Celebration Center: Recent Episodes
Celebration Center
Gratitude is more than saying "thank you," it is a perspective that transforms the way we see God, our circumstances, and the people around us. In this final message of our This Is Us series, we discover how grateful hearts naturally become generous lives, reflecting the heart of Jesus to a world in need. Join us as we explore what it means to become the kind of church, and the kind of people, who live with open hands because of God's incredible generosity toward us.
Our annual Church in the Park gathering along with Elim Evangelical Church and Sufficient Grace Church
s work, memorize, meditate, and pray Scripture, God uses His truth to shape us increasingly into the likeness of Jesus. - Pastor Kevin Wilber guest speaker
s truth confronts the lies of the enemy and reminds us that we are accepted, secure, and significant in Christ. When we know who we are in Jesus, we can stop striving to prove ourselves and begin walking by the Spirit.
What does biblical excellence really look like? Is God asking us to be perfect, or simply faithful? In this message, we discover that excellence isn't about performance or perfection, it's about responding to a God who first gave His very best for us. Join us as we explore how living with intentionality, faithfulness, and wholehearted devotion can honor God, serve people well, and reflect Jesus to the world around us.
explores Psalm 34:3 and the invitation to exalt the name of the Lord together. The sermon will look at how every life magnifies something, and how focus shapes what becomes clear, visible, and influential. Through the lens of scripture, we will consider what it means for the character and life of Jesus to become bigger and clearer in us.
Following Jesus was never meant to be a private journey. In Week 4 of our This Is Us series, we explore what it means to live on mission by building authentic relationships and boldly inviting people to follow Jesus. Discover why the mission isn't just for pastors or missionaries, how God uses ordinary conversations to change lives, and how one simple invitation can have an eternal impact. You may be closer to someone's breakthrough than you realize.
What if church was never meant to be a spectator sport? In Week 3 of our "This Is Us" series, we explore one of Celebration Church's core values: Every Person Equipped to Serve on Mission Together. Discover why God has uniquely gifted every believer, how those gifts are meant to impact others, and why the Church is strongest when we serve side by side. You may be more important to God's mission than you realize.
What if one of the biggest obstacles to spiritual growth isn't a lack of knowledge... but a lack of connection? This week in our series This Is Who We Are, we'll explore why God never intended us to follow Jesus alone. Through Acts 2, we'll discover how authentic community, meaningful relationships, and genuine belonging are essential parts of a growing faith. If you've ever felt disconnected, unseen, or like you're carrying life's burdens by yourself, this message is for you. The kind of life-changing community God designed may be closer than you think.
s alive, personal, and still changing people today! Join us as we unpack the foundation value that shapes everything we do at Celebration Church, and discover why truth and relationship were never meant to be separated.
s about God launching His Church into its mission. The same Spirit that fell on Pentecost is the Spirit that empowers us today, calling us to take the Gospel to every nation, tribe, and tongue.
s kingdom. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples found themselves in a period of anticipation, knowing the Holy Spirit had been promised but not yet given. Instead of acting out of impatience or fear, they committed themselves to prayer and preparation. As we wait on God, we learn to trust His timing, rely on His guidance, and prepare ourselves to step into His promises with confidence.
we are to step forward in faith, carrying the message of Christ to the world with the confidence that He reigns and will one day return.
The Great Commission is a calling that defines the mission of every believer. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus entrusted His disciples with the task of making more disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to follow His ways. This mission continues today, and we can step into it with confidence, knowing that Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and on earth, is with us always.
By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus meets His disciples once again, not with condemnation, but with grace. He restores Peter after his greatest failure and calls him to a renewed purpose: 'Feed My sheep.' This story reminds us that no failure is final with God. When we fall short, Jesus meets us where we are, restores us in love, and calls us to follow Him with purpose.
