First Shallowater: Weekly Worship Messages: Recent Episodes
Firstshallowater
Worry has a way of taking over, but Jesus offers more than comfort in Matthew 6. He invites us to examine our anxiety rather than simply live inside it. Much of what drives worry is rooted in past wounds, comparison, or a quiet belief that God either does not care or is not powerful enough to help. Jesus points to wildflowers to remind us that God clothes even the most temporary things in breathtaking beauty. How much more does He care for us? Ephesians 2:10 calls us God's masterpiece, the defining work of His creative ability. Our worth does not need to be proven to anyone because God has already declared it. Surrendering anxiety is not a one-time event but a daily practice of placing specific worries into the hands of a God who can actually do something about them.
Worry is something almost all of us experience, but Jesus offers a direct and practical path out of it. In Matthew 6, He does not simply say to stop feeling anxious. He calls us to stop living in a permanent state of anxious preoccupation. The root of anxiety is not our circumstances but misplaced trust. When we place our security in money, possessions, or our own ability to manage life, we are trusting things that were never designed to carry that weight. God, who created life itself and feeds the birds of the air, is more than capable of caring for His children. Worry demands everything from us while adding nothing. The path forward is drawing close to God, remembering His character, and practicing daily trust in Him.
Everyone belongs to something. The real question is who or what holds your ultimate allegiance. Jesus made clear that no one can fully commit to two opposing masters at the same time, and He named money as the most common rival to God in our lives. The Greek word for 'serve' in Matthew 6:24 is 'doulos,' meaning slave, which means our devotion is never casual or partial. Mammon is a demanding and destructive master that is never satisfied and quietly pulls us away from faith over time. Jesus, by contrast, is a master who gives rather than takes, offering rest, identity, and belonging as His children. Where your treasure goes, your heart will follow, making generosity one of the most powerful ways to realign your allegiance to God.
What you focus on shapes everything about how you live. Jesus, in Matthew 6, teaches that a healthy eye is one that is undivided and fully fixed on Him, and when that is true, life is filled with light, wisdom, and clarity. An unhealthy eye, what the original Greek calls the evil eye, is one corrupted by greed, covetousness, and a desire to possess and control. When our gaze drifts from Jesus, we begin to see people as competition, generosity as loss, and obedience as risk. Perhaps the most sobering warning is that some people believe they are walking in light while actually living in deep darkness, going through religious motions without genuine surrender. The answer is not more religious activity but a complete turning of our eyes to Jesus. When we fix our gaze on the One who gave up everything out of love for us, the world comes into its proper perspective. That is what it means to truly live in the light.
Most of us are working hard to build something meaningful, but Jesus challenges us to examine where we are placing our treasure. In Matthew 6:19-20, He warns that earthly wealth is fragile and temporary, subject to decay, disaster, and loss. Treasure in heaven, by contrast, refers to acts of generosity, faithfulness, and investment in God's kingdom. These are the things that outlast us and ripple through generations. One of the most striking truths in this passage is that heart follows treasure, not the other way around. If your relationship with God feels shallow, the place to start is not trying harder to feel something. Start by moving your treasure toward His kingdom, and your heart will follow.
Faith is more than a checklist of religious activities. It is a living trust in Jesus Christ that transforms the heart and produces real, visible change in how we live. James reminds us that faith without action is dead, and Jesus teaches that a transformed heart will bear transformed fruit. When life puts us under pressure, what pours out reveals what is truly inside. God uses trials not to harm us but to grow our faith and point to His glory. True faith means believing in the completed work of Christ, trusting in His grace rather than our own effort, and walking that trust out one step of obedience at a time.
Being a Christian is about far more than what happens on Sunday morning. Matthew 25 paints a vivid picture of what God expects from His people in everyday life, calling us to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and care for the sick. This is not a checklist for earning salvation but a reflection of the culture God wants to build within His people. We are not better than anyone else. We have simply been redeemed. Living out that redemption means staying in genuine proximity to others, being present with their pain, and being prepared to meet real needs. Our greatest ministry tool is not a program or a platform. It is our own story of what God has brought us through.
Wisdom is not just something to pursue. It is something that actively protects you. Drawing from Proverbs 2, four powerful truths reveal how wisdom functions as a shield in everyday life. God's boundaries are not a cage but a path that leads to life, and the smooth, flattering words of the world are far more dangerous than they appear. Covenant with God is not optional, and walking away from it means walking away from the source of life, hope, and peace. If you find yourself slowly sinking, God's mercy is your rescue, and surrender is the only way back to the life you were made for.
Life often feels like navigating dangerous terrain in the dark, but God offers to be our guide through the treacherous paths. True wisdom begins with reverence for God and trusting His truth over our own feelings and understanding. Unlike mere information, God's wisdom comes through intimate relationship with Him and transforms us from the inside out. As we surrender to His authority and root ourselves in His Word, God stores up success for the upright and actively protects those who walk in His ways. Even when we find ourselves on dangerous paths, there is always a way back to God's safe trail through Jesus Christ.
When life feels overwhelming and directionless, God offers a clear path back to wisdom and purpose. Proverbs 2 reveals three essential steps for finding God's way: receiving His truth by accepting and storing up His words, asking for understanding with desperate desire and persistent questioning, and exploring wisdom like hidden treasure through diligent searching and sacrifice. The ultimate reward isn't just gaining knowledge about God, but developing an intimate, personal relationship with Him. True wisdom requires surrender and sacrifice, but leads to the incredible prize of knowing God personally rather than just knowing facts about Him.
Wisdom isn't hidden knowledge reserved for the elite - it's actively calling out to everyone in the public squares of our daily lives. According to Proverbs 1:20-21, wisdom shouts in the streets, competing with countless other voices for our attention in our noisy world. The problem isn't that wisdom is hard to find; it's that we often ignore it. Three types of people reject wisdom: the simpleton who doesn't think critically, the mocker who cynically rejects truth, and the fool who rebels against correction. When we persistently resist wisdom, we face natural consequences, but those who listen experience true peace and security through relationship with God.
The Book of Proverbs teaches us about making wise choices in life by examining three crucial questions: What voices are we listening to? Who are we choosing to walk with? Where are our feet taking us? We must learn to listen to godly instruction with humility, recognizing that wisdom requires surrender and submission. Bad influences appeal to us through promises of belonging, instant gratification, and material gain, but these lead us away from God's path. Everyone is on a spiritual journey, and small choices can gradually take us off course. Regular course correction through God's truth is essential to avoid ending up in dark places wondering how we got there.
Everyone follows a path in life, but not every path leads to wisdom. The book of Proverbs teaches that true wisdom comes from fearing the Lord and combining learning with spiritual discipline. Biblical success isn't measured by wealth or status, but by righteousness, justice, and fairness in our relationships and character. Unlike worldly advice, these ancient teachings offer covenant instructions for living under God's rule. The foundation of all wisdom begins with humbly recognizing God's authority over our lives and surrendering our desires to His will.
The resurrection of Jesus wasn't just a historical event—it was the beginning of a transformational movement. Acts 2:42-47 reveals four characteristics of believers living in resurrection power: devotion to Scripture, fellowship, communion, and prayer despite difficulties; experiencing God's supernatural work through ordinary people; generous hearts that view possessions as gifts from God; and constant growth as lives are transformed daily. Many believers feel disconnected from this power because they lack true devotion, haven't fully surrendered, or are going through religious motions without genuine transformation. The resurrection power doesn't have to stop with you—God wants to use your life as a conduit of His transforming work in the world.
Peter's first sermon in Acts 2 delivered a life-changing message built on historical facts, not religious philosophy. He declared that Jesus, whom the crowd had crucified, is both Lord and Messiah. This means Jesus has divine authority over every area of our lives and is our only source of rescue from sin and life's struggles. When confronted with this truth, we can deny it, justify our actions, or accept it and take action. Peter's solution was clear: repent of sin, turn to God, and be baptized to receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This transformative message remains as powerful today as it was 2,000 years ago.
The day of Pentecost marked a revolutionary moment when 120 ordinary believers received the Holy Spirit, transforming them from fearful followers into bold witnesses. This divine gift brought supernatural abilities, unity across cultural barriers, and an overflow of praise. The Holy Spirit empowered these Galilean believers to speak in languages they had never learned, enabling people from around the world to hear the gospel in their native tongues. This same gift remains available to every believer today, offering supernatural power for daily challenges, deeper relationships with God, and the ability to impact others for His kingdom.
After witnessing Jesus' resurrection, the apostles faced a crucial question: what now? In Acts 1, Jesus reveals that His earthly ministry was just the beginning. He gives His disciples three essential gifts that apply to us today: purpose (to know Him and make Him known), preparation (including times of waiting when God is orchestrating something greater), and power through the Holy Spirit. The clearest sign of being filled with the Spirit is actively sharing your faith with others. Our ultimate purpose isn't found in careers or achievements, but in knowing Jesus and being His witnesses to the world.
The story of Easter morning reveals how Jesus' resurrection transforms our darkest moments into victory. When the women approached Jesus' tomb in grief and fear, they discovered an empty grave and an angel's revolutionary message: Jesus is no longer the Crucified One, but the Risen One. The angel sat on the stone that once sealed the tomb, showing that death itself had become powerless. This same resurrection power is available to overcome our fears, anxieties, and despair. The stone wasn't moved to let Jesus out - He was already gone - but to invite us in to witness the miracle of new life.
Feeling isolated during times of sickness or struggle is one of life's most difficult experiences. The story of Jesus healing a deaf man in Mark 7:31-37 reveals powerful truths about how Jesus responds to our deepest needs. Jesus still has the power to heal today, and His compassion hasn't changed. He cares deeply when we hurt, meets us exactly where we are, and enters into our suffering. We have the incredible opportunity to be agents of God's healing by bringing hurting people to Jesus through prayer, invitation, and refusing to give up on those who are struggling.
When life falls apart and confusion overwhelms us, the transfiguration of Jesus offers profound hope and direction. This pivotal moment reveals three essential truths: only Jesus saves us from our circumstances, only Jesus is worthy of our complete devotion, and only Jesus remains when everything else fades away. The disciples wanted to stay on the mountaintop, but Jesus led them down to face real-world challenges. God's glory isn't revealed in avoiding difficulty but in demonstrating steadfast faithfulness through life's messiest moments. The key question we must ask ourselves is whether we're truly listening to Jesus and surrendering every area of our lives to His authority.
Jesus's teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum amazed people because He spoke with divine authority, unlike other religious teachers who relied on external sources. When confronted by a demon-possessed man, Jesus demonstrated His ultimate authority over evil with a simple command. We often misplace authority in our lives by prioritizing rules over compassion or only accepting Jesus's authority when it suits us. The chaos we see in the world today isn't evidence of evil winning, but rather the sounds of darkness being expelled from God's creation. True freedom comes when we submit every area of our lives to Christ's authority.
Life often throws unexpected storms our way, especially after moments of triumph and victory. When we feel isolated and overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control, it's easy to believe we've been abandoned. However, just as Jesus came to His disciples walking on water during their violent storm, He has not abandoned us in ours. There is nowhere we can go that Jesus cannot reach us, and no situation too difficult for Him to handle. The key is keeping our focus on Jesus rather than the waves around us, trusting that He alone is our true security and salvation.
Trust becomes difficult when we've been hurt by people, but God is fundamentally different from those who have broken our trust. Unlike humans who can be unreliable, God's nature is complete faithfulness - He never lies, changes His mind, or fails to keep His promises. His mercy is sufficient for anyone, regardless of their past, as demonstrated through biblical figures like Noah, Moses, David, and Paul who all had significant flaws yet were used by God. When we struggle with trusting God's provision, timing, or justice, we must remember that He sees the complete picture while we only see fragments. True peace comes not from understanding everything, but from choosing to trust in God's unchanging character and faithfulness.
True peace comes through a three-part pathway revealed in Psalm 145:8-13. First, we must understand our desperate need for God's mercy because of sin, recognizing that Jesus received God's wrath in our place. Second, we practice biblical meditation by actively dwelling on God's truth rather than letting anxious thoughts control our minds. Third, we share God's goodness with others through speaking of His kingdom's glory and giving examples of His power. This gospel-centered approach to anxiety hasn't changed for generations and remains the antidote to modern fears.
When life's challenges feel impossibly large, we often focus on the size of our problems instead of the power of God who is with us. Psalm 145:4-7 teaches us to combat overwhelming circumstances by looking up to remember who God is and looking back to remember what He has done. We need to build a rhythm of rehearsing God's truth instead of negative self-talk, and publicly declaring His goodness to others. When we remember God's faithfulness and let our praise explode into the world around us, it becomes a powerful force that can impact everyone we encounter.
