River Church Charlotte Podcast: Recent Episodes
River Church Charlotte
Why does it seem so difficult to experience the kind of unity that Jesus prayed for in the garden? His words are still ringing out today… “I pray that they may all be one. “Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.” John 17:21 GNT. The Church doesn’t need a reformation, it needs a restoration! I believe this is happening through a greater revelation of the good Father that Jesus revealed. The Spirit is restoring the Body of Christ to be light, life, and love in a time of darkness, death, and fear. What’s our role? How do we participate? For starters, we have to shift our attention from the chaos around us to the Kingdom within us. When we do we’ll begin to see things from God's perspective and partner with ultimate restoration. Join us Saturday night for friendship, worship, and a fresh new series… Restore!
“Love God and love people” is a common mantra proclaimed in modern church culture. But when you tell religious people to love God they often don’t get on to loving people. In fact, history has proven that people claim to love God while hurting others. When violent acts against other people are justified under the banner of “loving god” you have revealed that your god is not the one Jesus revealed. He and the early church emphasized a spirituality that loves God by loving others! They caught on to the principle that our religion is relationship. This Saturday, Pastor Derek reframes the greatest commandment to show that God doesn’t demand love… He came to show us how!
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are well-known tenets of the American dream. But they remain a dream for many because humanity’s efforts can never guarantee them. Happiness is a chase. Joy is a choice. This is why God chose to become one of us and rescue all of us. You were the reason Jesus joyfully endured the cross. Only Jesus can make the dream a reality because He came to make us alive, bring us true freedom, and embed Joy deep with us. Now we can blissfully declare, “Joy to the world the Lord has come!” This third week of Advent, Pastor Derek will be reminding us Joy is a spiritual force. This Joy is the atmosphere of Heaven and it will sustain you through any trial and bring you out flourishing and focused on Jesus.
When one kingdom invades another the result is violence, pain, and death. Eventually, there comes a pseudo calm that is labeled as peace and lasts only as long as the dominant force can control things. But this is never true peace because Peace is a person and His name is Jesus. Advent is the story of a Kingdom invasion. The irony of Advent is that it came through the man of Peace who taught us how to be human and then turned himself over to violence, pain, and ultimately death. His resurrection secured peace on earth by first depositing Peace in us.
"Advent comes, relentlessly and throughout life, with its words of hope and faith - shepherds and magi, crib and star, Emmanuel and glory - and stirs our hearts to pinnacles of possibility one more time...The real Christmas gift, for which Advent is the process, is learning to hum hope, learning to dance the divine." Joan ChittisterWhere have you anchored your hope? Do you have hopeful expectations for this season? This first week of Advent begins with hope.
Being thankful isn’t just a response to the good things that happen in life. It’s a reorienting of your mindset so you can gracefully endure the difficult things. Grumbling and complaining are the status quo of our culture and it’s so easy to go with the flow of negativity. But gratitude is a grace that you can tap into regardless of what your circumstances are saying. It’s an atmosphere-shifting tactic from Heaven that unlocks the unstoppable freedom Jesus provides. This Saturday, Pastor Derek shares the ways you can access the Grace for Gratitude.
One of our modern-day prophets, Don Henley, profoundly sang the lyrics, “I think it's about forgiveness." And I think he's right. Jesus was all about forgiveness. His forgiveness was tied to our healing in every way. As followers of Jesus, we must be forgivers. But why is it so hard sometimes? Especially when serious abuse or assault is involved. Jesus gives us an amazing mindset to be able to forgive. At the cross, he made a statement that is so curious to me. “Father, forgive them, they don't know what they're doing." Why did Jesus say this? There’s a profound revelation in this statement that can lead us to greater freedom. Let's talk about it this Saturday night.
We’ve all been given free will. The ability to decide what to think and how to act belongs to us. But many times the choices of others can impact us negatively. When events and the actions of others are thrust upon us we can feel helpless and hopeless. Like we have no choice. Like a victim. When tragedy and trauma strike, remembering that you still have a choice as to how you respond is empowering. Nobody chooses to be victimized but we build a prison for ourselves when we choose to remain a victim. Choosing the good in the face of evil is something Jesus did well. He knows what it’s like to be victimized but to walk away in freedom. As his followers, we have been given the grace to forgive wrongs, love our enemies, and destroy evil by choosing the good. “Walking in Freedom - Victim or Victor” continues this Saturday night.
Stress is killing us. Anxiety and worry are the basic cause of 60% of all human illnesses. The AP recently reported that nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. Stress has become so commonplace that we shrug it off as a joke and something we just need to manage better. But God wants you to experience freedom from stress. Jesus, no doubt, experienced anxiety. But through intimacy with the Father—Knowing he was never alone—anxiety had to give way to peace. It’s the same for you! The ever-present God of love has peace that can help you sleep through any storm. The apostle Paul wrote some powerful words from prison that can keep you calm and rise above the stress. Learn how to be anxious for nothing this Saturday.
We are all constantly telling ourselves stories. Our brain is wired for stories and will often gravitate towards the negative, which can give way to shame. Shame is an unreliable narrative. Shame tells us that there is something inherently wrong with us at our core. Many of us who grew up in the church think that voice telling us how wrong we are is the Holy Spirit. This Saturday, Sarah will be talking about ways to walk in freedom from the shackles of shame so we can embrace a life of grace and self-compassion.
Often we become our own worst enemy. We deal in the language of condemnation that tries to keep us stuck in our past. It feels like a prison of self-sabotage and a cycle of bondage. Jesus came to free you from this dilemma and delusion by destroying the power of sin and paving the way for you to experience true freedom. When you accept the amazing grace Jesus provides your life will shift from behavior modification to real transformation. Pastor Derek continues our new series “Walking in Freedom” this Saturday night.
Often, we can’t see the path ahead. The twists and turns prevent us from spying the destination. Our view is limited to the momentary, and choices must be made. On one side, we feel fenced in, claustrophobic, and stuck in the moment. The other view offers an inviting horizon full of opportunities for new adventures. If only we had the necessary vehicle to leave the path and traverse the waters!
Pause… Breathe… Relax. You’re not alone.
Here we stand at the closing of a chapter in the story of River Church. We’ve gathered at this location since 2015. Although we called this place home it truly is not our Home. We know that home is where the heart is and our hearts are firmly and comfortably abiding in the Father's love as revealed by Jesus. But it is here, geographically, where we have grown confident in His Love. So, while we are thankful for this shelter where we have gathered for eight years, we now joyfully anticipate the move to Saturday nights at Lake Forest Church. It is there that our hearts will develop a deeper trust and we will experience the faithfulness of Love.
In the symphony of creation, the concept of harmony unveils a mesmerizing metaphor for the triune nature of God. Just as a symphony requires three distinct but intertwined elements – melody, harmony, and rhythm – to produce a beautiful masterpiece, so does the divine Trinity comprise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in perfect unity. Together, they resonate in an eternal dance, creating a seamless composition of love, grace, and purpose that echoes through the cosmos, touching the hearts of all who listen. This Sunday, Pastor Derek continues our Alignment series with: In Tune with the Triune.
The world is currently in a heightened state of anxiety. Most often the response to anxiety is control. When we attempt to control situations or other people we only increase anxiety. The only person we can control (on a good day) is ourselves. This Sunday, Pastor Sarah will be talking to us about the triumphant nature of trust. Choosing to trust is the antidote to fearful anxiety and the path to peaceful living.
God went all out for us by becoming human. Through Jesus, Love Himself aligned with us in solidarity forever. But Jesus does not expect us to “pay him back” for bringing us into freedom. He’s not interested in sacrifices and offerings. He wants us to live in His Goodness and His only requirement is summed up in the three movements of his Kingdom: Doing justice, loving mercy, and walking in humility. This Sunday we explore the three things God wants from us that will make earth a lot more heavenly.
Two questions of humanity: What is good and what does the Lord require?
The world says we have to hustle. We have to run to keep up with the pace of others. It’s been called the “rat race” for good reason. But Jesus never intended for us to frantically chase the next piece of cheese. That’s no life for children of God! How do we rest in a world that says success only comes by working longer, trying harder, and hustling more is the only path to success? Jesus invites us to rest. He models the way of trusting over trying and teaches us to learn the unforced rhythms of Grace. When we align with Jesus we’ll learn to live freely and lightly. This Sunday, Pastor Sarah gives us a better formula for living well: Rest > Striving.
Ever been on a winning sports team? Or part of a business that exceeded sales expectations because everyone came together? I know you’ve experienced the listening pleasure of your favorite band hitting every note and lyric in harmonious sync. It feels almost magical when every person is contributing. Working together toward a common goal can be both rewarding and frustrating. But one thing is sure… Everyone must be in alignment with the mission to achieve success. Jesus left his disciples with such a mission. “Go into all the world and make disciples,” he said. But many in the church have interpreted Jesus’ commission to “making converts” and have become more concerned with getting people saved than loving people well. It’s time to get back in alignment with what being a disciple really means. The word “apprentice” is my go to word for explaining what we are empowered to do in becoming more like Jesus and bringing Heaven to Earth. This Sunday, I hope to shift our understanding of what it means to be and make disciples that align with the command to love.
Ever had a wobbly cart at the grocery store? How about a car where you have to constantly correct the steering wheel just to keep it straight? Or worse, when you tweak your back and pain shoots down your leg forcing a limp. When something is out of alignment you can feel it! John’s third letter to a friend is one of the smallest in the New Testament but it is a treasure trove of insight as to how we can realign our lives and relationships. This Sunday, Pastor Derek does a deep dive into the small changes that make a big difference.
Right after the famous chapter on love, the Apostle Paul wrote these words, “Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT. The word “prophecy” can conjure up images of fortune tellers with crystal balls. Or perhaps be associated with future predictions from the likes of Nostradamus. But as followers of Jesus, we have access to hear God’s heart on behalf of others and relay Heavenly messages to them. It connects people to God’s heart for their very precious lives here on earth. Prophecy connects a suffering world to the fact that there is a better day to be had and helps us love others through divine revelation. This Sunday, Pastor Derek explores this gift that Paul says we should intentionally desire so we can love others well.
Jesus is what God has to say about himself. As we get to know who Jesus is, we develop a relationship with God. Being close to God means communicating with Him. What does that look like? How can we be confident that we know how to hear His voice? Join us this Sunday as Pastor Sarah shares ways that we can grow in our relationship with God and our ability to hear His voice with clarity.
How often have you asked the question, “Is that you, God?” Knowing his voice shouldn’t be hard, right? We often have difficulty in discerning that thought in our head or that impression in our gut when we need to know what to do. Knowing God's character is vital to knowing His voice. He will always lead us in the way of Love because that’s who He is! This Sunday we are tuning in to some of the ways God speaks. I believe that confusion will be replaced with clarity as you lean in and listen to the One that loves you the most.
Everyone is looking for meaning in life. We strive and hustle to make our way to whatever definition of success we embrace. But achievement void of purpose leaves us empty and disillusioned. Here’s the hard truth—We never arrive. Fulfillment is fleeting because finding purpose is a lifelong journey. So what do you do when you don’t know what to do? How do you discern God’s path for your life? This Sunday, we’re going to get super practical on the many ways God wants to co-create the future with you and demystify the art of hearing from the One who loves you the most. Ultimately this journey leads to a person named Jesus and the experience of oneness with the Father.
“When those who choose to authentically follow Christ embrace the everyday power of the Resurrection and extend love, justice, and peace beyond nationality, political party, religion, etc, the Church will shift from Institution to revolution.” Bernice KingA shift is taking place in the hearts and minds of those who desire to truly follow Jesus. But that shift requires that we quit carrying the things that Jesus carried on the cross. They’re weighing us down and preventing us from experiencing the kind of abundant life that Jesus promised. When we release the burdens that Jesus bore on the cross an exchange takes place. We experience His life. We experience everyday resurrection!
“Conspiracies occur everywhere in our time. We are seldom shocked to hear of a high-profile personality being implicated. Even those who possess unblemished integrity are not completely innocent. But in the case of Jesus, the conspiracy against Him was the most convoluted of all. He had once inspired those who now conspired against Him. They found Him guilty. He found them innocent. They rejected Him. He accepted them. They killed Him. He gave them life. Every irresolvable contradiction was resolved in and through him.” Randall WorleyEaster Sunday should point you to a person and not a system of beliefs. I don’t want to convince you through apologetic arguments. I want your heart to catch fire and your fear to melt at the mention of the name of Jesus. On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the restoration of all things. I pray this divine conspiracy comes alive in you as well.
Most people would say the pandemic and consequent quarantine were not the best of times. But for the green industry, like plant nurseries and greenhouses, it’s been a boon. One study found that one out of every three people began gardening or caring for indoor plants in 2020 because they were home more. I can testify that my wife, Sarah went from plant killer to a green thumb goddess. Our home has become a well-oxygenated jungle of happy greenery. Sarah is blissfully spritzing, potting, pruning, and propagating her plant babies like a pro. It’s been quite a transformation and I am all for it! Jesus said, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” This “I Am” statement was a horticultural reference to our relationship with him and the process of growth that leads to fruitfulness. It’s not automatic, though. It requires pruning that can feel painful at the time but yields the best and tastiest fruit. Thankfully, God is an expert gardener that cares for you with the goal of transformation. He knows how to shape you into the image of Jesus so you can thrive and serve others the fruit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love.
Ukrainian civilians who had lost their way and driven close to the front lines were viciously attacked by a barrage of Russian bullets striking their car and wounding the driver. A frantic woman emerged from the car and attempted to aid the seemingly lifeless body that had flopped out of the other door. The attack was captured on aerial footage by Ukrainian soldiers, who launched a unique rescue mission by attaching a piece of paper with the words “follow me” to a small drone. The woman looks up, sees the note, and starts following the drone to safety. Miraculously, the other person survived despite being thrown into a ditch by the Russian soldiers. War is evil. But the “Follow Me” note made me think of an audacious statement from Jesus when his disciples were lost and afraid, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life is one of the seven I Am statements from Jesus in John’s gospel that reveals the God who became one of us to rescue all of us.
These last few years, the world has experienced great darkness. The pandemic, wars, political unrest, natural disasters, famine, you name it. And thanks to 24/7 coverage we have a front-row seat to all the chaos. But Jesus doesn’t stay glued to CNN and FOX News. He has a different perspective and as His followers, we should adopt his view and long to see the world set right. When he declared, “I am the resurrection and the life” it wasn’t hyperbolic and it’s time for us to wake up to this truth, walk in the fullness of life, and not settle for the status quo. We will be talking all about life this Sunday. It is time to get our eyes off what the enemy has been doing and look at what a big God we serve. Receive a dose of hope this Sunday.
Imagine this: a pale blue sky, a peaceful meadow, green grass as far as your eye can see, the landscape dotted by happy sheep eating to their full. Now add in a cool breeze and you're set. Can we go there right now?When Jesus spoke to his followers saying, "I am the good shepherd", they probably didn't quite picture that peaceful scene. Shepherds had a tough job in those days (still do). They were the ones responsible for keeping their flocks alive: feeding, leading, cleaning, protecting, keeping watch, let your imagination run with that. Shepherding was not a job for the faint of heart. The sheep on the other hand had a simple job: follow the shepherd. If Jesus is our good shepherd, how are you doing at following Him?Are you able to recognize His voice above the noise in this world?
A gate can serve several functions. It opens and shuts to access a fenced area. It prevents a child from climbing the stairs or a dog from messing up your carpet. Want to fly away for a great vacation? You’ll have to go through the gate. In one of the seven “I AM” statements by Jesus, he reveals himself as the gate. It’s a strange metaphor and His declaration went over the heads of the religious leaders he was speaking to. They loved power and control. Like bouncers at an exclusive club, they saw themselves as gatekeepers and relished determining who was in or out. But this declaration by Jesus swung the gate wide open and pointed to himself as the only way to freedom, life, and abundance.
Could it be that your willingness to commit to doing whatever God wants is a key that unlocks all of Heaven's resources?Just like Abraham, when we volunteer by saying, “Here am I” to the call of the Great I AM we will experience an adventure of faith. Likely, it will be something that we never thought we could do, something we never thought we would love! But it will certainly be something that changes our view of God and further shapes us into the image of Jesus.
Darkness has a feeling and a voice. It feels like being suffocated and speaks the language of hopelessness. Look around our world, darkness is rolling in like a thick fog. We can panic and feel overwhelmed until we recall that Jesus—the light of the world—is in us ready to shine the light of love that pushes the darkness away. In Him, there is no darkness and the Bible tells us that, “as He is, so are we in this world.” The light within you can never be extinguished! Could it be that the children’s song, “This little light of mine..” was way more powerful than we could have possibly imagined? We are called to be children of light. So, how are you shining right now?
Bread shows up all over scripture. Manna in the wilderness, the Passover meal, Jesus’ temptation in the desert, the miraculous feeding, and finally directly from the mouth of Jesus when he declared, “I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE.” It’s a strange way to announce who you are but it points to a stunning revelation of God. And revealing God is what Jesus came to do. It’s one of seven “I AM” statements from Jesus that bolster his claim that he and the Father are one. It sharpens our view that Jesus is what God has to say about himself and challenges us to be nourished by his words, life, death, and resurrection. Even when our lives don’t make sense and we’re hungry for answers we can rest assured that Jesus—the Bread of Life—will satisfy us to the full.
What is God like? If you were to make a word cloud of his characteristics what would the biggest words be? Biblical authors often reference and quote their favorite parts of Scripture, and the list of God's character traits found in Exodus 34:6-7 is the most repeated and re-quoted text in the Bible. This foundational description of God's attributes illustrates what God values and why he acts the way he does. When God says, “I AM” he is declaring his compassion, grace, patience, loyal love, and faithfulness. Jesus is the ultimate picture of what God is like and when we respond to these qualities we become more like the one who became one of us to rescue all of us.
During this series we’ve been looking at what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God by prioritizing becoming like Jesus, growing in trust, and choosing love.
