lament show faith instead of weakness?8. Why do you think modern worship and church life focus so little on lament compared to celebration and joy?9. Is there an area of pain in your life that you’ve been ignoring, suppressing, or covering up with distractions? What would it look like to bring that pain to God in lament?10. Who are the “peaceful people” you’ve known in your life? What role do you think lament and grief have played in shaping them?11. How can lament—both individually and as a community—make the church a place of deeper honesty, healing, and empathy?12. Jesus himself lamented on the cross (Matthew 27:46). How does his example shape the way we approach our own cries of pain to God?
In our August 31 Sunday gathering, we continue our series about rage. This week's discussion questions are below: How do you usually respond when you feel angry? Do you tend to express it outwardly, or hold it inside?Have you ever seen anger produce something good? Have you ever seen it cause harm?Read Ephesians 4:26–32 together. What stands out to you in Paul’s teaching about anger and speech?Why do you think Paul says not to let the sun go down on your anger? What happens when anger lingers?In Exodus 34:6–7, God is described as “slow to anger.” What does that teach us about God’s character? How should that shape our own response to anger?Psalm 4:4 says, “Be angry and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” How does reflection or silence help keep anger from turning into sin?The sermon mentioned the Starbucks “Christmas cup” outrage. Why do you think Christians sometimes get caught up in cultural anger like this?How do moments of public Christian outrage affect the way non-Christians view Jesus and the church?Where have you seen the church respond well—slow to anger and quick to love—in a cultural conflict?Anger often feels powerful, even “sweet,” as the sermon said. Why is anger so tempting to hold onto?Paul says to replace destructive habits with constructive ones (Eph. 4:28). What are some constructive outlets for anger in your life?
In our August 24 Sunday gathering we kick off a new series about outrage and anger. This week's discussion questions are below: 1. Where do you see outrage most clearly in our culture today — online, in politics, at work, in traffic, in families?2. When was the last time you felt yourself getting caught up in anger or outrage? What triggered it?3. Which of the cultural factors mentioned in the sermon (lack of sleep, overwhelm, media, fear, economy, grief, etc.) resonates most with your own life experience? Why?4. Do you agree that outrage has become a form of entertainment in our society? What examples have you noticed?5. Read James 1:19–20 again. What does it practically look like to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” in your daily life?6. James says “human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” Can you think of times when anger failed to make things right? What about times when you’ve seen love or gentleness accomplish more than outrage?7. Jesus modeled restraint and forgiveness even when insulted, arrested, and crucified. How does His example challenge the way we normally respond to injustice or offense?8. Where are you most tempted to believe the lie that “outrage is necessary to make a difference”?9. What relationships in your life might be strained because of anger or frustration? What would it look like to respond differently this week?10. How do you personally try to numb pain (busyness, entertainment, distraction)? How could lament and prayer be healthier alternatives?11. James says true religion is to care for widows and orphans and remain unpolluted by the world. What would it look like for us to channel our energy into compassion instead of outrage?12. As a community, how can we cultivate practices that form us into people of peace rather than people of outrage?
In our August 17 Sunday gathering we wrap up our series in Matthew for 2025, and discuss how Jesus provides in unexpected ways. This week's discussion questions are below:1. Why do you think Matthew—out of all the Gospel writers—chose to include this unusual temple tax story?2. What does Jesus’ conversation with Peter about kings and taxes reveal about their relationship and about Jesus’ identity?3. In verse 27, Jesus chooses to pay the tax “so that we may not cause offense.” How do we see Him balancing truth and peace in this moment? 4. Have you ever spoken on behalf of God or assumed His will without first asking Him—like Peter seems to do here? What happened? 5. Can you think of a time when you laid down a personal right or preference to remove a barrier for someone else to see Jesus more clearly? 6. How do you personally navigate the tension between speaking truth and avoiding unnecessary offense? . The sermon talked about God’s sovereignty and human free will—how does your understanding of that tension shape how you pray and act? 8. “If you need a fish, pray.” What’s a “fish” you need right now? How will you bring that request before God this week? 9. How can we be the “fish” God sends to someone else this week—meeting a need or showing unexpected provision? 10. In what ways does fixing your hope on the “once and future King” help you endure seasons when your “nets come up empty”?
We continue our series in Matthew, and explore why the disciples weren't ready for Jesus to die. This week's discussion questions are below: Why do you think Jesus responds with frustration in this moment? What does this teach us about his expectations for his disciples—and for us?What does Jesus mean when he calls them an “unbelieving and perverse generation”? How might that apply to modern-day discipleship?How does this passage challenge the way you've thought about faith? Do you relate more to faith as “belief,” or faith as “trust through action”?Why is it significant that Jesus says faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains? What “mountains” do you think Jesus was referring to in this context?How do faith, prayer, and fasting complement each other in the Christian life? Which of those practices is most neglected in your own life, and why?Have you ever heard this passage used in a way that felt manipulative or disconnected from the actual context? What harm can result from misusing verses like this?The disciples wanted to know, “Why couldn’t we do it?” What would Jesus say is your next step of growth when it comes to participating in his mission?Jesus didn’t send the disciples away after their failure—he stayed and continued to teach. How does that truth affect how you view your own spiritual struggles?In what ways are you “training” to become more like Jesus, rather than just trying harder to be good? What practices could help you train more intentionally?Jesus was preparing his disciples to carry on his work without him. If someone looked at your life, would they see someone being shaped to carry on Jesus’ mission?
In our August 2 Sunday gathering we continue our series in the book of Matthew, by looking at the transfiguration of Jesus. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions:1. What do you think the disciples felt when they saw Jesus “transfigured”? Have you ever hada moment of spiritual clarity or awe where something about Jesus became more real to you?2. Why do you think God said, “This is my Son, whom I love... listen to him”?vWhat might itmean for us today to “listen to him”? Are there voices in your life that compete with Jesus’?3. The disciples were terrified, but Jesus told them not to be afraid. What does this tell youabout how Jesus meets us in our fear? Are there ways fear holds you back from joy or deeperfaith?4. The sermon says, “This story isn’t about rules to follow. It’s about a revelation to receive.”How does that challenge the way you were taught to read the Bible? What happens when weshift from “what does this mean for me?” to “what does this tell me about Jesus?”5. The Transfiguration story is mysterious — full of unanswered questions (like how thedisciples recognized Moses and Elijah). How do you respond to parts of Scripture that leavethings unresolved? Are you comfortable with mystery in your faith, or do you feel pressure toexplain everything?6. Jesus talks with Moses and Elijah about his “exodus.” What connections can you seebetween Jesus’ mission and the Exodus story? What kind of freedom does Jesus offer ustoday?7. Peter wants to build tents and stay on the mountain — but the moment passes. Have youever wanted to “hold on” to a spiritual high? What might it look like to carry that experiencedown the mountain into everyday life?8. The Father says to listen to Jesus — not just Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets). Howdo we balance the Old Testament and New Testament in our understanding of God? Whatdoes it mean that Jesus “fulfills” but also supersedes the Law and Prophets?9. In the sermon Alex says: “God is not anger or justice or holiness. God is love.” How doesthat reshape your view of God’s actions in the Bible and in your life? Are there ways you'vemisunderstood God because love wasn’t the starting point?10. Peter said later, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” Whose stories of faith and witnesshave strengthened your own?How might you help others encounter Jesus’ glory — even inordinary life?
We continue our series in the book of Matthew and look at Jesus' invitation to pick up our crosses and follow him. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions:1. Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting his death. Why do you think Peterreacted so strongly? Have you ever resisted God’s plan because it didn’tmatch your expectations?2. Jesus calls Peter a “stumbling block.” In what ways can our goodintentions actually hinder the work of God in our lives or others?J3. esus says we must deny ourselves and take up our cross. What doesthat mean in practical terms in your daily life—relationships, work, time,priorities?4. Dallas Willard talks about carrying a cross as “cutting us off from normalhuman existence.” What parts of your “normal” life do you find hard to letgo of? What do you want more than becoming like Jesus?5. Jesus warns that it’s possible to gain the whole world and still forfeit yoursoul. What does “gaining the world” look like today?6. Jesus says some would see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. Howdoes understanding the resurrection and ascension as the beginning ofJesus' reign shape the way you live today?7. How does the image of Jesus as the King who dies for his peoplechallenge our assumptions about power, success, and leadership?8. What would it look like this week for you to live as a disciple who’s takenup their cross? Is there something you need to lay down, or somethingyou need to take up
We continue our series in Matthew, by looking at the pivotal passage where Jesus is declared the Messiah. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussions Questions:1. What stands out to you about the setting of this passage (Caesarea Philippi)? How does the location shape the meaning of Jesus' question?2. Why do you think Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” rather than just teaching it directly? What does this reveal about the way he leads and forms disciples?3. What does Peter’s confession — “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” — tell us about his understanding of Jesus at that moment? What do you think Peter still didn’t understand?4. What is the significance of Jesus calling Peter “rock,” and promising to build his church on that rock? Do you lean more toward that referring to Peter himself or Peter’s confession? Why?5. Jesus says the “gates of Hades will not overcome” the church. What does that say about the role and power of the church in the world today?6. Why do you think Jesus told them not to tell anyone he was the Messiah (v. 20)? What were people likely expecting from a Messiah back then?7. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” how do you honestly answer that right now? How have your thoughts about Jesus changed over time?8. If Jesus is King, what are some practical areas of life where that truth should affect your decisions, habits, or priorities? Is there any part of your life that’s resisting his rule?9. What are some ways our church can live more boldly as people “on offense” — not hiding from darkness, but pushing against it with love?10. What’s one conversation you could have this week with someone far from God where you listen first, ask gentle questions, and invite them closer to Jesus?
We continue our series in Matthew, with a look at the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew 16. This week's discussion questions and the spiritual checkup included in this message are below: Self-Righteous Faith Checkup1. You feel morally superior to others. You look down on others who sin differentlythan you do, assuming you’re better because you don’t struggle in the sameway. You believe you’ve outgrown needing mercy — forgetting that the gospelis for all sinners.2. You’re more focused on other’s sins than your own. You spend so much timecriticizing or judging others, and always have an excuse when you behavebadly.3. You take pride in your spiritual performance. You find your identity in yourchurch attendance, prayer, giving, Bible knowledge rather than finding it inJesus.4. You believe because of your good behavior or spiritual deeds that God owesyou something and you feel frustrated when other people who do things younever would get blessed. Like the older brother in the prodigal son story, youfeel resentful when someone who “doesn’t deserve it” is welcomed.5. You spend more time correcting people rather than encouraging them. You’requick to give people “truth” but slow to offer grace, compassion or love.6. You only want to spend time with people who look, act and believe like you. Youavoid people outside your theological, political or moral tribe.7. You struggle to admit that you are wrong, and find reasons that even when youwere wrong you were actually kinda right.8. You study scripture to justify yourself, not to become like Jesus. You use theBible as a weapon against others, not a mirror for yourself.9. You talk about Jesus more than you live and love like Him. You have the righttheology, but you haven’t become a person who acts like Jesus, and that’s thetelos of the Christian faith.10. You get tired of serving others if you aren’t seen, praised for it and given apat on the back. Your faith is performative — more about image than intimacywith God.11. When people challenge or question you, you become defensive and view itas an attack, rather than an opportunity to become more like Jesus.12. You think some people are beyond saving.July 13 Discussion Questions1. What stood out to you in Jesus’ warning about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Why do you think Jesus used yeast as His metaphor?2. In what ways can pride or self-righteousness sneak into our faith without us noticing? Can you identify a time when this has happened in your own walk with God?3. Which of the 12 “faith checkup” statements felt most personally convicting or relevant to you? Why do you think that is?4. How do we balance speaking truth with showing grace and compassion in our relationships with others? What does that look like practically?5. Jesus doesn’t give up on His disciples even when they misunderstand Him. How does that encourage you in your journey of following Him — especially when you feel like you’ve “missed it”?6. What would it look like for you to start being more honest with yourself and with God this week? Are there areas you tend to avoid because they’re painful or messy?7. Who are the people in your life you trust to help point out blind spots or areas of pride in your faith? How might you open yourself up to their input?