Life's unexpected challenges can disrupt our peace and send us spiraling into anxiety. The ancient Israelites faced similar struggles and developed a powerful practice of praying Psalm 145 three times daily, called the Asheri. This practice teaches us that praise begins with a decision, not a feeling. When chaos erupts around us, we can choose to focus on God's greatness rather than our problems. By anchoring daily praise to an existing routine, we move from reactive worship to proactive praise. This shift in perspective helps us find peace amid life's storms and rewires our thinking around God's character rather than our circumstances.
The gospel addresses humanity's fundamental problem: we are trapped in a cycle of brokenness because we choose to live apart from God. This sin creates death and destruction that we cannot fix ourselves. God's response was to step into creation and give His one and only Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice. The gospel calls us to believe in Jesus—not just intellectual agreement, but complete trust and surrender of our lives to Him. This belief requires repentance, turning away from everything else we've trusted in. When we truly surrender to Christ, God breaks the cycle of brokenness and gives us eternal life, which is His own life breaking into our reality right now.
Sometimes we miss Jesus when He shows up in our lives, just like the disciples who didn't recognize Him after His resurrection. Three main things blind us to His presence: busyness with our daily schedules and obligations, pride that makes us think we don't need guidance, and overwhelming shame from our failures. Despite these obstacles, God actively intervenes in our circumstances, offers complete forgiveness for our mistakes, and gives us purpose by calling us to serve others. When we recognize Jesus speaking to us, we should respond immediately like Peter did - jumping out of whatever situation we're in to pursue His presence above all else.
Sin is stepping outside of God's protective boundaries, revealing our lack of trust in His goodness. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God in the Garden of Eden, they introduced sin into the world, which leads to shame and brokenness. Shame occurs when we see ourselves apart from God's love, while brokenness affects all of creation because we were made to be God's image bearers. We often try to fix our own brokenness, but this only makes things worse since we weren't designed to live apart from God. The good news is that God has a plan for restoration through the gospel, and He wants to heal us and restore us to His original design.
The gospel is good news about God's original design for creation and humanity. God created all of existence as His temple, with humans as His image - the centerpiece meant to house His presence and direct all creation's attention to Him. We were designed for three purposes: to be vessels for God's presence, to live in unbroken communion with Him, and to point others to God. However, sin has defiled this perfect design, causing us to go our own way instead of God's way. Despite our brokenness, God refuses to accept the defilement of His creation and offers restoration through Christ, making us precious to Him and giving us important purposes in His cosmic plan.
Before setting goals for the new year, we must first remember God's faithfulness in the past. Psalm 103:1-2 teaches us to praise God and never forget His good works. When we intentionally reflect on God's faithfulness, we gain perspective on His character, build faith for the future, and encourage one another. God's work shows up in both dramatic answers to prayer and quiet daily provisions. Healthy spiritual growth happens through authentic community, serving others, and generous giving. Taking time to remember and share testimonies of God's goodness strengthens our faith and prepares us for what lies ahead.
As we enter a new year, many hesitate to take important next steps due to past wounds and fears. The story of Israel's exodus from Egypt teaches us that God hears our struggles and hasn't forgotten us, even in difficult circumstances. While the wilderness seasons are real and challenging, God's presence guides us through them. The Promised Land may look scary with its giants and obstacles, but we must focus on God's promises rather than the challenges. Remember that you're not fighting alone - the Lord of Heaven's armies goes with you, and victory has already been won through Christ.
Life often feels fragmented and chaotic, far from the perfect holiday images we see. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6, where 'prince' means supreme ruler and 'peace' (shalom) represents complete wholeness and flourishing. Our world lacks this shalom - we struggle with illness, broken relationships, grief, and overwhelming burdens. To experience Christ's peace, we must submit to His authority, receive His love by casting our worries on Him, and join Him in the life He's created us to live. Jesus offers not just relief from burdens, but an invitation into wholeness and purpose.
Christmas reveals Jesus as our Everlasting Father - not a father who forgets, but one who never loses track of his children. Our deepest fear isn't physical danger but being forgotten or left behind. Yet God knows you completely, including your weaknesses, fears, and what brings you joy. His love is steadfast and endless, meeting you exactly where you are with patience and grace. Through stories like the woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery, we see that God offers complete forgiveness, removing our sins as far as the east is from the west. Christmas isn't about perfect performances but about God coming near to the messy and overlooked, stepping into time to find His children.
Life often makes us feel powerless and overwhelmed, like standing before forces far beyond our control. In Isaiah 9, Jesus is called Mighty God, revealing two profound truths: He is fully God and possesses invincible power. The paradox of Christmas shows that God's mighty power was revealed through ultimate vulnerability when Jesus was born as a helpless baby. When we feel most powerless, that's exactly where Christ wants to unleash His mighty power. Coming to Jesus means acknowledging our need, asking for rescue and forgiveness, and surrendering our lives completely to Him.
Isaiah 9:6 reveals Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor, a divine guide with kingly authority who offers supernatural wisdom and power. Unlike human counselors, Jesus sees our darkness completely yet desires to heal rather than shame us. The story of the Samaritan woman demonstrates how Jesus is brighter than our darkness, bigger than our religious debates, and better than all our earthly pursuits. As our Wonderful Counselor, He combines divine wisdom with miraculous power to transform lives. True guidance requires complete submission to His authority as King, moving us from doing what seems right in our own eyes to following His perfect plan.
Using Jesus' teaching about the vine and branches from John 15, the pastor explains that true Christians bear fruit through their relationship with Christ, and this fruit is primarily demonstrated through sacrificial love for others. The message confronts the reality that many who claim to follow Jesus don't actually look or act like Him, lacking the transgressive beauty of Christ's love that reaches out to the marginalized, dirty, and unworthy. True discipleship requires moving beyond comfortable Christianity to demonstrate the kind of radical, self-sacrificing love that Jesus showed when He touched lepers and died on the cross.
Many Christians struggle with transactional faith, treating God like a vending machine where good behavior should guarantee specific outcomes. This mindset turns our relationship with God into a contract rather than a covenant. Real faith, as demonstrated in Psalm 63, is characterized by searching for God earnestly, seeing His glory, finding satisfaction in His love, and surveying His past faithfulness. Instead of focusing on what we want God to do for us, we should focus on who God is and what He has already done. God Himself is the ultimate answer to every prayer, offering us something far greater than our specific requests.
Many Christians live a half-hearted faith, treating Jesus as just another priority on their list. However, God doesn't want to be first among many priorities - He wants to be the center around which everything else orbits. The Hebrew meaning of having no other gods before Him means God alone, not God first. When we make good things like career, relationships, or achievements the center of our lives instead of God, they become idols that create chaos and disconnection. True freedom comes when we surrender completely and allow God to be the gravitational center of our existence, with all other aspects of life orbiting around Him.
Selective obedience is the dangerous pattern of following God's commands partially while justifying compromises in areas that seem inconvenient. King Saul's story in 1 Samuel 15 demonstrates how partial obedience is actually disobedience in disguise. When God commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, Saul obeyed mostly but spared the king and best livestock, leading to his rejection as king. God desires full obedience because it demonstrates our love for Him and prevents the consequences that come from compromise. Every act of disobedience begins with a whisper of justification, but God's commands are not burdensome - they are freeing when followed completely.
Many people today identify as Christian without truly following Jesus, creating a dangerous gap between claiming faith and living it authentically. Statistics show that while 68% of US adults identify as Christian, only 7% demonstrate genuine biblical faith. Jesus addressed this lukewarm Christianity in Revelation 3, comparing it to the useless lukewarm water of Laodicea. Warning signs include seeking human approval over God's, trivializing sin, rarely sharing faith, only praying during crises, and living indistinguishably from non-believers. Jesus confronts this not in anger but in love, inviting us to move beyond comfortable Christianity to devoted discipleship through Scripture study, fellowship, remembering Christ's sacrifice, and daily acts of faith.
Paul's declaration in Romans 1:16 that he is not ashamed of the gospel challenges believers to examine their own boldness in sharing their faith. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, Paul remained unwavering because he understood the gospel's true power. Many Christians today struggle with gospel shame, often trying to modify the message to make it more culturally acceptable or avoiding sharing it altogether. However, the gospel represents the greatest display of God's power - not just in physical miracles, but in the salvation of souls. Being unashamed doesn't mean being obnoxious, but rather being clear, courageous, and committed regardless of the cost.
When we truly encounter Jesus Christ, it should transform everything about how we live, just like receiving life-changing news fundamentally alters our priorities and decisions. The apostle Paul exemplifies this transformation - his entire life became a response to the gospel he received. As Christians, we should make kingdom-centered plans, work diligently for gospel purposes, feel obligated to share the good news with others regardless of their background, and develop genuine eagerness about telling others about Jesus. If our lives don't reflect this kind of transformation and passion, we need to examine whether we've truly surrendered everything to Christ and encountered the living God.
Paul's letter to the Romans reveals three key characteristics that should define Christian lives. First, we should express gratitude, which profoundly impacts those who rarely hear appreciation. Second, we must recognize our connection to believers worldwide despite our differences, united by Christ. Finally, our faith should be what we're known for, encouraging others through our witness. The Christian life centers on submission, service, and sacrifice, with our lives bound to the gospel. We're called to pray earnestly for others, use our spiritual gifts to build up the church, and recognize our dependence on fellow believers.
Paul's letter to the Romans establishes the foundation of Christian identity and mission. He identifies himself as a slave of Christ, chosen by God, and sent to preach the gospel. This gospel message is concise, centered on Jesus Christ as Lord, and boldly countercultural in the Roman Empire. Paul emphasizes that all believers share this identity - we are all slaves to Christ, all chosen by God's love, and all sent on mission. Our purpose in God's kingdom doesn't depend on our qualifications but on His power working through us to transform lives and bring light to darkness.
Finding freedom from anxiety requires intentionally training our minds to focus on what is good, true, and praiseworthy rather than dwelling on the negative. In Philippians 4, Paul instructs believers to fix their thoughts on what is honorable and right, even amid persecution and suffering. This practice actually changes our brain through neuroplasticity - creating new neural pathways that lead away from anxiety. However, right thinking must be paired with right action; we must put into practice what we learn from Scripture. By deliberately focusing on God's goodness and presence in the world while serving others, we can break free from anxiety's grip and experience God's peace.
Finding peace amid anxiety is possible through the wisdom of Philippians 4. Paul outlines a clear path: be joyful through surrender to God, be considerate by practicing forgiveness, be aware of God's bigger plan, and be prayerful about everything. When we tell God what we need while thanking Him for what He's done, we receive His peace that surpasses understanding. This divine peace isn't dependent on circumstances but guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. By surrendering control, forgiving others, maintaining eternal perspective, and cultivating honest prayer with gratitude, we can experience God's peace even in our most anxious moments.
In a world where anxiety has become an epidemic, Jesus offers four transformative questions to help us find peace. First, we must examine what we're truly seeking - are we pursuing God's kingdom or our own security? Second, we need to evaluate how we're living - is our lifestyle aligned with God's righteousness? Third, we must consider who we're trusting - ourselves, others, or God? Finally, we need to check where our focus lies - are we present in today or catastrophizing about tomorrow? By addressing these questions and surrendering our anxieties to God, we can experience the peace that comes from seeking His kingdom first and trusting in His provision.
Raising children who love Jesus requires giving them the right gifts. Instead of fostering entitlement through unearned rewards, undeserved praise, or inappropriate freedoms, parents should focus on three biblical gifts from Deuteronomy 6. First, provide a Christ-centered community where children can form relationships with others seeking God. Second, establish high spiritual standards that challenge children to grow in faith beyond worldly achievements. Third, model and encourage a genuine faith worth sharing with others. By prioritizing these gifts over worldly success, parents can nurture children who truly love Jesus with all their heart, soul, and strength.
Parenting today faces unprecedented challenges, but the key difference lies between being a 'Christian family' versus a 'Christ-centered family.' Christ-centered families orient their entire lives around the gospel, using everything they have according to God's will. Many parents make three critical mistakes: risking too little (overprotecting children), rescuing too quickly (shielding from consequences), and modeling faith too weakly. To parent on purpose, we must expose our children to the joy of knowing God personally and the power of being part of His church. By making our faith non-negotiable and modeling authentic commitment, we can raise children who flourish spiritually despite cultural challenges.
First Baptist Church sent mission teams to Belize and Germany this summer, where they served at an orphanage and engaged with diverse populations including refugees. Team members witnessed God's transformative power through breakthrough connections with children and meaningful conversations with locals. Despite challenges like approaching strangers and difficult physical conditions, participants learned valuable lessons about authentic worship, seeing people through God's eyes, and following God's call without having everything figured out. These experiences taught them practical ministry skills like prayer walking and gospel sharing that they're now implementing in their daily lives at home, fulfilling their role as Christ's ambassadors in their own communities.