What are you chasing? What are you running after? Every day you have a choice to prioritize what you seek first. It’s a fresh opportunity to pursue what matters most. As followers of Jesus, we desire to do what he would do, say what he would say, and even think his thoughts. Fortunately, Jesus took the guesswork out of this for us by issuing a simple statement, “Love others the way I love you.” But knowing this and doing it are two very different things. Being intentional about loving well requires more than you can handle. Thankfully, LOVE has taken up residence in you and you’re never without help. Learning to rely on the grace to choose to do what love would do, say what love would say, and think thoughts of love is a lifelong journey worth seeking first.
Trust is fragile. It can be broken, lost, withheld, and taken advantage of. Even the most secure relationships can see trust evaporate in a moment. Jesus knows all about this as he suffered betrayal and abandonment from his own followers. But he remained faithful because he trusted in His Father’s love. God remains faithful and trustworthy even when we aren’t. God continues to love when we feel unloveable. This love is the catalyst for our own growth in the kind of trust that can endure the worst.
A new year can be a contradiction. A time where hope and helplessness coexist. Making plans and painful memories walk hand in hand. But one thing we can all agree on is that another completed trip around the sun is a reminder that time forges on and offers you a moment-by-moment choice. Will you look back with regret or look forward with resolve? Your next decision will determine your direction. The good news is there is always time to make the right decision! “Seek First” is our series for January and it’s designed to help you choose the good and establish priorities that will aid you in becoming more like Jesus.
Christmas is a time to reflect on the miracle of Emmanuel. That moment when the Word put on flesh to empathize with and cure our terminal condition. There was no other way. God became one of us to rescue all of us. But incarnation is also about you. It’s the process of the embedded Christ in you pushing out the darkness and transforming you to become more like Jesus. When the light within you shines brighter than the darkness around you Jesus can love through you. This is the Emmanuel process: God with you, God for you, God in you, and God loving through you. Embrace the incarnational life and join with Heaven to declare, “Peace on earth goodwill to all.”
Emmanuel means God is with us. Some believe that God is with us to condemn, shame, and punish. Nothing could be further from the truth! Don’t accept any teaching that overemphasizes humanity's sinful condition over the act of God becoming one of us to rescue all of us. A Creator that becomes their creation affirms the value of their creation. We see this with bygone artists. When I say “Van Gogh” you may see Starry Night, Sunflowers, or his self-portrait. In a sense, he became his creation. But our Creator literally “became flesh & blood” to ransom, rescue, and restore us. This God is also for us and loves us unconditionally. We are never alone—never without love—when we embrace the God who is with us
When defining the culture of our church we must start with the questions, “Who are we and what are we becoming?” We find the answers by what we value and celebrate. At River Church, we highly regard the Next Generation. River Kids is not a babysitting service, it’s church for kids! We take every opportunity to minister the Gospel and love of God. We are training up a generation who knows their Heavenly Father, has a deep love for King Jesus and knows how to hear from the Holy Spirit. Every Sunday we create a safe place where love rules and church is fun. But we also want voices from every generation telling their experiences of God’s faithfulness and love. Stories from past generations inspire faith, hope, and love in the next. Our little ones can carry the great message of Jesus way further when perched on the shoulders of our church mothers and fathers.
When defining the culture of our church we must start with the questions, “Who are we and what are we becoming?” We find the answers by what we value and celebrate. At River Church, we highly regard generous and sacrificial living. You can guide the affections of your heart with your time, talent, and treasure. When followers of Jesus steward these areas of their life well all of Heaven gets behind them. Setting aside a percentage of your income is not a requirement, it’s an opportunity. Imagine being the manager of a foundation whose sole purpose is to give generous grants to worthy charities. How fun would spending your life distributing someone else’s money be? But few Christians understand that this is the mindset God wants us to have in regard to managing our own financial life. The Generous Life is all about returning to God the generosity He poured out to us and it starts with your relationship with money.
When defining the culture of our church we must start with the questions, “Who are we and what are we becoming?” We find the answers by what we value and celebrate. At River Church, we highly regard seeking and saving the lost. Why? Because Jesus did it and as his followers, we should take note of how he accomplished this. We’ve twisted this business of evangelism when we are more concerned with getting people saved than loving them well. Loving people into a revelation of their salvation is the way of Jesus. When we lay down our lives for the lost, broken, hungry, and hurting we are revealing the kind of love that says, “You were worth dying for.”
When defining the culture of our church we must start with the questions, “Who are we and what are we becoming?” We find the answers by what we value and celebrate. At River Church, we hold high regard for prayer. In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. It’s a direct line to the One with all the answers and a means of calming your heart in times of anxiety. Prayer is an ancient practice that precedes our modern world of hyper connectivity and offers more solace than Facebook likes or Twitter retweet’s. Why? Because prayer is the language of Heaven. It’s the cry for help and the whisper that everything will be alright. Prayer is something that Jesus taught us and as his followers we’d be better off if we practiced his way. Prayer brings peace in the midst of chaos. Prayer crosses time zones to change outcomes. Prayer crushes anxiety and curses evil. Prayer is the language of Heaven.
We all bump up against difficult times and difficult people. Relationships are hard! It’s easy to disconnect and distance ourselves from others to avoid hurt. But when we recognize that our connections are often tested before they are trusted we can endure the awkwardness and embark on lifelong friendships. This is why forgiveness is vital for followers of Jesus. It’s only when we understand the power of forgiveness that we are capable of staying connected with others. Loving relationships take time and are often forged in the fires of misunderstanding, rejection, and betrayal. Jesus understands this and he’s ready to help you become a peacemaker that navigates relations with grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
When defining the culture of our church we must start with the questions, “Who are we and what are we becoming?”
We find the answers by what we value and celebrate. At River Church, we hold high regard for loving relationships.
Of course, this starts with loving yourself by receiving the extravagant love of the Father represented in Jesus. From there we learn to love others well and create a loving community. It is only in a loving community that we grow into people that live and love like Jesus, even to the point of loving our enemies and turning them into friends.
We become the answer to His prayer that Earth would be more like Heaven.
When defining the culture of our church we must start with the questions, “Who are we and what are we becoming?”
We find the answers by what we value and celebrate. At River Church, we hold high regard for God’s Word.
Of course, Jesus is the Word of God. He is what God has to say about himself – The Living Word of God.
But we also have a written word – a Bible that supports the revelation of God in the flesh and teaches us about ourselves, how to think about the world around us, and how to live as followers of Jesus. A rich source of wisdom that outlines the problem and points to Jesus as the solution.
When defining the culture of our church we must start with the questions, “Who are we and what are we becoming?” We find the answers by what we value and celebrate. At River Church, we hold high regard for God’s Presence. We believe His fear-melting love will destroy anxiety, bring wholeness, and change us. Transformation is available in the presence of God but you must cooperate. Love never forces transformation. We are changed when we yield to the movement of the Sacred. We become like Jesus when we encounter his presence and choose the good. Other people will encounter his presence when we choose to love.
A resilient life is built through time and adversity with a mindset that doesn’t focus on things out of your control.
You can’t control which doors are open or closed. You can’t control the future or change the past. But you can manage your response in the present.
Choosing to love and choosing the good is what we can control at all times. Loving well is the end game and final outcome for followers of Jesus.
Choosing to do what love would do will always lead you to the purposes of the God who is Love. Jesus said, “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father”. He said and did what he heard from the Father (hint: God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself) so Jesus only did what love would do. He only said what love would say. We learn a life of love from Jesus.
When we choose Love we choose the good and find God's purpose and plan. Love is resilient… Love never fails.
"God, you’re a proven help in time of trouble – more than enough and always available whenever I need you." Psalm 46:1
We all go through it and it's time to take the pressure off. Building resilience when we fail requires us to know where our help comes from. Hint: it's not a self help book or a check list.
Resilience comes from listening to the voice of Jesus in our moments of failure. He is always there calling us forward.
God wasn’t correcting a mistake He was communicating a point. We were created for relationships. Our culture praises individualism, but our Kingdom is woven together through community.
The Church that Jesus is building relies on many coming together for the common good. The good news means you never have to walk alone. We are stronger together. True resilience is forged in relationships.
People are known as resilient when they overcome the odds, fight through the pain, and navigate forces arrayed against them. We regard them as heroes because their external exploits are on display for all to see.
But true resilience starts on the inside long before it’s seen on the outside.
Our mindset and emotions are meant to help us navigate the struggles we face. Sadly, they often hinder our ability to lean in and face hard things because we are mentally and emotionally bankrupt. Developing mental and emotional fortitude is vital to the follower of Jesus. In fact, he is both our example and our source of strength.
When we look to Jesus for guidance with our mindset and grace for our emotions we discover the resilient inner life.
There’s something that kicks in when we are at our lowest.
When strength has evaporated there’s a hidden reserve we can count on in times of trouble. Some describe it as a second wind or another gear; we tend to experience it only when everything else is lost.
Followers of Jesus call this Grace.
It’s always more than enough and helps us access a resilient reserve that can carry us through any difficulty. Jesus is the embodiment of Grace. The reality of “Christ in us” secures an ample supply to abilities beyond this world.
Looking closely at the life of Jesus we discover the resilient life of Grace. We recognize we are never alone. The good news is that this resilient life is available to all.
Praying the scriptures is a beautiful way of connecting to your Father via ancient voices.
King David, Ruth, the Apostles, prophets, Mary, and many others have recorded prayers that help us articulate the cry of our own hearts.
Sitting with your Bible and letting the text become a petition helps you develop powerful prayer language. It confirms your human value and connects you to Heavenly resources.
Followers of Jesus are encouraged to pray. In fact, Jesus himself declared “when” not “if” you pray so the assumption that prayer is important is a pretty safe one. But many of us struggle with prayer.
Developing a prayer habit will help you tap into a rhythm of grace and an awareness of God. Jesus taught us a way to pray that emphasizes the things that matter. Join us tomorrow for a message with a special twist that includes your voice
In fact, Jesus himself declared “when” not “if” you pray. So the assumption that prayer is important is a pretty safe one.
But many of us struggle with prayer. Google “prayer” and the internet will return more links to prayer formulas, patterns, and advice than you could read in a lifetime. While much of this information is good, what if we’re missing the bigger point?
The moment we make prayer a formula we turn a relationship into a recipe. We move from a dependent child to a demanding chef. From Grace reliant to Gordon Ramsay.
What if prayer is our connection? Our lifeline to Love?
We all know what it’s like to feel afraid.
Just thinking about that time you were separated from your parents at a crowded store can trigger the feelings of abandonment. Fear can be tormenting. But God tells us "do not fear" hundreds of times in the Bible (some have said 365 times...one per day).
When God says "do not fear", He is not telling us it’s wrong to feel it. To feel fear is not a sign of spiritual weakness. He’s reminding us we are not alone.
In this message, Pastor Derek dissects the lies that fear attempts to convince us are real and reminds us that we are never alone.
We try to control the conditions in which we live but our efforts are often futile. Honestly. The only thing we can control is our response and our attitude. We can choose how we view our surroundings, ourselves, and those around us.
In this message, Pastor Sarah will be talking about how we can truly thrive when the world around us appears to be dying. Choosing the good is the way of Jesus that will help us move from trauma to triumph, from darkness to light, from imprisonment to freedom.
We’ve all been given free will. The ability to decide what to think and how to act belongs to us. But many times the choices of others can impact us negatively.
When events and the actions of others are thrust upon us we can feel helpless and hopeless. Like we have no choice. Like a victim. When tragedy and trauma strike, remembering that you still have a choice as to how you respond is empowering. Nobody chooses to be victimized but we build a prison for ourselves when we choose to remain a victim.
Choosing the good in the face of evil is something Jesus did well. He knows what it’s like to be victimized but to walk away in freedom. As his followers we have been given the grace to forgive wrongs, love our enemies, and destroy evil by choosing the good.
Right believing seems to be the concern of many people these days. But if right believing doesn't result in right living then it’s all just a philosophical mental exercise. As followers of Jesus, we are compelled to demonstrate our faith through our actions.
Two phrases we often hear these days are “living in the moment” and “being fully present”; these are good ways to think about the impact of your next choice. Choosing the good is a moment-by-moment process that Jesus wants to help you master.
What does God want me to do? It’s such a daunting question with so much riding on the answer. I wish there was a GPS we could follow or some kind of Sherpa we could consult for every decision we have to make. But life doesn’t come with a map. So how do we discover who we’re meant to be and what we’re created to do? How do we make the right decisions when we are feeling lost and confused?
Being thankful isn’t just a response to the good things that happen in life. It’s a reorienting of your mindset so you can gracefully endure the difficult things. Grumbling and complaining are the status quo of our culture and it’s so easy to go with the flow of negativity. But gratitude is a grace that you can tap into regardless of what your circumstances are saying. It’s an atmosphere shifting tactic from Heaven that unlocks the unstoppable freedom that Jesus provided.
Getting away is vital for overcoming weariness, gaining new perspective, and reframing your life. Jesus did this often and as his followers we should seriously consider dropping our addiction to activity in exchange for healthy rhythms.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you could just press a button and voila, everything is reset! A relationship restored, a better job, maybe even a clean kitchen! Pretty sure we've all had that dream at least once. 😉
While you don't have a button that magically resets your life, God has given you keys to reset your heart when it is needed.
Scott Volk is a Messianic Jew who came to faith in 1975. After graduating from CFNI in Dallas and North Central University in Minneapolis, Scott served in various pastoral capacities in Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina. After more than 20 years in pastoral ministry, Scott founded Together For Israel, a non-profit ministry that exists to partner with the church for the salvation of Israel (Rom 11:26). Scott and his wife Beth have been married for 30 years and have a heart to see Jew and Gentile united as “one new man” in the Messiah. They have five children and reside in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Randall Worley is an author, speaker, leadership consultant and life coach. For 40 years he has traveled the world speaking in conferences, seminars and schools inspiring his audiences to think progressively about the role of the kingdom of God in the world. His writings include "Brush Strokes of Grace" and "Wandering and Wondering" as well as many articles/blogs that have been published in leading periodicals around the world. His passion is to be a bridge for those who are navigating their way forward from conventional ideas toward new and exciting horizons. Considered as a thought leader by many of his colleagues, Randall reaches forward while extending a hand back to those with the courage to experience the unknown. Randall and his wife of 40 years have 3 adults sons, and five grandchildren.
Who or what will teach us about God? So many possibilities arise: Our parents, nature, the Bible, science, our experience? To seriously answer this question really causes one to pause and think. Of course, as followers of Jesus, we believe he should inform our view of God. Jesus completely flipped the script by calling God a ‘Father’ and claiming to be ‘One” with Him. How should we respond to a first-century Jew who claimed to be God in the flesh? I, for one, am all ears!
Jesus flipped the script in Matthew chapter five using this pattern of words, “You’ve heard it said, but I say…” He used topics like, making vows, getting revenge, and hating enemies to correct the record on God’s character and expose our wrong thinking. These brilliant statements show us the new way of Grace where Jesus not only corrected our view of God, he restored our position with him. By becoming one of us he restored all of us. Now we have an opportunity to live in His love and flip the script in our own lives.
Jesus flipped the script in Matthew chapter five using this pattern of words, “You’ve heard it said, but I say…” He used topics like, murder, divorce, and adultery to correct the record on God’s character by going back to original intent. But with the caveat that no one could measure up without God's intervention. Jesus not only corrected our view of God he restored our position with him. By becoming one of us he restored all of us. Now we have an opportunity to live in His love and flip the script in our own lives. Maybe you’ve struggled with some of these issues. Maybe you feel disqualified to be loved. Good! This Sunday we have a word of hope and healing for you.
Jesus flipped the script on how women and children were viewed and treated. He grew up in the same male dominated culture of his day yet he elevated women and children. He respected the woman at the well. He welcomed children to his knee and invited them to participate in miracles. He refused to shame the woman caught in adultery. He even took orders from his Mother! Ultimately, he chose a woman to be the first to know of his resurrection and preach it to others. Jesus celebrated and represented the qualities in women as characteristics that came from God because they’re attributes of God. Today, we celebrate the women in our lives that have believed in us, pushed us to greater heights, and taught us what God is like.
The Gospel isn’t an invitation to self help. It’s an awakening to reality, to life and love that produces transformation. If the Gospel is the power of God then we must return to a radical emphasis on Jesus because He is the God who became one of us to rescue all of us! Jesus flipped the script on what God is like and what it means to be human. He not only provided the way out of our blindness but He demonstrated the way forward. Religion and rules are powerless to accomplish this. Only by embracing Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life are we empowered by His indwelling Spirit to cast off the accusation and shame that keeps us imprisoned in the darkness of sin. Why not let Jesus flip the script and write a living story with your life? Imagine a life of faithfulness that can endure any struggle and a life of fruitfulness so others can sample the goodness of Jesus through you!
In the 40 days after Jesus' resurrection, He miraculously appeared to his followers... we're talking walking through walls kind of stuff! In the moments where his closest friends were full of fear, anxiety, and doubt; He showed up. A seemingly simple greeting brought peace to their hearts and minds. Peace be with you. These same words speak to us today. Jesus, our Prince of Peace, is near and His words bring calm assurance and rest to our souls.
Easter reminds us that Jesus held both suffering and celebration well. The range of emotions from the cross to the throne cover the entirety of human existence. Jesus not only knows what it’s like to be you, He’s present with you in every season. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the valley of despair or the mountain top of ecstasy; Our God is as intimately familiar with our suffering as He is with our joy. He’s faithfully walking with us in whatever season we find ourselves. Easter reminds us that Love himself was willing to enter death to bring us into life.