We continue in our series in the book of Matthew. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions1. What are some of the key differences between the feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of the 4,000? Why do you think Matthew included both stories?2. What does Jesus’ compassion in Matthew 15:32 reveal about his heart and his priorities?3. How did the disciples respond to the situation, even after seeing a similar miracle before? What does that tell us about human nature?4. Have you ever experienced “spiritual amnesia” — forgetting how God provided for you in the past when facing a new challenge?5. In what ways are you tempted to seek signs from God in uncertain times? How can you grow in discernment instead of chasing certainty?6. What “signs of the kingdom” have you seen in your life or in the world around you — signs that Jesus is at work even if it's not dramatic or flashy?7. The Pharisees and Sadducees demanded a sign, but were unwilling to see what was already in front of them. How can we guard against becoming spiritually blind to God's work?8. Jesus points to the “sign of Jonah” — how does the resurrection function as the ultimate sign, and how should that shape our faith?
We continue our series in Matthew in our June 29 Sunday gathering. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions1. What part of this story challenged you the most? What part encouraged you?2. Have you ever experienced a time when you cried out to God and were met with silence? How did that affect your faith?3. Why do you think Jesus responded the way he did to the Canaanite woman? What does this teach us about persistence in prayer?4. The Canaanite woman was an outsider — a woman, a Gentile, and from a region under judgment. What does it say about the kingdom of God that she becomes the example of great faith?5. What does this story reveal about how Jesus responds to people who “don’t deserve” his help? How does that challenge the way we think about who is in or out?6. The disciples tried to send the woman away. Have you ever felt like others discouraged your faith or told you to stop hoping, praying, or asking? How did you respond?7. Jesus praises the woman’s “great faith.” What do you think made her faith great? How can we grow in that kind of faith?8. Who in your life (or community or church) might feel like they’re on the outside looking in? What would it look like for you to embody the radical welcome of Jesus?9. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs...” Do you believe that even a small act of grace from Jesus can transform a life? Where have you seen that kind of miracle in your story or someone else’s?
In our June 22 Sunday gathering we continue our series in Matthew. This week's discussion questions are: Discussion Questions1. What stood out to you from this passage or the message today? Was there a moment that challenged or convicted you?2. Why do you think the Pharisees were so focused on outward behavior and ritual purity? In what ways can we fall into the same mindset today?3. Jesus says that what defiles a person comes from the heart. What are some signs that our hearts might be drifting away from God, even if we still look “religious” on the outside?4. Have you ever found yourself using religious language, tradition, or theology to avoid doing something God has clearly called you to do? What did that look like?5. What’s the difference between having clean hands and a clean heart? Can you think of modern-day examples where Christians focus more on appearances than authenticity?6. Jesus called the Pharisees “blind guides.” Who or what are the voices we’re tempted to follow today that might actually lead us into a ditch?7. What do you think it looks like to let Jesus “heal your heart”? What practices or postures help you stay tender to God and others?8. Righteousness is about relationships—with God and others. What is one step you can take this week to grow in right relationship with both?
In our June 15 Sunday gathering we continued our series in Matthew. This week's discussion questions are: Discussion Questions1. What kinds of fears or anxieties have you felt recently? How do those compare with what the disciples might have felt out on the water?2. Can you relate to the idea that anxiety feels like a superpower turned kryptonite? What are some ways fear has helped or hindered you?3. Why do you think Jesus “compelled” the disciples to get in the boat, knowing a storm was coming? What does that say about how God uses hardship?4. Peter walked on water for a moment — what made him sink? What makes your faith feel strong in one moment and fragile in the next?5. Which fear response (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn) do you most naturally lean toward? How has that shown up in your spiritual life?6. What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “Take courage. I AM. Don’t be afraid”? How does that change how you view God in your own storms?7. What are some daily or weekly practices you could implement to take courage and walk through fear with Jesus? (e.g., breath prayers, naming fears out loud, seeking help)8. When has fear kept you from stepping out in faith? What would it look like to step out of the boat this week?9. What does it mean to you that fear is not the absence of faith — but part of learning to walk with Jesus?10. How might God want to use your fear or anxiety as an opportunity to reveal himself more deeply to you or to others?
We continue our series in Matthew in our June 8 Sunday gathering. This week's discussion questions are below: June 8 Discussion Questions:Why do you think the feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle (besides the resurrection) recorded in all four gospels? What does that say about its importance?Jesus sought solitude after John’s death but responded with compassion when interrupted. How do you typically respond when your plans or grief are interrupted? What does His response teach us?The disciples said, “We only have five loaves and two fish.” Where in your life do you find yourself saying, “I only have…”? How might Jesus be inviting you to offer that “only”?What are some examples of how God has multiplied something small in your life—time, energy, resources, or faith? How did that shape your trust in Him?The disciples wanted to send the crowd away. Who in your life—or in our community—are you tempted to “send away” rather than serve? What might Jesus be saying instead?“Every opportunity for a miracle has a reason it shouldn’t work.” What reasons or excuses tend to limit your faith in God’s power? How do those compare to the reasons in this passage?The boy gave his lunch, and Jesus gave thanks for it. What would it look like for you to give thanks for what you have, even if it doesn’t feel like enough?What might it look like for our church to attempt the impossible? Where is God calling us to trust Him with our “five loaves and two fish”?
We kick off an old new series by returning to our summer series in the book of Matthew. This week's discussion questions for June 1 are below: Discussion Questions June 11. What were some of the common expectations people had of the Messiah duringJesus’ time?2. In what ways do our modern expectations of God mirror or differ from theirs?3. Have you ever felt disappointed with God? What were you hoping for, and how didyou respond?4. John the Baptist went from boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah to doubtinghim while in prison. What does that teach us about faith in seasons of suffering orsilence?5. Why do you think Jesus didn’t intervene to rescue John from prison? How doesthat challenge our understanding of how God works?6. How can we express our disappointment to God in healthy, faith-filled ways?7. How does Herod’s kingship contrast with Jesus’ kingship in this passage?8. What does it mean that Jesus redefined kingship through the cross? How does thatimpact how we follow him today?9. Which of your expectations of God might be unconscious, unspoken, orunrealistic?10. How might God be inviting you to “evaluate” and “adjust” your expectations?11. Have you ever experienced a time when God didn’t meet your expectations, butsomething deeper or better happened instead?12. How can we support others in our community who are dealing with disappointmentor unmet expectations in their faith?13. What practices or habits can help us stay rooted in trust even when we don’tunderstand what God is doing?
We conclude our series about the Jewish roots of Christianity. From our May 25 Sunday gathering. This week's discussion questions are below:May 25 Discussion QuestionsHave you ever struggled with the apparent contrast between the God of the Old Testament and the God revealed in Jesus? How does the idea of progressive revelation help make sense of this tension?2. What stood out to you about the quote: “God is the name of the blanket we throw over mystery to give it shape”? How does that reshape how you think about theology?3. What are some ways that learning about Jewish thought and tradition has deepened or challenged your understanding of Christianity?4. In what ways has the church you’ve experienced leaned more toward a "Marcionite" view—separating the OT God from Jesus?5. How does the Jewish idea of Olam Haba differ from the traditional Christian views of heaven or hell you grew up with?6. Why do you think Jesus emphasized a “reversal” in the world to come—“the last will be first, and the first will be last”? What does that tell us about God’s values?7. Does the vision of a restored creation (rather than a disembodied heaven) affect how you think about your purpose here and now?8. What does it look like to live today as if the Olam Haba is already breaking into this world?9. In what ways can we help “colonize earth with the life of heaven,” as N.T. Wright puts it?10. How does this vision of the future affect how you view justice, mercy, or forgiveness in your daily life?
In our May 18 Sunday gathering we continue our series about the Jewish roots of Christianity and some of the confusion that has caused for the Western church. This week's discussion questions are below: 1. Have you ever claimed a Bible promise thinking it applied directly to you,only to realize later it was originally meant for someone else? How did thatrealization impact your faith or understanding of scripture?2. Why is it important to understand the original audience and context of abiblical promise?3. How does knowing that God’s promises depend on “His” character (not ours)give you comfort or challenge you?4. What does Paul mean when he says “all the promises of God find their Yes inhim” (2 Cor. 1:20)?5. How can promises made to Israel still bring blessing to us through Jesus,even if they weren’t made “to” us?6. How does viewing the Bible as "one continuous story"—with Jesus as themain character—change the way you read both the Old and NewTestaments?7. Why do you think we’re so tempted to make the Bible “about us” rather thanabout God?8. How should we approach verses like Jeremiah 29:11 in a faithful and honestway?9. How does the promise “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20) personallyencourage you?10. The sermon mentioned asking: “Who is this promise for? What does thisreveal about God’s character? Is there a principle here for all people? How isthis fulfilled in Jesus?” How might those questions change the way you studythe Bible going forward?
We continue our series about the Jewish foundations of the Christian faith. Your discussion questions this week are: Discussion Questions1. What does the Hebrew word “Barukh” reveal about how God defines blessing?2. In Genesis 12:1–3, what does it mean that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through” Abraham? How does Jesus fulfill that?3. How does the way Jesus describes "blessed" people in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) challenge our cultural view of what it means to live the good life?4. How has the church historically misunderstood or mistreated the Jewish people?5. Were you aware of how deeply antisemitism has been rooted in Christian history? How does that affect your perspective today?6. Why is it important to remember that Jesus was Jewish—and how might that change the way we read the Bible?7. What does it look like to “bless" the Jewish people in practical, everyday terms?8. How can we stand against antisemitism in our own communities—both subtle and overt forms?9. Is it possible to support the Jewish people and still speak critically about the actions of modern political Israel? How do we walk that line faithfully and lovingly?10. Who in your life could you reach out to, listen to, or serve this week as a way of living out God’s blessing?