David's story reveals how even those 'after God's own heart' can fall into devastating failure through apathy and arrogance. Apathy leads us to misread circumstances, abdicate responsibilities, and ignore evidence of our weaknesses. Arrogance convinces us our desires matter more than others' pain or God's will. When we fail, we typically cover up, escalate, and justify our actions—just as David did with Bathsheba and Uriah. True repentance, as modeled in Psalm 51, involves honest confession, asking for forgiveness, and seeking God's strength to change. By examining our lives for these dangerous attitudes, we can prevent similar failures or find healing when we fall.
Authentic worship begins with a genuine desire for God's presence, not just adding faith to improve other aspects of life. It requires obedience that acknowledges God's identity and shows proper respect. True worship involves passionate celebration, using our emotions and bodies to express gratitude and joy for what Jesus has done. It keeps God as the priority rather than focusing on ourselves or others' opinions. Finally, authentic worship means complete surrender to God's will and authority, valuing what comes from His hand above everything else.
In the story of David and Saul, we discover a powerful lesson about responding to anger and betrayal. While King Saul allowed jealousy and bitterness to corrupt his heart, David chose a different path when given the perfect opportunity for revenge in a cave. Despite having every right to be angry, David refused to harm Saul, showing respect and mercy to the man who had repeatedly tried to kill him. This biblical account demonstrates how bitterness can destroy our ability to fulfill God's purposes, while forgiveness and trusting God's justice can lead us to freedom. David's example challenges us to examine which voices we listen to when wronged and to set healthy boundaries while still showing mercy.
Facing life's giants requires the kind of courage David displayed against Goliath. True bravery comes from embracing responsibility, drawing on past experiences, and trusting in God's faithfulness. We must be authentic rather than imitating others, prepare thoughtfully for our battles, and surrender our motives to God's purposes. When we align with God's will, we can be decisive in confronting challenges and confident in victory through the Holy Spirit's power. By shifting our focus from the giant to God, preparing properly, and surrendering to His will, we can overcome any obstacle.
When facing insurmountable challenges in life, we can learn from David's battle with Goliath. Giants in our lives make us feel inadequate, weak, unskilled, and afraid. However, David teaches us three principles for confronting these giants: serve faithfully in our current responsibilities, see the fight correctly as God's battle rather than just our own, and step forward with courage knowing God empowers us. Our giants aren't just defying us—they're defying the living God who has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ.
God looks at our hearts rather than our outward appearance, which can be unsettling since we often avoid confronting our inner reality. To develop hearts turned toward God, we must focus on three essential elements: the fact of God's mercy, which chooses us regardless of our worthiness; the act of God's love, demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice; and the power of the Holy Spirit, which transforms us from the inside out. When we acknowledge our brokenness, remember Christ's sacrifice, and seek the Spirit's filling, our hearts become truly aligned with God's purposes.
Our worth and identity are often misunderstood in a world that judges by appearances. Through David's story, we learn that God sees beyond outward appearances to the heart. David, though overlooked by his own father, was chosen by God because of what was inside him. We cannot rely on others to determine our value—they simply lack the ability to see us as God does. Only by turning to Jesus and surrounding ourselves with Spirit-filled believers can we discover our true identity and worth, which isn't based on accomplishments or others' opinions but on God's perfect perspective.
When we feel abandoned by God during painful circumstances, we can respond in three powerful ways. First, remind yourself that God loves you and is with you through the Holy Spirit, even when you can't feel His presence. Second, transform your 'why' questions into 'what' questions—asking what God wants to teach you, do in you, and do through you in this season. Finally, choose to trust God's heart and His promises when you can't trace His hand. Your current pain may one day become your most powerful testimony of God's faithfulness.
In a diverse world, Jesus' exclusive claim to be the only way to God challenges many who otherwise admire His teachings. While all religions aren't the same, Jesus stands apart through His unique ministry to society's outcasts, His resurrection witnessed by hundreds, and His message of God entering our world to redeem it. Unlike abstract truth or imperfect human love, Jesus offers truth embodied in a person who can love perfectly. This salvation isn't about religious performance but relationship - available to everyone regardless of their past, requiring only acknowledgment of need, asking for forgiveness, and surrendering one's life.
Faith and science need not be in conflict. While some argue that scientific explanations make God obsolete, this assumes that explaining how something works eliminates the need for a Creator. Instead, science can reveal God's attributes—His attention to detail, faithfulness, and desire to be known. Four models exist for integrating faith and science: conflict, independence, dialogue, and integration. Rather than placing God only in the gaps of our knowledge, we can recognize that God works through creation, not just around it. Scientific explanations don't eliminate God; they reveal how God accomplishes His purposes.
When Christians fail to live up to their professed beliefs, it can cause deep hurt and disillusionment. Jesus himself confronted religious hypocrisy, calling out those who put on a spiritual show while their hearts remained unchanged. Some who claim to be Christians aren't truly following Christ, others are immature in their faith, and even mature believers sometimes fall short. The solution isn't to abandon faith but to focus on Jesus rather than people, release anger and hurt, and continue serving others. By examining our own faith, releasing church hurt, and keeping our eyes on Christ, we can find authentic faith beyond the disappointment of religious hypocrisy.
Self-doubt and insecurities often mask themselves as doubt in God, affecting how we view our relationship with Him. Through biblical examples like Gideon, we learn that God sees us differently than we see ourselves - as mighty heroes and masterpieces created for specific purposes. Our past failures, like those of Moses, David, and Paul, don't disqualify us from God's calling. True confidence comes not from believing in ourselves, but from having faith in God's purpose and His promise to be with us as we fulfill our calling.
Doubt is a natural part of faith that stems from unanswered questions, difficult situations, and unresolved hurts. Jesus's response to doubt, as seen in His interaction with Peter walking on water, shows it as an opportunity for growth rather than a sign of failure. Healthy spiritual deconstruction involves examining beliefs sincerely while maintaining focus on Jesus's character of sacrificial love. The path forward includes focusing on the Gospel, trusting God with our questions, serving others, and staying connected to Christian community.
Doubt is a natural part of faith that even Jesus' disciples experienced. Understanding the difference between faith and belief is crucial - belief is intellectual acceptance, while faith involves trust and commitment. Through Thomas's story, we learn that expressing doubt doesn't indicate weak faith. The key to handling doubt is bringing it directly to Jesus, understanding that doubt doesn't disqualify us from faith, and allowing uncertainties to become catalysts for stronger spiritual growth. Faith isn't about the absence of doubt, but rather the means to push through it.
Death is a universal reality that everyone faces, but through Jesus's interaction with Martha after Lazarus's death, we discover deeper truths about life and mortality. Jesus declares Himself as the resurrection and life, revealing that true life isn't merely biological existence but a relationship with Him. This profound truth shows that life in Christ never ends, and real spiritual vitality is available to everyone through faith in Jesus. Those who believe experience a transformation that transcends physical death, finding eternal life through their connection with Christ.
Jesus uses the metaphor of a grapevine to illustrate our vital spiritual connection with Him. As branches connected to the true vine, we can only bear fruit through maintaining this essential relationship. Remaining in Christ involves complete surrender, regular interaction through prayer and Bible study, faithful obedience, and active participation in Christian community. When we stay connected to Jesus, our lives naturally produce the fruits of joy and sacrificial love.
In times of trouble and anxiety, Jesus provides a clear path forward through complete trust in Him. Just as He experienced being troubled during His earthly ministry, Jesus understands our struggles and offers Himself as the way through them. He demonstrates His trustworthiness through His deep love, unwavering commitment, and constant presence through the Holy Spirit. By acknowledging Jesus as The Way, The Truth, and The Life, we can find peace by surrendering control and following His lead rather than relying on our own efforts.
Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world, offering rescue from spiritual darkness and guidance toward truth. This light serves three primary purposes: to rescue people from darkness, reveal truth in their lives, and revive their spirits. When we encounter this light, we can choose to run from it, deny what it reveals, or accept its transforming truth. By accepting Jesus's light, we receive new purpose, experience spiritual revival, and find true life.
Jesus fulfills dual roles as both the door to salvation and the Good Shepherd who guides and protects His flock. Through consistent exposure to Scripture, prayer, and understanding God's character, believers learn to recognize His voice amid various threats and cultural influences. The Good Shepherd calls His sheep, distinguishes His flock, and provides ongoing nurture and protection. This relationship requires regular engagement with God's Word and careful discernment of His voice against Scripture.
Jesus declares Himself as the door, using a powerful metaphor from ancient sheepfolds to illustrate His role in salvation. As shepherds acted as living doors to protect their sheep, Jesus serves as the exclusive entrance to God's presence and eternal life. This imagery emphasizes that salvation comes only through Christ, who guards His followers from spiritual danger and provides constant care. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for all to enter into a relationship with God.
Empty religion focuses on self-serving motives and performance-based practices, while true faith centers on a genuine relationship with Christ. Many people attend church regularly but experience no real transformation because they're caught in religious motions rather than authentic devotion. Jesus describes himself as the bread of life, inviting us into intimate communion with God rather than mere ritual observance. The path to genuine faith involves surrendering to Christ, allowing God to work through us, and pursuing relationship over religious activities.
The encounter between God and Moses at the burning bush reveals profound truths about divine purpose and human potential. God deliberately chooses ordinary people for extraordinary missions, demonstrating that our status, past failures, or current limitations don't disqualify us from His calling. Through Moses's story, we learn that God's presence and character matter more than our abilities or reputation. The ultimate purpose behind God's interaction with humans is to establish a deep, personal relationship that transforms ordinary lives into vessels of His extraordinary work.
Life's storms can strike unexpectedly, even during our best moments, leaving us feeling isolated and afraid. Through the account of Jesus walking on water, we learn that He is never truly distant from us, regardless of how severe our circumstances may seem. True strength comes not from our own abilities but from maintaining focus on Jesus rather than our struggles. By leaving our false securities behind and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, we can find the courage and stability to weather any storm life brings.
Living a life of purpose in Christ requires rejecting both toxic competition and spiritual apathy. True Christian living demands a relentless pursuit of knowing Christ deeply and making Him known to others. This pursuit involves constant growth, unwavering focus, and willingness to sacrifice comfort. By evaluating priorities and identifying areas of complacency, believers can refocus on God's purpose and demonstrate authentic commitment to spiritual growth.
Real love requires supernatural strength and goes far beyond superficial expressions of affection. Drawing from Ephesians 5, true love manifests through submission, service, and sacrifice - qualities that demonstrate authentic strength rather than weakness. Real men earn respect through compassion and service rather than demanding it through force. This kind of love involves genuine connection, recognizing others' God-given value, and willingly sacrificing personal comfort for others' needs.
Discover the transformative power of authentic Christian manhood and how it differs from cultural stereotypes. Learn about the three essential qualities that define genuine masculine leadership: selflessness, humility, and love-driven service. Understand why many men struggle with authentic masculinity and how Jesus Christ provides the perfect model for true manhood. Explore practical ways to break free from the cycle of competition and status-seeking to embrace a more fulfilling approach to masculinity. This message delves into the contrast between surface-level masculinity and genuine Christian manhood, offering practical steps for personal growth and spiritual development. Perfect for men seeking to grow in their faith, leaders wanting to develop better leadership skills, and anyone interested in understanding biblical masculinity.
Discover the truth about authentic manhood in a world of confusion. This powerful message addresses the current crisis of masculinity and reveals how men can find their true purpose. Learn why modern definitions of success leave men feeling empty and how embracing God's design for masculinity leads to fulfillment. Key topics include spiritual leadership, family responsibility, mentorship, and living with eternal purpose. Perfect for men seeking direction, fathers, husbands, and anyone interested in biblical masculinity, spiritual growth, Christian leadership, and family ministry. Explore practical steps for becoming the man God designed you to be.
Discover the powerful narrative of God's mission throughout Scripture and its relevance for today's world. From Genesis to Revelation, explore how God's plan for global redemption unfolds through key biblical events and continues in our time. Learn about the current state of global missions, including the challenges of reaching 7,000 unreached people groups and the opportunities presented by modern technology and evolving mission dynamics. Understand practical ways to participate in God's mission through going, learning, praying, giving, and starting with local evangelism.
Discover the transformative power of living on mission with God through the biblical example of Peter and John. Learn four essential principles for purposeful Christian living: seeking God through prayer and fellowship, seeing others through Spirit-filled eyes, seizing opportunities for ministry, and submitting to divine authority. This message explores practical ways to move beyond religious routines and make lasting Kingdom impact. Perfect for Christians seeking deeper purpose, new believers learning to share their faith, and anyone wanting to understand authentic Christian living.
Discover the five essential areas of human flourishing that lead to a truly rich and satisfying life. Learn how faith, relationships, vocation, finances, and well-being work together to create a life of purpose and meaning. Explore the characteristics of a healthy church and its role in personal growth and community impact. This message reveals practical steps for evaluating and improving these key life areas, showing how true abundance goes beyond material wealth. Perfect for anyone seeking personal growth, spiritual development, life purpose, church health, community impact, Christian living, biblical wisdom, personal development, spiritual formation, and meaningful relationships. Learn how to thrive in every aspect of life while staying connected to God's purpose for your journey.