On Palm Sunday Jesus rode in as king only to die as a criminal. The expectations of his followers are echoed in their shouts of “Save Now” as Jesus rode in on a donkey. But their high expectations were crushed when their hero turned out to be ordinary. Or was he? Jesus exceeded all expectations when he bypassed temporal deliverance for eternal rescue. No one knew that God's plan to enter death for us was the real path to victory. Could it be that some of your own expectations are misguided? How should followers of Jesus deal with unfulfilled or unrealistic expectations? This Sunday we continue “Followship” with a special Palm Sunday edition that will help you navigate your current reality with hope for the future.
Following Jesus can be difficult if you’re only looking at His outward actions. Do I follow the passive “turn the other cheek” Jesus? Or how about the angry, whip snapping “get out of my Father’s house” Jesus? And good luck following the “walk on water” Jesus! When we externalize the human actions of Jesus without factoring in love, we can come up with excuses for any of our actions. But there’s something deeper. The Spirit of Jesus abiding in you and always pointing toward the best way to follow Jesus. The way of love. Ironically, this Spirit is first mentioned as an external activity of Jesus… His water baptism. When we follow Jesus in baptism an external symbolic activity becomes an internal spiritual activation. Let’s talk about that! We’ll also be baptizing many followers of Jesus this Sunday and would love for you to come celebrate with them.
Our culture is obsessed with leadership. The church has embraced this without any critical thought. When pastors are lauded for their abilities as CEOs instead of servants we have a major problem. “Come follow me,” Jesus said. This simple invitation is the foundation of what it means to be a Christian. But it is only compelling when our lives align with the message we embrace. The church did not call themselves Christian, the people of Antioch did. Why? Because they were acting like Christ! These early believers didn’t map to the culture around them and the locals took notice. So much so that they gave them the moniker “Christian” because of some very Jesus-like traits. What would people call you today? It’s high time to embrace “Followship” because Jesus is still saying, “Come follow me.”
God is love fully revealed in the person of Jesus. To be “at his feet” is to be submitted to love. Six times in the Gospel of Luke we find someone at Jesus' feet and each account is a life lesson in loving well. Join us this Sunday as we unlock the treasure to be discovered by simply choosing the needful thing… Resting at the Feet of Jesus.
God is love fully revealed in the person of Jesus.
To be “at his feet” is to be submitted to love. Six times in the Gospel of Luke we find someone at Jesus' feet and each account is a life lesson in loving well. 💖
Join us this Sunday as we unlock the treasure to be discovered by simply choosing the needful thing… resting at the feet of Jesus.
What does it mean to sit at the feet of Jesus on a daily basis? What can we learn from listening to the voice of God in places of unrest, trouble, and grief?
This Sunday we’ll take a look at Jesus’ relationship with some of his closest friends: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. As we explore their friendship, we’ll find out what it means to be seated in the presence of Christ, even in times of difficulty.
This Sunday, we look at the life of Robert Smalls. Smalls was born into slavery, but always filled with the dream of freedom. No matter where he found himself, he learned and grew to become the best. Even in the face of immense obstacles, he excelled because the dream of freedom kept him going. He lived all in!
Imagine being ripped from your family as a child and forced into a life of slavery. Take a moment to enter the grief of this horrific act. Sit in the pain until you can taste the empathy required to respond. This child was stripped of more than just her freedom. Her very identity was dismantled. Named after the vessel that transported her and the family that purchased her, Phillis Wheatley grew to understand that she could reshape her identity. Her life is an inspiration for anyone who still has the audacity to believe that a small voice can make a big difference. She was a brilliant poet who used her gift to build unity with those she disagreed with and she learned to navigate tension with love. What can the life and work of Phillis Wheatley teach us about becoming more like Jesus?
What would you want etched on your tombstone? It’s an interesting thought experiment to wonder what others will say about you after you’ve passed. We don’t have to wonder about George Washington Carver. His tombstone reads, in part, “He found happiness and honor in being helpful to others.” His entire life is a clinic on how to overcome adversity and become the best possible version of yourself by living with passion and purpose. This Sunday, Pastor Derek explores the amazing life of George Washington Carver and how he can inspire us to become more like Jesus.
The heroes of faith found in the Bible are pretty inspiring given that they were a ragtag group of misfits. Just proof that God loves the underdog. What if we made a modern day list of misfit heroes? Those who lived their lives in a way that transformed the culture around them. Harriet Tubman would definitely make my list! She inspires my devotion to Jesus by the way she trusted God with the impossible. She reminds us that God is always our present help in time of need and that He will make a way of escape. Harriet Tubman was a slave and a victim of the injustices of racism and slavery of her time. However, she did not let her situation stop her from believing in God and seeking freedom for herself and others. She didn’t just dream about freedom, she did something about it. As God’s people for such a time as this, we can arise and seek our Lord for strategies to change the injustices of the culture. What can we learn from Harriet Tubman's persistence, obedience, and perseverance in her journey to freedom? Join us Sunday and find out!
This Sunday, we are finishing up this series and while it is coming to an end, making room in our lives never does. It's a practice we get to do moment by moment and day by day! Join us as we open up the book of John to remind ourselves who Jesus declares that He is and how we can make room for it.
The Information Age has brought the world to our fingertips. Our access to knowledge is staggering and the world is more connected than ever. It’s an exciting time to be alive but it comes with some unintended consequences. We are bombarded with every tragedy that occurs in real time. The awareness of what is happening all over the world steals our attention, burdens our souls, and prevents us from being present to our local community. As followers of Jesus, we are told to be still and know God. How do we do that in this age of relentless activity? How do we make room for clarity in an age of chaos? Join us this Sunday as Pastor Sarah helps us turn down the noise and shut out the voices screaming for our attention so we can hear the whisper of God.
Making room for more of Jesus always includes making room for others. We do this at family gatherings by literally scooting over and adding a chair to the table for your kids' friend that tagged along. It may feel like an imposition but squishing together means that all feel included and none go hungry. It’s in this same spirit that Jesus is asking us to make room so everyone knows they belong at the family dinner. Jesus has provided a feast of forgiveness and grace. There’s more than enough for everyone to be filled but we need to enlarge the table through humility, hospitality, and honor. This Sunday, Pastor Derek invites us to adopt the role of a good host and make room for everyone.
Every follower of Jesus I know desires a deeper experience with God’s grace and goodness. One of the things we see throughout Scripture is that intimacy with God is fueled by two things: Prayer and fasting. Jesus gave instructions about both and didn’t say “if you pray & fast” but “when you pray & fast.” Apparently, following Him involves doing these activities. But for so many, it seems difficult to start and sustain a consistent, thriving prayer life. And fasting isn’t even a blip on our radar. Maybe it’s because we’ve missed the whole point of prayer and fasting. Prayer is not about working harder, it is about abiding more. Fasting is not getting God to move, it’s moving you to what matters. This Sunday Pastor Derek kicks off a 21-day prayer and fasting challenge that will unlock the desires of God’s heart, propel you into a deeper experience of His love, and set your course for 2022.
I’ll never forget bringing home our daughters from the hospital. There was a room prepared for them. A place Sarah and I had worked hard to make beautiful and stock with all the necessities. It took time and planning to create a space personalized for each girl. We had to deconstruct the original decor and get rid of some things that didn’t fit but that didn’t faze us. It’s was an easy decision to let go of the old for the promise of the new. Our spiritual lives are like this scenario. We tend to make room for what matters most. This New Year feels like it has all the promise of a new child. I’m not sure what the promise is for you. But I believe Jesus wants to deconstruct and declutter so he can design a new space. A better place for your heart! All you have to do is make room.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are well-known tenants of the American dream. But they remain a dream for many because humanity’s efforts can never guarantee them. Happiness is a chase. Joy is a choice. This is why God chose to become one of us and rescue all of us. You were the reason Jesus joyfully endured the cross. Only Jesus can make the dream a reality because He came to make us alive, bring us true freedom, and embed Joy deep with us. Now we can blissfully declare, “Joy to the world the Lord has come!” This third week of Advent, Pastor Derek will be reminding us Joy is a spiritual force. This Joy is the atmosphere of Heaven and it will sustain you through any trial and bring you out flourishing and focused on Jesus.
When one kingdom invades another the result is violence, pain, and death. Eventually, there comes a pseudo calm that is labeled as peace and lasts only as long as the dominant force can control. But this is never true peace because Peace is a person and His name is Jesus. Advent is the story of a Kingdom invasion. The irony of Advent is that it came through the man of Peace who taught us how to be human and then turned himself over to violence, pain, and ultimately death. His resurrection secured peace on earth by first depositing Peace in us.
“Advent comes, relentlessly and throughout life, with its words of hope and faith - shepherds and magi, crib and star, Emmanuel and glory - and stirs our hearts to pinnacles of possibility one more time...The real Christmas gift, for which Advent is the process, is learning to hum hope, learning to dance the divine.” Joan Chittister So where have you anchored your hope? Do you have hopeful expectations for this season? This first Sunday of Advent, Pastor Sarah wants everyone to experience relentless hope.
We all desire breakthrough when we are struggling or feeling stuck. But it’s difficult to experience when we lose sight of the One who broke through for us. This Sunday, Ricky Moore brings us all home to the truth that transformation and breakthrough come when we fix our hearts and minds on Jesus.
As a communicator I regularly ask myself if I am answering questions no one is asking. My role in the faith community is not to teach people what to think but how to think.
“Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer” Rainer Maria Rilke.
The Teacher may not answer you in the way you wanted Him to but He answered you in the way you needed Him to. This Sunday, Randall Worley joins us to share what to do when you have no answers when you need them most.
–Pastor Derek Turner
IN THE CIRCLE OF TOV, when we practice the habits of empathy and compassion, extending grace, putting people first, telling the truth, promoting justice, and serving others, TOV emerges in the culture and we all become more like Christ. Goodness (TOV) becomes an agent that influences every aspect of our lives. And the more we practice TOV, the more the culture becomes TOV. But when churches become businesses, corporations, or institutions, pastors cease to be pastors, churches cease to be churches, and the culture in the church becomes toxic, not TOV. Of course, Jesus has and is the answer to this problem! He wants followers, not leaders, who will commit to becoming Christlike and replace the achievement and accomplishment culture with one of healing, wholeness, and love.
TOV sometimes means beautiful—it’s used many times in the first chapter of Genesis for what God thought of his creation. TOV means ‘excellent’ and sometimes means ‘God’s TOV design.’ When it summarizes a person’s life, TOV means a flourishing, faithful moral character. God is TOV. God’s design is always TOV. God’s redeemed people are to do TOV.”
IN A TOV CHURCH CULTURE, justice—doing the right thing—is a leading theme. In toxic church culture, loyalty to the leader or brand often takes precedence. At times, the difference between justice and loyalty is subtle, but when they are at odds with one another, those differences become massive. Sadly, in many churches today, Christians are asked to choose between loyalty and justice. Jesus has a better way! “Follow me,” is his invitation to impart his justice so we can represent his will to others. This creates a loving loyalty to serve people the way Jesus has served us.
Developing a TOV culture involves putting people first and telling the truth. Jesus was always aware of the people around him and what they needed. He could sit for a meal with the most broken of people just as easily as he could speak truth to power. In fact, by delivering truth bombs he lit up the darkness of religious institutions and offered freedom to those who were trapped in fear. Today, the Church is called to do the same. This Sunday, Pastor Derek draws from the acclaimed book, “A Church Called TOV” to call us up and give us a map for being a people-first, truth-telling church that Jesus would love to attend.
Tragically, in recent years, Christians have become accustomed to revelations of abuse in our churches. The sad truth is that churches of all shapes and sizes are susceptible to abuses of power, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse. These abuses can occur when we neglect to create a culture of goodness that resists evil and promotes healing, safety, and spiritual growth. This Sunday, Pastor Derek draws from the acclaimed book, “A Church Called TOV” to call us up and give us a map for being a church that Jesus would attend.
Tragically, in recent years, Christians have become accustomed to revelations of abuse in our churches. The sad truth is that churches of all shapes and sizes are susceptible to abuses of power, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse. These abuses can occur when we neglect to create a culture of goodness that resists evil and promotes healing, safety, and spiritual growth. This Sunday, Pastor Derek draws from the acclaimed book, “A Church Called TOV” to call us up and give us a map for being a church that Jesus would attend.
Tragically, in recent years, Christians have become accustomed to revelations of abuse in our churches. The sad truth is that churches of all shapes and sizes are susceptible to abuses of power, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse. These abuses can occur when we neglect to create a culture of goodness that resists evil and promotes healing, safety, and spiritual growth. This Sunday, Pastor Derek draws from the acclaimed book, “A Church Called TOV” to call us up and give us a map for being a church that Jesus would attend.
No one would willingly invite chaos into their life. Yet when we choose to isolate ourselves from others that’s exactly what we are doing. Chaos may be swirling all around us but we don't have to let it in. Community is the antidote! When we intentionally pursue relationships we are creating a space that chaos can’t penetrate. This Sunday, Pastor Derek invites you to make the choice… Chaos or Community?
What does it mean to walk in victory as a Christian? Better yet, what does it mean to fight from victory as opposed to fighting for victory? How can we live everyday from the reality that we’ve won every battle before we see the final outcome? This Sunday we’ll take a look at what it means to face life challenges and difficulties from our position as sons and daughters in Christ Jesus.
What does it mean to walk in victory as a Christian? Better yet, what does it mean to fight from victory as opposed to fighting for victory? How can we live every day from the reality that we’ve won every battle before we see the final outcome? This Sunday we’ll take a look at what it means to face life challenges and difficulties from our position as sons and daughters in Christ Jesus.
This is a season like no other. The flow of this worldly system is a barrage of negativity and fear. We could slink back and surrender to the culture of the day or we can contend for the culture of Heaven. Don’t resist what God is wanting to build on the inside of you during this time. He didn’t cause the evil we see around us but He is developing His nature within us. True surrender isn’t giving up in defeat, it’s growing up in the Father’s delight. When we recognize the love our Father has for us, surrender makes perfect sense. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Sarah talks about practical ways to surrender to the Father.
We are always looking for a better way to do things. Life hacks have opened our eyes to simplifying tasks and helped us see there is a better way than the way we’ve known. Love is the ultimate “life hack” and it really is a superior way to live. It’s also the mark of true maturity for those who are serious about following Jesus. It’s the one command He gave and you’ll never see others as God's beloved until you see it for yourself. You will find true meaning and purpose by humbly receiving the love of God. Only then can you help others do the same. Only then can you live a fruitful life.
Acting on your impulses is usually thought of in a negative context. Being an impulsive person conjures up images of angry outbursts, uncontrolled spending, and other behavior that causes regret. But what if your impulses are good? What if your true nature was just like Jesus? What if your first impulse was to love? These questions may sound like unattainable idealism but they point to the greater reality of your true identity. You are like Jesus and the seeds of His character have been planted in your heart. It’s time we embrace our true nature and enjoy The Fruitful Life.
Imagine baking a cake without sugar. It might look pretty when it’s out of the oven and all decorated but take one bite and you’ll know exactly what is missing. Joy is a major missing ingredient in our culture. And without joy, there is no hope for the strength you need to live this life. Jesus endured the cross with a joyful expectancy that included you. You are that joy that was set before Him. You can tap into that same source of joy at any time because it is on the inside of you. This Sunday, we continue our Fruitful Life series by exploring the joy that overflows and results in the strength that sustains you.
Chaos is inevitable. History shows us that our human efforts to create a peaceful world have been fruitless. That’s because it’s impossible to create peace around us when there is no peace within us. You just can’t give what you don’t have! Jesus came to bring peace on earth by changing us from the inside out. Peace brings order to our inner life so we can carry it to others and quiet the chaos. The Fruitful Life starts with a deep dive into the river of peace.
There are many times in life where you need a good reset. Maybe that looks like heading to the beach for a few days, a trip to the mountains, starting school, a good conversation or even a shopping spree. #nojudgementhere
God is inviting you to a reset, one that takes place in His presence. It's where you shift your focus from yourself to who He is and what He has done. It's simply called, worship.
Join us as we learn to reset by living a life of surrender where shame is silenced and freedom is released.
When things don’t work out according to our expectations, hope begins to melt away slowly like ice cream spilled on a hot sidewalk. This is because the world we live in is void of hope. But we are connected to another world! A kingdom that has a fountain of hope. You see, our hope can’t be placed in our circumstances looking perfect, it must be placed in the unchanging person of Jesus. He will never let us down; He is always true to His word. If you feel like your hopeful dream seems to be dragging on and on without an end in sight then join us on Sunday as Sarah encourages us to not let go of hope.
A good sommelier can identify the geographical location of fine wine by identifying the characteristics passed from the soil of that region to the grapes. In fact, every fruit will carry the qualities of the soil where it is grown. It’s the same with the Fruit of the Spirit. It only grows in the soil of Love and will carry every nuance of the Father’s heart. Patience and Faithfulness are two attributes of God demonstrated in the life of Jesus and grown in you by the Holy Spirit. This Sunday we explore how these two pair together to help you live The Fruitful Life.
When we treat life like a competition we become obsessed with keeping score. Winning at all costs becomes the goal because losing is unacceptable. But life isn’t a game, it’s a garden. It’s the place where God wants to cultivate beauty and fruitfulness. Gardens are messy work but the results are glorious. In this series, The Fruitful Life, we will be exploring the character of the Father as revealed by Jesus through the Fruit of the Spirit. This fruit becomes activated in our life by abiding in union with Jesus. It is our connection, not our effort that makes life fruitful. We will also look at some of the enemies of the fruitful life that keep us from becoming more like Jesus. The great news is that we have an amazing gardener in the Holy Spirit!
Jesus is what God has to say about Himself. Much of what we know about Jesus is found in the Bible and it is important to let Jesus guide us through the text.
Many of us have a special life verse (or two or twenty) that we go back to for comfort and strength. It’s a written representation of Jesus that has jumped off the page and into our heart.
This Sunday, we will hear from several people who have been transformed by the Savior through scripture. See you in the morning!