After the resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples, including Thomas, who wrestles with doubt. Instead of condemnation, Jesus meets Thomas where he is and invites him to believe. In the same way, Jesus is patient with our doubts and calls us to faith, even when we cannot see with our own eyes.
s gospel is one of re-creation with hints back to Genesis and John 1. The Risen Christ sees Mary just as she is and loves her. The Risen Jesus sees all of us, too, just as we are and offers to re-create us with resurrection life. This is the fulfillment of God saving the world through his Son and not condemning the world.
mission required him to demonstrate incredible courage regardless of the reactions of others. He is Lord, the absolute authority over all things. The question is, does he have all authority over you, too?
The story of Lazarus teaches us that God seldom meets our expectations but instead fulfills our greatest hopes. His timing is not our timing nor are His ways our ways. But He is faithful always, He is worthy to be praised, and He is a safe place for us to put all our hope.
Jesus heals a blind man starting him on a journey of discovery that will last for eternity. The Pharisees show themselves to be the blind ones, as they were well-versed in their scriptures and their laws but they were far from knowing the God of creation whose heart is full of love and light. As Christ followers we must cling to Jesus rather than become like the Pharisees who valued knowing about God more than walking with God.
Three times Jesus was tempted by the devil and three times Jesus came out on top. Overcoming temptation and hardships is possible in our lives because Jesus rewires our core and makes us new. Our lives become distinctive and intriguing as we overcome common hardships and temptations in a way that gives hope to others.
ve received and a witness to the world: when we give, lives are blessed, needs are met, and thanksgiving rises to God. In a culture that clings tightly, God calls us to live open-handed, confident that He will provide for today and multiply what we offer for His Kingdom.
If you show me your friendships, it will reveal the direction of your life. The community you choose could be the difference between living in darkness or living in light. We first must enter into fellowship (koinonia) with God, and that fellowship will ensure that we live in the light of truth. It is a beautiful thing when groups of people fellowship with God and enter into fellowship with one another. Sometimes this means we have to search for a new community that can help us live into the light.
God has created each of us with a plan for our lives. We are his handiwork, and he longs for us to take part in the good work that he has for us to do. In order to come alive to this plan for our lives, we often have to die to the way we used to live. In the book of Acts, we learn of an interesting character named Saul who is persecuting the early church. He does it with zeal. He lives for it. But then, Saul encounters Jesus along the road to Damascus and he is miraculously transformed. His purpose is renewed as he no longer is hunting down Christians, but becomes a church planter and writes the vast majority of the New Testament letters.
10, we learn how sin weighs down our spirit, but Jesus invites us into cleansing, restoration, and a fresh start. Through the stories of David and Zacchaeus, discover how genuine desire for Jesus leads to real change and how repentance opens the door to renewal.
As redeemed people, new creations in Christ, we are called to share the amazing news of Christ with others. And not just called, but compelled to be ambassadors to the kingdom of light as we show others the way home.
The power of sin has separated us from God which means we needed an even stronger savior to come to our rescue. Rescue came when Jesus was born and we have redemption through His blood and sacrifice.
t just save us from afar; He stands beside us in our sin, shame, and need, just as He did with the woman caught in adultery. This Christmas we remember that the greatest gift is Jesus Himself. God with skin on, God who draws near, and God who will never leave us.
of Christians. The Spirit is a multi-functional, multi-faceted wonder that is an imperative component to living an empowered and unobstructed life in Christ. In the Spirit we have, among many other things; strength to share, strength to persevere, and strength to love.
s presence to acceptance, authority, abundance, and ultimately abounding in every good work. Discover how living in Christ transforms not only what we receive but how we overflow in spirit, generosity, and love.
Forgiveness of sin used to come through the sacrificial system as described in the Old Testament. But Jesus changed everything, and now, through His single sacrifice on the cross, forgiveness is available to all who confess and believe. There is no longer any hindrance or obstacle to forgiveness and salvation.
s the first word for those who put their hope, faith, and trust in the risen King Jesus.
reveals our trust in God and allows His Kingdom to multiply through us. Fear and comparison can keep us from using what God has given, but stepping out in obedience leads to growth, influence, and reward. Ultimately, this parable challenges us to steward our gifts faithfully today, knowing that God sees, equips, and rejoices in our faithful service.