We continue our series about the Jewish roots of Christianity. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions May 41. What were some things you were taught about the Old Testament growingup? How did that shape your view of the Torah?2. The Hebrew word Torah means "instruction" or "direction." How does thisdefinition affect how we should approach the first five books of the Bible?3. Why do you think God gave Israel such specific and unusual laws (like notmixing fabrics or seeds)?4. How does viewing the Torah as both a religious and cultural-politicaldocument help us better understand its purpose?5. How does Genesis 15:6 challenge the idea that Old Testament believers weresaved by following laws?6. What does it mean that “belief is busy”? How do we see this conceptillustrated in both the Old and New Testaments?7. Why do you think it was so difficult for early Jewish Christians to acceptGentiles into the church without requiring them to follow the Torah?8. Read Galatians 2:11–16 again. What do you learn about how Paul viewedjustification (being made right with God)?9. Have you ever seen modern parallels to the “circumcision group” mentality—where people are expected to follow extra rules to be considered truly“Christian”?10. What are some ways we may still misread or misapply Scripture today byignoring its original context?11. Dallas Willard said, “Grace is not against effort. It is against earning.” Howdoes this statement help us balance faith and works in our daily walk?12. In what ways did Jesus “fulfill” the Torah rather than abolish it? (Matt. 5:17)
We kick off a new series about the Jewish people and how Israel affects our Bibles and the roots of Christinaity. Discussion Questions for this week are1. Why is it important to understand the Jewishness of the Bible and of Jesus?2. How does realizing that most of the Bible was written by and about Jewishpeople shift the way we read it?3. What challenges do modern Christians face when interpreting ancientJewish texts and customs?4. Why did God choose the Jewish people to be his representatives on earth?5. How do Genesis 12:1–3 and Isaiah 9:7 help us understand Israel’s originalcalling?6. What does it mean to say that Israel was “blessed to be a blessing”? Howdoes that principle apply to us today?7. What are some of the dangers of the church forgetting its Jewish roots?8. What tensions arise when discussing modern political Israel in light ofbiblical Israel?9. What does it mean to bear the name of Jesus in our lives today?10. What does it look like when Christians misrepresent Jesus to the world?11. What are some practical ways we can be agents of shalom in our daily lives?12. Reflecting on Dallas Willard’s quote: “Discipleship is the process ofbecoming who Jesus would be if he were you,” how would your life lookdifferent if you fully lived that out?13. Are there areas of your life where you feel you’ve carried Jesus’ name in vain(i.e., misrepresented him)?14. What are some concrete steps you can take this week to better reflect Jesus to those around you?
In our April 20 Easter Sunday gathering we wrap up our miniseries about why Jesus had to die. This week's discussion questions are below: April 20, 2025 Discussion Questions1. Have you ever had to reboot a device to fix a problem? How does that experience connect with the idea of Jesus rebooting creation through the resurrection?2. Colossians 1:18 says Jesus is the "firstborn from among the dead." What do you think that means? Why is it important that Jesus goes first in resurrection?3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:22. How does comparing Jesus to Adam help us understand the significance of the resurrection?4. In Luke 24:1–12, why do you think the women believed the resurrection message first, while the disciples doubted? What does this say about belief and expectation?5. The sermon says Jesus didn’t just die to defeat sin, but to “reboot all of creation”. How does this expand your understanding of the gospel?6. How is the resurrection both a personal and a cosmic event?7. What does it mean that the resurrection is “here, but not yet fully here”? How does that tension show up in your everyday life?8. Is there an area of your life that feels like it’s still under the weight of death, loss, or brokenness? How might the hope of resurrection speak into that?9. The sermon says: “The worst moments of our lives become tombs waiting for a resurrection.” Can you think of a time when something painful or dead in your life was brought back to life in some way?10. If Jesus truly rebooted the story of the world, what kind of story are you living in now? How would your daily decisions or mindset shift if you lived more fully into that new story?11. Share one way you could live this week as a citizen of the resurrected kingdom. What small act of renewal or resurrection could you practice—personally or for someone else?12. If someone asked you “What does Easter mean to you?”, how would you explain it using the image of a reboot?
We continue our micro series about why Jesus had to die. This week's discussion questions are below: April 13 Discussion QuestionsWhat do you feel when you think about death—fear, peace, confusion, something else? Why?2. How has your perspective on death changed over time, if at all?3. The sermon argues that Jesus died in order to defeat death. How does that paradox strike you—does it feel confusing, hopeful, beautiful, or something else?4. Revelation 1:18 says Jesus holds “the keys of death and the grave.” What does that image suggest to you? What might it mean for your own life?5. Why do you think we still fear death even when we believe Jesus defeated it?6. What does it look like to live without the fear of death? Have you known someone who lived like that?7. Dallas Willard said, “You want to stop now... of thinking of your life as coming to an end.” What would change in your life if you truly believed that?8. What do you imagine the life to come will be like, based on what was shared in this sermon?9. What does the promise of resurrection and eternal life stir in you? Joy, doubt, curiosity, longing?10. How can you live today in light of the truth that death has been defeated and that your life will continue beyond the grave?11. What might it look like to “pray for the kingdom to come” in your everyday routines?
We kick off a new series about why Jesus had to die. This week's discussion questions are below: April 6 Discussion Questions1. Why do you think the question “If God can do anything, why did Jesus haveto die?” is such a powerful or challenging one?2. Dallas Willard suggests that God’s goal is to create a community of free,loving beings. How does that help explain why God allows our current worldwith its suffering and sin?3. How does redefining omnipotence as “limitless power to live out God’sunchanging character and promises” help us understand why God couldn’tsimply “snap his fingers” and remove sin?4. Can you think of something that sounds logical in theory (like the “rock Godcan’t lift” question), but breaks down when applied to a personal God? Why doabstract puzzles fall short in describing God?5. Why does sin require death as a consequence? How does the “electricity”analogy help explain what sin does to our relationship with God?6. What role did animal sacrifice play in the Old Testament? How was it aforeshadowing of Jesus’ death?7. How is Jesus described as the ultimate “Paschal lamb”? Why is the timing ofhis death (at Passover) important?8. How would you define sin in your own words after hearing this sermon? Hasyour definition shifted?9. Why do you think some people ask, “If Jesus forgave me, why can’t I just sinas much as I want?” How would you respond to that?10. In what ways does sin still carry consequences, even if it’s forgiven?11. The sermon describes God’s commands not as arbitrary rules but as pathsto joy. Do you find that view helpful? Why or why not?12. What might it look like for you to grow into being a “person of peace and anagent of love like Jesus”?
We conclude our series on trials, by talking about the fires Satan throws into our lives. This weeks discussion questions are below: March 30, 2025 Discussion Questions What does Peter mean when he tells believers to "cast all your anxiety on Jesus"? How does this relate to spiritual battles?Have you ever experienced a time when you felt like you were under spiritual attack? How did you respond?In what ways do you personally struggle with either ignoring spiritual warfare or seeing it in everything?The sermon mentions that suffering can refine us. Can you think of a time when a difficult season in your life ultimately made you stronger or deepened your faith?What are some ways we can "stand firm" in faith when faced with trials or spiritual attacks?How can Christian community help protect us from "the roaring lion" that seeks to isolate and devour believers?The sermon discusses breath prayers as a way to "cast our anxieties" on Jesus. Have you ever practiced breath prayers or similar spiritual disciplines? How do you think they can help in times of stress or fear?How does the hope of Christ’s return shape how we endure suffering today?How can we encourage others who are going through difficult times to remember who they are becoming through their struggles?
We continue our series in 1 Peter with a look at why trials often surprise us. This week's discussion questions are: March 23 Discussion QuestionsPeter tells believers not to be surprised by suffering (1 Peter 4:12). Why do we often feel surprised when we face hardships? 2. How does the idea of suffering as a "refiner’s fire" change the way we view trials? Can you think of a time when a difficult experience refined you? 3. In John 16:33, Jesus promises both trouble and victory. How does holding these two truths together shape our faith? 4. What are some common misconceptions about why people suffer? How does Jesus’ response in John 9:2-3 challenge these misconceptions? 5. The sermon discusses different views on God's providence and sovereignty. Which view resonates most with you, and why? 6. How can we trust in God’s goodness when He doesn’t intervene in the way we hope? 7. The sermon suggests that “God does not always remove hardship, but His involvement always transforms it.” How have you seen this play out in your own life? 8. Why do we often miss the subtle ways God is working? What are some practices that could help us recognize His presence more clearly? 9. What does it mean to shift from asking, “Why isn’t God acting?” to “How is God moving in ways I do not yet see?” 10. How does this understanding of suffering impact the way we pray? Should we pray differently when we face trials? 11. How can we encourage others who are struggling to see God’s hand in their pain? 12. The sermon concludes with the hope that God will one day bring an end to all suffering. How does this hope shape how we endure difficulties now?
We continue our series about trials and overcoming them from 1 Peter. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions March 161. Peter compares trials to a refiner’s fire. Can you think of a time in your life when a difficult situation made you stronger? How did it refine you rather than destroy you?2. What are some common ways people react to stress and hardship? How do you personally tend to respond when life feels overwhelming?3. Do you see yourself becoming better or bitter when facing trials? What factors influence the direction you take?4. Peter tells us not to repay evil with evil but instead to bless those who hurt us. Why do you think this is so difficult? How does this mindset help us grow rather than become hardened?5. How does having hope in Jesus change the way we endure suffering? What does it mean to "be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15)?6. Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." What does it look like to live at peace in a world that often feels hostile?7. When going through trials, Peter encourages us to be like-minded, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. Which of these is the hardest for you to live out in times of stress?8. What are some practical ways we can reframe our hardships as challenges instead of threats? How does this shift in perspective change the way we endure them?9. Who in your life has modeled resilience and faith in the face of trials? What can you learn from their example?10. How can we cultivate gratitude even in the midst of suffering? What are some small practices that help shift our focus toward thankfulness?
We continue our series about trials and stress, by looking at 1 Peter 2. The discussion questions for this week are: 1. Have you ever experienced a trial or season of suffering that ultimately shaped you for the better? How did it change you? 2. Peter compares suffering to a refining fire that reshapes us. How does this metaphor help us understand the role of trials in our lives? 3. Why do you think suffering can open us to change in ways that comfort and ease do not? 4. Paul says that if we share in Christ’s suffering, we will also share in His glory (Romans 8:17-18). What do you think that means practically in our lives today? 5. Jesus taught a radical response to injustice—creative, nonviolent resistance. How does this differ from passivity? How does it challenge our natural instincts? 6. Martin Luther King Jr. described nonviolence as “a courageous confrontation of evil by the power of love.” What are some examples of this kind of response today? 7. How can we honor those in authority (as Peter instructs) while still standing against oppression and injustice? 8. Peter calls believers “foreigners and exiles” in this world. How does seeing ourselves this way change how we engage with suffering, power, and culture? 9. What does it look like to live as a citizen of God’s kingdom in a world that often operates on violence, power, and manipulation? 10. Tolkien’s quote speaks of hope beyond the reach of darkness. How can we hold onto that hope in difficult times?
We kick off a new series about trials and stress and pressure. How do we respond when it feels like life is an inescapable furnace? We’ll look at Peter’s words to the early Christian’s facing persecution under the tyrant Nero, and I hope all of us will find the courage, the endurance and the faith to keep going, keep loving our neighbors and keep pushing back the darkness. This week's discussion questions are below: 1. Can you recall a time in your life when you felt like you were being tested in a "refiner’s fire"? How did that experience shape your faith? 2. Peter talks about trials revealing the genuineness of our faith. Have you ever discovered something about your own beliefs through suffering? What was it? 3. Stephen Colbert spoke about learning to love the thing he wished had not happened. Is there something in your life that, though painful, has led to unexpected growth or good? 4. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says trials refine our faith like gold. How does this analogy help us understand the purpose of suffering in a believer’s life? 5. How do you interpret 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, where Paul talks about fire testing our works? What are some ways our motivations and actions might be tested in life? 6. Romans 8:18-22 speaks about all of creation groaning for redemption. How does this shape our understanding of suffering in the world today? 7. When facing difficult trials, how can we remind ourselves of the "living hope" that Peter talks about? 8. How can we encourage others who feel like they are being tested in the fire? What are practical ways we can walk alongside those who are struggling? 9. Peter calls believers to rejoice even in suffering. What are some ways we can find joy in difficult times without ignoring or dismissing the pain? 10. Russell Moore encourages us not to grow cynical or demoralized. What spiritual practices or habits help you maintain hope during hard seasons?