The concept of God has been pondered, discussed, argued, and studied for ages. People would like to think they have a good idea of who or what this supreme being is all about. But God is just too big to fit neatly in any theological box. Jesus claimed to be the perfect expression of God in a human context and introduced us to the concept that God is a loving father. In this message, Jason Clark invites us to trade a finite perspective with an infinite revelation, the measureless love of God.
When we treat life like a competition we become obsessed with keeping score. Winning at all costs becomes the goal because losing is unacceptable. But life isn’t a game, it’s a garden. It’s the place where God wants to cultivate beauty and fruitfulness. Gardens are messy work but the results are glorious. In this series, The Fruitful Life, we will be exploring the character of the Father as revealed by Jesus through the Fruit of the Spirit. This fruit becomes activated in our life by abiding in union with Jesus. It is our connection, not our effort that makes life fruitful. We will also look at some of the enemies of the fruitful life that keep us from becoming more like Jesus. The great news is that we have an amazing gardener in the Holy Spirit!
Many of us wish we could have lived when Jesus was on the earth. We could walk side by side, ask any questions we wanted, and be comforted by his life-giving presence. But Jesus said it was better that He go away so the gift could come. The amazing gift Jesus was talking about is the Holy Spirit. Through His Spirit we have access to Jesus as if He were here. Even better is the truth that this gift dwells in us. Jesus moved from beside us to inside us through His Spirit! This Sunday, Pastor Sarah unwraps the gift and explores the various roles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives.
You may have had a bad experience with church. You’re not alone! When leaders use tactics like control, manipulation, false teaching, abuse, and shame it ceases to be the church that Jesus endorses. Religion (man’s way of trying to get to god) has proven to be a futile attempt to earn what has already been done for you in Jesus. So why do we still believe in the church? Why did we start a church? This Sunday Pastor Derek explains why he wants to be a part of a church that Jesus would attend.
What Does God Want From Me?
God went all out for us by becoming human. But Jesus does not expect us to “pay him back” for bringing us into freedom. He’s not interested in sacrifices and offerings. He wants us to live in His Goodness and His only requirement is summed up in the three movements of his Kingdom. This Sunday we explore the three things God wants from us that will make earth a lot more heavenly.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “church”? Whether you’ve attended since you were a child, since college, or if this is relatively new to you – we all have differing thoughts and feelings that pop up when we think of church.
News Flash: Church isn’t a place and it’s not your religious duty to show up (or tune in) on Sunday mornings! Now is the time to shift our thinking and together come alive to the big picture that God has planned for us all through His church.
This Sunday, we are diving into all things church and want to see you there. Here’s a hint: it’s all about Jesus!
Just like light is essential for flowers and plants, relationships are vital in helping us become more like Jesus and establishing God’s kingdom. This is why the enemy works so hard to fracture them through offense and division. But he is powerless when you aim for unity by keeping your relationships healthy. This Sunday, Pastor Derek breaks down five qualities to develop so you can stay connected and breathe new life into your relationships.
Jesus wants you to thrive in all your relationships. He came specifically to give abundant life. But you can sometimes be your worst enemy when it comes to the kind of transformative growth that Jesus provides. Here’s why… You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. Denial and delusion can keep you from becoming the person Jesus says you are. The kind of honesty required for change may be difficult at first but it becomes the catalyst to the true you. This Sunday, Pastor Sarah runs down some practical ways to identify false maturity so you can bloom like a flower in God’s garden.
Plants need good soil, water, fresh air, and sunlight to thrive. We also have a checklist to see how healthy we are. The baseline indicators of your physical health are pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure and they are the first things checked to figure out what may be wrong with you. Let’s apply that to relational health. Are there vital signs you can check to determine the health of your relationships? Sure enough, like a strong and steady pulse, there are relational vitals that you can check. This Sunday, we’ll explore the signs of healthy connections that will breathe new life into your relationships.
What do you think of when you hear the words, “spiritual maturity”? Do you imagine someone who isolates themselves to pray for hours on end? Or maybe it’s someone who boldly speaks correction and can spout off Bible verses like a machine? Although those attributes may accompany spirituality they are not necessarily the signs of healthy spiritual life and certainly not indicators of maturity. Healthy and mature followers of Jesus develop and grow through relationships. They bloom in a garden called community. This Sunday Pastor Derek starts a new series called “Bloom” to help you cultivate the kind of relationships necessary for your spiritual growth.
Jesus came so that we could experience the abundant life, why is it that many of us don’t experience that? Sunday, we will look at what it means to live from a whole heart. It is time to move from a place of survival and fatigue to a place of freedom and thriving.
Remember the first time you skimmed across the water in a boat or broke through the clouds on an airplane? These moments wake us up to a new reality that we’ve never experienced before. They spark joy and give us a view from a unique perspective. It’s like something comes alive in you for the first time! The resurrection of Jesus has the same effect upon us when we awaken to the reality of His death-destroying power. Now we carry the same resurrection life to every person we meet in hopes of jolting them out of slumber and awakening them to a life-changing love! Join us Easter Sunday for Awaken!
Choosing to Love is choosing to bring God on the scene. Every time we decide to do what Love would do we demonstrate what Jesus is like and deliver Heaven to earth. But how do you engage with Love in your everyday life? When you are confident that Love Himself has taken residence inside of you it’s easier to love everyone the most!
What would it look like if we all took the initiative to start right where we are? How would our city change if we humble ourselves and serve the ones nearest to us?
Jesus showed us what it looked like to live a life of service. It is time for us to follow His example and display the power of God through serving. If we want to live a life of purpose, we must learn to serve.
You may think you live where you live not because you chose it but because your job chose it for you, or there was a family obligation, or you felt called to a church or ministry there. Well, here’s the truth: You don’t live there by accident. Just as the Father sent Jesus, Jesus has sent us (John 20:21). You don’t live or work where you do by chance. God has called you to be on mission there. Maybe you feel out of place. Maybe you feel like you should just “get out of dodge” and start over somewhere else but Jesus has sent you exactly where you find yourself today and He is quite comfortable demonstrating faith, hope, and love to this city through you! This Sunday, Pastor Derek continues our series called Learn the City : Love the City.
We are the light of the world. How are we sharing that light? How does our life speak to those around us? This Sunday, Pastor Sarah speaks on serving our neighbors well.
You may think you live where you live not because you chose it but because your job chose it for you, or there was a family obligation, or you felt called to a church or ministry there. Well, here’s the truth: You don’t live there by accident.
Just the Father sent Jesus, Jesus has sent us (John 20:21). You don’t live or work where you do by chance. God has called you to be on mission there. Maybe you feel out of place. Maybe you feel like you should just “get out of dodge” and start over somewhere else but Jesus has sent you exactly where you find yourself today and He is quite comfortable demonstrating faith, hope, and love to this city through you!
Listen in as Pastor Derek kicks off a new series called Learn the City : Love the City.
The way you live speaks louder than the words you speak. What story is your life telling? It’s important that our message mirrors the life of Jesus. This can only happen when our motive is love and our hearts are awakened to the value of every individual. Our words will carry the power and authority of Heaven when we let the life of Jesus flow from the inside out. Christ in you is the story we live and the message we carry that will change the world one person at a time.
The Incarnation wasn’t just a one-time event. It’s happening in you right now. Jesus is being formed in your heart and becoming visible in your life and character. Fear is the enemy that tries to abort this process. But it doesn’t stand a chance when we choose to love.
Advent reminds us that God is always faithful to show up. But He often shows up in unexpected ways that don’t fit our preferred method or timetable. This Sunday, Pastor Sarah reminds us that if God is willing to show up as a baby to rescue humanity then He’ll go to any length for you. Awaken the Wonder of God’s faithfulness
We enter Advent with a joyful longing for a deeper revealing of Jesus. We consider the things we have allowed to clutter our souls and set our hearts to experience a fresh incarnation.
Being thankful isn’t just a response to the good things that happen in life. It’s a reorienting of your mindset so you can gracefully endure the difficult things. Grumbling and complaining are the status quo of our culture and it’s so easy to go with the flow of negativity. But gratitude is a grace that you can tap into regardless of what your circumstances are saying. It’s an atmosphere shifting tactic from Heaven that unlocks the unstoppable freedom that Jesus provided. This Sunday, Pastor Derek shares the ways you can access the Grace for Gratitude.
Facing a trial almost always feels like taking a step backward. But taking a step back is not always a bad thing. It’s often exactly what we needed to assess our situation and more clearly see the obstacles in our path. God will get glory through the thing that is keeping us from our destiny because impossible situations are His specialty. In this message, Scott Volk shares how trials can be our pathway to God’s glory.
We all have various titles and ways by which we are known. What others say about us matters, but not as much as what we say about ourselves. This Sunday, we will unwrap five lies the enemy tries to tell us about our identity and uncover the truth of who God says we are.
We all love a good home makeover or car restoration. The look on the owner’s face is priceless when their old, decrepit car or dilapidated home is brought back to pristine condition. We live for the reveal of the restoration. Each of us is God's restoration project. He’s working day and night to breathe fresh life that returns us to a better than original state. Times of restoration requires a willingness to let go of the old and embrace the new.
We are living in a time of revelation. Revelation has so many facets. It can expose our motives and mindsets, bring us into new ways of thinking, and uncover old mysteries. But one thing all revelation should do is point us to greater truth and give us a better understanding of the amazing grace of Jesus. This Sunday, Pastor Derek discusses how we can navigate the times of revelation we are living in and effectively communicate it to others.
Where do you turn to pursue God’s wisdom. What do you do when faced with trouble? Many lose all their joy never realizing that living a joy-filled life is part of their inheritance. Many forfeit the refreshing that can come even in times of adversity. Refreshing joy is always available when we fully expect to experience the Presence of God each day.
Coming out of quarantine and easing into a new rhythm can be a tricky proposition. Since March we’ve been thrust into a disruptive schedule and a disturbing atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. But take heart! You were born for these times. You have what it takes to turn oppression into opportunity. God is shaping us individually and collectively for greater Kingdom effectiveness but we must respond to enjoy the results. Listen in as Pastor Derek shares how we can ditch the old things that weigh us down and embrace new rhythms of grace.
When you’re working on changing things in your life, motivation is everything. If you lack motivation you’ll never achieve what you desire. What motivates you? What fuels your passion to be the best you can be? Jesus was motivated to give his life so we could experience his. Jesus let compassion be the motivation for every choice he made and he’s empowered us to do the same. If you’re struggling to find motivation then give love and kindness a shot. This Sunday we tap into the motivation that will spark a revolution.
We tend to define courage by the heroic acts of others that risk their own life to save another. Rightfully so, but then we say things like, “I could never be that brave!” We minimize our capacity for mighty acts when we compare ourselves to the highlight reels of others. But true courage has many different faces like the person battling cancer, the single mom, the sexual assault victim, and the lone voice of love in a crowd of hate. All these are no less courageous than the astronauts of Apollo 11. In part 3 of Remember, we remember that courage and might to bravely face anything finds its origin in Jesus.
A.W. Tozer says, “What I believe about God is the most important thing about me.” If our lives are intricately tied to what we believe about God then we’d better get it right. The problem is where to look for an accurate picture of God. The solution is Jesus! He alone is what God has to say about Himself. Holding firm to this belief is the surest way to avoid bad theology because Jesus is perfect theology. In this message, we look back to Jesus and remember the God who became one of us to rescue all of us.
Navigating this pandemic and the chaos in our country is difficult. We long for a return to “normal” (whatever that is) and we just want it all to be over. But Jesus reminds us that where sin abounds grace abounds much, much more! Grace is available to those who remember that God will have the final say. It’s time to look back and remember so we can recover the truth for charting the future.
What does spiritual maturity look like? Ask a hundred people and you’ll likely get a hundred different answers. All good I’m sure but they’ll probably have one thing in common. They’ll all point to attributes that we see in Jesus. Characteristics that come from his example of a Spirit-filled life. Now, that same Spirit that empowered Jesus’ ministry and ultimately raised him from the dead dwells in you! The Holy Spirit wants to redefine what maturity looks like in you. There’s freedom and adventure ahead when you live life by the Spirit!
If Jesus has stayed on the Earth we’d all be booking flights to Jerusalem to hang out and get to know him. But Jesus said that it was better for us that He go away so that he could be with us via the Holy Spirit. This “gift” from Jesus is the very person we need to experience the love of the Father and walk in the way of Jesus. This week, we dive into some practical ways the Holy Spirit is our peace, power, and pathway through the storm called Covid-19.
What attracts God? Have you ever wondered what turns the head of the creator of the universe? The Holy Spirit came in power when God’s people were gathered together in unity. This is the kind of unity that captures God’s attention and creates an environment for the impossible! A place where God commands the blessing.
In this message, Scott Volk reminds us that the day of Pentecost is not just a Bible story, It’s an event that happens every year, and every time we gather in unity.
We are children of God. As children, we must know that God is pleased with us. In fact, He is proud of us. One of the roles of The Holy Spirit is to remind us who we are. Romans 8:15 says, "God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children."
Jesus came to reveal the Father’s heart towards us. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit do we experience God's love and are able to share it with those around us. Whether at home, in the workplace, or even behind a mask at the grocery store – you can be a witness of His love!
How do we connect and get closer to the Father in the time of trouble? Where is God’s presence in times of fear and uncertainty? How do we sense the Father’s comfort in the midst of chaos and fear? These are questions all of us have considered but they are even more important in this time of world crisis. This Sunday, Julia Moore leads us in practical ways to experience intimacy, comfort, and freedom through the Holy Spirit.
Three things are vitally necessary at this time: Counsel, Comfort, and Courage. We find these characteristics through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our example and he demonstrated what a Spirit-filled life is all about. It’s more important than ever to get to know Who is living in you and how to cooperate with the counsel, comfort, and courage he carries.
How to Impart Grace and Peace During Challenging Times
1- Daily set your intention
2- Be patient with yourself and others
3- Speak Kind Words Only 4 - Choose Peace
You can’t have resurrection without suffering and death. The transition to the new requires the death of the old. This cycle of death and resurrection is seen in nature and it defines the journey of our lives. But it’s a joyful journey because it shapes us into our true identity. Becoming like the One who gave His life for all.
esus rode into Jerusalem to the triumphant cheers of “Hosannah” from those who revered him as their deliverer. They were expecting him to overthrow the oppressor and set up a new kingdom. They were right and they were wrong. Jesus was indeed riding in to be their savior but not from their immediate situation. He had something better in mind. Jesus rode directly into suffering and death so he could deliver all of us from a much greater oppressor. He didn’t avoid the path of suffering and death because he knew it was the only way to resurrection and the ultimate freedom from sin and death. He became one of us to rescue all of us!
Sarah Turner – 5 Steps to Staying Healthy During A Time of Crisis by River Church Charlotte
This virus is not from God. He is perfect Love revealed accurately through the self-giving, co-suffering, life of Jesus. COVID-19 is evil and meant to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came to give life, not death. He came to bring peace, not panic. It’s the Father’s perfect love that destroys fear, panic, and anxiety.
The Holy Spirit wants His children to get to know more about His personal side. Be expecting a touch from Him as you lean in during worship and as you listen to His Word. We know your confidence in His love and plans for your life will grow and produce amazing results.
What a glorious hope lives within us! This is the theme of Paul’s masterpiece written to the church of Colossae. But it certainly isn’t relegated just to them. It’s as relevant for our church today. The beauty and revelation that comes into us when we receive the truth of this letter is astounding. The Holy Spirit hands us many wonderful nuggets of gold here. The heavenly hope of glory, the mystery reserved for this generation, is Jesus our supreme savior. Join us for a deep dive into the book of Colossians that will reveal Heaven’s Hope.
What a glorious hope lives within us! This is the theme of Paul’s masterpiece written to the church of Colossae. But it certainly isn’t relegated just to them. It’s as relevant for our church today. The beauty and revelation that comes into us when we receive the truth of this letter is astounding. The Holy Spirit hands us many wonderful nuggets of gold here. The heavenly hope of glory, the mystery reserved for this generation, is Jesus our supreme savior. Join us for a deep dive into the book of Colossians that will reveal Heaven’s Hope.
What a glorious hope lives within us! This is the theme of Paul’s masterpiece written to the church of Colossae. But it certainly isn’t relegated just to them. It’s as relevant for our church today. The beauty and revelation that comes into us when we receive the truth of this letter is astounding. The Holy Spirit hands us many wonderful nuggets of gold here. The heavenly hope of glory, the mystery reserved for this generation, is Jesus our supreme savior. Join us for a deep dive into the book of Colossians that will reveal Heaven’s Hope.
What a glorious hope lives within us! This is the theme of Paul’s masterpiece written to the church of Colossae. But it certainly isn’t relegated just to them. It’s as relevant for our church today. The beauty and revelation that comes into us when we receive the truth of this letter is astounding. The Holy Spirit hands us many wonderful nuggets of gold here. The heavenly hope of glory, the mystery reserved for this generation, is Jesus our supreme savior. Join us for a deep dive into the book of Colossians that will reveal Heaven’s Hope.
Jesus paid a very high price for us to live a life of freedom. But we often let the cares and concerns of this life weigh us down and make us feel trapped. We lose sight of our freedom when we are fixated on troubles instead of focused on Jesus. When we see Jesus more clearly we will live a life unencumbered. Walking free from burdens or anything that would weigh us down may seem like a dream, but it is the reality God is calling us into.
“Love unlocks mysteries. As we love Jesus our hearts are unlocked to see more of His beauty and glory. When we stop defining ourselves by our failures, but rather as the one whom Jesus loves— then our hearts begin to open to the breathtaking discovery of the wonder of Jesus Christ.” Brian Simmons
Join us as we unlock the mystery of love and allow it to heal our hearts, transform our families, and spark a revival in our city.
Years ago I encountered Dr. Brian Simmons and his Passion Translation of the Bible. I fell in love with his fresh and passionate approach. Scripture began coming alive and I ordered each book as soon as it became available. Maybe you've noticed that The Passion Translation appears on screen almost every Sunday. Well, now we get to experience the author! I invited Dr. Simmons nearly a year ago and he has graciously made time in his busy schedule to be with us.