Feeling frantic and overwhelmed in today's fast-paced world? Discover timeless lessons from Luke 2, where Mary and Joseph's experience of losing Jesus offers profound insights. Learn why we feel frantic—whether it's losing our anchor points, looking in the wrong places, or thinking we're in control. Find out how to move from panic to peace by remembering God's promises, spending time in His presence, trusting His plan, and surrendering to His will. Reflect on your own life: Are you seeking peace in the wrong places? How can you surrender control to God? Dive deep into these biblical principles and find the peace you seek.
In this week's exploration of Luke 2, we delve into the often-overlooked figure of Joseph and his remarkable obedience to God. As we reflect on the Christmas season, Joseph's story offers powerful lessons on faithfulness and trust. Despite the uncertainties and challenges, Joseph chose to follow God's instructions, leading him to witness the miraculous birth of Jesus. This narrative encourages us to consider our own obedience to God and to trust His plan, even when it doesn't align with our expectations. Key themes include the wonder of the Christmas story, the shepherds' encounter with the angel, and the importance of sharing the good news. Joseph's faithfulness is a reminder that our obedience can lead to incredible blessings. Reflect on how you can apply Joseph's example in your own life and embrace the joy and wonder of the Christmas season.
Explore the inspiring story of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, in our 'Average Joe' series. Joseph, a humble construction worker, faced a profound test of faith when he discovered Mary was pregnant. Despite the fear and potential shame, he obeyed God's command to marry her, understanding that her child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. This act of obedience, though costly, led to an extraordinary purpose. Learn how ordinary obedience can lead to extraordinary purpose, and how trusting God's plan, even when it requires sacrifice, can fill your life with His presence and purpose.
Explore the profound lessons of faith and righteousness through the story of Joseph, a humble construction worker chosen by God for an extraordinary purpose. This narrative delves into the significance of the virgin birth, a cornerstone of Christian faith, and highlights how God often selects the seemingly insignificant to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. Joseph's righteousness, imparted by God, is evident in his compassionate actions, particularly in his decision to protect Mary's honor despite the apparent betrayal. This story challenges us to trust in God's plan, receive His righteousness, and act with faithfulness and compassion.
What is it about the holidays that can make us feel vulnerable, inadequate, or broken? Do you ever feel like your life is a little bit of a letdown, like you are really nothing special, like others have it more “together” than you do? Ironically, this season of Advent celebrates the exact opposite message. We are loved by God, and we are gifted by God. We can be used by God to accomplish great things. Join us as we look at together the life of Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph and discover how God does extraordinary things through ordinary people.
Discover the profound concept of true belonging as revealed in Ephesians 2. In a world where acceptance is often fleeting, the Bible offers a deeper, lasting sense of belonging in God's kingdom. Paul reassures the marginalized Christians in Ephesus that they are citizens and family members of God's kingdom, enjoying unparalleled privileges and purpose. This message explores the metaphors of citizenship, family, and building blocks of God's temple, emphasizing our identity and role in His divine plan. Reflect on your true identity and embrace the privileges, position, and purpose that come with being part of God's family.
Discover the profound truths of Ephesians 2 and understand real peace in Christ. This passage challenges us to move beyond superficial divisions and embrace the unifying love of Jesus. Paul addresses the deep spiritual and social divisions between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that Christ's love transcends all human barriers. Learn how Jesus' sacrifice on the cross broke down walls of hostility, uniting all into one body based on God's mercy. This radical inclusivity of God's love extends His promises to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, moral conduct, or religious observance. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to strive for unity, recognizing that we are all essential and must extend God's grace to others.
Explore the profound teachings of Ephesians 2 in this week's message, where we uncover the true meaning of life and death from a biblical perspective. Disobedience to God leads to spiritual death, much like King Charles II's tragic medical treatment. Paul explains that living in sin is akin to floating downstream, effortlessly carried by the world's current, leading to death. This condition affects everyone, regardless of religious practices. However, God's extravagant love and mercy offer us a way out. Ephesians 2:4-5 reveals that even though we were dead in our sins, God gave us life through Christ's resurrection. This new life comes with a new identity and purpose, positioning us in a place of honor with Christ. Salvation is a gracious gift from God, not something we can earn. As God's masterpieces, we are created anew to do good works and participate in His perfect plan.
Discover the essence of real wisdom as taught by Paul in the book of Ephesians. Real wisdom is a divine gift, received through surrender and cultivated through a deep relationship with God. It enables us to see the world clearly and is characterized by humility, compassion, and a focus on God. Learn how this wisdom can transform your life and empower you with God's resurrection power.
Discover the true nature of blessings as described in Ephesians 1. In a world where material wealth and success are often mistaken for blessings, Paul reveals that real blessings come from being united with Christ. This union brings every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms, making us part of God's family. Learn about the significance of God's presence, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and our new identity in Christ.
Discover the powerful lessons from the story of Roy Riegels' wrong-way run and a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. In this message, we explore how Jesus' revelation of His mission in Matthew 16:21-28 challenges our worldly perspectives and calls us to a life of surrender and sacrifice. Learn how to align your goals with God's will, trust in His greater plan, and embrace the path of true salvation.
If you feel like we are living through a really unique, volatile cultural moment right now, you’re not alone, and you’re not wrong. Some experts are calling it a cultural convulsion. Our reality on the other side of this moment in history is going to look vastly different from our reality before it. Many of us are experiencing something similar in our personal lives. How do we navigate the tumult of change and uncertainty? What does God want to reveal to us at the tipping point?
From the latest headline to social media comments, to the person who just cut you off in traffic—there are plenty of opportunities to be offended each day.
But what if we decided to respond differently to those around us? Together, let’s learn how to live with No Offense.
From the latest headline to social media comments, to the person who just cut you off in traffic—there are plenty of opportunities to be offended each day.
But what if we decided to respond differently to those around us? Together, let’s learn how to live with No Offense.
From the latest headline to social media comments, to the person who just cut you off in traffic—there are plenty of opportunities to be offended each day.
But what if we decided to respond differently to those around us?
Together, let’s learn how to live with No Offense.
From the latest headline to social media comments, to the person
who just cut you off in traffic—there are plenty of opportunities to be offended each day.
But what if we decided to respond differently to those around us? Together, let’s learn
how to live with No Offense.
From the latest headline to social media comments, to the personwho just cut you off in traffic—there are plenty of opportunities to be offended each day.
But what if we decided to respond differently to those around us? Together, let’s learn how to live with No Offense.
FAITH. We hear this word all the time in church. We are told to have it, to practice it, to grow it; but what is faith? What does faith look like? What impact does faith have on me? There are several stories in the gospels where Jesus actually identifies people with faith, and commends them for it. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to take a look at a few of these stories, and let Jesus show us what faith is, how it works, and what it will do in our lives.
FAITH. We hear this word all the time in church. We are told to have it, to practice it, to grow it; but what is faith? What does faith look like? What impact does faith have on me? There are several stories in the gospels where Jesus actually identifies people with faith, and commends them for it. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to take a look at a few of these stories, and let Jesus show us what faith is, how it works, and what it will do in our lives.
FAITH. We hear this word all the time in church. We are told to have it, to practice it, to grow it; but what is faith? What does faith look like? What impact does faith have on me? There are several stories in the gospels where Jesus actually identifies people with faith, and commends them for it. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to take a look at a few of these stories, and let Jesus show us what faith is, how it works, and what it will do in our lives.
FAITH. We hear this word all the time in church. We are told to have it, to practice it, to grow it; but what is faith? What does faith look like? What impact does faith have on me? There are several stories in the gospels where Jesus actually identifies people with faith, and commends them for it. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to take a look at a few of these stories, and let Jesus show us what faith is, how it works, and what it will do in our lives.
FAITH. We hear this word all the time in church. We are told to have it, to practice it, to grow it; but what is faith? What does faith look like? What impact does faith have on me? There are several stories in the gospels where Jesus actually identifies people with faith, and commends them for it. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to take a look at a few of these stories, and let Jesus show us what faith is, how it works, and what it will do in our lives.
What keeps us going through the hard times? How do we stand up under the weight of painful or difficult circumstances? Hope. Hope that things will get better, that’s what gets us through. But, what does it mean to have hope? Hope is more than a feeling. Hope is confidence in the goodness of God. Hope moves us to action. We don’t wait around for our hopes to be fulfilled. Empowered by the Spirit of God, we actively work to see our hopes realized. Join us this Sunday as we experience together HOPE IN ACTION!
What keeps us going through the hard times? How do we stand up under the weight of painful or difficult circumstances? Hope. Hope that things will get better, that’s what gets us through. But, what does it mean to have hope? Hope is more than a feeling. Hope is confidence in the goodness of God. Hope moves us to action. We don’t wait around for our hopes to be fulfilled. Empowered by the Spirit of God, we actively work to see our hopes realized. Join us this Sunday as we experience together HOPE IN ACTION!
What keeps us going through the hard times? How do we stand up under the weight of painful or difficult circumstances? Hope. Hope that things will get better, that’s what gets us through. But, what does it mean to have hope? Hope is more than a feeling. Hope is confidence in the goodness of God. Hope moves us to action. We don’t wait around for our hopes to be fulfilled. Empowered by the Spirit of God, we actively work to see our hopes realized. Join us this Sunday as we experience together HOPE IN ACTION!
What keeps us going through the hard times? How do we stand up under the weight of painful or difficult circumstances? Hope. Hope that things will get better, that’s what gets us through. But, what does it mean to have hope? Hope is more than a feeling. Hope is confidence in the goodness of God. Hope moves us to action. We don’t wait around for our hopes to be fulfilled. Empowered by the Spirit of God, we actively work to see our hopes realized. Join us this Sunday as we experience together HOPE IN ACTION!
What keeps us going through the hard times? How do we stand up under the weight of painful or difficult circumstances? Hope. Hope that things will get better, that’s what gets us through. But, what does it mean to have hope? Hope is more than a feeling. Hope is confidence in the goodness of God. Hope moves us to action. We don’t wait around for our hopes to be fulfilled. Empowered by the Spirit of God, we actively work to see our hopes realized. Join us this Sunday as we experience together HOPE IN ACTION!
Reading the Bible is one thing. Understanding it's another. When you can do both, it's truly life changing. God speaks to us through His Word, so let’s learn How to Study the Bible together in our new series.
Reading the Bible is one thing. Understanding it's another. When you can do both, it's truly life changing. God speaks to us through His Word, so let’s learn How to Study the Bible together in our new series.
Change always involves challenges. As we walk through seasons in our lives, we are constantly facing circumstances that are exhilarating and energizing, but also daunting and discouraging. What should we do when we are walking through seasons of challenge and change? We're going to take a look at a portion of the story of the prophet Elijah, and we're going to see how to advance in our lives with Faith and Fire.
Change always involves challenges. As we walk through seasons in our lives, we are constantly facing circumstances that are exhilarating and energizing, but also daunting and discouraging. What should we do when we are walking through seasons of challenge and change? We're going to take a look at a portion of the story of the prophet Elijah, and we're going to see how to advance in our lives with Faith and Fire.
There is just something about watching a dominant athlete at work. Most of us can’t imagine how it must feel to dunk a basketball, to score the game winning touchdown, or throw a 100 mph fastball past a hitter. That feeling of knowing that the opposition has no answer for you, no way to stop you, it has to be pretty incredible. Right after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, God begins to do a work in a small group of Jesus’ followers, a group of misfits and outcasts with no hope of finding victory on their own. God turns this group of followers into an unstoppable force that literally changed the course of human history. How did He do that? What do we need to do to allow the Lord to use us in the same way?
There is just something about watching a dominant athlete at work. Most of us can’t imagine how it must feel to dunk a basketball, to score the game winning touchdown, or throw a 100 mph fastball past a hitter. That feeling of knowing that the opposition has no answer for you, no way to stop you, it has to be pretty incredible. Right after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, God begins to do a work in a small group of Jesus’ followers, a group of misfits and outcasts with no hope of finding victory on their own. God turns this group of followers into an unstoppable force that literally changed the course of human history. How did He do that? What do we need to do to allow the Lord to use us in the same way?
There is just something about watching a dominant athlete at work. Most of us can’t imagine how it must feel to dunk a basketball, to score the game winning touchdown, or throw a 100 mph fastball past a hitter. That feeling of knowing that the opposition has no answer for you, no way to stop you, it has to be pretty incredible. Right after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, God begins to do a work in a small group of Jesus’ followers, a group of misfits and outcasts with no hope of finding victory on their own. God turns this group of followers into an unstoppable force that literally changed the course of human history. How did He do that? What do we need to do to allow the Lord to use us in the same way?