In our final message in our series about doubt, we explore the prayer of a father who tells Jesus, "I believe, help my unbelief." The discussion questions this week are: 1. Have you ever prayed, “Help me God”? What was the situation, and what happened after that prayer? 2. Where do you see yourself on the Engel Scale of belief? What step might be next for you? 4. In Mark 9:23-24, Jesus tells the father, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” What do you think Jesus meant by this? How does this differ from the way prosperity gospel teachers use this verse? 5. Read Matthew 13:58. How does a lack of faith limit what God does in people’s lives? Does this mean God’s power is dependent on human belief? 6. Ephesians 3:20 says God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” What does this reveal about God’s nature and His plans for us? 7. Alex said, “Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged.” How does this perspective change the way we approach doubts in our faith? 8. Tim Keller says, “A faith without some doubts is like a human body with no antibodies.” How might wrestling with doubts actually strengthen faith? 9. If someone told you they were struggling with doubt, how would you respond to them? How can we create a church culture where doubts are openly discussed? 10. What is one practical step you can take this week to move forward in faith, even if you have doubts?
We continue our series about Thomas the famous doubting disciple. This week's discussion questions are: 2/16/25 Discussion QuestionsThe sermon contrasts Thomas's nickname "Twin" with the later label "Doubter." How does understanding his original nickname change your perception of him?What are the key differences between genuine doubt and cynicism, as explained in the sermon? How can you tell the difference in yourself?Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of positioning ourselves around believers and actively seeking truth, like Thomas did?How does Jesus's response to Thomas's doubt reveal his character and the nature of God's grace?What is the significance of Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God!"? What does it reveal about his understanding of Jesus?The sermon suggests a "dangerous prayer" – asking Jesus to reveal himself as King and God. Would you be willing to pray this prayer? Why or why not?How can you apply the principle of "faith seeking understanding" (fides quaerens intellectum) to your own spiritual journey?Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to be cynical rather than genuinely doubtful? How can you shift your perspective?What specific steps can you take to "position yourself" to encounter Jesus, as Thomas did?
We cancelled our February 9 Sunday gathering due to sickness. Here is a quick mini message from Alex and this week's discussion questions:Have you ever experienced a season of doubt in your faith? If so, what was that experience like?How do you typically respond when you have doubts about God? Do you lean in, push away, or something else?Does knowing that historical Christian figures like St. John of the Cross, Charles Spurgeon, and Mother Teresa struggled with doubt make you feel encouraged or discouraged? Why?Matthew 28:17 says that some of the disciples doubted even after seeing the resurrected Jesus. Why do you think doubt can persist even in the face of clear evidence?What do you think Jesus’ response to their doubt would have been? What do you think his response to your doubt is?
We continue our series about doubt by talking about what it means to have child like faith.2/2/25 Discussion QuestionsHow has your understanding of "childlike faith" been shaped by your own experiences in church or religious settings?Have you ever felt that your questions or doubts were unwelcome in your faith community? If so, how did that experience affect you?Do you resonate with the idea that American Christianity sometimes prioritizes feelings over intellectual engagement? Why or why not?In what ways do you see the tension between faith and doubt playing out in your own life?Do you think it is possible to have a vibrant, questioning faith? How does this sermon speak to that?How can we create church environments where both faith and critical thinking are valued?What practical steps can individuals take to cultivate a deeper intellectual life within their faith?How can churches better support those who are struggling with doubts or difficult questions about their faith?What are some ways to balance emotional experiences of faith with intellectual understanding?How might understanding "childlike faith" as humility change the way we interact with others, both inside and outside the church?
We continue our series on doubt and look at what James says about people who doubt. This week's discussion questions are below:Discussion Questions 1/26/251. Growing up, were you ever made to feel like doubt was a weakness or a sin? How has that impacted your faith or view of God? 2. How does the meaning of the Greek word diakrinoo (doubt) reshape the way you understand James 1:5-7? 3. James 2:4 uses the same word to discuss discrimination. How might this broader understanding of “doubt” as divided loyalty or internal conflict apply to your faith life? 4. How does Matthew 5:45, where God gives rain to the righteous and the unrighteous, challenge the idea that doubt or sin might limit God’s generosity? 5. James doubted his brother, Jesus, until after the resurrection. How does James’s story encourage you in seasons of doubt? 6. Why do you think James ends his letter by referencing Elijah, a prophet who experienced deep doubt? What does this say about God’s grace toward doubters? 7. The sermon highlights how some churches portray doubt negatively. How can churches create space for honest conversations about doubt without fear or shame? 8. Alex said that “if the gospel is true, it can hold up to honest questions.” What role does community play in creating an environment where questions and doubts are welcomed? 9. Reflecting on James’s teaching and personal story, how might you approach prayer differently when you’re feeling unsure or doubting?
Our Jan 19 Sunday gathering is canceled due to an impending winter storm. Here's a quick Look at the Psalms from Alex.Exploring Doubt in the PsalmsReflecting on Doubt: Many Psalms, such as Psalm 13 or Psalm 22, express raw feelings of doubt and despair. How do these Psalms resonate with your own experiences of questioning or uncertainty in faith?The Honesty of the Psalms: Why do you think the Psalmists were so open about their struggles, doubts, and even anger toward God? What does this tell us about the nature of faith?God's Response to Doubt: How does the Psalmist in passages like Psalm 34:18 ("The Lord is close to the brokenhearted") convey God's presence even in times of doubt?The Role of Lament: How do the lament Psalms (e.g., Psalm 42-43) demonstrate that expressing doubt can be an act of faith rather than a sign of weakness?
We continue our series about doubt by exploring how doubt is possible both when God doesn't answer our prayers, and even when he does. This week's discussion questions are:1. How do you view the relationship between faith and doubt? Can doubt coexist withfaith, or does it feel like they are always in opposition?2. Have you ever experienced doubt in your faith? What triggered it, and how did yourespond?3. Why do you think unanswered prayers often lead to doubt? Have you experiencedthis personally?4. Why do you think doubt can arise even after witnessing or experiencing amiraculous event, like in Elijah’s story?5. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah doubted and wanted to give up despite witnessing God’s power.What does this reveal about human nature and faith?6. How did God respond to Elijah’s doubts? What does this teach us about God’scharacter?7. Elijah’s perception of reality was distorted by his doubt (thinking he was alone, etc).How can doubt skew our understanding of situations?8. What does it look like to take “the next step” in faith when you are struggling withdoubt?9. How can we support others who are experiencing doubt? What lessons from Elijah’sstory can guide our approach?10. When you feel overwhelmed by doubt, what practical steps (e.g., rest, prayer,seeking community) help you move forward?11. Alex’s professor asked, “What would God have to do to make you believe?” Howwould you answer this question today? Is it possible to believe fully without somemeasure of doubt?12. Have you seen doubt deepen someone’s faith rather than destroy it? What factorsmight influence whether doubt leads to growth or decline in faith?13. Despite his doubts, Elijah was honored by God and remained a central figure inscripture. What encouragement can we draw from his example?
We kick off a new series about doubt. Here's the discussion questions mentioned at the end of the message:Discussion Questions: 1/5/2025 1. Relating to Doubt◦ Have you ever experienced a "bitter laugh" like Sarah's, where disappointmentor hopelessness made belief difficult?◦ How does acknowledging the doubts of biblical figures like Abraham and Sarahchange your perspective on your own doubts?2. Faith and Doubt Coexisting◦ What does it mean to you that "faith isn’t the absence of doubt, but actingdespite doubt"?◦ Can you recall a moment when you acted in faith despite uncertainty? What wasthe result?3. Being Honest with God◦ Why do you think it’s challenging to be fully honest with God about doubts orfears?◦ How might your relationship with God change if you felt free to bring yourdoubts to Him?4. God’s Faithfulness Amid Doubt◦ What stands out to you about God’s response to Sarah’s laughter and doubt?◦ How does it encourage you to know that God’s promises are based on Hischaracter rather than your belief or faithfulness?5. Personalizing the Story◦ In what ways can you relate to Abraham and Sarah’s journey of waiting anddoubt?◦ How do you think God might be working through your doubts right now, even ifyou don’t see the outcome yet?6. Transforming Doubt into Joy◦ Sarah’s doubt turned into joy when Isaac was born. What does thistransformation teach us about God’s ability to redeem moments of disbelief?◦ Where in your life are you longing for God to turn bitterness into joy?7. Doubt as an Invitation◦ How might doubt be inviting you to deepen your understanding or relationshipwith God?◦ What steps could you take this week to explore your doubts instead ofsuppressing them?8. Faith as a Journey◦ How does the concept that "doubt doesn’t exclude you from Christianity"resonate with you?◦ In what ways can doubt be a tool for spiritual growth rather than a barrier?
In our Dec 29 online service we look back at 2024 and look ahead to 2025 by asking what does God want from us?
In our online only December 22 Sunday service we conclude our Advent series by talking about the deep desire in all of us for Eden, for a Christmas without end, and our band leads us in worship.
Jesus came as a child, grew up to be a man, lived and died and lives again, but he's not around anymore, he left and we're waiting for him to come back. Why leave again? We discuss the ascension of Jesus during our third week of Advent.
Guest speaker Martry Julius continues our Advent series by talking about how the arrival of Jesus disperses darkness and fear.
We kick off our Advent 2024 series with a message about how the Christmas story starts in Genesis 3.
In between series in our Nov 24 Sunday gathering, Alex talks about the curious way our weakness and brokenness become containers for grace.
We have no in person Sunday gathering on Nov 17, instead Alex shares a short devotional about two Hebrew words.
We conclude our series on politics with two pastoral imperatives from Alex: 1) show empathy whether your candidate won or lost and 2) build from the unmoving love of Jesus to repair the world through acts of service and love.
We continue our series about politics by talking about the temptation to use violence to influence change, and the necessity of following the teachings of our Master Jesus who taught enemy love.
Are you anxious about politics? 7 out of 10 Americans say it is the #1 reason they are stressed. How do we live out Jesus' teaching to not be anxious in a world that seems complicit in making us anxious?
We continue our series about politics by exploring what the Bible says about our words, and how we should talk about different political parties and their candidates.
We kick off a new series about politics and how to remain faithful students of Jesus in the midst of division and the rise of politics as religion.
Guest Speaker Rev. Gerald Waters from Proclamation Community church teaches on Romans 2, and how we must do more than simply hear the Bible, we need to act on it, we need to get it in our blood and into our hearts so it moves past our head and moves our hands to act.
In our final message in our series about the Bible, we talk about how this book came together.
We continue our series about the terms and titles people apply to the Bible by talking about sola scriptura and whether or not it is a biblical idea.
This week we discuss inerrancy, and what means and does not mean as we continue our series about the Bible and the human terms we've developed define it.
We continue our series about the Bible and the theological terms used to describe it. This week we discuss inspiration and what it means to say scripture is inspired by God.
We kick off a new series about the scriptures, and what it means to be authoritative, inerrant and inspired and whether or not those titles are helpful as we look for Jesus.
We wrap up our series in Matthew for 2024, and we end with Matthew 13 and the final verses that say Jesus didn't do many miracles in Nazareth because of their lack of faith.
We continue working through Matthew 13 and a long collection of parables about what the kingdom of God is like.
In our August 4, Sunday gathering we jump into Matthew 13, and do a deep dive into parables and the power of story.
We wrap up Matthew 12, by looking at some weird verses about demons and Jesus ignoring his biological family. We discuss the reasons why some people bristle at the idea of calling a church a family, and we set ourselves up for next week's discussion of the parable of the sower and the soil.