Listen in as Dr. Brian Simmons shares a powerful message of God’s love for us. Be expectant to encounter God’s heart and to discover more and more of His great love.
–Pastor Derek Turner
Years ago I encountered Dr. Brian Simmons and his Passion Translation of the Bible. I fell in love with his fresh and passionate approach. Scripture began coming alive and I ordered each book as soon as it became available. Maybe you've noticed that The Passion Translation appears on screen almost every Sunday. Well, now we get to experience the author! I invited Dr. Simmons nearly a year ago and he has graciously made time in his busy schedule to be with us.
Listen in as Dr. Brian Simmons shares a powerful message of God’s love for us. Be expectant to encounter God’s heart and to discover more and more of His great love.
–Pastor Derek Turner
How God longs for us to know him! We discover him as we read and study his living Word. But the “Word” is not just dead letters; it’s the Living Expression of God, Jesus Christ. The Word came with skin on as the Perfect Man—the One who is the divine self-expression and the fullness of God’s glory; he was God in the flesh! The New Testament, at its beginning, presents four eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. These four “Gospels” present the clearest picture of what God is like because Jesus is His perfect expression. We become more like Jesus when we behold him in these pages. I challenge you to read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and especially John at least once this year. When your eyes are opened to who He is you’ll discover who you really are!
– Derek Turner
From Pastor Derek…
I’m making this bold proclamation, you will become more like Jesus this year! Why? Because 2020 is a year where we will see Jesus clearly. Fixing our hearts, minds, and eyes on Jesus becomes resolution number one this new year. I believe my message tomorrow will inspire and strengthen you to get focused in on Him.
Join me in our quest to set our focus on Jesus and clearly reveal His love to others. We become what we behold, lets behold Jesus together.
During Advent, we rightfully turn our attention upon the arrival of Jesus. But often we miss something valuable when we fail to see the importance of those God chose to use in the story of His arrival. From Mary & Joseph, to John the Baptist, or Simeon & Anna - God chose to use people, just like us, in His story.
In this message, we look at what Simeon and Anna can teach us about pursuing dreams and being in the right place at the right time.
Optimism is positive thinking. Hope is passionate trusting. The Hope of Christmas isn’t just changing our mindset, It’s making us mindful of the one who says nothing is impossible.
This Sunday Scott Volk reminds us that the real Hope of Christmas is being fully assured that God has a transforming solution to your impossible situation.
John the Baptist is most well known for identifying Jesus as the Messiah and immersing him in the Jordan River. But he’s also a really big part of the Advent story. John first recognized Jesus while in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth. When a pregnant Mary came to visit, John did a dance of joy!
So what can John the Baptist teach us this Advent season? Learn how your life has way more in common with John the Baptist than you would ever think.
God shows up in the most unexpected ways. That truth is found in the fact that He chose to become one of us to rescue all of us. Every encounter with Jesus is an opportunity to experience His goodness. Tonight, we come together around song and story to embrace the Immanuel moments that remind us how much God wants to be with us!
The word “advent” (the arrival of an important person or thing) is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming.” Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. During Advent, we anticipate the coming of Jesus. It’s a time full of reflection, excitement, and hope. Each year gives us an incredible opportunity for a powerful encounter with Jesus.
un·hur·ried /ˌənˈhərēd / adjective moving, acting, or taking place without haste or urgency
Have you ever wished that you had just a couple more hours in your day? Or ever felt like the to do list continues to grow and your sanity continues to shrink? So many of us live each day rushing from one moment to the next, feeling like we will never catch up.
Dallas Willard said, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”
Hurry is an enemy that distracts us from friendship with God and true life in His Kingdom. Listen in as we learn practical steps to stop the hustle, end the hurry, and experience the freedom that it brings.
How will your life change if you choose to live unhurried?
Momentum shifts happen in almost imperceptible ways but are the catalysts for changing impossible situations. Recently, I traveled to Bolivia to visit our sister church, Genesis Cochabamba. When I landed the entire country was on the brink of civil war. The government was threatening to become a dictatorship through fraudulent voting and consolidating power. It did not look hopeful! But God had different plans and a momentum shift was all it took to realize that Heaven always has the final say. Prepare to be inspired by stories from the front line that will fuel your own momentum shift.
Being thankful is tough when nothing is going your way. Complaining can feel cathartic for a while but it ends up making you feel more helpless. Gratitude isn’t just something you feel, it’s something you can do that will pull you in the direction of victory.
Did you know you can literally rewire your brain with gratitude? Science and scripture agree that gratitude makes us realize that life is worth living, bringing mental health benefits through a positive feedback loop that leads to resilience—the ability to bounce back quicker during hard times.
Gratitude is therefore essential to overcoming difficult circumstances and achieving success in all areas of your life!
We love to box people into categories. It makes it easier to justify judgment and criticism. We often refer to these groups as “those people” followed by some negative traits that we’ve assigned to the group. God turns the tables on this nonsense by shining the spotlight on the qualities that define “those people” and contrasting them with one particular quality that He is asking us all to possess. Humility! If you desire to be one of “those people” that gets God’s attention then a little lesson in humility is in order.
When Jesus was asked to sum up everything into one command, He said to love God with everything you have and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We’ve turned this simple idea of loving our neighbors into a nice slogan without actually putting it into practice.
What would happen if every follower of Jesus took the Great Commandment literally? Is it possible that the solution to our society’s biggest issues has been right under our noses for the past two thousand years?
The Art of Neighboring is a series that will inspire and challenge you to be the kind of neighbor Jesus would want next door.
When Jesus was asked to sum up everything into one command, He said to love God with everything you have and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We’ve turned this simple idea of loving our neighbors into a nice slogan without actually putting it into practice.
What would happen if every follower of Jesus took the Great Commandment literally? Is it possible that the solution to our society’s biggest issues has been right under our noses for the past two thousand years?
The Art of Neighboring is a series that will inspire and challenge you to be the kind of neighbor Jesus would want next door.
When Jesus was asked to sum up everything into one command, He said to love God with everything you have and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We’ve turned this simple idea of loving our neighbors into a nice slogan without actually putting it into practice.
What would happen if every follower of Jesus took the Great Commandment literally? Is it possible that the solution to our society’s biggest issues has been right under our noses for the past two thousand years?
The Art of Neighboring is a series that will inspire and challenge you to be the kind of neighbor Jesus would want next door.
Have you ever heard the expression: “I guess all I can do now is pray”? Prayer is often seen as a last resort for people in times of trouble. Yet God’s Word says that prayer should be the first thing we do when faced with life challenges.
Face to Face is a teaching series designed to help you connect with Jesus on a deeper level.
In this world of social media, it’s easy to feel connected without actually spending time with people. Face time now means something different than it used to! If you really want to connect with someone it’s always best to do it in person. Face to Face is a teaching series designed to help you connect with Jesus on a deeper level.
Every day, innocent people are beaten, raped, and abused as slaves. There are 40+ million slaves globally. That’s more than ever before in human history. Slavery is a multibillion-dollar industry. Human trafficking generates $150B annually. Slave owners prey on the poor and weak. One in four victims of forced labor is a child. In this sermon, we take a stand to end slavery by connecting with International Justice Mission until all are free.
”If you’re seeking Jesus, you’re seeking justice.“ – Pastor Derek Turner
Please visit www.IJM.org and see how you can make a difference today!
Preachers love quoting the passage about knowing the voice of the Good Shepherd and not following the voice of a stranger. But how often have you asked the question, “Is that you, God?” Knowing His voice shouldn’t be hard, right? We often have difficulty in discerning that thought in our head or that impression in our gut when we need to know what to do. This Sunday we are tuning in to some of the ways that God speaks. Listen in and let confusion be replaced with clarity as you listen to this teaching series.
God does have a path and plan for your life. He makes allowances for your choices. His plan still works in spite of the things that happen to you outside of your control. Even an enemy’s attempt to stop you can be used to propel you forward. The route may not be the fastest or most direct but you can be confident your guide knows how to get you where you’re going because He knows what it’s like to be you.
What does God want me to do? It’s such a daunting question with so much riding on the answer. I wish there was a GPS we could follow or some kind of Sherpa we could consult for every decision we have to make. But life doesn’t come with a map. So how do we discover who we’re meant to be and what we’re created to do?
Finding Your Way - Discovering God's path for your life is a new series full of practical insight to help explore your options and choose wisely!
Abraham and Sarah are a great example of how God can bring the dead to life. There was no chance that they were going to have a child at such an old age but when God says, “I will”, He means it! What promise from God are you clinging to today that appears to be dead and gone? Too often, we give death way too much credit because we forget that God has the power to resurrect.
Acting on your impulses is usually thought of in a negative context. Being an impulsive person conjures up images of angry outbursts, uncontrolled spending, and other behavior that causes regret. But what if your impulses are good? What if your true nature was just like Jesus? What if your first impulse was to love? These questions may sound like unattainable idealism but they point to the greater reality of your true identity. You are like Jesus and the seeds of His character have been planted in your heart. It’s time we embrace our true nature and enjoy The Fruitful Life.
Imagine baking a cake without sugar. It might look pretty when it’s out of the oven and all decorated, but take one bite and you’ll know exactly what is missing. Joy is a major missing ingredient in our culture. And without joy, there is no hope for the strength you need to live this life. Jesus endured the cross with a joyful expectancy that included you. You are that joy that was set before Him. You can tap into that same source of joy at any time because it is on the inside of you.
Chaos is inevitable. History shows us that our human efforts to create a peaceful world have been fruitless. That’s because it’s impossible to create peace around us when there is no peace within us. You just can’t give what you don’t have! Jesus came to bring peace on earth by changing us from the inside out. Peace brings order to our inner life so we can carry it to others and quiet the chaos.
A good sommelier can identify the geographical location of fine wine by identifying the characteristics passed from the soil of that region to the grapes. In fact, every fruit will carry the qualities of the soil where it is grown. It’s the same with the Fruit of the Spirit. It only grows in the soil of Love and will carry every nuance of the Father’s heart. Patience and Faithfulness are two attributes of God demonstrated in the life of Jesus and grown in you by the Holy Spirit.
When we treat life like a competition we become obsessed with keeping score. Winning at all costs becomes the goal because losing is unacceptable. But life isn’t a game, it’s a garden where God wants to cultivate beauty and fruitfulness. Gardens are messy work, but the results are glorious.
In this new series, The Fruitful Life, we will be exploring the character of the Father as revealed by Jesus through the Fruit of the Spirit. This fruit becomes activated in our life by abiding in union with Jesus. It is our connection, not our effort that makes life fruitful. We will also look at some of the enemies of the fruitful life that keep us from becoming more like Jesus. The great news is that we have an amazing gardener in the Holy Spirit!
When we treat life like a competition we become obsessed with keeping score. Winning at all costs becomes the goal because losing is unacceptable. But life isn’t a game, it’s a garden where God wants to cultivate beauty and fruitfulness. Gardens are messy work, but the results are glorious.
In this new series, The Fruitful Life, we will be exploring the character of the Father as revealed by Jesus through the Fruit of the Spirit. This fruit becomes activated in our life by abiding in union with Jesus. It is our connection, not our effort that makes life fruitful. We will also look at some of the enemies of the fruitful life that keep us from becoming more like Jesus. The great news is that we have an amazing gardener in the Holy Spirit!
As young children, we love to get lost in a good story. As the years go on we can sometimes lose our ability to dream and imagine like we used to. Busyness, disappointment, pain, fear, and shame can silence your story. Tomorrow we want to awaken the story inside of you once again.
Listen to what God is doing in people right here in our community and let your faith rise to new heights!
Have you ever heard the phrase: “God is on your side”? Do you we fully know what this phrase means in light of the person and work of Jesus Christ? Listen in and begin to explore God’s heart and what it means for Him to be on your side, especially in times of trouble.
Has anyone ever told you that you sound just like your dad? Have you ever caught yourself in the middle of something and thought “Wow, this is exactly what my dad would do”? Whether its something you’ve said, your mannerisms, or even the way you look, we all resemble our father in one way or another.
Lets learn how to resemble our heavenly Father. We can’t walk in the fullness of His power without first knowing His heart. Let’s explore His heart together.
We are meant to live a life full of faith. While the steps of faith we take may look different, there is always a central theme: hope. Did you know that faith and hope go hand in hand? You cannot have one without the other.
It’s time to learn how to develop hope in every season. May our hearts be stirred to see and pursue God’s goodness in our lives and our community.
Have you ever been told that everything happens for a reason? When something bad happens we often look within to see how we could’ve caused it, placing the blame on ourselves.
Listen in as we view challenges and hardships through the lens of Jesus. We will expose the Fake News that has held us captive by the enemy.
Can you remember a time as a child where you got separated from a parent or loved one? How did it feel? You may have even caused this separation by running off or getting distracted. With each moment, the fear of never being found grew.
Now recall the relief you experienced when you were reunited. Every fear caused by separation melted away. You were home again! Although the feeling of separation was real, the greater reality was that someone was searching for you and would never give up. Someone who loved you was wanting to find you more than you wanted to be found.
This is our story! Tomorrow we will learn how to silence the lie of separation that makes us feel alone and fearful. Jesus came to restore our sight and wake us up to the reality that God is with us.
Have you ever felt used?
Was there a time when you were coaxed into doing something just to serve someone’s selfish purposes? Nobody likes feeling used. It’s wrong to use people. Yet we assign this language of being used to God. We say things like, “I just want to be a tool in the hand of God” or “God is really going to use you.” It’s just not true! God does not use people. God’s desire is a relationship and partnership that is always in your best interest.
Pick any sphere of life: politics, the environment, education, sports, entertainment, and then look at the news. It’s filled with stories of discouragement, deceit, and debauchery. Our world is so immersed in bad news that we accept it as a way of life. And who do you trust to get the real story? The environment of fake news has created a culture that makes us cynical and skeptical. We question the accuracy of everything.
The same is happening with news about God. We hear polar opposite opinions as to what He’s like. Thankfully, Jesus came with the real news of who the Father is and what He’s like. He dismantled the fake news about God by demonstrating the good news of the Kingdom. He is the light that shines so we can clearly distinguish between the true and false.
In this new teaching series, Fake News, is meant to expose the Fake News that has kept people in the dark and help us embrace the true story that leads to Jesus.
John’s gospel declares that Jesus is, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." But Jesus is also known as, “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.”
How can such a contrasting description be made of one person? How can Jesus the Lion be equated with an animal so meek and mild? The answer is vital to your walk with the Father and understanding your identity as a child of God.
Listen in as we continue to explore the flesh and blood Jesus who is both Lion and Lamb.
Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Like you just don’t fit in? The cross and resurrection of Jesus is proof that God was willing to go all out to bring us all in. If you can dare to believe that you have been chosen by God then there is nothing and no one that can tell you otherwise. It will forever change the way you see yourself and others. This Easter Sunday we celebrate the good news that He calls you chosen!
Jesus came to us in the flesh.
It’s a fact that Jesus became one of us to rescue all of us. Often we center in on Jesus’ divinity while overlooking His humanity. This can lead to a lack of understanding regarding such a critical part of His nature. It’s important to understand why Jesus took on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
In this message, Pastor Derek Turner continues with part two of the teaching series Flesh and Blood. Jesus came in the flesh so He could shed His blood for us. It was our only hope!
Jesus came in the flesh. It’s a fact that Jesus became one of us to rescue all of us. But often we center in on Jesus’ divinity while overlooking His humanity. This can lead to a lack of understanding regarding such a critical part of His nature. It’s important to understand why Jesus took on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
In this two part series we take a look at the Flesh and Blood Savior who knows what it’s like to be human.
Generosity is often best expressed around a table. The thought of good friends and good food evoke so many positive feelings and images. The reason is simple… When you have a seat at the table you know you belong! King David modeled this when he invited Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul, to be a permanent guest at his table.
Hear how this story of radical generosity is still relevant in our lives today. When you know that God is the King who is always seeking someone to bless, you’ll have no problem bringing everyone to the table.
Before His death, Jesus sent His disciples to prepare for what would be their last meal together with some very specific instructions. They were to look for a man with a pitcher of water who would lead them to the right location. Imagine the thoughts and questions that followed this unique command. But there’s more to the story that will open your eyes to a key for living The Generous Life.
In this message, Pastor Sarah shares secrets to carrying a pitcher of life giving water everywhere you go.
You have been uniquely situated to demonstrate generosity and it all starts with your heart. Did you know your current circumstances don’t have to limit your generosity?
Listen in as we look at our heart condition and it’s role in our response to God’s generosity. Together we’ll identify the enemies of generosity and be equipped with the tools we need to cultivate a generous heart.
We can live a Generous Life because we serve a generous King. It takes faith to keep our eyes firmly fixed on His Kingdom realities. Jesus came to give us life in abundance by doing what we could never do. In dying for us He can now live through us and activate the grace to be generous with our lives.
In this message,Tori Berkowitz shines a spotlight on the nature of our generous King and how we can respond to Him.
Imagine being the manager of a foundation whose sole purpose is to give generous grants to worthy charities. How fun would it be to spend your life distributing someone else’s money? But few Christians understand that this is the mindset God wants us to have in regards to managing our own financial life.
This new series is called The Generous Life and it’s all about returning to God the generosity He poured out to us and it starts with your relationship with money.
One of the greatest signs of vitality in your relationships is how focused you are on being hospitable. Hospitality is treating even a stranger as an honored guest. The Bible is full of stories where the simple act of hospitality brought life, freedom, and abundance.
Listen in as Scott Volk unwraps the gift of hospitality and release its power into your relationships. Don’t miss this important message for our church!
Relationships are vital in helping us become more like Jesus and establishing God’s kingdom. This is why the enemy works so hard to fracture them through offense and division. But he is powerless when you aim for unity by keeping your relationships V.I.T.A.L. Vulnerability, Intimacy, Trust, Authenticity, and Love are the keys to vital relationships.