As incredible as the events that inspired our celebration of Easter are, they are really just the beginning of an even more amazing story! The miracle of that Sunday morning 2000 years ago is still happening today. It’s a miracle that you and I are invited to experience.
Our culture is obsessed with identity. It feels like we are all desperately trying to figure out who we are in a world that is rapidly and constantly changing all around us. “Be true to yourself.” “Live your truth.” “Be your authentic self.” These are the things we are being encouraged to do. But, how do we do that? How do we know who we really are? What are we supposed to do to figure it out? Let’s talk about where to look, and where not to look if we want to discover our true identity.
Our culture is obsessed with identity. It feels like we are all desperately trying to figure out who we are in a world that is rapidly and constantly changing all around us. “Be true to yourself.” “Live your truth.” “Be your authentic self.” These are the things we are being encouraged to do. But, how do we do that? How do we know who we really are? What are we supposed to do to figure it out? Let’s talk about where to look, and where not to look if we want to discover our true identity.
Our culture is obsessed with identity. It feels like we are all desperately trying to figure out who we are in a world that is rapidly and constantly changing all around us. “Be true to yourself.” “Live your truth.” “Be your authentic self.” These are the things we are being encouraged to do. But, how do we do that? How do we know who we really are? What are we supposed to do to figure it out? Let’s talk about where to look, and where not to look if we want to discover our true identity.
Our culture is obsessed with identity. It feels like we are all desperately trying to figure out who we are in a world that is rapidly and constantly changing all around us. “Be true to yourself.” “Live your truth.” “Be your authentic self.” These are the things we are being encouraged to do. But, how do we do that? How do we know who we really are? What are we supposed to do to figure it out? Let’s talk about where to look, and where not to look if we want to discover our true identity.
Our culture is obsessed with identity. It feels like we are all desperately trying to figure out who we are in a world that is rapidly and constantly changing all around us. “Be true to yourself.” “Live your truth.” “Be your authentic self.” These are the things we are being encouraged to do. But, how do we do that? How do we know who we really are? What are we supposed to do to figure it out? Let’s talk about where to look, and where not to look if we want to discover our true identity.
Our culture is obsessed with identity. It feels like we are all desperately trying to figure out who we are in a world that is rapidly and constantly changing all around us. “Be true to yourself.” “Live your truth.” “Be your authentic self.” These are the things we are being encouraged to do. But, how do we do that? How do we know who we really are? What are we supposed to do to figure it out? Let’s talk about where to look, and where not to look if we want to discover our true identity.
Why is it that so much of our lives and our experience feels like just trying to survive? Didn’t Jesus say that he came so that we could have abundant life? It honestly seems, sometimes, like doing more than just making it from day to day is too much to ask. BUT, God clearly desires more for us. How can we thrive instead of just survive?
Why is it that so much of our lives and our experience feels like just trying to survive? Didn’t Jesus say that he came so that we could have abundant life? It honestly seems, sometimes, like doing more than just making it from day to day is too much to ask. BUT, God clearly desires more for us. How can we thrive instead of just survive?
Why is it that so much of our lives and our experience feels like just trying to survive? Didn’t Jesus say that he came so that we could have abundant life? It honestly seems, sometimes, like doing more than just making it from day to day is too much to ask. BUT, God clearly desires more for us. How can we thrive instead of just survive?
Why is it that so much of our lives and our experience feels like just trying to survive? Didn’t Jesus say that he came so that we could have abundant life? It honestly seems, sometimes, like doing more than just making it from day to day is too much to ask. BUT, God clearly desires more for us. How can we thrive instead of just survive?
Why is it that so much of our lives and our experience feels like just trying to survive? Didn’t Jesus say that he came so that we could have abundant life? It honestly seems, sometimes, like doing more than just making it from day to day is too much to ask. BUT, God clearly desires more for us. How can we thrive instead of just survive?
Why is it that so much of our lives and our experience feels like just trying to survive? Didn’t Jesus say that he came so that we could have abundant life? It honestly seems, sometimes, like doing more than just making it from day to day is too much to ask. BUT, God clearly desires more for us. How can we thrive instead of just survive?
Waiting for that package to arrive, waiting in line at the DMV, waiting to check out at the grocery store, waiting to pick up our kids from practice. So much of our time and energy is spent waiting. Often the waiting feels heavy, unbearable even. Waiting to hear back from the doctor, waiting to find that person, waiting for a child to be born, waiting for the hurt and the heartache to subside. Two thousand years ago, Israel was waiting. They were waiting for deliverance, waiting for salvation, waiting for the Messiah. The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that the world we live in is not as it should be. It also reminds us that the world we live in is not as it will be. We are waiting, but there is purpose in our waiting. How do we walk through seasons of waiting in our lives? Join us as we consider how we should live in THE WAITING ROOM.
Waiting for that package to arrive, waiting in line at the DMV, waiting to check out at the grocery store, waiting to pick up our kids from practice. So much of our time and energy is spent waiting. Often the waiting feels heavy, unbearable even. Waiting to hear back from the doctor, waiting to find that person, waiting for a child to be born, waiting for the hurt and the heartache to subside. Two thousand years ago, Israel was waiting. They were waiting for deliverance, waiting for salvation, waiting for the Messiah. The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that the world we live in is not as it should be. It also reminds us that the world we live in is not as it will be. We are waiting, but there is purpose in our waiting. How do we walk through seasons of waiting in our lives? Join us as we consider how we should live in THE WAITING ROOM.
Waiting for that package to arrive, waiting in line at the DMV, waiting to check out at the grocery store, waiting to pick up our kids from practice. So much of our time and energy is spent waiting. Often the waiting feels heavy, unbearable even. Waiting to hear back from the doctor, waiting to find that person, waiting for a child to be born, waiting for the hurt and the heartache to subside. Two thousand years ago, Israel was waiting. They were waiting for deliverance, waiting for salvation, waiting for the Messiah. The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that the world we live in is not as it should be. It also reminds us that the world we live in is not as it will be. We are waiting, but there is purpose in our waiting. How do we walk through seasons of waiting in our lives? Join us as we consider how we should live in THE WAITING ROOM.
Waiting for that package to arrive, waiting in line at the DMV, waiting to check out at the grocery store, waiting to pick up our kids from practice. So much of our time and energy is spent waiting. Often the waiting feels heavy, unbearable even. Waiting to hear back from the doctor, waiting to find that person, waiting for a child to be born, waiting for the hurt and the heartache to subside. Two thousand years ago, Israel was waiting. They were waiting for deliverance, waiting for salvation, waiting for the Messiah. The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that the world we live in is not as it should be. It also reminds us that the world we live in is not as it will be. We are waiting, but there is purpose in our waiting. How do we walk through seasons of waiting in our lives? Join us as we consider how we should live in THE WAITING ROOM.
Waiting for that package to arrive, waiting in line at the DMV, waiting to check out at the grocery store, waiting to pick up our kids from practice. So much of our time and energy is spent waiting. Often the waiting feels heavy, unbearable even. Waiting to hear back from the doctor, waiting to find that person, waiting for a child to be born, waiting for the hurt and the heartache to subside. Two thousand years ago, Israel was waiting. They were waiting for deliverance, waiting for salvation, waiting for the Messiah. The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that the world we live in is not as it should be. It also reminds us that the world we live in is not as it will be. We are waiting, but there is purpose in our waiting. How do we walk through seasons of waiting in our lives? Join us as we consider how we should live in THE WAITING ROOM.
Waiting for that package to arrive, waiting in line at the DMV, waiting to check out at the grocery store, waiting to pick up our kids from practice. So much of our time and energy is spent waiting. Often the waiting feels heavy, unbearable even. Waiting to hear back from the doctor, waiting to find that person, waiting for a child to be born, waiting for the hurt and the heartache to subside. Two thousand years ago, Israel was waiting. They were waiting for deliverance, waiting for salvation, waiting for the Messiah. The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that the world we live in is not as it should be. It also reminds us that the world we live in is not as it will be. We are waiting, but there is purpose in our waiting. How do we walk through seasons of waiting in our lives? Join us as we consider how we should live in THE WAITING ROOM.
Discouraged, defeated, distressed. So often in our lives we walk through seasons that are hard, even painful. It can be so easy to want to give up, to lose hope. What do we do when we are facing discouragement? The book of Hebrews was written to people who were feeling exactly like that, and the author was trying to encourage them to hold on, to persevere. We need that same encouragement sometimes, don’t we? So if you are feeling down and defeated, this series is for you!
Discouraged, defeated, distressed. So often in our lives we walk through seasons that are hard, even painful. It can be so easy to want to give up, to lose hope. What do we do when we are facing discouragement? The book of Hebrews was written to people who were feeling exactly like that, and the author was trying to encourage them to hold on, to persevere. We need that same encouragement sometimes, don’t we? So if you are feeling down and defeated, this series is for you!
Discouraged, defeated, distressed. So often in our lives we walk through seasons that are hard, even painful. It can be so easy to want to give up, to lose hope. What do we do when we are facing discouragement? The book of Hebrews was written to people who were feeling exactly like that, and the author was trying to encourage them to hold on, to persevere. We need that same encouragement sometimes, don’t we? So if you are feeling down and defeated, this series is for you!
The whole point of the Gospel is that New Creation is being ushered into our world. The Good News of Jesus is supposed to change things, to make our world better. It's supposed to make a difference in the lives of people. That's why the Book of James says, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." Today we talk about what it means to care for orphans in our world, what it means to respond to the suffering we see around us.
Freedom is a pretty important concept in our culture. It’s amazing, though, that in a culture that constantly talks about the value of freedom, so many feel anything but free. We feel imprisoned by our choices, our circumstances, our addictions, so many things. Of course, the Apostle Paul knew exactly what it felt like to be a prisoner, and in his letter to the Romans he reminds us sin imprisons us. But, God’s grace sets us free! Join us as we explore what it really means to BREAK FREE according to Scripture!
Freedom is a pretty important concept in our culture. It’s amazing, though, that in a culture that constantly talks about the value of freedom, so many feel anything but free. We feel imprisoned by our choices, our circumstances, our addictions, so many things. Of course, the Apostle Paul knew exactly what it felt like to be a prisoner, and in his letter to the Romans he reminds us sin imprisons us. But, God’s grace sets us free! Join us as we explore what it really means to BREAK FREE according to Scripture!
Freedom is a pretty important concept in our culture. It’s amazing, though, that in a culture that constantly talks about the value of freedom, so many feel anything but free. We feel imprisoned by our choices, our circumstances, our addictions, so many things. Of course, the Apostle Paul knew exactly what it felt like to be a prisoner, and in his letter to the Romans he reminds us sin imprisons us. But, God’s grace sets us free! Join us as we explore what it really means to BREAK FREE according to Scripture!
Freedom is a pretty important concept in our culture. It’s amazing, though, that in a culture that constantly talks about the value of freedom, so many feel anything but free. We feel imprisoned by our choices, our circumstances, our addictions, so many things. Of course, the Apostle Paul knew exactly what it felt like to be a prisoner, and in his letter to the Romans he reminds us sin imprisons us. But, God’s grace sets us free! Join us as we explore what it really means to BREAK FREE according to Scripture!
Freedom is a pretty important concept in our culture. It’s amazing, though, that in a culture that constantly talks about the value of freedom, so many feel anything but free. We feel imprisoned by our choices, our circumstances, our addictions, so many things. Of course, the Apostle Paul knew exactly what it felt like to be a prisoner, and in his letter to the Romans he reminds us sin imprisons us. But, God’s grace sets us free! Join us as we explore what it really means to BREAK FREE according to Scripture!
Freedom is a pretty important concept in our culture. It’s amazing, though, that in a culture that constantly talks about the value of freedom, so many feel anything but free. We feel imprisoned by our choices, our circumstances, our addictions, so many things. Of course, the Apostle Paul knew exactly what it felt like to be a prisoner, and in his letter to the Romans he reminds us sin imprisons us. But, God’s grace sets us free! Join us as we explore what it really means to BREAK FREE according to Scripture!