In our July 21 Sunday gathering, Alex explores Matthew 12 and Jesus' rebuke of those who asked for signs. We discuss "putting out a fleece" and how often we use spiritual language to hide our selfish choices.
In Matthew 12, Jesus has a discussion with the Pharisees and he says they are bad trees producing bad fruit. In our July 12, Sunday gathering we discuss what good fruit looks like and what why we feel stuck with things like anxiety, lust and greed.
We continue our series in Matthew by talking about the unforgivable sin that Jesus mentions in Matthew 12. What is it? How do we know if we have done it?
The New Testament authors paint the biggest enemies to who Jesus was and what he was trying to do as the Pharisees, ultra conservative religious people who memorized the Old Testament and kept all the moral rules, but used religion to mask their own evil and wield it as a weapon to control people. Together we discuss how to avoid these same traps as modern disciples.
We continue our series in Matthew, by looking at an unusual passage that mentions an apocalypse and we examine how the word was used differently in the first century and how we need God's eyes to see what we are facing today.
We continue our series in Matthew and explore the concept of Hades and Hell, as we look at Jesus' strongly worded rebuke to the good religious cities that refused to repent and recognize him as King.
We continue our series in Matthew by looking at 11:7-19 where Jesus compares his generation to children who want to watch others play, but don't want to actively get involved. They want to see a prophet in the desert, but want to ignore his message to repent.
Matthew 11:2-6, we continue our summer series in the book of Matthew, looking at how John the Baptist wrestled with Jesus and his expectations of what a Messiah should look like.
Each summer, we've been working through Matthew verse by verse and we've reached Matthew 11. We take some time to review, and set the stage for Matthew's agenda in the next few chapters, and his objective to get us all to wrestle with this question: "do I live as if Jesus is my king?"
We wrap up our series on our church's core values with an encouragement to keep holding on and moving forward!
We talk about our final core value, being Kingdom Minded and what it means for us as a church and as followers of Jesus.
We continue our series on the core values of our church, by talking about our core value to equip people to live and love like Jesus.
We continue our new series about the core values of the church, by talking about how important it is to be outward focused instead of inward focused.
In the second message in our new series about the core values of our church, we talk about how Jesus was people driven, and how as a church we must be as well in order to reach a cynical culture.
We kick off a new series about our core values as a church as Horizon Church turns 6 years old.
We conclude our series on prayer with a message and a practical explanation of meditation and its value in our prayer lives.
In our Easter message we discuss the claims of the resurrection and how God does the unheard of in our lives.
We continue our series about prayer by talking about the spiritual practice of fasting and how it amplifies our prayers.
Intercession is praying for other people, interceding heaven to come to their aid. We need people to put a hand on our shoulder and tell us that we are seen and loved.
We often think of prayer as one directional: of us talking to God. But prayer should be a conversation not a monologue.
Yes, you can ask pray to ask God for stuff, but sometimes you need to pray to remember who God is, and that above all he loves you. These prayers are the foundation that our spiritual lives are built on.
We kick off a new series about prayer. Alex shares about his trouble praying the last few years, and we look at some of Jesus' teachings about prayer.
In our Feb 4 Sunday gathering, we finish our series entitled No other Gods, by talking about why Christianity provides unique tools to help people find meaning, satisfaction, identity, justice, and hope and our band leads us in worship.
What happens to the faithful follower of another religion who never hears about Jesus? Is there any hope for them in the day of judgment? We discuss Christianity's different answers to this question as our series nears the end.
We continue our series entitled No Other Gods, by discussing the ways Christianity has treated other faiths throughout history and how Jesus would want us to approach our neighbors, coworkers and friends of different faiths.
We cancelled our January 21 Sunday Gathering due to inclement weather. Alex takes a few minutes to nerd out about what the Bible has to say about snow.
Sometimes we create a Jesus who never existed, a Jesus who always agrees with us, who never challenges us -- recreating Jesus in our image is another form of idolatry.
We kick off our first series of 2024 by talking about idolatry, Jesus and other religions and the exclusivity of the Christian faith.
In our online only Dec 31 service, we discuss where we are at in our spiritual growth and what we can do to become more like Jesus in 2024.
Happy Christmas Eve, we continue our advent series by lighting the fourth candle of a traditional Advent wreath and discussing the candle of love.
We continue our Advent series by talking about Joy and how important it is to living a fulfilling life.
Guest Speaker Sam Spatafore continues our series about Advent, explaining how Jesus if the Prince of Peace and as his students we should know peace and share it with a world desperate for peace!
In the first message in our 2023 Advent series, we explore the Hope candle sometimes called the prophecy candle and talk about how to be hopeful in a culture that often is hopeless.
In our November 26 Sunday gathering, Alex describes the reason he is a Christian despite all the disappointments he's had with Christian people and the church at large.*Our originally planned extended worship gathering was delayed due to sickness.
In lieu of our Nov 19, Sunday Gathering we are encouraging people to put last week's message about healthy rest into practice. Alex explains what it looks like to carry the spirit of Sabbath into our modern lives.
We conclude our series about contentment by talking about rest, and how practicing healthy rest can help us become content and become people of love.
We're nearing the end of our series on contentment and we explore the concept of wisdom and how to avoid making the wrong choices that lead to a life of chaos instead of flourishing.
In our October 22 Sunday gathering, we explore the biblical commands to rejoice and live thankful lives and how that cultivates contentment in our souls.
We continue our new series about finding meaning, purpose and contentment in mid-life with a message about generosity, greed and the way money gets entangled in our hearts.
We continue our series about midlife and finding meaning and purpose in our discussion of contentment by examining apathy, ambition and the spiritual practice of indifference.
In the message from our October 1 Sunday gathering, we kick off a new series about becoming like Jesus and finding contentment, that corresponds to Alex turning 40 and having a midlife crisis.
We wrap up our series on what the Bible says about the role of women with a message from Marisa and Darby, recounting their experiences in church and discussing Galatians 3:28.
As we near the end of our series on what the Bible says about women, Alex tackles the controversial verses in Ephesians 5 about women submitting to men.
When it comes to the subject of women and what the Bible says about them, there is no bigger problem than the passages written by the Apostle Paul. In this message, we wrestle with how to interpret difficult passages, how to make sense of the narrative arc of the Bible and why Paul often seems to contradict himself. Strap in, this is the essential message in our series about Biblical womanhood.
We continue our series on the Biblical role of women and we discuss how the earthly ministry of Jesus was funded by women, and how brilliant this was in a male-dominated culture, as it allowed the most vulnerable people in his society to have a voice in his organization.
We continue our series on the Biblical role of women, by exploring the idea of authority and the story of Deborah from Judges 4.
We kick off a new series about what the Bible says and doesn't say about the role of women.
We conclude our series in Matthew for the year by finishing out Matthew 10. When we love God the most, we love others better.
As Jesus sends his students out into a hostile world he has some advice about how to operate.
We continue our series in Matthew 10, with a look at what it means to be a disciple and how we are sent out as disciples to make disciples.
After two chapters of healing various ailments in the broken kingdom we call home, Jesus invites his disciples to share the good news by healing and offering hope.
We continue our series in Matthew, but exploring Jesus' encounter with two daughters and why we often have to wait for his healing.
In our July 2 Sunday gathering, we discuss Jesus' invitation to Matthew and how he failed to meet some people's expectations about how the messiah should act.
We continue our series in the gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 9, Matthew argues that Jesus has the authority to forgive sin -- even before he dies. Jesus' death deals with our sin, but his forgiveness is not dependent on his death, but his character. We explore the historic Christian positions on atonement.
We continue our series in Matthew by examining how Jesus has authority over the forces of darkness and can heal the damage they do in our world and to us.
We continue our series in Matthew, by talking about the curious conversation Matthew records in-between stories of healing, about some would-be disciples and their barriers to following Jesus' way of life.
Guest Speaker Al DiSalvatore continues our series in Matthew 8 in a long extended passage about Jesus healing.
We continue our series through Matthew in a long extended section about Jesus healing. This week we examine the healing for the centurion's servant and how Jesus heals because of who he is, not who we are.
We kick off Act 3, of our longtime seasonal series on the gospel of Matthew. After a quick review, we jump into Matthew's account of Jesus healing what is broken in our world and his invitation to join him in healing the world.
We conclude our series about tree imagery in the Bible by talking about Jesus and the fig tree and what it means for us about bearing good fruit and trusting God.
We continue our series exploring the promises of God given in and around trees in the story of the Bible. This week we talk about how our pain and our mistakes don't keep us from being used by God to help hurting people.
We continue our series about the promises of God given in and around trees! This week we discuss Abraham and the provision of God, and how we can position ourselves to receive what we need from God.
We continue our series about tree imagery in the Bible and the promises of God given in and around trees, by discussing the olive branch in the story of Noah and how Jesus brought peace between heaven and earth.
We kick off a new series about how the biblical authors are obsessed with trees, and we look at the promises of God given around trees throughout the biblical story.
In our Easter 2023 message, Alex explores the question at the root of human suffering: how can a good God allow such evil in our lives and world. By exploring the cross and resurrection, we find hope in our moments of hurting.
Horizon turns five, and guest speaker David Pearson encourages the church to look outward and bring hope.
Guest speaker, Al DiSalvatore shared this message during our March 26 Sunday gathering.
In the final message in our series about the upside down kingdom values of Jesus, we get practical about how to live and love like citizens of the upside down Kingdom of Jesus in our every day lives.
We continue our series about the upside down values of Jesus' kingdom, but discussing his role reversal statement the first will be last, and the last will be first.
Guest speaker Sam Spatafore continues our new series on the upside down values of the Kingdom of Jesus by talking about the insidious ways that worldly wisdom pervades the people of God.
Jesus never told us to fight for him. He took us to take up our crosses and follow his example of sacrifice. In the subversive ethic of Jesus' kingdom we win by losing.
We conclude our series about eschatology by talking about the new heavens and earth and the garden city where all nations will gather and live in harmony with each, with nature and with God.
We're almost to the end of our series about eschatology -- the theology of how things end and we're discussing the mysterious anti-christ and what it means for us as followers of Jesus in the world.
We continue our series on eschatology by talking about how to read passages about dreams, visions and trances and we discuss how to avoid common pitfall approaches to reading the Bible.
We continue our discussion about eschatology by talking about Rev 20 and how your view of Millennialism or the thousand year reign of Jesus effects how you read and interpret a lot of other passages of scripture.
We continue our series on eschatology -- the theology of how things end by defining the word apocalypse and finding the biblical definition surprising.
We kick off our first series of 2023, by exploring Eschatological passages of scripture and exploring what we should do with end times sections in the Bible.
We kick off 2023 with an online only Sunday gathering and a discussion about change, and how we can make lasting meaningful changes in the new year.
Merry Christmas from Horizon. We conclude our series on the songs in the birth narrative of Jesus, by talking about the chorus at the heart of the cosmos and our band leads us in festive song!
In our December 18 service we continue our series on the curious songs in the birth narrative of Jesus by considering the bizarre messengers of the Bible: the angels.
We continue our series on Advent by talking about Zechariah and his Advent song of doubt.
We conclude our series on the Holy Spirit by asking a question that has sparked debate throughout church history. Is the Holy Spirit female? We explore whether there is any orthodox truth to this claim, and how it might effect us as we encounter God.
We continue our series on the Holy Spirit by exploring the idea of being filled with the Spirit.
We continue to explore the person of the Holy Spirit but discussing the fruit -- the byproduct of the Spirit of God living with us.