In this sermon, Pastor Derek shares how these five qualities are developed so you can stay connected and breathe new life into your relationships.
Vital signs are the baseline indicators of your physical health. Pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure are the first things checked to identify the status of your situation. But what about your relational health? Are there vital signs you can check to determine the health of your relationships? Sure enough, like a strong and steady pulse, there are relational vitals that you can check.
God intended for us to have beautiful, life-giving relationships. Let’s learn how!
Vital signs are the baseline indicators of your physical health. Pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure are the first things checked to identify the status of your situation. But what about your relational health? Are there vital signs you can check to determine the health of your relationships? Sure enough, like a strong and steady pulse, there are relational vitals that you can check.
This is the first week of a new teaching series called Vital Signs - Checking the Pulse of Your Relationships. God intended for us to have beautiful, life-giving relationships. Let’s learn how!
Disrupted: Week 4 Questions can be disruptive. A good question can provoke the kind of self-reflection necessary to confront areas of our life that need improvement. Jesus was the master of great questions. So many times He would answer a question with a question of His own that struck immediately at the core issue. What questions is Jesus asking you? He’s not asking because He doesn’t know the answer, He’s asking to locate your heart and build His nature in you. How do you respond to a question from Jesus?
In this sermon we explore some of the questions that lead to greater freedom and blessing.
Disrupted: Week 3 It’s been said that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. While we can’t control the things that come at us, we can control our attitudes. In this message, Pastor Sarah Turner encourages us to take a look at how to respond when unwelcome disruptions come into our lives.
Listen in as we embrace the divine disruptions that Jesus brings our way in 2019.
Disrupted: Week 2 What is God like? Ask anyone that question and you’ll get a multitude of answers. Everyone has an opinion. Jesus came to disrupt the way we see God. He completely altered humanity’s bleak outlook by entering into our brokenness and revealing God as Father. In fact, any view of God outside of the Father that Jesus revealed is a lie and has the potential to hold you in darkness and bondage. But freedom and victory result the moment you let Jesus shine the light on who your Father is and what He is capable of doing!
We are diving into 2019 with a new teaching series called Disrupted.
We generally don’t like to be disrupted. We view it as a distraction or diversion that prevents us from doing what we planned. But what if God is the source of the disruption? What if He is trying to connect you to a greater reality where Heaven invades earth?
Join us as we begin this new series together and embrace the divine disruptions that Jesus brings our way in 2019.
Advent (Ad·vent | \ˈad-ˌvent, the arrival of an important person or thing) is the four-week season leading up to Christmas where we anticipate the coming of Jesus, full of excitement and hope.
John the Baptist is most well known for identifying Jesus as the Messiah and immersing him in the Jordan River. But he’s also a really big part of the Advent story. John first recognized Jesus while in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth. When a pregnant Mary came to visit, John did a dance of joy!
What can John the Baptist teach us this Advent season? Your life has way more in common with John the Baptist than you would ever think.
Advent (Ad·vent | \ˈad-ˌvent, the arrival of an important person or thing) is the four-week season leading up to Christmas where we anticipate the coming of Jesus, full of excitement and hope. This is an incredible opportunity we have each year for a powerful encounter with Jesus. We can take a step back and remember the fact that God became one of us to rescue all of us.
We don’t often emphasize the story of Simeon and Anna during Advent. Obviously, all the attention is rightfully placed on Jesus. But often we miss something important when we fail to see the importance of those God chose to use in the story of His arrival.
In this message Pastor Derek Turner takes a close look at what Simeon and Anna can teach us about pursuing dreams and being in the right place at the right time.
Advent (Ad·vent | \ˈad-ˌvent, the arrival of an important person or thing) is the four-week season leading up to Christmas where we anticipate the coming of Jesus, full of excitement and hope. This is an incredible opportunity we have each year for a powerful encounter with Jesus. We can take a step back and remember the fact that God became one of us to rescue all of us.
The foundation for being thankful is the rock solid assurance that your Heavenly Father is good and loving. When you realize this, it changes your outlook on everything.
We live in an entitled culture. “I deserve it!” is the mantra of the victim class. Although we were once victims of sin and death, we now belong to a new class called of victors and our mantra is, “Thanks, Dad!”
In today’s culture, being thankful is like a salmon swimming upstream, but it makes you strong and gets you to the place where dreams are born!
This post-Thanksgiving message explores five ways a grateful heart is vital to victory and is a reminder to be thankful every day. Lets learn to cultivate a grateful heart.
Our lives should be filled with joy. But what does this truly mean?
Have you ever found it tough to be joyful? Where does joy come from? Are we supposed to be happy all of the time?
Joy that comes from heaven is the force that brings us strength and fills our hearts with hope.
Pastor Sarah Turner speaks on cultivating the powerful force of joy in our lives, so we can bring it to the world!
Explore some fun and practical ways to make the most of this season, while still enjoying our loved ones!
Human rights, civil rights, and immigrant rights are consistently high on the list of controversial topics in the United States. We are living in a time where chaos and divisive tactics are being used by many different groups of people.
We are going to become awakened to God’s heart so we can arise and shine. This two week series is called Changing The Lens. During this series, be ready to:
Examine our true identity in Christ and our interrelatedness and interdependency on each other.
Explore truths of who we are and how the power of Jesus’ finished work has already united us.
Investigate some of the divisive forces in the Body of Christ in America.
Emphasize the love God has for each one of us and how He made us diverse to reflect the multiplicity of His nature and character to those around us.
Learn how to cooperate with Holy Spirit in your sphere of influence to bring Heaven to Earth.
Don’t miss this opportunity to capture a scriptural perspective on ethnic diversity. Let’s clear the smokescreen and look at this through God’s lens.
Human rights, civil rights, and immigrant rights are consistently high on the list of controversial topics in the United States. We are living in a time where chaos and divisive tactics are being used by many different groups of people.
We are going to become awakened to God’s heart so we can arise and shine. This two week series is called Changing The Lens. During this series, be ready to:
Examine our true identity in Christ and our interrelatedness and interdependency on each other.
Explore truths of who we are and how the power of Jesus’ finished work has already united us.
Investigate some of the divisive forces in the Body of Christ in America.
Emphasize the love God has for each one of us and how He made us diverse to reflect the multiplicity of His nature and character to those around us.
Learn how to cooperate with Holy Spirit in your sphere of influence to bring Heaven to Earth.
Don’t miss this opportunity to capture a scriptural perspective on ethnic diversity. Let’s clear the smokescreen and look at this through God’s lens.
Obedience is a dirty word in our highly individualistic culture. We are convinced that we don’t have to obey anyone but ourselves. In fact, expecting blind obedience is a sure-fire way to push people away and create an environment of resentment. The good news is that Jesus never demanded people obey Him. Instead, He invited us to follow Him. We are accepted and loved because of His obedience, not ours. Knowing this makes all the difference because we want to obey from our heart instead of having to obey from our will. This is when the blessings of obedience will transform every area of your life.
Every day, innocent people are beaten, raped, and abused as slaves. There are over 40 million slaves globally. That’s more than ever before in human history. Slavery is now a multibillion-dollar industry. Human trafficking generates $150B annually. Slave owners prey on the poor and weak. 1 in 4 victims of forced labor is a child.
Listen in as we take a stand to end slavery by connecting with International Justice Mission until all are free.
Go to http://ijm.org to get involved.
Belief is a powerful force. What you believe will shape how you behave. Believe a lie and it will become your reality. But when we separate the facts from the truth we create an environment for miracles.
Your heart was made to believe and, like a garden, will grow whatever seed you plant. If you want a harvest of Heavenly results you have to sow the right seeds.Want a new reality? If so, it’s time to change what you believe.
Listen in as we define the benefits of believing the truth and how it can change your life.
God wants to deliver us from what we deserve. We must not let anything thwart His prescribed way of bringing deliverance. He is the God of grace and He wants to reconstruct our hope in Him and the power of the gospel to deliver us from deserved consequences. He is a good God!
Listen in as our friend Robin McMillan shares this wonderful message.
Everyone needs to belong. Everyone longs to be known and accepted. But often we slip into isolation because of past hurts. We reject the healing that God wants to bring us though the community called His Body.
Pastors Derek and Sarah know all too well the dangers of isolation and the miracle of friendship that brings healing. Michael and Sherrie Howell are friends that have helped serve River Church by being lifelong friends to our pastors.
Belief is a powerful force. What you believe will shape how you behave. Believe a lie and it will become your reality. But when we separate the facts from the truth we create an environment for miracles.
Your heart was made to believe and, like a garden, will grow whatever seed you plant. If you want a harvest of Heavenly results you have to sow the right seeds.Want a new reality? If so, it’s time to change what you believe.
Listen in as we define the benefits of believing the truth and how it can change your life.
Belief is a powerful force. What you believe will shape how you behave. Believe a lie and it will become your reality. But when we separate the facts from the truth we create an environment for miracles.
Your heart was made to believe and, like a garden, will grow whatever seed you plant. If you want a harvest of Heavenly results you have to sow the right seeds.Want a new reality? If so, it’s time to change what you believe.
Listen in as we define the benefits of believing the truth and how it can change your life.
Living from your heart is all about following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. He abides in you with all of Heavens resources at His disposal. But wrong thinking can limit the flow and keep you from experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised. Every thought that is contrary to God’s is like stacking stones in a river that can eventually block it completely. In this sermon Pastor Derek exposes the lies and strongholds that hinder the river of life that is in you. They’ve been holding you back too long. It’s time to release living water.
Most of us visit the doctor on a yearly basis and the dentist every six months. Checkups are vital for identifying a problem before it becomes too big. This Sunday, we are going to take some time to check up on our hearts.
What is the condition of your heart? Where do your affections lie? Proverbs tells us to “pay attention to the welfare of our heart.” Your life moves in the direction of your most dominant thought. We want our affections set on heaven. Be there tomorrow as we talk about steering our hearts on the right course.
Let’s move from Head to Heart and release the Kingdom of God!
God gave us a brain and wants us to use it, but sometimes our head gets in the way of our heart. As sons and daughters of God we have access to wisdom beyond our experience. Often that wisdom is blocked by wrong thinking. In this series we explore what it means to be led by the Spirit and how moving from our head to our heart will release the Kingdom of God.
Have you ever bought something on impulse and later regretted it? Or blurted out a hurtful comment before you had time to think? It’s usually not considered wise to act on impulse. But acting on prompts from the Holy Spirit are different and will always be good for you and others. God wants to work through His kids and learning to be moved by His impulses will bring Heavenly results.
God gave us a brain and wants us to use it, but sometimes our head gets in the way of our heart. As sons and daughters of God we have access to wisdom beyond our experience. Often that wisdom is blocked by wrong thinking. In this series we explore what it means to be led by the Spirit and how moving from our head to our heart will release the Kingdom of God.
God gave us a brain and wants us to use it, but sometimes our head gets in the way of our heart. As sons and daughters of God we have access to wisdom beyond our experience. Often that wisdom is blocked by wrong thinking. In this series we explore what it means to be led by the Spirit and how moving from our head to our heart will release the Kingdom of God.
While the Law itself was good, it lacked the power to change a sinful heart. Rule keeping in order to earn salvation is an oppressive and overwhelming burden. It’s also impossible! Jesus is the one who came and finished the law era and brought Grace to our world to empower us. We now carry the message of this wonderfully amazing Grace to a world who still thinks they have to earn it.
So…are you speaking law or life?
We all have the privilege to help shape the identity, purpose, and destiny of the next generations. It’s our continuous responsibility to confirm who they are, why they’re alive, and where they’re going. May they stand on our shoulders, not in our shadows.
We all experience different seasons in life. Through it all, God is always with us and His promises are just what we need to thrive in every season. Sometimes distractions get in the way and we can miss God entirely. We must learn to acknowledge Him when He speaks and steward His words well.
It’s time to shake off the distractions and hold on to all that God has promised to us.
This Sunday we’re talking about words, but from another angle. What is your inner dialogue like? How you speak to yourself determines how you will speak to others.
We must learn how to have a healthy inner dialogue where God defines our vocabulary and get on the path of speaking life to all those around us!
The old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” was a lie.
What we say could be a matter of life or death. Our words are powerful and aligning our mouth with the vocabulary of Heaven releases a creative force. Jesus spoke to the storm and so can you. Do you want to see changes in your world? The possibilities are endless when we speak life!
Jesus never did anything purely out of obligation. He was delighted to serve. What about you? Are you driven by duty or inspired and motivated by delight?
The drudgery of a duty bound life can prevent us from experiencing God’s best. Delighting in the Lord has tremendous benefits. As you discover how much God delights in you it will transform your attitude and life will become more delightful!
Proverbs 21:21 TPT – The lovers of God who chase after righteousness will find all their dreams come true: an abundant life drenched with favor and a fountain that overflows with satisfaction.
From the mission field, to starting a business, to corporate America you will hear from three people who are walking in the faithfulness of God. Be encouraged and inspired through these stories to know that God has a real, wonderful, and powerful plan for your life.
Are the proclamations of God becoming true in your life? Does your life reflect what God has spoken over you? The promises of scripture and the prophecies we receive will empower us to become everything God has destined us to be.
But we must contend for those words. We must steward them until they become our reality. You can obtain the life you were destined to have when you fight with the right weapons. Like a sword, God’s faithful words will cut through the lies that have been holding you back and release you into your destiny.
We’ve all been let down by someone. It’s frustrating when a friend is unreliable. It’s painful when trust is lost in a relationship and even worse when we’re the one who caused it. We can try to become more faithful but it doesn’t really come by trying. It comes by trusting the One who is truly faithful. Our own faithfulness grows when we trust Jesus as the source of our life. He alone is reliable and trustworthy. He alone can satisfy our deepest needs. He alone is faithful to the end!
Listen in as Pastor Derek shares this important message.
We can be faithful because God is faithful.
Each day we have a choice: to enjoy our life or endure it. Will we enjoy our children or endure our time with them? Will we have a fulfilling workday or barely make it through? Many of us can’t wait until the moment of escape that comes at 5:00pm, or Friday, or Summer. Now is the time to stop living on autopilot and embrace your current season of life!
Listen in as Pastor Sarah Turner shares how to choose joy and be present with the people and opportunities God has put in our lives.
"Some people want to live within the sound of chapel bells but I want to run a mission a yard from the gates of hell."
Steve Camp wrote these powerful lyrics in his song Run to the Battle and they perfectly describe what my heart is feeling about our partnership with Love Life Charlotte. They have been on mission right outside the largest abortion clinic in the Southeast for two years now and the gates of Hell are crumbling!
This is the number one moral issue of our day and we are going to stand up for those who have no voice.
When the Israelites were being led by Joshua to take the Promised Land they encountered the impassible Jordan. It looked impossible, but the Israelites believed that God would be faithful just as he had been with Moses. Sure enough, the waters miraculously parted just like before at the Red Sea! Recalling God’s faithfulness is a way of connecting a past miracle to a present problem.
Listen In as Pastor Derek Turner talks through what to do when we find ourselves in situations that seem impassible. Remember the faithfulness of God in your past so you can be thankful for what He is about to do!
This message is focusing on introducing to some, reacquainting to others, and stirring up a desire for all to grow closer to Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Sometimes we forget that He is a person and He is here in the earth living with us. His desire is to be in relationship with you. He is the Lover of our hearts. He testifies of who Jesus is and Jesus’ oneness with God the Father and with Himself. He (Holy Spirit) reveals how Jesus came to rescue mankind. He does this because mankind is the object of their unceasing affection. As in every relationship it’s important to effectively communicate. Our relationship with Holy Spirit is no different, it thrives on effective communication. And because of Jesus everyone qualifies to be in communication with Holy Spirit and to have Him living in them. No one is disqualified. What does your daily relationship with Holy Spirit look like?
The Resurrection of Jesus was a one time event, but it’s also a lifelong enabling force that empowers us to become like Jesus. This everyday resurrection is the way every believer should live, demonstrating the Kingdom of God. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us! How do we release it? Just knowing about it doesn’t work.
Listen in and discover the attitudes and actions that are catalysts to releasing the power of Jesus. Come experience what everyday resurrection is all about!
Like Babe Ruth pointing to centerfield and hitting the next pitch out of the ballpark, Jesus announced His resurrection beforehand. Our entire faith hangs on the belief that Jesus was raised from the dead. His resurrection results in your salvation.
The act of throwing one’s cloak down on the ground was a sign of homage and submission. People laid down their cloaks in hopes that the coming King would bring their deliverance. God put on our cloak. He put on flesh. He became a human named Jesus. His “cloak” of flesh was trampled on and abused, but it paved the way for our salvation. The Word of God committed to become human, die as a human, and remain human so we could be rescued. It’s the ultimate commitment.
Discover how His commitment to you will deepen your compassion and enable you to connect others to God.
We are passionate about walking in the fullness God has given us. A life of adventure with Him, filled with miracles, signs, and wonders.
esus stepped out of eternity and into a place called Earth to save us and show us the Father. He entered our home and made a way for us to enter His. Now we have a place in God and He has a place in us. God and man walking together in relationship.
It is our privilege to bring others into a place where this loving relationship can be experienced. Every space we inhabit can become a place where God’s warm hospitality welcomes people home.
What kind of home are we going to be? Listen in as Pastor Derek continues to share fresh vision and strategy.
Everyone has a different opinion when they hear the word “Church”. Many think of steepled buildings and stuffy people. Religion has poisoned perceptions that can only be changed through relationships. We must engage our culture with grace, truth, and love. So what kind of church are we going to be?
Jesus has only one thing in mind when He speaks about the Church: A people who carry His presence and are focused on bringing Heaven to earth!
Every great friendship has a starting point. Relationships can be traced back to having something in common, an accidental encounter, or even a fight on the playground. The point being, the birth of friendship starts with connection.