We all sometimes get that nagging feeling that there is more to life, that there is something missing. That feeling is so common that advertisers and marketers actually use it to try and manipulate us to do all kinds of things. All of our effort and energy to figure out what is missing in our lives usually ends up leading us to things that just make us feel more discouraged, more empty. Scripture, though, tells us that there is something IMMEASURABLY more available to us. How do we find it? How do we receive it? Join us as we begin our new series, BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
We all sometimes get that nagging feeling that there is more to life, that there is something missing. That feeling is so common that advertisers and marketers actually use it to try and manipulate us to do all kinds of things. All of our effort and energy to figure out what is missing in our lives usually ends up leading us to things that just make us feel more discouraged, more empty. Scripture, though, tells us that there is something IMMEASURABLY more available to us. How do we find it? How do we receive it? Join us as we begin our new series, BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
We all sometimes get that nagging feeling that there is more to life, that there is something missing. That feeling is so common that advertisers and marketers actually use it to try and manipulate us to do all kinds of things. All of our effort and energy to figure out what is missing in our lives usually ends up leading us to things that just make us feel more discouraged, more empty. Scripture, though, tells us that there is something IMMEASURABLY more available to us. How do we find it? How do we receive it? Join us as we begin our new series, BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
We all sometimes get that nagging feeling that there is more to life, that there is something missing. That feeling is so common that advertisers and marketers actually use it to try and manipulate us to do all kinds of things. All of our effort and energy to figure out what is missing in our lives usually ends up leading us to things that just make us feel more discouraged, more empty. Scripture, though, tells us that there is something IMMEASURABLY more available to us. How do we find it? How do we receive it? Join us as we begin our new series, BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
It’s no secret that the world we are living in is broken and hurting. We can see evidence of the darkness that exists in our world all around us. It is increasingly confusing to know how we are to interact with the culture around us. What does it mean to live as a follower of Christ in this world? How should the gospel impact our lives and our action? Who are we supposed to be in this world? We’re going to dig into 1 Peter to discover some answers to these questions, and more! Join us as we learn together what it means to be SET APART.
It’s no secret that the world we are living in is broken and hurting. We can see evidence of the darkness that exists in our world all around us. It is increasingly confusing to know how we are to interact with the culture around us. What does it mean to live as a follower of Christ in this world? How should the gospel impact our lives and our action? Who are we supposed to be in this world? We’re going to dig into 1 Peter to discover some answers to these questions, and more! Join us as we learn together what it means to be SET APART.
It’s no secret that the world we are living in is broken and hurting. We can see evidence of the darkness that exists in our world all around us. It is increasingly confusing to know how we are to interact with the culture around us. What does it mean to live as a follower of Christ in this world? How should the gospel impact our lives and our action? Who are we supposed to be in this world? We’re going to dig into 1 Peter to discover some answers to these questions, and more! Join us as we learn together what it means to be SET APART.
It’s no secret that the world we are living in is broken and hurting. We can see evidence of the darkness that exists in our world all around us. It is increasingly confusing to know how we are to interact with the culture around us. What does it mean to live as a follower of Christ in this world? How should the gospel impact our lives and our action? Who are we supposed to be in this world? We’re going to dig into 1 Peter to discover some answers to these questions, and more! Join us as we learn together what it means to be SET APART.
It’s Summer time! Time to hit the road for some rest and adventure. Vacation is calling! Our lives with God are a journey. They are a beautiful, incredible adventure! But, just like any journey, we need to know where we are heading, why we are going that way, what we need along the way, and how to know when we have arrived. For the next four weeks, we are going to focus on some key passages in Scripture that will helps us know whether or not we are on the right path in our journey with God!
It’s Summer time! Time to hit the road for some rest and adventure. Vacation is calling! Our lives with God are a journey. They are a beautiful, incredible adventure! But, just like any journey, we need to know where we are heading, why we are going that way, what we need along the way, and how to know when we have arrived. For the next four weeks, we are going to focus on some key passages in Scripture that will helps us know whether or not we are on the right path in our journey with God!
It’s Summer time! Time to hit the road for some rest and adventure. Vacation is calling! Our lives with God are a journey. They are a beautiful, incredible adventure! But, just like any journey, we need to know where we are heading, why we are going that way, what we need along the way, and how to know when we have arrived. For the next four weeks, we are going to focus on some key passages in Scripture that will helps us know whether or not we are on the right path in our journey with God!
It’s Summer time! Time to hit the road for some rest and adventure. Vacation is calling! Our lives with God are a journey. They are a beautiful, incredible adventure! But, just like any journey, we need to know where we are heading, why we are going that way, what we need along the way, and how to know when we have arrived. For the next four weeks, we are going to focus on some key passages in Scripture that will helps us know whether or not we are on the right path in our journey with God!
Where is God in the midst of injustice? Why doesn’t God do something about wickedness and suffering? How can I still trust God when what I believe in my heart doesn’t match what I see with my eyes? What do I do when it feels like God is silent? If you’ve been asking these kinds of questions, you should know that you are not alone. We all struggle through these questions at some point in our lives, and many of the people we read about in Scripture struggle with them as well. The prophet Habakkuk lived during a really dark, difficult time in the history of Israel, and he brought these hurts, these concerns to the Lord. How God responded to Habakkuk reveals some incredible things about the character of God, and it offers hope to people like you and me who sometimes struggle with doubt and fear. Join us as we dig into God’s word together.
Where is God in the midst of injustice? Why doesn’t God do something about wickedness and suffering? How can I still trust God when what I believe in my heart doesn’t match what I see with my eyes? What do I do when it feels like God is silent? If you’ve been asking these kinds of questions, you should know that you are not alone. We all struggle through these questions at some point in our lives, and many of the people we read about in Scripture struggle with them as well. The prophet Habakkuk lived during a really dark, difficult time in the history of Israel, and he brought these hurts, these concerns to the Lord. How God responded to Habakkuk reveals some incredible things about the character of God, and it offers hope to people like you and me who sometimes struggle with doubt and fear. Join us as we dig into God’s word together.
Isn’t it amazing that in a time when more information is available and out there about us than ever before, many of us feel more alone, more isolated than ever before. We all know what it’s like to scroll through the comments on our story and realize that none of those people know anything about our real struggles, our personal triumphs and tragedies. It’s a lonely feeling. Scripture tells us a different story, though. According to Scripture we are not alone. We are intimately known and loved by the God who spoke the universe into being! Join us as we explore Psalm 139 in our new series, YOU ARE KNOWN.
Isn’t it amazing that in a time when more information is available and out there about us than ever before, many of us feel more alone, more isolated than ever before. We all know what it’s like to scroll through the comments on our story and realize that none of those people know anything about our real struggles, our personal triumphs and tragedies. It’s a lonely feeling. Scripture tells us a different story, though. According to Scripture we are not alone. We are intimately known and loved by the God who spoke the universe into being! Join us as we explore Psalm 139 in our new series, YOU ARE KNOWN.
Isn’t it amazing that in a time when more information is available and out there about us than ever before, many of us feel more alone, more isolated than ever before. We all know what it’s like to scroll through the comments on our story and realize that none of those people know anything about our real struggles, our personal triumphs and tragedies. It’s a lonely feeling. Scripture tells us a different story, though. According to Scripture we are not alone. We are intimately known and loved by the God who spoke the universe into being! Join us as we explore Psalm 139 in our new series, YOU ARE KNOWN.
Isn’t it amazing that in a time when more information is available and out there about us than ever before, many of us feel more alone, more isolated than ever before. We all know what it’s like to scroll through the comments on our story and realize that none of those people know anything about our real struggles, our personal triumphs and tragedies. It’s a lonely feeling. Scripture tells us a different story, though. According to Scripture we are not alone. We are intimately known and loved by the God who spoke the universe into being! Join us as we explore Psalm 139 in our new series, YOU ARE KNOWN.
Isn’t it amazing that in a time when more information is available and out there about us than ever before, many of us feel more alone, more isolated than ever before. We all know what it’s like to scroll through the comments on our story and realize that none of those people know anything about our real struggles, our personal triumphs and tragedies. It’s a lonely feeling. Scripture tells us a different story, though. According to Scripture we are not alone. We are intimately known and loved by the God who spoke the universe into being! Join us as we explore Psalm 139 in our new series, YOU ARE KNOWN.
Isn’t it amazing that in a time when more information is available and out there about us than ever before, many of us feel more alone, more isolated than ever before. We all know what it’s like to scroll through the comments on our story and realize that none of those people know anything about our real struggles, our personal triumphs and tragedies. It’s a lonely feeling. Scripture tells us a different story, though. According to Scripture we are not alone. We are intimately known and loved by the God who spoke the universe into being! Join us as we explore Psalm 139 in our new series, YOU ARE KNOWN.
In our lives, we so often place our hope in things that ultimately fail to sustain it. Jobs, careers, relationships, dreams for our future. We often discover that life can feel pretty hopeless when these things aren't able to bear the weight of the hope that we have placed upon them. We can place our hope in a place that will never be shaken. We can actually find the source of true hope. That's what Easter is about, Jesus destroying the darkness of death, sin and shame with the light of HOPE! Today we remember that HOPE HAS A NAME! JESUS!
As Jesus and his disciples headed toward Jerusalem for Passover, they were filled with excitement and hope. Finally, it felt like everything was beginning to fall into place. What would happen to these disciples over the course of the next shake them to their core. They would be forced to confront the brutal truth that their hope had been rooted in the wrong things, that their understanding of Jesus and his Kingdom was tragically wrong. It's good for us, on the day we celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to look at our own lives, to honestly examine where our hope has been rooted, and to lay down our hopes and expectations in order to pick up the cross of Christ and his Kingdom.
The good life, we all want it. We are all working to have it one way or another. Choices about where we work, how we work, where we live, who we choose to live with are all often influenced by our understanding of what the good life actually is. Jesus actually set out to define it in one of the most challenging, poetic, profound and powerful passages in all of human history. Join us as we search his words so that we can have, and so that we can share with others, the abundant life that Jesus offers.
The good life, we all want it. We are all working to have it one way or another. Choices about where we work, how we work, where we live, who we choose to live with are all often influenced by our understanding of what the good life actually is. Jesus actually set out to define it in one of the most challenging, poetic, profound and powerful passages in all of human history. Join us as we search his words so that we can have, and so that we can share with others, the abundant life that Jesus offers.
The good life, we all want it. We are all working to have it one way or another. Choices about where we work, how we work, where we live, who we choose to live with are all often influenced by our understanding of what the good life actually is. Jesus actually set out to define it in one of the most challenging, poetic, profound and powerful passages in all of human history. Join us as we search his words so that we can have, and so that we can share with others, the abundant life that Jesus offers.
The good life, we all want it. We are all working to have it one way or another. Choices about where we work, how we work, where we live, who we choose to live with are all often influenced by our understanding of what the good life actually is. Jesus actually set out to define it in one of the most challenging, poetic, profound and powerful passages in all of human history. Join us as we search his words so that we can have, and so that we can share with others, the abundant life that Jesus offers.
The good life, we all want it. We are all working to have it one way or another. Choices about where we work, how we work, where we live, who we choose to live with are all often influenced by our understanding of what the good life actually is. Jesus actually set out to define it in one of the most challenging, poetic, profound and powerful passages in all of human history. Join us as we search his words so that we can have, and so that we can share with others, the abundant life that Jesus offers.
The good life, we all want it. We are all working to have it one way or another. Choices about where we work, how we work, where we live, who we choose to live with are all often influenced by our understanding of what the good life actually is. Jesus actually set out to define it in one of the most challenging, poetic, profound and powerful passages in all of human history. Join us as we search his words so that we can have, and so that we can share with others, the abundant life that Jesus offers.
The good life, we all want it. We are all working to have it one way or another. Choices about where we work, how we work, where we live, who we choose to live with are all often influenced by our understanding of what the good life actually is. Jesus actually set out to define it in one of the most challenging, poetic, profound and powerful passages in all of human history. Join us as we search his words so that we can have, and so that we can share with others, the abundant life that Jesus offers.
A new year means that gyms across the country are suddenly full. When the calendar turns over, we tend to reflect on how things are going, how we can be more healthy, what needs to change. Millions of people are deciding right now to get in shape. That impulse is really good, but what if we need to shape up in deeper, more meaningful ways? What if our souls need to be healthy as much as or more than our bodies? Over the next five weeks, we are going to look at the life of Jesus to discover how we can SHAPE UP.
A new year means that gyms across the country are suddenly full. When the calendar turns over, we tend to reflect on how things are going, how we can be more healthy, what needs to change. Millions of people are deciding right now to get in shape. That impulse is really good, but what if we need to shape up in deeper, more meaningful ways? What if our souls need to be healthy as much as or more than our bodies? Over the next five weeks, we are going to look at the life of Jesus to discover how we can SHAPE UP.
A new year means that gyms across the country are suddenly full. When the calendar turns over, we tend to reflect on how things are going, how we can be more healthy, what needs to change. Millions of people are deciding right now to get in shape. That impulse is really good, but what if we need to shape up in deeper, more meaningful ways? What if our souls need to be healthy as much as or more than our bodies? Over the next five weeks, we are going to look at the life of Jesus to discover how we can SHAPE UP.
A new year means that gyms across the country are suddenly full. When the calendar turns over, we tend to reflect on how things are going, how we can be more healthy, what needs to change. Millions of people are deciding right now to get in shape. That impulse is really good, but what if we need to shape up in deeper, more meaningful ways? What if our souls need to be healthy as much as or more than our bodies? Over the next five weeks, we are going to look at the life of Jesus to discover how we can SHAPE UP.