We continue talking about the Holy Spirit and explore what we can learn from Pentecostals and the Charismatic Movement.
We continue our series on the Holy Spirit, by discussing Jesus' controversial statement that it is better to have the Spirit in us, than him beside us.
In our Oct 9 Sunday gathering, Alex concludes our series on hope, by talking about how to practically lean into Jesus the source of our hope.
As we meet with our spiritual formation groups to practice the ways of Jesus to begin to live and love like he did, we realize not everyone loves to read, so we're recording a practice each week on our podcast.
We kick off a new series about hope, how to get it, how to keep it and why we desperately need it.
Not everyone iikes to read, so we're posting a different spiritual discipline to our podcast each week!
In our final message from the Sermon on the Mount, we talk about how to examine our spiritual maturity with three warnings from Jesus.
Not everyone likes to read, so we're posting a different spiritual discipline to our podcast each week! Don't have a spiritual formation group? Start one! Gather a few friends, neighbors, or coworkers and agree to meet together in each other’s homes or at a local coffee shop or park each week. Throughout the week, remind each other about the spiritual discipline. Pray for each other, and share your successes and struggles with each other.
In our Sept 4 Sunday gathering, we continue to explore Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, by talking about what to do when heaven is silent to our desperate prayers.
In September, we're launching Spiritual Formation Groups. Not everyone likes to read, so we're posting a different spiritual discipline in our podcast each week! Gather a few friends, neighbors, or coworkers and agree to meet together in each other’s homes or at a local coffee shop or park each week. When you meet, read one of the spiritual disciplines out loud together. You can go in order or skip around in the guide. End each session by asking people if they feel confident or challenged by the practice. Discuss together how to take the practice deeper if someone feels confident, or how to start smaller if someone feels challenged by it. Throughout the week, remind each other about the spiritual discipline. Pray for each other, and share your successes and struggles with each other.
In our August 28 service, we near the end of our series on the Sermon on the Mount and talk about Jesus' command to not judge each other, and how condemnation doesn't produce life change.
As we continue our series in the Sermon the Mount, we wrestle with Jesus' teaching to not be anxious and talk about how his life equips us to live as agents of love and people of peace.
As we continue our exploration of the Sermon on the Mount, we examine the counter cultural path that Jesus says leads to happiness.
We continue our micro series on the basics of the church and talk about the Biblical basis for baptism and the complicated church history associated with it.
We continue our series in the Sermon on the Mount by discussing the Lord's Prayer and how prayer we can develop a desire for prayer in our lives.
We continue our series on the sermon on the mount by asking what is the motivation behind our acts of service. Does bad motivations spoil our good deeds?
Marisa leads us in worship, and guest speaker Al DiSalvatore continues our series in the Sermon on the Mount.
We continue our series on the sermon on the mount and by talking about Jesus' subversion of popular spiritual teachings of his day. Just like them, Jesus continues to subvert the spiritual things we have heard, but that aren't true.
We take a break from our series in the Sermon on the Mount to talk about communion, the Lords Supper or Eucharist and what it means and why we do it.
We continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount and wrestle with Jesus' teaching about how righteous we have to be to enter his kingdom.
In our June 19 service we continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount, by talking about Jesus' metaphor of salt and light.
June 19 is Juneteenth! In this bonus episode, Alex interviewed Pastor Gerald Waters of Proclamation Community Church about the holiday and ways we can support our black family, friend, neighbors and coworkers.
We continue our series on the sermon on the mount by talking about how to define blessing and how to position ourselves to be blessed.
Did Jesus expect us to take the Sermon on the Mount seriously? Did he really think people could live this way? Join us as we continue working through the gospel of Matthew ad introduce the Sermon on the Mount.
We conclude our series on sexuality, church and culture by asking if sex is merely physical or could it be spiritual?
The church teaches true things about sexuality when it aligns with the Bible, but not everything we hear in church comes from the Bible. Sometimes, presuppositions about sex effect how we read a passage. We continue our series on sexuality, church and culture.
We continue our Birds + Bees series about sexuality, church and culture with a discussion about why Christianity has such restrictive commands about sex, and how culture and the church often miss what will ultimately fulfill us.
This week, we kick off a new series called Birds + Bees about sexuality, the church and culture. We discuss how the church has resorted to stone throwing as culture as moved away from being influenced by the church's moral positions.
We wrap up our series on how God is portrayed in the Old Testament by talking about his controversial command to wipe out the Amalekites.
In our April 24 service, we continue our series on how God is portrayed in the Old Testament, by discussing the disturbing story of Abraham offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice.
In our Easter message, we consider how people responded to news of the resurrection, and how we still wrestle with the same responses today.
In our April 10 service, we continue our discussion about how God is described in the Old Testament, by talking about the Bible's weird fascination with blood.
In our new series about the character and nature of God as displayed in the Old Testament, we kick off with a message about the most quoted verse in the Bible by the Bible Exodus 34:6-7.
Guest speaker Al DiSalvatore concludes our series on deconstruction, and our band leads us in worship.
In our online only service, we talk about contracting a rule of life to be sure we're rebuilding our faith healthy and connected to Jesus and our band leads us in worship.
In the message, Alex references some guides to developing a rule of life. Those resources can be found here:
https://practicingtheway.org/unhurrying-with-a-rule-of-life/workbook
https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/RULE-OF-LIFE-WORKBOOK.pdf
Alex's Rule of Life
Daily Write down three things that I’m grateful for Get outside and look at the sky Pray on my knees Listen to a spiritual podcast Read scripture Limit cellphone use Sleep 8 hours
Weekly Gather with others learning to live and love like Jesus Turn off my cellphone Read a book that impacts my spiritual life Date my wife Take a day off to rest Memorize scripture Connect with friends
Monthly Fast from food to focus on prayer Have time with a mentor Get away for a day Random act of generosity Give something away
Quarterly Take a day in silence to learn to listen for God
As our series on deconstruction winds down, we look at the how to reconstruct our faith as something stronger.
We continue our series on Deconstructing by talking about our need to deconstruct the tone we use to talk about faith.
As we continue our series about deconstruction we talk about our opinions, and how we need to hold them looser and Jesus tighter.
In our new series on deconstruction, we talk about how we need to deconstruct the way we were handed the Bible, and how we often misuse the Bible as a weapon.
In our new series on deconstruction, we talk about about what is essential to the Christian faith, and whether or not Jesus would be pro-deconstruction.
In our final message in our series, we talk about the followers of the King in Matthew 4:18-25, and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and our band leads us in worship.
We continue our series in the book of Matthew by talking about Jesus' move from Nazareth to Capernaum and how Jesus understands rejection, and will never reject us!
In our online only service, we continue our series in the book of Matthew by talking about the devil -- the false king and the primary way that he attacks us -- by encouraging us to believe lies.
In our online only service, we continue our series in the book of Matthew, by talking about what it means to follow Jesus. The will of God isn't safe. If the will of God led Jesus to the desert to fight the devil and to the cross to defeat sin and death, we should expect the Spirit of God to lead us to the front lines in a cosmic battle for the souls of men, women, and children on this planet.
In our January 9th service, we continue our series in the book of Matthew and our band leads us in worship.
We continue our series in the book of Matthew by looking at John the Baptist and his mission and message in Matthew 3:1-12.
In our December 19 service, guest speaker Al DiSalvatore continues our series in the book of Matthew.
In our December 12 service, guest speaker Matt Loveland continues our series in the book of Matthew. Jesus > all other kings.
In our December 5 service, guest speaker Sam Spatafore continues our series in the book of Matthew and our band leads us in festive music. The King is both God with us, and the God who rescues!
In our November 28 service, we kick off a new series in the gospel of Matthew. We explore the genealogy of Jesus, and talk about why it isn't just wasted space to record the bloodline of the King. The message comes from Matthew 1:1-17.
In our November 21 Sunday service -- the final message in our series on relationships, we discuss how to love our enemies.
We continue our series on becoming people of love, by discussing our relationships at work and our band leads us in worship.
Guest speaker Al DiSalvatore continues our series about relationships by talking about parents and children and our band leads us in worship.
In our October 31 service, we continue our series about becoming people of love by discussing what Ephesians 5 says about marriage, romance and being single and our band leads us in worship.
We continue our series in Ephesians 5+6 by discussing how the Bible talks about women. Is the Bible sexist? Do men always get the final word in relationships? Can we trust what the Bible says about becoming people of love, if it promotes men over women? We cover all this and more!
We kick off a new series about relationships in our October 17 service. We need to go back to school and learn at the feet of Jesus how to become people of love to build successful and fulfilling relationships.
Join us for the conclusion of our Wonder series as we talk about meditation and prayer.
Join us for October 3 service, as we continue our series on Wonder, by talking about how loving others, and being loved reveals God.
Our band leads an extended worship set, Alex talks about the wonder of music and Darby shares about how she sees scripture as art.
In our first ever outdoor service we explore the wonder of nature, and our band leads us in acoustic worship.
References
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_nature_makes_you_kinder_happier_more_creative
https://www.bustle.com/p/5-ways-being-in-nature-changes-your-brain-according-to-science-15827469
https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-nature/
https://www.warnell.uga.edu/sites/default/files/publications/WSFNR-16-43%20Coder.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Muir
https://www.banyanmentalhealth.com/2019/03/11/why-is-anxiety-so-common/
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/gerard-manley-hopkins
In our online only service, guest speaker David Pearson shares about a moment when life flashed before his eyes, and our band introduces new music.
Join us as we continue our series about Wonder. Today, we explore the moments that make us wonder why we had to experience them — moments of suffering and pain.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascendi_Dominici_gregis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immanence
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/divine-transcendence-immanence/
https://blogs.blueletterbible.org/blb/2015/01/22/god-is-both-transcendent-and-immanent-and-this-is-good-news/
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/whats-your-pain-tolerance
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-the-brain-purges-bad-memories/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/251655#why_are_bad_memories_so_vivid
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/when-god-doesnt-feel-like-enough/
We kick off a new series about Wonder from Isaiah 55. Moments of wonder are the moments that make our life matter. We think God speaks in the language of wonder!
In our August 15 service, guest speaker Sam Spatafore brings a powerful message from Matthew 7 and our band leads us in worship.
In the final message in our future church series we describe how churches of the future won't worry about attracting the rich or the influential, but will focus on reaching the outcast.
In August 1 service we continue our series about the future of the church by talking about Stephen, the first Christian martyr in Acts 7.
We continue our series about the future of the North American church, by discussing how the way we do church is attracting toxic narcissistic leaders and our band leads us in worship.
Join us as we explore the mindsets needed for a future church, a church that will thrive and survive in our culture.
Join us for our July 11 service as we continue our series about the future of the North American Church. The mission that Jesus gave the church was not to keep the world out of the church, but to get the church into the world! They forgot the church was founded on the impossible: a dead man coming back to life. I think boldness about the right things could catch the attention of our culture too. When you’re LOUD about the things that don’t matter people won’t listen when you talk about the things that do.
Join us for our July 4 online only service, as our band leads us in worship and we continue our series about the future of the church.
Things to consider after watching:
1) Who is someone who is hurting?
2) Position yourself to listen to their story, and share in their burden.
3) Do what is in your power to help them.
Join us for our June 27 service. We continue our new series on the future of the church, by discussing how the early church was marked by no agenda meals open to everyone.
We kick off a new series on the future of the church. Together, we explore the early church in the book of Acts and the mindset churches in America need to recapture to survive and thrive in the future.