Jesus came to pave the way for friendship with God. He connected us. That’s the message we have for people who think God is their enemy. During His time on earth, Jesus was accused of being a friend of sinners. Could that same accusation be said of you? Are you making room for new connections?
Listen in as Derek and Sarah expose the enemies of friendship that can destroy our relationships and keep us from making new ones.
As a Christian, there can be a lot of pressure to lay down your life for others. What does this mean and who are our friends? Jesus actually gave up His life, but He also had boundaries in His relationships. Jesus had different levels of connection with different people and so should you.
Listen in as Derek and Sarah discuss setting proper boundaries to experience flourishing and powerful relationships.
Why was marriage chosen when the Holy Spirit (through the Apostle Paul) was looking for a beautiful example of the relationship between Jesus and the Church? Did he make a mistake? Perhaps there is something we need to discover about the union between a man and woman that unveils how Jesus really feels about His Bride.
Listen in as Derek and Sarah open up about their own relationship and discuss how the hardships and struggles of marriage can teach us more about grace. Spoiler alert…You don’t have to be married to listen to this message.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being connected with another person. As we all know, relationships are hard. They take work and can be a source of frustration. It can be easy to point your finger in accusation, but as much as we hate to admit it, we are half of the equation. Only when we make connection our goal can we stop seeing others as problems to be solved and start seeing them as people to be loved.
Life is full of big questions. Why am I here? What is my purpose? How should I live?
But what if there was one question that could answer them all? Life isn’t figured out by asking why, what, and how? Real life is discovered by asking, “Who?”
Who do you say Jesus is?
The Christian life is totally dependent on what Jesus did for you and as you. You had nothing to do with your own salvation! It’s what makes Grace so amazing. This good news is what ignites our faith and renews hope. When you awaken to this truth everything changes.
What are the places in our hearts that need to wake up to this good news? All of our methods for drawing close to God must be through Christ and His grace for us, not our own works!
An awakening changes everything. It’s that “ah-ha” moment when the blinders come off and you see the light. Remember when you first realized how amazing the grace of Jesus is for you? This experience wasn’t just meant for a moment, but a way of life. This awakening way of life keeps us passionate and sensitive to Heavens plan. This awakening life overflows to others — jolting them to wake up from the darkness and experience the warm glow of God’s great love. When you wake up to the truth of who Jesus really is you find out who you really are.
The Butterfly Effect is a concept that states how small causes can have larger effects. The movie It’s a Wonderful Life is a great example of this. It portrays the impact one individual can have and how seemingly small decisions can have major consequences. The birth of Jesus set off the ultimate Butterfly Effect in all of history. It was the spark that set the world on fire. Because of this spark, now we carry the good news of God’s great love. At times, it can seem like our small acts of love don’t matter. But this love we share is drawn from the eternal flame of God’s passion for people. It is always capable of starting a roaring fire. Every decision to love will bring Heaven’s warmth to cold hearts.
Every great story starts with a dream. God conceived a dream to rescue and restore humanity through the birth of Jesus. His dream took time to manifest, but it was worth the wait. His dream suffered great opposition, but it was powerful enough to endure.
Thankfully, God’s dream has become our reality. Now the Servant King is planting dreams in us. Dreams that will advance His kingdom and exalt His name. The enemy would like nothing more than to turn God’s dream for your life into a nightmare. How you steward this dream will make all the difference. It’s time to wake up and dream again
Kings are notorious for fighting in battles, securing territory, rescuing damsels, and ruling with an iron fist. They command armies of loyal servants willing to give their lives for the king’s agenda. Our King is different, He came to serve us. His plan started small and vulnerable. He came as a baby who grew up among us to become the great Servant King. Jesus is what real royalty looks like.
We are to be hope dealers. We can only accomplish this be keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. By living “in Christ” in every area of our lives.
Jesus promised that God will take care of our needs when we seek His Kingdom above all else. He used birds and flowers to illustrate God’s amazing care for us. It’s so easy to lose focus of this truth and start trying to meet our needs on our own. Thoughts of lack dominate our minds when we place faith in our own goodness instead of His. Let’s not forget the amazing gift of grace. Listen in as we explore practical ways to truly seek the Kingdom first.
Ever experience stress? It can creep up on us and before we know it, we are professing ourselves “stressed out.” Stress has become so commonplace in our culture. We shrug it off as a joke and something we just need to manage better. Stress is killing us. Anxiety and worry are the basic cause of 60% of all human illness. The AP recently reported that nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure.
God wants you to experience freedom from stress. He has peace that can help you sleep through any storm. While in prison, the apostle Paul wrote a secret formula on how to keep calm and rise above any stress. Let’s learn together how to be anxious for nothing.
God made us spirit, soul, and body. A healthy soul is vital to living a vibrant life in Christ. Without properly feeding our soul, sickness can creep in and keep us from experiencing a flourishing existence. How do we nourish our soul? How do we know when our soul is sick? Soul Food will give you the recipe for a healthy, prosperous soul!
God made us spirit, soul, and body. A healthy soul is vital to living a vibrant life in Christ. Without properly feeding our soul, sickness can creep in and keep us from experiencing a flourishing existence. How do we nourish our soul? How do we know when our soul is sick? Soul Food will give you the recipe for a healthy, prosperous soul!
God made us spirit, soul, and body. A healthy soul is vital to living a vibrant life in Christ. Without properly feeding our soul, sickness can creep in and keep us from experiencing a flourishing existence. How do we nourish our soul? How do we know when our soul is sick? Soul Food will give you the recipe for a healthy, prosperous soul!
God made us spirit, soul, and body. A healthy soul is vital to living a vibrant life in Christ. Without properly feeding our soul, sickness can creep in and keep us from experiencing a flourishing existence. How do we nourish our soul? How do we know when our soul is sick? Soul Food will give you the recipe for a healthy, prosperous soul!
God made us spirit, soul, and body. A healthy soul is vital to living a vibrant life in Christ. Without properly feeding our soul, sickness can creep in and keep us from experiencing a flourishing existence. How do we nourish our soul? How do we know when our soul is sick? Soul Food will give you the recipe for a healthy, prosperous soul!
God made us spirit, soul, and body. A healthy soul is vital to living a vibrant life in Christ. Without properly feeding our soul, sickness can creep in and keep us from experiencing a flourishing existence. How do we nourish our soul? How do we know when our soul is sick? Soul Food will give you the recipe for a healthy, prosperous soul!
We all have a plan...will you surrender your plan for God’s? Say Yes to Jesus, no matter what it looks like. He has the better plan and the better strategy.
Learning to love is a lot like a bird learning to fly. It’s something they were born to do but requires the risk of leaving the nest. You were born to love because love was born in you the day you decided to follow Jesus. It’s time to step out and take risk! Jesus said “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Our love for one another is the proof for what a real follower of Jesus looks like. Join us as we study through this and get a strategy for love like never before. It’s time to fly.
Learning to love is a lot like a bird learning to fly. It’s something they were born to do but requires the risk of leaving the nest. You were born to love because love was born in you the day you decided to follow Jesus. It’s time to step out and take risk! Jesus said “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Our love for one another is the proof for what a real follower of Jesus looks like. Join us as we study through this and get a strategy for love like never before. It’s time to fly.
Learning to love is a lot like a bird learning to fly. It’s something they were born to do but requires the risk of leaving the nest. You were born to love because love was born in you the day you decided to follow Jesus. It’s time to step out and take risk! Jesus said “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Our love for one another is the proof for what a real follower of Jesus looks like. Join us as we study through this and get a strategy for love like never before. It’s time to fly.
Learning to love is a lot like a bird learning to fly. It’s something they were born to do but requires the risk of leaving the nest. You were born to love because love was born in you the day you decided to follow Jesus. It’s time to step out and take risk! Jesus said “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Our love for one another is the proof for what a real follower of Jesus looks like. Join us as we study through this and get a strategy for love like never before. It’s time to fly.
Learning to love is a lot like a bird learning to fly. It’s something they were born to do but requires the risk of leaving the nest. You were born to love because love was born in you the day you decided to follow Jesus. It’s time to step out and take risk! Jesus said “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Our love for one another is the proof for what a real follower of Jesus looks like. Join us as we study through this and get a strategy for love like never before. It’s time to fly.
Learning to love is a lot like a bird learning to fly. It’s something they were born to do but requires the risk of leaving the nest. You were born to love because love was born in you the day you decided to follow Jesus. It’s time to step out and take risk! Jesus said “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Our love for one another is the proof for what a real follower of Jesus looks like. Join us as we study through this and get a strategy for love like never before. It’s time to fly.
“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalms 46:10 NLT
There are some things you can only grasp when you slow down, rest and take delight in the simple act of stillness. After a one month sabbatical, Derek and Sarah are back to share some fresh thoughts on how to see things from God’s perspective and displace worry in your life.
We were made to live in and through Christ. But in a world full of hustle, how do we do that? Everything starts with our awareness of Him through tuning our hearts to His.
We were made to live in and through Christ. But in a world full of hustle, how do we do that? Everything starts with our awareness of Him through tuning our hearts to His.
We asked a diverse group people in the River family to share for 5 minutes. Each one read Ephesians 2:10(For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. NLT) and used it as a guide for their talk. Hear how each speaker heard from God through this scripture. He is speaking to you too! Listen close.
Jesus frees us from every place of shame and guilt. He heals us from every mental and emotional place of hurt in our hearts. Learn how to rest in the fact that you are loved, even in hard times. Be encouraged by this message from Julia Moore.
Sometimes there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. We all have to work, we all have responsibilities, but why does it seem to be wearing us out? Here’s some good news…God wants to give you a day off! Taking a Sabbath day of rest is an act of faith and a response to His ability to get things done without stressing ourselves out.
Our lives are a marathon, not a sprint. Learn what it really means to keep a Sabbath day and live at the pace of God’s grace.
Our director, the Holy Spirit, is calling you to action. It‘s a role you were born for. It‘s the role of a lifetime. Jesus started this script and He wants us to finish it. Using the Book of Acts as a storyboard, we will discover ways the Spirit directs us. Then we will act to see God’s story come alive in our daily lives and write the tales of Heavenly invasion.
Our director, the Holy Spirit, is calling you to action. It‘s a role you were born for. It‘s the role of a lifetime. Jesus started this script and He wants us to finish it. Using the Book of Acts as a storyboard, we will discover ways the Spirit directs us. Then we will act to see God’s story come alive in our daily lives and write the tales of Heavenly invasion.
What does it mean to live a fruitful life? What does it look like? Pastor Derek Turner speaks on the vitality of being fruitful so we can live and lead well.
Our director, the Holy Spirit, is calling you to action. It‘s a role you were born for. It‘s the role of a lifetime. Jesus started this script and He wants us to finish it. Using the Book of Acts as a storyboard, we will discover ways the Spirit directs us. Then we will act to see God’s story come alive in our daily lives and write the tales of Heavenly invasion.
Our director, the Holy Spirit, is calling you to action. It‘s a role you were born for. It‘s the role of a lifetime. Jesus started this script and He wants us to finish it. Using the Book of Acts as a storyboard, we will discover ways the Spirit directs us. Then we will act to see God’s story come alive in our daily lives and write the tales of Heavenly invasion.
Our director, the Holy Spirit, is calling you to action. It‘s a role you were born for. It‘s the role of a lifetime. Jesus started this script and He wants us to finish it. Using the Book of Acts as a storyboard, we will discover ways the Spirit directs us. Then we will act to see God’s story come alive in our daily lives and write the tales of Heavenly invasion.
Our director, the Holy Spirit, is calling you to action. It‘s a role you were born for. It‘s the role of a lifetime. Jesus started this script and He wants us to finish it. Using the Book of Acts as a storyboard, we will discover ways the Spirit directs us. Then we will act to see God’s story come alive in our daily lives and write the tales of Heavenly invasion.
God is our good Father and He loves us. He is pleased with us and desires to work in us and through us. He doesn’t just tolerate you. He adores you and He’s glad about it! Truly knowing these truths about His great love will calm your fears and make you come alive!
God is our good Father and He loves us. He is pleased with us and desires to work in us and through us. He doesn’t just tolerate you. He adores you and He’s glad about it! Truly knowing these truths about His great love will calm your fears and make you come alive!
Jesus didn’t just come to die for you; He came to die as you. His resurrection secured your eternal freedom. This resurrection isn’t just for getting to Heaven one day, it’s the power to strip off your grave clothes and experience heaven now.
It’s time for the church to walk in the fullness of what God has destined for us. We are called to live above our circumstances, not under them, and prayer is vital in experiencing it. We are to contend for the promises of God. He has called us to walk in greatness, and now is the time to see it!
Our great friend Jason Clark shares on Breakthrough; a sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development. Jason encourages us to invite the breakthrough of God in our thinking, experiences, and for the generations to come.
In times like these there is a tremendous movement of divine influence to see prayers answered, promises come to pass, and people set free from oppression. It’s a great time to be alive! However, there is also an enemy that would like nothing more than to stop God’s plan and prevent you from living a victorious life. We are told to not be ignorant of his ways. We must not be afraid and be prepared for attacks. We need to know how to stand with the One who has destroyed the works of the enemy.
In times like these there is a tremendous movement of divine influence to see prayers answered, promises come to pass, and people set free from oppression. It’s a great time to be alive! However, there is also an enemy that would like nothing more than to stop God’s plan and prevent you from living a victorious life. We are told to not be ignorant of his ways. We must not be afraid and be prepared for attacks. We need to know how to stand with the One who has destroyed the works of the enemy.
In times like these there is a tremendous movement of divine influence to see prayers answered, promises come to pass, and people set free from oppression. It’s a great time to be alive! However, there is also an enemy that would like nothing more than to stop God’s plan and prevent you from living a victorious life. We are told to not be ignorant of his ways. We must not be afraid and be prepared for attacks. We need to know how to stand with the One who has destroyed the works of the enemy.
In times like these there is a tremendous movement of divine influence to see prayers answered, promises come to pass, and people set free from oppression. It’s a great time to be alive! However, there is also an enemy that would like nothing more than to stop God’s plan and prevent you from living a victorious life. We are told to not be ignorant of his ways. We must not be afraid and be prepared for attacks. We need to know how to stand with the One who has destroyed the works of the enemy.
In times like these there is a tremendous movement of divine influence to see prayers answered, promises come to pass, and people set free from oppression. It’s a great time to be alive! However, there is also an enemy that would like nothing more than to stop God’s plan and prevent you from living a victorious life. We are told to not be ignorant of his ways. We must not be afraid and be prepared for attacks. We need to know how to stand with the One who has destroyed the works of the enemy.
In times like these there is a tremendous movement of divine influence to see prayers answered, promises come to pass, and people set free from oppression. It’s a great time to be alive! However, there is also an enemy that would like nothing more than to stop God’s plan and prevent you from living a victorious life. We are told to not be ignorant of his ways. We must not be afraid and be prepared for attacks. We need to know how to stand with the One who has destroyed the works of the enemy.
The Goodness of God often comes into question. Many are afraid and confused due to a belief in a distant and unpredictable deity. But every question can be answered in Jesus. He alone is our perfect example of who the Father is and what He’s like. Not only is He good…He’s better than you think! This foundational truth is vital to breaking free from cynical suspicion to living out a glorious destiny.
The Goodness of God often comes into question. Many are afraid and confused due to a belief in a distant and unpredictable deity. But every question can be answered in Jesus. He alone is our perfect example of who the Father is and what He’s like. Not only is He good…He’s better than you think! This foundational truth is vital to breaking free from cynical suspicion to living out a glorious destiny.
The Goodness of God often comes into question. Many are afraid and confused due to a belief in a distant and unpredictable deity. But every question can be answered in Jesus. He alone is our perfect example of who the Father is and what He’s like. Not only is He good…He’s better than you think! This foundational truth is vital to breaking free from cynical suspicion to living out a glorious destiny.
The Goodness of God often comes into question. Many are afraid and confused due to a belief in a distant and unpredictable deity. But every question can be answered in Jesus. He alone is our perfect example of who the Father is and what He’s like. Not only is He good…He’s better than you think! This foundational truth is vital to breaking free from cynical suspicion to living out a glorious destiny.
The Goodness of God often comes into question. Many are afraid and confused due to a belief in a distant and unpredictable deity. But every question can be answered in Jesus. He alone is our perfect example of who the Father is and what He’s like. Not only is He good…He’s better than you think! This foundational truth is vital to breaking free from cynical suspicion to living out a glorious destiny.
The Goodness of God often comes into question. Many are afraid and confused due to a belief in a distant and unpredictable deity. But every question can be answered in Jesus. He alone is our perfect example of who the Father is and what He’s like. Not only is He good…He’s better than you think! This foundational truth is vital to breaking free from cynical suspicion to living out a glorious destiny.
The statement, “let it be” can mean “make it happen” or “leave it alone”. Both of these responses can be necessary when God speaks to us. How we respond to God’s voice is vital to experiencing His best. In this series, we will explore several examples found in Scripture that will speak to your heart and empower you to trust God on a deeper level. This Christmas season discover how a Let It Be attitude can result in miracles!
The statement, “let it be” can mean “make it happen” or “leave it alone”. Both of these responses can be necessary when God speaks to us. How we respond to God’s voice is vital to experiencing His best. In this series, we will explore several examples found in Scripture that will speak to your heart and empower you to trust God on a deeper level. This Christmas season discover how a Let It Be attitude can result in miracles!
The statement, “let it be” can mean “make it happen” or “leave it alone”. Both of these responses can be necessary when God speaks to us. How we respond to God’s voice is vital to experiencing His best. In this series, we will explore several examples found in Scripture that will speak to your heart and empower you to trust God on a deeper level. This Christmas season discover how a Let It Be attitude can result in miracles!
The nature of revealing implies that something was hidden or unknown. What might be preventing you from seeing Jesus clearly? The love of God is revealed exclusively through His son Jesus, the shining example of Himself in every way. God is not hiding things from us. He’s hiding things for us and in us. What things need to be removed so God’s Love can be revealed in your life?