A new year means that gyms across the country are suddenly full. When the calendar turns over, we tend to reflect on how things are going, how we can be more healthy, what needs to change. Millions of people are deciding right now to get in shape. That impulse is really good, but what if we need to shape up in deeper, more meaningful ways? What if our souls need to be healthy as much as or more than our bodies? Over the next five weeks, we are going to look at the life of Jesus to discover how we can SHAPE UP.
God WITH US. This is the scandalous proclamation of Christianity. We worship a God who is over us, ruling over all of creation, but our God is not merely over us. During Advent, we celebrate the fact that God clothed Himself in human flesh and became one of us. We celebrate God's desire to be with us. Throughout the story of Christ's birth, we see that God's action is more than just general action on behalf of His creation. It is also deeply personal. The story moves from person to person, highlighting the ways that, because of Christ, God will be with different kinds of people. Each week we will be looking at a person from the birth narrative of Jesus and discovering how their part in the story highlights the ways that God is with people like them, people like you and me.
God WITH US. This is the scandalous proclamation of Christianity. We worship a God who is over us, ruling over all of creation, but our God is not merely over us. During Advent, we celebrate the fact that God clothed Himself in human flesh and became one of us. We celebrate God's desire to be with us. Throughout the story of Christ's birth, we see that God's action is more than just general action on behalf of His creation. It is also deeply personal. The story moves from person to person, highlighting the ways that, because of Christ, God will be with different kinds of people. Each week we will be looking at a person from the birth narrative of Jesus and discovering how their part in the story highlights the ways that God is with people like them, people like you and me.
God WITH US. This is the scandalous proclamation of Christianity. We worship a God who is over us, ruling over all of creation, but our God is not merely over us. During Advent, we celebrate the fact that God clothed Himself in human flesh and became one of us. We celebrate God's desire to be with us. Throughout the story of Christ's birth, we see that God's action is more than just general action on behalf of His creation. It is also deeply personal. The story moves from person to person, highlighting the ways that, because of Christ, God will be with different kinds of people. Each week we will be looking at a person from the birth narrative of Jesus and discovering how their part in the story highlights the ways that God is with people like them, people like you and me.
God WITH US. This is the scandalous proclamation of Christianity. We worship a God who is over us, ruling over all of creation, but our God is not merely over us. During Advent, we celebrate the fact that God clothed Himself in human flesh and became one of us. We celebrate God's desire to be with us. Throughout the story of Christ's birth, we see that God's action is more than just general action on behalf of His creation. It is also deeply personal. The story moves from person to person, highlighting the ways that, because of Christ, God will be with different kinds of people. Each week we will be looking at a person from the birth narrative of Jesus and discovering how their part in the story highlights the ways that God is with people like them, people like you and me.
God WITH US. This is the scandalous proclamation of Christianity. We worship a God who is over us, ruling over all of creation, but our God is not merely over us. During Advent, we celebrate the fact that God clothed Himself in human flesh and became one of us. We celebrate God's desire to be with us. Throughout the story of Christ's birth, we see that God's action is more than just general action on behalf of His creation. It is also deeply personal. The story moves from person to person, highlighting the ways that, because of Christ, God will be with different kinds of people. Each week we will be looking at a person from the birth narrative of Jesus and discovering how their part in the story highlights the ways that God is with people like them, people like you and me.
God WITH US. This is the scandalous proclamation of Christianity. We worship a God who is over us, ruling over all of creation, but our God is not merely over us. During Advent, we celebrate the fact that God clothed Himself in human flesh and became one of us. We celebrate God's desire to be with us. Throughout the story of Christ's birth, we see that God's action is more than just general action on behalf of His creation. It is also deeply personal. The story moves from person to person, highlighting the ways that, because of Christ, God will be with different kinds of people. Each week we will be looking at a person from the birth narrative of Jesus and discovering how their part in the story highlights the ways that God is with people like them, people like you and me.
This crazy, broken world that we live in can leave us questioning so much about ourselves, wondering who we really are. Sometimes, it feels like there are a million voices trying to define and describe us. Strangely, all of that noise only makes us feel more alone, more afraid. The truth, though, is that God, through the work of Christ on the cross, is inviting us into His family! He wants to adopt us as His own children! As beautiful as it is to think about that, it’s even more amazing to realize that we can actually do that for children around us who really need a family. Join us, as we learn who we are in Christ, and how we can ACT on that truth.
This crazy, broken world that we live in can leave us questioning so much about ourselves, wondering who we really are. Sometimes, it feels like there are a million voices trying to define and describe us. Strangely, all of that noise only makes us feel more alone, more afraid. The truth, though, is that God, through the work of Christ on the cross, is inviting us into His family! He wants to adopt us as His own children! As beautiful as it is to think about that, it’s even more amazing to realize that we can actually do that for children around us who really need a family. Join us, as we learn who we are in Christ, and how we can ACT on that truth.
This crazy, broken world that we live in can leave us questioning so much about ourselves, wondering who we really are. Sometimes, it feels like there are a million voices trying to define and describe us. Strangely, all of that noise only makes us feel more alone, more afraid. The truth, though, is that God, through the work of Christ on the cross, is inviting us into His family! He wants to adopt us as His own children! As beautiful as it is to think about that, it’s even more amazing to realize that we can actually do that for children around us who really need a family. Join us, as we learn who we are in Christ, and how we can ACT on that truth.
Life is filled with so many questions. Some questions are more important than others. Questions like "how do I hear God's voice?" or "why does God allow tragedy?" or "Does hell really exist?" In our next series, You Asked For It, we are going to be taking the most asked questions you submit and answering them!
Life is filled with so many questions. Some questions are more important than others. Questions like "how do I hear God's voice?" or "why does God allow tragedy?" or "Does hell really exist?" In our next series, You Asked For It, we are going to be taking the most asked questions you submit and answering them!
Life is filled with so many questions. Some questions are more important than others. Questions like "how do I hear God's voice?" or "why does God allow tragedy?" or "Does hell really exist?" In our next series, You Asked For It, we are going to be taking the most asked questions you submit and answering them!
Every couple walks down the aisle thinking their marriage will last forever– from this day forward. But the truth is, more marriages are failing today than ever before. Relationships seem so much tougher to maintain. We have become people who focus on differences rather than likeness. We draw party lines, focus on cultural differences, and seek to be understood rather than to understand. Relationships are hard, and giving up is easy. Join us this Sunday as we talk about 6 commitments that you can make to help insure that you have a healthy, fail proof marriage!
Every couple walks down the aisle thinking their marriage will last forever– from this day forward. But the truth is, more marriages are failing today than ever before. Relationships seem so much tougher to maintain. We have become people who focus on differences rather than likeness. We draw party lines, focus on cultural differences, and seek to be understood rather than to understand. Relationships are hard, and giving up is easy. Join us this Sunday as we talk about 6 commitments that you can make to help insure that you have a healthy, fail proof marriage!
Every couple walks down the aisle thinking their marriage will last forever– from this day forward. But the truth is, more marriages are failing today than ever before. Relationships seem so much tougher to maintain. We have become people who focus on differences rather than likeness. We draw party lines, focus on cultural differences, and seek to be understood rather than to understand. Relationships are hard, and giving up is easy. Join us this Sunday as we talk about 6 commitments that you can make to help insure that you have a healthy, fail proof marriage!
Every couple walks down the aisle thinking their marriage will last forever– from this day forward. But the truth is, more marriages are failing today than ever before. Relationships seem so much tougher to maintain. We have become people who focus on differences rather than likeness. We draw party lines, focus on cultural differences, and seek to be understood rather than to understand. Relationships are hard, and giving up is easy. Join us this Sunday as we talk about 6 commitments that you can make to help insure that you have a healthy, fail proof marriage!
Every couple walks down the aisle thinking their marriage will last forever– from this day forward. But the truth is, more marriages are failing today than ever before. Relationships seem so much tougher to maintain. We have become people who focus on differences rather than likeness. We draw party lines, focus on cultural differences, and seek to be understood rather than to understand. Relationships are hard, and giving up is easy. Join us this Sunday as we talk about 6 commitments that you can make to help insure that you have a healthy, fail proof marriage!
Every couple walks down the aisle thinking their marriage will last forever– from this day forward. But the truth is, more marriages are failing today than ever before. Relationships seem so much tougher to maintain. We have become people who focus on differences rather than likeness. We draw party lines, focus on cultural differences, and seek to be understood rather than to understand. Relationships are hard, and giving up is easy. Join us this Sunday as we talk about 6 commitments that you can make to help insure that you have a healthy, failproof marriage!
If we’re being honest, sometimes the world we are moving through can feel chaotic, dangerous, dark even. Our experience of this world can make us feel afraid, defensive, alone. We weren’t created to live like this, though. We were created for a relationship with a loving God. As we dig into one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture, we discover a God whose love for us is literally too much for us to contain, a love that overflows.
If we’re being honest, sometimes the world we are moving through can feel chaotic, dangerous, dark even. Our experience of this world can make us feel afraid, defensive, alone. We weren’t created to live like this, though. We were created for a relationship with a loving God. As we dig into one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture, we discover a God whose love for us is literally too much for us to contain, a love that overflows.
If we’re being honest, sometimes the world we are moving through can feel chaotic, dangerous, dark even. Our experience of this world can make us feel afraid, defensive, alone. We weren’t created to live like this, though. We were created for a relationship with a loving God. As we dig into one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture, we discover a God whose love for us is literally too much for us to contain, a love that overflows.
If we’re being honest, sometimes the world we are moving through can feel chaotic, dangerous, dark even. Our experience of this world can make us feel afraid, defensive, alone. We weren’t created to live like this, though. We were created for a relationship with a loving God. As we dig into one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture, we discover a God whose love for us is literally too much for us to contain, a love that overflows.
If we’re being honest, sometimes the world we are moving through can feel chaotic, dangerous, dark even. Our experience of this world can make us feel afraid, defensive, alone. We weren’t created to live like this, though. We were created for a relationship with a loving God. As we dig into one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture, we discover a God whose love for us is literally too much for us to contain, a love that overflows.
If we’re being honest, sometimes the world we are moving through can feel chaotic, dangerous, dark even. Our experience of this world can make us feel afraid, defensive, alone. We weren’t created to live like this, though. We were created for a relationship with a loving God. As we dig into one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture, we discover a God whose love for us is literally too much for us to contain, a love that overflows.
Often, we feel like we "have to" do things in order to be Christians. We have to pray, have to tithe, and have to be obedient. In this series, we will look at several places in the Bible where a different phrase is used: "Let us." When we understand that biblical teachings are opportunities instead of obligations, we're able to grow into the life God has planned for us so much more easily.
Often, we feel like we "have to" do things in order to be Christians. We have to pray, have to tithe, and have to be obedient. In this series, we will look at several places in the Bible where a different phrase is used: "Let us." When we understand that biblical teachings are opportunities instead of obligations, we're able to grow into the life God has planned for us so much more easily.
Often, we feel like we "have to" do things in order to be Christians. We have to pray, have to tithe, and have to be obedient. In this series, we will look at several places in the Bible where a different phrase is used: "Let us." When we understand that biblical teachings are opportunities instead of obligations, we're able to grow into the life God has planned for us so much more easily.
Often, we feel like we "have to" do things in order to be Christians. We have to pray, have to tithe, and have to be obedient. In this series, we will look at several places in the Bible where a different phrase is used: "Let us." When we understand that biblical teachings are opportunities instead of obligations, we're able to grow into the life God has planned for us so much more easily.
Often, we feel like we "have to" do things in order to be Christians. We have to pray, have to tithe, and have to be obedient. In this series, we will look at several places in the Bible where a different phrase is used: "Let us." When we understand that biblical teachings are opportunities instead of obligations, we're able to grow into the life God has planned for us so much more easily.
Often, we feel like we "have to" do things in order to be Christians. We have to pray, have to tithe, and have to be obedient. In this series, we will look at several places in the Bible where a different phrase is used: "Let us." When we understand that biblical teachings are opportunities instead of obligations, we're able to grow into the life God has planned for us so much more easily.
Often, we feel like we "have to" do things in order to be Christians. We have to pray, have to tithe, and have to be obedient. In this series, we will look at several places in the Bible where a different phrase is used: "Let us." When we understand that biblical teachings are opportunities instead of obligations, we're able to grow into the life God has planned for us so much more easily.
Often, we feel like we "have to" do things in order to be Christians. We have to pray, have to tithe, and have to be obedient. In this series, we will look at several places in the Bible where a different phrase is used: "Let us." When we understand that biblical teachings are opportunities instead of obligations, we're able to grow into the life God has planned for us so much more easily.
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! For Jesus’ disciples, huddled together in a small room wondering what would happen next, the realization that Jesus was alive completely transformed everything they believed about who they were and how they were supposed to live. Shouldn’t it have the same effect on us? How are we supposed to live in light of the resurrection? How can we live like resurrection people in these challenging times? Let’s talk about living as resurrection people in the crazy, chaotic times because we know that the moment we are in does not pause the mission we are on.