Join us as we conclude our series on heaven and hell with a message from Al DiSalvatore and our band leads us in worship!
In our June 6 service, we celebrate communion, our band leads us in worship and guest speaker Matt Loveland continues our series about common misconceptions about heaven and hell.
In this online only message, Alex talks about the biblical imagery of the lake of fire in our series about common misconceptions about heaven and hell.
Join us for our May 30 service, as we continue to explore a series about common misconceptions about heaven and hell, and our band introduces new music!
We continue our exploration about heaven and hell by discussing what Jesus meant when he used the phrase Gehenna.
Join us for the latest message in our series about common misconceptions about heaven and hell, as we explore how the word heaven is used in the Old Testament. Our band introduces a new song, we interview Angie about her work, and celebrate communion together.
Join us for our May 9 service as we continue our series The Good Place. In this message about misconceptions about heaven and hell, we explore the absence of hell in the Old Testament and talk about what the ancient Jewish concept of Sheol or "grave" means for us today.
In our May 2 service, we kick off a new series about heaven and hell and our common misconceptions about both!
In our April 25 service, we discuss how God has faith in us, even when we fail! Guest speaker Al DiSalvatore concludes our series on faith.
In our April 18 message, we discuss how living by faith is an adventure! How will you change the world with your faith?
In our April 11 service, we discuss if faith excuses inaction or if faith requires action. We also interview Darby about her work, and the band leads us in worship in our new meeting space.
In our April 4 service, we examine what it means for the story we're in if Jesus actually came back from the dead. We also interview Alex about his work, and the band leads us in worship in our new meeting space.
In our March 28 service, we continue our series about faith from Hebrews 11. Jesus isn't looking for perfection, he's looking for people that trust him. We also interview Sean about his work, and the band leads us in worship.
In our March 21 service, guest speaker Al DiSalvatore continues our series about faith from Hebrews 11. You're not God's plan B, you're God's plan A!
In our March 14 service, we kick off a new series about faith from Hebrews 11. How do you relight your faith if it has fizzled? How do you start a flame of faith when it seems impossible?
Join us as we conclude our series on Genesis 1-3 and discuss how East of Eden our work is our worship.
Join us for music and a message as we continue to explore Genesis 1-3 and discuss the curse of sin.
Join us for music and a message as we continue to explore Genesis 1-3 and talk about the shadowy figure the serpent and the fall of mankind.
Join us for music and a message as we continue to explore Genesis 1-3 with the story of the creation of women.
Join us for music and a message in our online only service as we continue our series on Genesis 1-3. Questions to discuss after the service. 1. God has the patience of a gardener. Where are you hoping God would work faster in your life? 2. Where have your seen God curate goodness and beauty in your life? Thank him for it! 3. What can you do to live in closer proximity to God?
Join us as we explore what it means to be made in the image of God from Genesis 1:26-31.
Join us for encouraging music and an exploration through the text of Genesis 1 as we explore the theme of creation.
Join us for encouraging message and an exploration of Genesis 1-3 as we kick off a new series on the first book of the Bible.
We kick off the new year with a message about developing a routine of life that makes us people of joy, peace and love! In the message, Alex references some guides to developing a rule of life. Those resources can be found here:
https://practicingtheway.org/unhurrying-with-a-rule-of-life/workbook
https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/RULE-OF-LIFE-WORKBOOK.pdf
Join us for our last message of the year as we explore how to become people of hope in this online only service.
Join us for a candlelight Christmas Eve service on demand from your house or apartment!
Our worship band plays festive music and guest speaker Al DiSalvatore reminds us of the most repeated command in the Bible: do not be afraid! Join us as we celebrate the arrival of Jesus!
Join us our band presents some new twists on some holiday classics and guest speaker Matt Loveland shares how John the Baptist announced the arrival of Jesus the King.
We kick off the Advent season with a new series on the reality of God's presence in our every day lives.
Join us for music and a message as we finish our series on the Sermon on the Mount with an online only service. We resume in person services on Dec 6.
Listen as Alex continues our series in Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount as we explore what Jesus teaches about living and loving like He did.
Jesus wanted his students to understand that they could approach the world with confidence, because a loving generous Father was with them and for them. Join us for music and a message as we explore the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 7:7-12
Join us as we explore the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. This week we explore Matthew 7:1-6 where Jesus teaches his students not to judge.
We continue to explore Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount by exploring Matthew 6 and his insight into the human tendency to worry.
Listen to the message from our October 25 service from Matthew chapter 6, as we explore Jesus' teaching on money and self denial.
Watch our in-person service as we continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount and our band leads us in worship.
Join us for our Sunday service as we introduce our new worship leader Marisa and continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount.
Listen to our Sept 20 online service where we continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount.
Join us for our Sept 13 Sunday service as we explore what Jesus taught about living and loving like him.
We continue our series on the sermon on the mount, by talking about Jesus' offer to taste and see that His way of life is good and reveals God to us.
Join us for our online only service as we conclude our series on reasons to become a student of Jesus. If you find this online service helpful or encouraging, share it with your friends and family online!
Join us for our August 16 service as we continue our series on reasons to become a studnet of Jesus.
Listen to the message portion of our August 9 service, as we continue our series on reasons to be a student of Jesus.
Listen to our August 2 service now. We continue our series on Why Am I A Disciple by talking about the Holy Spirit.
We continue our series on reasons to become a student of Jesus. Christianity reframes our minds to see life as a gift.
We kick off a new series on the Christian faith, starting with the question: "are you a Christian or disciple?"
Join us for music and a message and a special announcement as guest speaker Gerald Waters shares Jeremiah's lament.
When we take the time to process the pain in our past and our present we can walk into the future with hope. Join us for music and a message as we explore the spiritual practice of lament.
For thousands of years, followers of Jesus have found peace and solace by meditating on the Psalms.
During this time of crisis we are recording a Psalm every day to help us process our grief and bring hope for a better tomorrow.
The Psalms teach us to pray, help us grieve, and encourage us when we are exhausted. Each day during this crisis, we are recording a Psalm to help you spiritually process what you are experiencing.
This is the message portion of our May 31 service, you can watch the entire service online on our website, instagram, facebook or youtube.
During this time of crisis we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
You can listen to the message portion of the online service here, or watch the entire service on our website, instagram page, facebook page or youtube page.
During this unprecedented time, we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
During this time of crisis we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
During this time of crisis, we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
During this time of crisis we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you!
During this time of crisis, we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
During this crisis, we are recording a Psalm every day to help encourage and inspire you.
During this time of crisis, we are posting a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
During times of crisis students of the way Jesus lived and loved often find solace in the Psalms.
During this time of crisis, we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
Join us for another message in our series on the short stories Jesus told. Visiting with us for the first time? Please fill out a connection card at https://horizonphilly.com/contact After the message consider these questions: What did you hear? What do you need to do as a result of what you heard? When are you going to do it? Who can help you?
During this time of crisis, we are recording a Psalm everyday to encourage and inspire you.
During this time of crisis, we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
During this time of crisis, we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
We continue our series on the stories Jesus told by looking at his parables about money.
During this unprecedented time in human history, we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
This is the message portion of our online service for April 26. View the entire online service on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram TV, or our website horizonphilly.com as we explore the stories Jesus told.
In this time of crisis and confusion, we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
During this time of crisis we are recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
During this time of crisis, we are releasing a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
Jesus told stories about every day elements to provide commentary on the way he lived and loved.
During this unprecenteded time in human history we are posting a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
In times of crisis, students of the way Jesus lived and loved have often found solace in the Psalms. In this unprecedented time in human history, we're recording a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
During this time of crisis and uncertainty we're releasing a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
This is the sermon portion of our Easter service online. You can listen to the entire online service on our website, youtube, facebook and instagram.
During times of crisis, the followers of the way Jesus lived and loved often find encouragement by meditating on the Psalms.
Followers of the way Jesus lived and loved often find solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms. In this crisis, we are releasing a Psalm every day to encourage and inspire you.
For thousands of years, students of the way Jesus lived and loved have found solace during times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
During this unprecedented time, we're posting a daily Psalm to inspire and encourage you.
This week Horizon turns 2! Celebrate with us by watching and sharing our April 5 Online Service.
Followers of Jesus for thousands of years have found solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
In times of trouble, students of the way Jesus lived and loved found solace by meditating on the Psalms.
For thousands of years, the apprentices of how Jesus lived and loved have found solace in the Psalms during times of trouble.
The followers of the way Jesus lived and loved have found comfort in the Psalms during times of trouble for thousands of yeas.
Followers of the way Jesus lived and loved throughout history have often found solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
Followers of Jesus for thousands of years have found peace and solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
Followers of Jesus for thousands of years have found peace and solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
Followers of Jesus for thousands of years have found peace and solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
Followers of Jesus for thousands of years have found peace and solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
Followers of Jesus for thousands of years have found peace and solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
Followers of Jesus for thousands of years have found peace and solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
Followers of Jesus for thousands of years have found peace and solace in times of trouble by meditating on the Psalms.
We continue our series on the nature of God, by discussing how God often seem mysterious.
Guest speaker Al Disalvatore shares that nothing can be everything because God is gracious.
We continue our series on the nature of God by talking about the tension between God being loving and just.
In our first message in our new series we talk about how knowing Jesus is essential to knowing and understanding who God is.
Sometimes we don't find joy because we assume something painful would never have joy in it, but God has lovingly hid joy even in our biggest disappointments and most painful moments.
The tagline for the Christian faith is joy now and forever, but how do we position ourselves to experience joy. Over the next few weeks we're going to be talking about how to lean into Jesus so that we can experience his love and enjoy his joy!
Alex shares five simple shifts to make 2020 the best year yet. Set small goals, be grateful, pray, keep it simple, and rest more to make your new year a great year.
There will be no live service at the Rock on December 22. Please enjoy our online only service and use the extra time to rest and recover during this busy holiday season!
Guest speaker Kyle Vatt explains how the magi found Jesus, despite being from a different corner of the world and worshipping a different religion.
Guest speaker, Matt Loveland shares about the unlikely audience to receive the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth.
Because of his death we can live his life. Because of his resurrection we have no fear of death! In this final message in our series on the good news, Alex shares how becoming like Jesus is the answer to the world's greatest problems and the only hope for the planet!
The gospel elevates ordinary people and knits their story into a divine story that started long before you were born and will continue long after you and I are gone!
Anything lost for the sake of the gospel, Jesus said, will be multiplied back through the reality of the church.
The gospel will cost you everything, but it promises you a new life that is worth the cost.
When Jesus talked about the gospel he was usually talking about the Good News. What did Jesus mean when he said Kingdom and why is it good news for us today?
The gospel is the central message of Christianity, but most of us would struggle to define it or explain it, and often our explanations sound like bad news, not good news.
Is it wrong for a follower of Jesus to be ambitious? Is it wrong to want to be your department supervisor? Is it wrong to want to start your own business or write a book? If I’m trying to learn to live and love like Jesus, should I abandon all personal ambition? The short answer is no, ambition in and of itself is not wrong. But, I think in order to answer that question we need to clarify something:
What is your ambition? Why is that your ambition?
We continue our series on Fame, by discussing how pride sneaks Into our lives and poisons our souls.
Make the kingdom of God your first priority and God makes your needs His priorities. Too often, we focus on the urgent, instead of the important. We focus on our crisis instead of on Christ! Fame is when our needs and desires are our top priority, instead of making Jesus our top priority.
Our culture is obsessed with Fame, but we're famous in the eyes of God when those who know us best respect us most.