The nature of revealing implies that something was hidden or unknown. What might be preventing you from seeing Jesus clearly? The love of God is revealed exclusively through His son Jesus, the shining example of Himself in every way. God is not hiding things from us. He’s hiding things for us and in us. What things need to be removed so God’s Love can be revealed in your life?
The nature of revealing implies that something was hidden or unknown. What might be preventing you from seeing Jesus clearly? The love of God is revealed exclusively through His son Jesus, the shining example of Himself in every way. God is not hiding things from us. He’s hiding things for us and in us. What things need to be removed so God’s Love can be revealed in your life?
The nature of revealing implies that something was hidden or unknown. What might be preventing you from seeing Jesus clearly? The love of God is revealed exclusively through His son Jesus, the shining example of Himself in every way. God is not hiding things from us. He’s hiding things for us and in us. What things need to be removed so God’s Love can be revealed in your life?
The nature of revealing implies that something was hidden or unknown. What might be preventing you from seeing Jesus clearly? The love of God is revealed exclusively through His son Jesus, the shining example of Himself in every way. God is not hiding things from us. He’s hiding things for us and in us. What things need to be removed so God’s Love can be revealed in your life?
The nature of revealing implies that something was hidden or unknown. What might be preventing you from seeing Jesus clearly? The love of God is revealed exclusively through His son Jesus, the shining example of Himself in every way. God is not hiding things from us. He’s hiding things for us and in us. What things need to be removed so God’s Love can be revealed in your life?
Israel should hold a special place in the life of all Christians. Scott Volk shares why a love for Israel activates God’s blessing and reminds us to never give up on His promises.
Listen in as special guest, Jason Clark, speaks on the importance of living from the heart. We must steward our hunger to recognize “the words of life” even when we don’t understand.
Gardens must be cultivated properly if you want healthy produce. It takes sun, rain, and hard work. The results are super tasty! True community is no different. Being in community is like being in a garden. God uses it to produce healthy people. Like a garden, it doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worth the effort. In this series you will learn how to stick with God’s plan for cultivating fresh, organic community.
Gardens must be cultivated properly if you want healthy produce. It takes sun, rain, and hard work. The results are super tasty! True community is no different. Being in community is like being in a garden. God uses it to produce healthy people. Like a garden, it doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worth the effort. In this series you will learn how to stick with God’s plan for cultivating fresh, organic community.
Gardens must be cultivated properly if you want healthy produce. It takes sun, rain, and hard work. The results are super tasty! True community is no different. Being in community is like being in a garden. God uses it to produce healthy people. Like a garden, it doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worth the effort. In this series you will learn how to stick with God’s plan for cultivating fresh, organic community.
When people say, “Trust me” we often get suspicious. We wonder if we can really rely on them because our experience reminds us of all the times we’ve been let down. But when God says “Trust Me” you can bank on it! He always has your best interest in His heart and invites you to cultivate a deeper confidence in Him. Come find out how trusting Him will impact all your other relationships.
When people say, “Trust me” we often get suspicious. We wonder if we can really rely on them because our experience reminds us of all the times we’ve been let down. But when God says “Trust Me” you can bank on it! He always has your best interest in His heart and invites you to cultivate a deeper confidence in Him. Come find out how trusting Him will impact all your other relationships.
When people say, “Trust me” we often get suspicious. We wonder if we can really rely on them because our experience reminds us of all the times we’ve been let down. But when God says “Trust Me” you can bank on it! He always has your best interest in His heart and invites you to cultivate a deeper confidence in Him. Come find out how trusting Him will impact all your other relationships.
When people say, “Trust me” we often get suspicious. We wonder if we can really rely on them because our experience reminds us of all the times we’ve been let down. But when God says “Trust Me” you can bank on it! He always has your best interest in His heart and invites you to cultivate a deeper confidence in Him. Come find out how trusting Him will impact all your other relationships.
When people say, “Trust me” we often get suspicious. We wonder if we can really rely on them because our experience reminds us of all the times we’ve been let down. But when God says “Trust Me” you can bank on it! He always has your best interest in His heart and invites you to cultivate a deeper confidence in Him. Come find out how trusting Him will impact all your other relationships.
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17
Jonathan and Kara Asbun are the founding pastors of Genesis Church in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Last Sunday they shared the amazing ways Heaven is coming to Bolivia and information on our upcoming missions trip.
Jesus walked the Earth knowing what Heaven was like. He’s from there! He taught us to pray that His Father’s will be done here on Earth, just as it is in Heaven. Join us as we talk about how we can raise our sights and expectations to the truth that Heaven’s realities are available to us now.
Jesus walked the Earth knowing what Heaven was like. He’s from there! He taught us to pray that His Father’s will be done here on Earth, just as it is in Heaven. Join us as we talk about how we can raise our sights and expectations to the truth that Heaven’s realities are available to us now.
Jesus walked the Earth knowing what Heaven was like. He’s from there! He taught us to pray that His Father’s will be done here on Earth, just as it is in Heaven. Join us as we talk about how we can raise our sights and expectations to the truth that Heaven’s realities are available to us now.
Jesus walked the Earth knowing what Heaven was like. He’s from there! He taught us to pray that His Father’s will be done here on Earth, just as it is in Heaven. Join us as we talk about how we can raise our sights and expectations to the truth that Heaven’s realities are available to us now.
Jesus walked the Earth knowing what Heaven was like. He’s from there! He taught us to pray that His Father’s will be done here on Earth, just as it is in Heaven. Join us as we talk about how we can raise our sights and expectations to the truth that Heaven’s realities are available to us now.
Jesus walked the Earth knowing what Heaven was like. He’s from there! He taught us to pray that His Father’s will be done here on Earth, just as it is in Heaven. Join us as we talk about how we can raise our sights and expectations to the truth that Heaven’s realities are available to us now.
Jesus walked the Earth knowing what Heaven was like. He’s from there! He taught us to pray that His Father’s will be done here on Earth, just as it is in Heaven. Join us as we talk about how we can raise our sights and expectations to the truth that Heaven’s realities are available to us now.
Jesus walked the Earth knowing what Heaven was like. He’s from there! He taught us to pray that His Father’s will be done here on Earth, just as it is in Heaven. Join us as we talk about how we can raise our sights and expectations to the truth that Heaven’s realities are available to us now.
Learn to discern God’s voice in your life and specifically on the role of prophesy. We are to passionately seek for ways to encourage, comfort and strengthen others. Building up the Church is building up one another. Prophesy is not weird fortune telling… it’s speaking words that pull us into God’s future.
Learn to discern God’s voice in your life and specifically on the role of prophesy. We are to passionately seek for ways to encourage, comfort and strengthen others. Building up the Church is building up one another. Prophesy is not weird fortune telling… it’s speaking words that pull us into God’s future.
Learn to discern God’s voice in your life and specifically on the role of prophesy. We are to passionately seek for ways to encourage, comfort and strengthen others. Building up the Church is building up one another. Prophesy is not weird fortune telling… it’s speaking words that pull us into God’s future.
Learn to discern God’s voice in your life and specifically on the role of prophesy. We are to passionately seek for ways to encourage, comfort and strengthen others. Building up the Church is building up one another. Prophesy is not weird fortune telling… it’s speaking words that pull us into God’s future.
Learn to discern God’s voice in your life and specifically on the role of prophesy. We are to passionately seek for ways to encourage, comfort and strengthen others. Building up the Church is building up one another. Prophesy is not weird fortune telling… it’s speaking words that pull us into God’s future.
Learn to discern God’s voice in your life and specifically on the role of prophesy. We are to passionately seek for ways to encourage, comfort and strengthen others. Building up the Church is building up one another. Prophesy is not weird fortune telling… it’s speaking words that pull us into God’s future.
Have you ever wanted to exchange your life for someone else’s? That’s exactly what happened when Jesus traded His life for ours. Come learn how to identify lies we might believe about God or ourselves and exchange them for the truth found in Jesus.
Have you ever wanted to exchange your life for someone else’s? That’s exactly what happened when Jesus traded His life for ours. Come learn how to identify lies we might believe about God or ourselves and exchange them for the truth found in Jesus.
Have you ever wanted to exchange your life for someone else’s? That’s exactly what happened when Jesus traded His life for ours. Come learn how to identify lies we might believe about God or ourselves and exchange them for the truth found in Jesus.
Have you ever wanted to exchange your life for someone else’s? That’s exactly what happened when Jesus traded His life for ours. Come learn how to identify lies we might believe about God or ourselves and exchange them for the truth found in Jesus.
Have you ever wanted to exchange your life for someone else’s? That’s exactly what happened when Jesus traded His life for ours. Come learn how to identify lies we might believe about God or ourselves and exchange them for the truth found in Jesus.
Love is _____? When we know the answer to that question, we know the answer to life itself. Find love and you find life. Your search will lead you to an amazing paradox, Love already found you!
Love is _____? When we know the answer to that question, we know the answer to life itself. Find love and you find life. Your search will lead you to an amazing paradox, Love already found you!
Love is _____? When we know the answer to that question, we know the answer to life itself. Find love and you find life. Your search will lead you to an amazing paradox, Love already found you!
Make Room is all about eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose. Hit the reset button of your soul and get renewed from the inside out.
Make Room is all about eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose. Hit the reset button of your soul and get renewed from the inside out.
Make Room is all about eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose. Hit the reset button of your soul and get renewed from the inside out.
Make Room is all about eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose. Hit the reset button of your soul and get renewed from the inside out.
GOD* is a way to indicate that there is more to God than meets the eye. That asterisk represents Jesus. We can not define God independent of Jesus. In this series we will explore how Jesus is revealed in the Old Testament. But the bigger question is, “What is the asterisk of your life?” If it’s Jesus, then your life will be clearly defined as a child of God and reveal your true identity. There’s more to you than meets the eye when Jesus is the asterisk!
GOD* is a way to indicate that there is more to God than meets the eye. That asterisk represents Jesus. We can not define God independent of Jesus. In this series we will explore how Jesus is revealed in the Old Testament. But the bigger question is, “What is the asterisk of your life?” If it’s Jesus, then your life will be clearly defined as a child of God and reveal your true identity. There’s more to you than meets the eye when Jesus is the asterisk!
GOD* is a way to indicate that there is more to God than meets the eye. That asterisk represents Jesus. We can not define God independent of Jesus. In this series we will explore how Jesus is revealed in the Old Testament. But the bigger question is, “What is the asterisk of your life?” If it’s Jesus, then your life will be clearly defined as a child of God and reveal your true identity. There’s more to you than meets the eye when Jesus is the asterisk!
GOD* is a way to indicate that there is more to God than meets the eye. That asterisk represents Jesus. We can not define God independent of Jesus. In this series we will explore how Jesus is revealed in the Old Testament. But the bigger question is, “What is the asterisk of your life?” If it’s Jesus, then your life will be clearly defined as a child of God and reveal your true identity. There’s more to you than meets the eye when Jesus is the asterisk!
Trying harder to become like Jesus is not the answer. Grace has a way to bring Heaven’s agenda into your life without all the hustle. Learn how to cooperate with God and become the person He wants you to be!
Trying harder to become like Jesus is not the answer. Grace has a way to bring Heaven’s agenda into your life without all the hustle. Learn how to cooperate with God and become the person He wants you to be!
Jesus revealed our Father and what it looks like to live sure in His affection. We have been invited to live from His pleasure, not for it.
Ever since Adam and Eve, God has been asking ”where are you?”. Where are you emotionally? Where are you spiritually? These questions are invitations to get real in connecting with God and others through genuine community. He wants to show you where you really belong!
Ever since Adam and Eve, God has been asking ”where are you?”. Where are you emotionally? Where are you spiritually? These questions are invitations to get real in connecting with God and others through genuine community. He wants to show you where you really belong!
Busyness, like wind blown waters, prevents us from seeing the depths of God’s love and care. Abiding in God’s grace calms the storm so we can experience real rest!
Busyness, like wind blown waters, prevents us from seeing the depths of God’s love and care. Abiding in God’s grace calms the storm so we can experience real rest!
Believe in God alone for righteousness, it can’t be earned! Move your focus off of your works to His victory. Shift from pressure to His presence. His burden is light and easy!
Believe in God alone for righteousness, it can’t be earned! Move your focus off of your works to His victory. Shift from pressure to His presence. His burden is light and easy!
Sometimes we embrace religion over rescue, but when we let the Spirit of adoption confront our self effort we will begin to see ourselves and others the way God intended us to see.
Every city has places to eat that only the locals know about. Local Flavor is a small sample of some of Charlotte’s best (and tastiest) preachers. Enjoy your meal!
Every city has places to eat that only the locals know about. Local Flavor is a small sample of some of Charlotte’s best (and tastiest) preachers. Enjoy your meal!
Every city has places to eat that only the locals know about. Local Flavor is a small sample of some of Charlotte’s best (and tastiest) preachers. Enjoy your meal!
Jesus’ claim that He was the Way, Truth and Life comes across as completely intolerant. But He knew that tolerance would only create apathy and compassion was the antidote. In this series we explore how love is the way to truly live!
Jesus’ claim that He was the Way, Truth and Life comes across as completely intolerant. But He knew that tolerance would only create apathy and compassion was the antidote. In this series we explore how love is the way to truly live!
Jesus’ claim that He was the Way, Truth and Life comes across as completely intolerant. But He knew that tolerance would only create apathy and compassion was the antidote. In this series we explore how love is the way to truly live!
Jesus’ claim that He was the Way, Truth and Life comes across as completely intolerant. But He knew that tolerance would only create apathy and compassion was the antidote. In this series we explore how love is the way to truly live!
The enemy wants to define who you are by setting your sights on what you do or the people you know. God wants to repeatedly shift your focus back to this clear truth: You are defined by who the Father says you are!
The enemy wants to define who you are by setting your sights on what you do or the people you know. God wants to repeatedly shift your focus back to this clear truth: You are defined by who the Father says you are!
The enemy wants to define who you are by setting your sights on what you do or the people you know. God wants to repeatedly shift your focus back to this clear truth: You are defined by who the Father says you are!
The enemy wants to define who you are by setting your sights on what you do or the people you know. God wants to repeatedly shift your focus back to this clear truth: You are defined by who the Father says you are!
The enemy wants to define who you are by setting your sights on what you do or the people you know. God wants to repeatedly shift your focus back to this clear truth: You are defined by who the Father says you are!
The enemy wants to define who you are by setting your sights on what you do or the people you know. God wants to repeatedly shift your focus back to this clear truth: You are defined by who the Father says you are!
The enemy wants to define who you are by setting your sights on what you do or the people you know. God wants to repeatedly shift your focus back to this clear truth: You are defined by who the Father says you are!
Jesus made a way for you to have a fresh start and a clean slate with God. The sin and shame is erased! Now God wants to write His story for your life.
Jesus made a way for you to have a fresh start and a clean slate with God. The sin and shame is erased! Now God wants to write His story for your life.
Over 2000 years ago Jesus invited us to follow Him. That invitation is still valid today. No matter where you are on the journey there is another step to take. Will you follow?
Over 2000 years ago Jesus invited us to follow Him. That invitation is still valid today. No matter where you are on the journey there is another step to take. Will you follow?
Over 2000 years ago Jesus invited us to follow Him. That invitation is still valid today. No matter where you are on the journey there is another step to take. Will you follow?
Over 2000 years ago Jesus invited us to follow Him. That invitation is still valid today. No matter where you are on the journey there is another step to take. Will you follow?
Over 2000 years ago Jesus invited us to follow Him. That invitation is still valid today. No matter where you are on the journey there is another step to take. Will you follow?
Over 2000 years ago Jesus invited us to follow Him. That invitation is still valid today. No matter where you are on the journey there is another step to take. Will you follow?
Over 2000 years ago Jesus invited us to follow Him. That invitation is still valid today. No matter where you are on the journey there is another step to take. Will you follow?
This series is all about getting convinced of God’s love for us and reorienting our lives to focus on what really matters.
This series is all about getting convinced of God’s love for us and reorienting our lives to focus on what really matters.
This series is all about getting convinced of God’s love for us and reorienting our lives to focus on what really matters.
This series is all about getting convinced of God’s love for us and reorienting our lives to focus on what really matters.
This series is all about getting convinced of God’s love for us and reorienting our lives to focus on what really matters.
When you choose to live a generous life, you start to change and so does the world around you. Something incredible happens when giving becomes your own idea, not something you do out of duty or obligation. I Like Giving is about experiencing the joy of giving. When you move from awareness to action, miracles happen!
When you choose to live a generous life, you start to change and so does the world around you. Something incredible happens when giving becomes your own idea, not something you do out of duty or obligation. I Like Giving is about experiencing the joy of giving. When you move from awareness to action, miracles happen!
When you choose to live a generous life, you start to change and so does the world around you. Something incredible happens when giving becomes your own idea, not something you do out of duty or obligation. I Like Giving is about experiencing the joy of giving. When you move from awareness to action, miracles happen!
When you choose to live a generous life, you start to change and so does the world around you. Something incredible happens when giving becomes your own idea, not something you do out of duty or obligation. I Like Giving is about experiencing the joy of giving. When you move from awareness to action, miracles happen!
Questions about prophecy and the prophetic ministry abound. Is the prophetic ministry valid for today? Who can prophesy? How does God speak? How do you know when God is speaking to you? The Bible is our “more sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19) and provides the only solid foundation for our theology in any area. There are many issues that keep people from functioning in prophetic ministry. Ignorance and apathy are two of the most prevalent. However, there are some concepts and teachings about prophecy and spiritual gifts that are worse than ignorance. These wrong ideas have kept multitudes from being equipped for ministry.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.
Where do you go to for spiritual alignment? The Church was established by Jesus to do just that! God uses it show off His Glory and keep you aligned with His heart.