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! For Jesus’ disciples, huddled together in a small room wondering what would happen next, the realization that Jesus was alive completely transformed everything they believed about who they were and how they were supposed to live. Shouldn’t it have the same effect on us? How are we supposed to live in light of the resurrection? How can we live like resurrection people in these challenging times? Let’s talk about living as resurrection people in the crazy, chaotic times because we know that the moment we are in does not pause the mission we are on.
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! For Jesus’ disciples, huddled together in a small room wondering what would happen next, the realization that Jesus was alive completely transformed everything they believed about who they were and how they were supposed to live. Shouldn’t it have the same effect on us? How are we supposed to live in light of the resurrection? How can we live like resurrection people in these challenging times? Let’s talk about living as resurrection people in the crazy, chaotic times because we know that the moment we are in does not pause the mission we are on.
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! For Jesus’ disciples, huddled together in a small room wondering what would happen next, the realization that Jesus was alive completely transformed everything they believed about who they were and how they were supposed to live. Shouldn’t it have the same effect on us? How are we supposed to live in light of the resurrection? How can we live like resurrection people in these challenging times? Let’s talk about living as resurrection people in the crazy, chaotic times because we know that the moment we are in does not pause the mission we are on.
Just when it seemed that the Kingdom of Darkness, the Kingdom of this world had won a great victory, Jesus rose from the grave once and for all defeating death and darkness. The Kingdom of Darkness was swallowed up by the Kingdom of Light. Today we celebrate the victory that Jesus won for all of us. Today we celebrate Easter!
Have you ever faced something so painful, so difficult, so dark that it seemed impossible to see your way through it? Maybe that’s where you are right now. Jesus faced that same situation in the last few hours of his life on earth. Hurt, confusion, isolation, abandonment. He dealt with all of the same emotions that you and I experience in our darkest moments. As he lived through those moments, he revealed for us the powerful truths that can sustain us through our own struggles. He is the light that will lead us through the dark.
Have you ever faced something so painful, so difficult, so dark that it seemed impossible to see your way through it? Maybe that’s where you are right now. Jesus faced that same situation in the last few hours of his life on earth. Hurt, confusion, isolation, abandonment. He dealt with all of the same emotions that you and I experience in our darkest moments. As he lived through those moments, he revealed for us the powerful truths that can sustain us through our own struggles. He is the light that will lead us through the dark.
Have you ever faced something so painful, so difficult, so dark that it seemed impossible to see your way through it? Maybe that’s where you are right now. Jesus faced that same situation in the last few hours of his life on earth. Hurt, confusion, isolation, abandonment. He dealt with all of the same emotions that you and I experience in our darkest moments. As he lived through those moments, he revealed for us the powerful truths that can sustain us through our own struggles. He is the light that will lead us through the dark.
Have you ever faced something so painful, so difficult, so dark that it seemed impossible to see your way through it? Maybe that’s where you are right now. Jesus faced that same situation in the last few hours of his life on earth. Hurt, confusion, isolation, abandonment. He dealt with all of the same emotions that you and I experience in our darkest moments. As he lived through those moments, he revealed for us the powerful truths that can sustain us through our own struggles. He is the light that will lead us through the dark.
Have you ever faced something so painful, so difficult, so dark that it seemed impossible to see your way through it? Maybe that’s where you are right now. Jesus faced that same situation in the last few hours of his life on earth. Hurt, confusion, isolation, abandonment. He dealt with all of the same emotions that you and I experience in our darkest moments. As he lived through those moments, he revealed for us the powerful truths that can sustain us through our own struggles. He is the light that will lead us through the dark.
Have you ever faced something so painful, so difficult, so dark that it seemed impossible to see your way through it? Maybe that’s where you are right now. Jesus faced that same situation in the last few hours of his life on earth. Hurt, confusion, isolation, abandonment. He dealt with all of the same emotions that you and I experience in our darkest moments. As he lived through those moments, he revealed for us the powerful truths that can sustain us through our own struggles. He is the light that will lead us through the dark.
Am I smart enough? Am I strong enough? Am I talented enough? Am I patient enough? For the next few weeks, we are going to explore these questions through the life of a guy who, at times, was nearly crippled by his own insecurities, Moses. God has a clear answer for those of us who are asking the question, “Am I enough?” Join us as we discover it together.
Am I smart enough? Am I strong enough? Am I talented enough? Am I patient enough? For the next few weeks, we are going to explore these questions through the life of a guy who, at times, was nearly crippled by his own insecurities, Moses. God has a clear answer for those of us who are asking the question, “Am I enough?” Join us as we discover it together.
Am I smart enough? Am I strong enough? Am I talented enough? Am I patient enough? For the next few weeks, we are going to explore these questions through the life of a guy who, at times, was nearly crippled by his own insecurities, Moses. God has a clear answer for those of us who are asking the question, “Am I enough?” Join us as we discover it together.
Am I smart enough? Am I strong enough? Am I talented enough? Am I patient enough? For the next few weeks, we are going to explore these questions through the life of a guy who, at times, was nearly crippled by his own insecurities, Moses. God has a clear answer for those of us who are asking the question, “Am I enough?” Join us as we discover it together.
Am I smart enough? Am I strong enough? Am I talented enough? Am I patient enough? For the next few weeks, we are going to explore these questions through the life of a guy who, at times, was nearly crippled by his own insecurities, Moses. God has a clear answer for those of us who are asking the question, “Am I enough?” Join us as we discover it together.
Am I smart enough? Am I strong enough? Am I talented enough? Am I patient enough? For the next few weeks, we are going to explore these questions through the life of a guy who, at times, was nearly crippled by his own insecurities, Moses. God has a clear answer for those of us who are asking the question, “Am I enough?” Join us as we discover it together.
As we turn toward a new year, with all of the excitement and uncertainty that it brings, let’s take some time to reflect on what new things God might desire to do in us this year. Let’s listen to the God who declares in His word, “Look, I am making all things new!”
As we turn toward a new year, with all of the excitement and uncertainty that it brings, let’s take some time to reflect on what new things God might desire to do in us this year. Let’s listen to the God who declares in His word, “Look, I am making all things new!”
As we turn toward a new year, with all of the excitement and uncertainty that it brings, let’s take some time to reflect on what new things God might desire to do in us this year. Let’s listen to the God who declares in His word, “Look, I am making all things new!”
With a new year looming, it's time to reset, recalibrate and refocus on what really matters.
The Spirit is leading us, God can be trusted and Christ is present. Because of these, we can have peace.
God has come for you, God's love does not depend on your actions, God is rescuing you and because of these, we can have Joy!
Faith oversees our identity, Faith overcomes our fear, Faith overrides our circumstances and Faith requires surrender.
It's weird how, over time, we can get so busy, so distracted, that we lose track of some of the most important things, the things that actually make us who we are. As a church, we just celebrated our 100th birthday! That's awesome! BUT, if we aren't careful and intentional, it will be easy for us to lose focus, to become distracted from those core values that form and shape us. It happens in our own Christian journey as well. Let's talk about it! Let's talk about the core things that make us who we are. Let's talk about who God is calling First Shallowater to be. Join us for our weekly service.
It's weird how, over time, we can get so busy, so distracted, that we lose track of some of the most important things, the things that actually make us who we are. As a church, we just celebrated our 100th birthday! That's awesome! BUT, if we aren't careful and intentional, it will be easy for us to lose focus, to become distracted from those core values that form and shape us. It happens in our own Christian journey as well. Let's talk about it! Let's talk about the core things that make us who we are. Let's talk about who God is calling First Shallowater to be. Join us for our weekly service.
It's weird how, over time, we can get so busy, so distracted, that we lose track of some of the most important things, the things that actually make us who we are. As a church, we just celebrated our 100th birthday! That's awesome! BUT, if we aren't careful and intentional, it will be easy for us to lose focus, to become distracted from those core values that form and shape us. It happens in our own Christian journey as well. Let's talk about it! Let's talk about the core things that make us who we are. Let's talk about who God is calling First Shallowater to be. Join us for our weekly service.
It's weird how, over time, we can get so busy, so distracted, that we lose track of some of the most important things, the things that actually make us who we are. As a church, we just celebrated our 100th birthday! That's awesome! BUT, if we aren't careful and intentional, it will be easy for us to lose focus, to become distracted from those core values that form and shape us. It happens in our own Christian journey as well. Let's talk about it! Let's talk about the core things that make us who we are. Let's talk about who God is calling First Shallowater to be. Join us for our weekly service.
It's weird how, over time, we can get so busy, so distracted, that we lose track of some of the most important things, the things that actually make us who we are. As a church, we just celebrated our 100th birthday! That's awesome! BUT, if we aren't careful and intentional, it will be easy for us to lose focus, to become distracted from those core values that form and shape us. It happens in our own Christian journey as well. Let's talk about it! Let's talk about the core things that make us who we are. Let's talk about who God is calling First Shallowater to be. Join us for our weekly service.
It's weird how, over time, we can get so busy, so distracted, that we lose track of some of the most important things, the things that actually make us who we are. As a church, we just celebrated our 100th birthday! That's awesome! BUT, if we aren't careful and intentional, it will be easy for us to lose focus, to become distracted from those core values that form and shape us. It happens in our own Christian journey as well. Let's talk about it! Let's talk about the core things that make us who we are. Let's talk about who God is calling First Shallowater to be. Join us for our weekly service.
It's weird how, over time, we can get so busy, so distracted, that we lose track of some of the most important things, the things that actually make us who we are. As a church, we just celebrated our 100th birthday! That's awesome! BUT, if we aren't careful and intentional, it will be easy for us to lose focus, to become distracted from those core values that form and shape us. It happens in our own Christian journey as well. Let's talk about it! Let's talk about the core things that make us who we are. Let's talk about who God is calling First Shallowater to be. Join us for our weekly service.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed or discouraged as you interact with your family? Families are hard! Join us as we use Psalm 127 to discover four questions we should be asking in order to stay on target with our families.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed or discouraged as you interact with your family? Families are hard! Join us as we use Psalm 127 to discover four questions we should be asking in order to stay on target with our families.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed or discouraged as you interact with your family? Families are hard! Join us as we use Psalm 127 to discover four questions we should be asking in order to stay on target with our families.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed or discouraged as you interact with your family? Families are hard! Join us as we use Psalm 127 to discover four questions we should be asking in order to stay on target with our families.
It’s often difficult to believe in a God we cannot see. We wonder why God didn’t answer our prayers, why God allows suffering, or why we can’t feel His presence. God may not meet all your expectations—but that’s good news! Find out why in the seriesI Want to Believe, But....
It’s often difficult to believe in a God we cannot see. We wonder why God didn’t answer our prayers, why God allows suffering, or why we can’t feel His presence. God may not meet all your expectations—but that’s good news! Find out why in the seriesI Want to Believe, But....
It’s often difficult to believe in a God we cannot see. We wonder why God didn’t answer our prayers, why God allows suffering, or why we can’t feel His presence. God may not meet all your expectations—but that’s good news! Find out why in the seriesI Want to Believe, But....
It’s often difficult to believe in a God we cannot see. We wonder why God didn’t answer our prayers, why God allows suffering, or why we can’t feel His presence. God may not meet all your expectations—but that’s good news! Find out why in the seriesI Want to Believe, But....
We can talk to God and God wants to talk to us! Over the next few weeks we will be studying the Lord's Prayer as Jesus teaches us about communicating with God.
We can talk to God and God wants to talk to us! Over the next few weeks we will be studying the Lord's Prayer as Jesus teaches us about communicating with God.
We can talk to God and God wants to talk to us! Over the next few weeks we will be studying the Lord's Prayer as Jesus teaches us about communicating with God.
Just when it seemed that all hope was lost, that God's promise to Abram could never be fulfilled, God spoke. "Look up into the sky, and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have." How do we trust God to light our way when the night around us is so dark? Count the Stars
Just when it seemed that all hope was lost, that God's promise to Abram could never be fulfilled, God spoke. "Look up into the sky, and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have." How do we trust God to light our way when the night around us is so dark? Count the Stars
Just when it seemed that all hope was lost, that God's promise to Abram could never be fulfilled, God spoke. "Look up into the sky, and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have." How do we trust God to light our way when the night around us is so dark? Count the Stars
Just when it seemed that all hope was lost, that God's promise to Abram could never be fulfilled, God spoke. "Look up into the sky, and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have." How do we trust God to light our way when the night around us is so dark? Count the Stars
Just when it seemed that all hope was lost, that God's promise to Abram could never be fulfilled, God spoke. "Look up into the sky, and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have." How do we trust God to light our way when the night around us is so dark? Count the Stars
Even when we are plagued by discouragement and doubt, Jesus comes to us and gives us faith.