We conclude our series on faith. An unshakeable faith is only found in the arms of an unshakeable King! Sometimes God shakes the things we hold onto so we cling tightly to the only secure thing: Him!
From the Peter walking on the waves, we explore the ways to tell the difference between faith and foolishness.
In Matthew 8, Jesus encounters a centurion with faith that amazes Him. By believing without having to see the results, we too can have a faith that amazes God.
Sometimes God asks us to do something we don't want to do so we try to run away and we end up running from a God who is with us and for us, who is the source of every good gift in our lives!
What would our lives be like if we lived in the holy confidence that God was with us and for us? What if every obstacle we encounter, we remembered that a good God had led us here not to defeat us, but to reveal his power through us to the world? What if we lived like conquerors instead of living like the conquered?
I think it would change everything!
Sometimes our step of faith drops us into a deadend between two bad options, but God shows up and shows off in the places that seem hopeless.
Sometimes we miss what God wants to do, because we give up before God shows up. Our faith needs some faithfulness.
Sometimes it seems like our step of faith is dead in the water, our God sized dream is past its expiration date and then God steps in. Somewhere we’ve decided how long things should take and if they don’t happen in our expected window we give up on them. Experts or the majority tell us that is how things work, but God rarely works in the window of availability we expect him to.
We conclude our series on the spiritual disciplines by discussing the importance of scripture in building our souls!
We continue our series on practicing the spiritual disciplines to develop our spiritual muscles by talking about the importance of Worship.
We continue our series on the spiritual disciplines of Jesus by talking about the importance of having a spiritual authority who can tell you when you are wrong.
We continue our series on building our spiritual muscles by practicing the spiritual disciplines of Jesus. This week we talk about simplicity and how when we try to have it all, we overburden our soul. Simplicity is reverse FOMO -- it is missing some things so you can enjoy the best things!
We continue our series on the spiritual disciplines by talking about the importance of Sabbath.
We continue our discussion of the spiritual disciplines that Jesus practiced by talking about how self denial and serving others builds our spiritual muscles!
We kick off our new series about practicing the spiritual exercises of Jesus with the spiritual discipline of Silence and Solitude. In a busy, noisy world we need moments were we stop and listen to our soul.
Guest speaker Sam Spatafore concludes our series on the Bible with a personal and moving message about why the Bible means so much in his life.
We continue our series on the Bible by talking about whether or not God wrote the Bible.
Every Sunday all across the world people gather to bear testimony to an event -- two thousand years ago something happened, and it changed everything.
In our Palm Sunday message we discuss the question on everyone's lips as Jesus entered Jerusalem, "who is this Jesus?"
Guest speaker David Pearson explains that the Christian life is about relationships not religion.
The Bible includes a lot of different types of literature. When we fixate on certain sections of the Bible and avoid others we put ourselves in a dangerous place where we misuse the Bible.
Many of us come to the Bible to affirm what we already think. If we do that we will never grow! We must approach the Bible to listen and learn if we are going to grow and change!
We like to treat the Bible like a RULEBOOK and not a LOVE LETTER because a rulebook lets us keeps score and we love winning! The Bible doesn’t exist so you can beat someone spiritually. The message of the Bible is simple: only Jesus is winning, but He loves us so much we can share in His win!
The Bible is written from a Middle Eastern Jewish perspective. It naturally challenges our Western American perspective. When we twist the Bible to fit our western perspective we miss out on the Bible’s power to challenge mistaken Western presuppositions about life, love, purpose and family.
Guest speaker Sam Spatafore concludes our series on forgiveness in the book of Philemon.
When we apologize we remind ourselves that we make mistakes too and that makes us more likely to forgive others in the future.
We kick off a new series in Philemon by talking about the importance of forgiving those who have misused and wronged us.
We conclude our Christmas series with a message about the arrival of Jesus and the peace He is bringing to the world.
Isaiah a special messenger from God came to the Jews, the special people God created to be a platform for His rescuer which a confounding message. God's Messiah, would be both a conquering hero and a suffering savior.
Guest speaker Matt Loveland continues our series on The Greatest Story by talking about Abraham!
We kick off our new Christmas message series! The story of Jesus is the greatest story and it changes everything about our story because it proves that God is WITH us and FOR us!
The final prayer of Jesus reveals his deepest passions and final requests before laying down his life.
In part 3 of our bonus series on how to talk to people about Jesus without being weird Alex breaks down how to have an apologetic of authenticity by being intentional relational and explicitly Christian.
Something happens when we start listing all the things we have to be thankful for instead of the the few things we have to complain about. If we aren't intentional about being thankful, we will naturally start complaining. It's our tendency to complain -- we have to train ourselves to be thankful.
In part 2 of our discussion about how to talk about Jesus without being weird, Alex shares how our focus should be on building trust not trying to coerce a decision out of people.
Nick Snyder continues our series on prayer by explaining why mindlessly repeating someone else's prayer is never what God intended.
In this bonus six part series, Alex shares practical steps on how to talk about Jesus without being weird.
Some people think fasting will bump their prayer up in line and get God’s attention faster. Fasting doesn’t win us God’s favor. He looks at us as being His children in good relationship with Him because of Jesus — not because of our good deeds or sacrifices. Fasting changes US not how He LOOKS at us.
Sometimes, we worry that God will send us something BAD because of what we asked for in haste or we won’t get something GOOD because we didn’t form our request the right way. God responds to every prayer with LOGIC + LOVE. He knows what will be best and what we need. He’s not a cosmic vending machine that we have to worry about spitting out the wrong thing because we hit the wrong button. He’s a living Person who understands more about what we ask for and need than even we do!
Sometimes we use prayer as an excuse to keep from doing something we don't want to do. Prayer should empower our action, not replace it. If someone needs a friend, don't pray for them to have one, be one!
The best spiritual indicator of your spiritual maturity is not your theological knowledge or your devoted service to the church. It’s your prayer life.
We’ve been told that prayer is making God do what we want. If we can get the wording right or the combination right, we can have access to the biggest genie in the universe.
That’s not the purpose of prayer. Prayer is not us wrestling God into giving us what we want, but us conforming to what Jesus would want. Prayer is encountering God and coming away wanting what he wants for our world and inviting God to use us to do it.
Guest speaker Sam Spatafore continues our series about Miracles by reminding us that our relationship with God is more important than seeing our miracle!
Sometimes we position ourselves to see miracles, and sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a storm we didn't expect. Jesus shows up in the dark places, in the deep places -- the places we need Him most!
If we want to experience a miracle it will require an investment. Some miracles cost us money, some cost us tears, but Jesus also has abundantly more than we ever give up.
Most people quit before they see a miracle. They faithful stick around until Jesus shows up and shows off.
Guest speaker, Kyle Vatt continues our series on Miracles by talking about how we need to train our eyes to see small miracles so we don't miss big ones!
We kick off our new series by talking about Jesus turning water into wine. Obedience is key to seeing Jesus show up and show off in our lives.
We conclude our series on taking steps of faith by talking about the human tendency to let someone else do it. When we abdicate our step of faith we miss out on experiencing God in a new more meaningful way!
It's easy to take a step a faith and give up when it gets hard. Good preparation helps us take a step of faith and not give up!
Sometimes our step of faith leads us into a fire, but God always uses our step of faith to spiritually grow us, do good for others and to glorify Himself!
A step of faith kills giants. A step of fear keeps the status quo. The world becomes a better place and we become better people when we live lives of faith, by taking steps of faith!
We continue our series on taking steps of faith by talking about how when we encounter a God who is with us and for us it doesn't matter if we have all the best resources or talents. What we lack, God has more than enough.
Pastor Alex Kranjec from The Mill Church continues our series on acts of faith in the Old Testament.
Having a right view of God enables us to respond to a crisis with faith instead of faith, just like Joshua did when he defeated Jericho.
Alex finishes up the Why Am I Here series by talking about the weaknesses God strategically places in our path in order to remind us that our purpose is not about us -- it's about God's glory and other people's good.
God surrounds us with people talking about our purpose, living our purpose, and pushing us toward our purpose!
There has never ever been someone just like you! That's a testament to the God that made you. God has uniquely designed you to accomplish the purposes that He has for you!
Why are you alive? What does God want you to do before you die? Alex explains how God uses the deepest burdens in our heart to heal the brokenness in our world.
Two couples share insights about how to manage healthy relationships in our busy lives.
You can't choose your family ... or your coworkers. In Ephesians 6, Paul gives some practical tips for loving your family and your coworkers.
You don't exist to find love and romance, you were made for exceptionally more important things.
Any relationship can be improved by changing the way we talk to people and the way we treat people.
Did the resurrection of Jesus really happen? And if so, what does it mean for our lives?
The way we talk to people and talk about people reveals whether or not we simply know things about Jesus or if we truly live and love like He does.
Who’s role is it? The difference between what we say we believe and what we practice is what we actually believe! Sometimes, we ask God to do the things He told us to do, and we try to do the things He said He would do. Sometimes we blame God for things we were supposed to fix. Knowing our roles is essential to living a practical Christianity every day of the week.
In the Old Testament, people would sanctify themselves to get ready to experience God, and have him work through them. Today, we sanctify ourselves to experience God and be used by Him by humbling ourselves.
By choosing to be proud, we are choosing to contend with God rather than be used by Him! If we want to live out a real practical Christian life we need to humble ourselves!
If we don't intentionally love people well, we will naturally love money. The love of money is the root of all kinds of destructive things in our lives. We conclude our Money Matters series by looking at how to identify if we love money and what to do to correct it.
Does the Bible really tell us to give money to the church? How much should we give? Would Jesus be angry about churches collecting money?
Pastor Alex explains that Jesus isn't against the rich, He's just against anything that makes us feel like we don't need God.
Pastor Alex describes how our view of God effects our interactions and emotions. If we believe the universe is a place of scarcity, it is because we believe God isn't generous. But God IS abundantly generous, and we can be generous with others, because He is generous with us.
Pastor Alex continues our Money Matters series by discussing how we have a responsibility to the poor.
Pastor Alex continues the Money Matters series by discussing the importance of motivations when it comes to giving.
Pastor Alex continues our series on the spiritual ramifications of money by describing a proper, Biblical view of what it means to be blessed.
Pastor Alex shares a message from Matthew 6: what we treasure ends up controlling our emotions
Pastor Alex shares his vision to start a church, the recent successes he has seen and where he thinks God is taking us in 2018!
Merry Christmas to Horizon! We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday and enjoy watching this short video of the Christmas Story as read by our worship band leader Darby.
Nick Snyder, our college small group leader shares about how God used the shepherds, the most unexpected messages of a King's birth and how He continues to use unexpected people to build His kingdom today.
Pastor Alex shares how Jesus celebrated Hanukkah and how we as his followers have a responsibility to light up the darkness with the way we live and love.
Pastor Alex describes how Jesus is a declaration of God's love for humanity. The most powerful, most beautiful being in the universe is for us!
Pastor Alex explains from Romans 15, how we have an obligation to share what we have learned about living the abundant life with others.
Pastor Alex explains how we often get confused about what love is, and how we should show it to others.
Pastor Alex explains how serving others, rather than being served is the path to enjoying the abundant life in Christ.
Pastor Alex affirms that Jesus has a better life available to all who would willingly live it. 9/24 at the Ardmore Music Hall.
Pastor Alex explains how what it will cost us to enjoy the abundant life that Jesus offers. 10/1 online service.
Pastor Alex explains how God uses suffering to make us live and love like Jesus. 10/15 online service