ll see how Nehemiah prayed before he panicked, refused to come down from the wall when distractions came, and finished the work God called him to do. In the same way, we are called to trust God first, stay committed to our mission, and persevere until His purposes are complete in our lives.
t to pull away but to press in closer to Jesus. Just as He reminded His disciples that He is the way, the truth, and the life, we find hope, direction, and strength when we double-down on Him. In the moments of deepest struggle, Christ assures us of His presence, His promises, and His power to carry us through.
wholehearted worship of God and his willingness to repent when he fell short. His story reminds us that great leaders are not perfect but are defined by their pursuit of God and their humility to seek His forgiveness.
s power is not distant or inactive, but present and stirring, calling us to recognize, respond, and move in faith. We are urged to be continually filled with the Spirit, to fan into flame what God has placed within us, and to actively step into the supernatural life He offers.
s body but also forgave his sins, revealing His divine authority. This story challenges us to consider our role: are we the one who needs healing, the one helping others find Jesus, or someone withholding forgiveness that could set another free?
s call and to stand firm in the face of fear and opposition. His story reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in faith despite it.
s story reminds us that real faith moves before understanding and grows through testing. Discover how your own steps of faith today can shape the spiritual legacy of tomorrow.
Join us as our Mexico Missions Team shares the incredible stories, God-moments, and powerful experiences from their trip. From laughter and late nights, to life-changing moments and unforgettable encounters with God, this trip was more than just meaningful…This missions trip was the most emotional and powerful one we have ever experienced as a team, and you have to hear about what went on with all of us.
Being a follower Jesus means being committed to good things, right? What if I told you that our lives are filled with commitment traps, and even if they may be good things that started with Jesus, are actually just taking us further from Him. How can we better evaluate the commitments in our lives to help us become closer to Jesus?
Today we will confront one of fear’s most powerful lies: that you're alone. From Joshua standing on the edge of the Promised Land to the disciples facing the world without Jesus, we see God's steady promise to be with His people. Whether you're stepping into something new or just trying to make it through the day, this message is a reminder that you are never alone. Fear may shout loud, but God's presence speaks louder.
Luke 15 reveals the heart of a Father who relentlessly pursues, graciously restores, and joyfully receives His lost children. Our guest speaker, Peter Smith, will unpack the parable of a father's children to show how God values every individual and longs to bring them home—no matter how far they’ve wandered.
When we have fear and anxiety about tomorrow, it robs us of peace, presence, and purpose today. Jesus calls us to live in the moment with trust, reminding us of our immense value and God’s promise to provide daily what we truly need. When we let go of tomorrow’s fears and embrace today’s grace, we find freedom, strength, and deep reassurance in God’s care.
What do we do when fear and anxiety feel like constant companions? Today we explore the Apostle Paul’s powerful words to the Philippians about finding peace—even in the middle of chaos. From honest prayers to everyday struggles, we’ll discover how putting our fears in their proper place—in God’s hands—leads to a peace that surpasses all understanding. Whether it’s bills, broken-down cars, or the uncertainty of the future, this message reminds us that peace isn’t found in having control—it’s found in trusting the One who is.
What do you do when fear takes over? In this powerful message, we kick off our series Fear Is a Liar by exploring 2 Timothy 1:7 and how God equips us with power, love, and self-discipline to overcome unhealthy fear. From childhood stories to biblical truths, this sermon will help you identify the fears holding you back—and show you how to walk in freedom.
In the final message of our series, we’ll explore what it means to not only be known and loved by God but to be sent as citizens of His Kingdom. We’ve received the invitation to sit at the table of grace—now it’s our turn to extend that same invitation to others. Whether it’s through building relationships, inviting someone into your life, or simply refusing to give up on those who seem far from faith, this week is all about taking what we’ve been given... and giving it away.
This Mother’s Day message reminds us that we are created for deep connection—with Jesus, with community, and by living out our faith daily. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:4-5, this message emphasizes our relationship with Jesus is the foundation for spiritual growth and peace. We are also called to be part of a supportive, imperfect but essential community that encourages, celebrates, and walks with us through every season of life. Finally, we must live out our faith through prayer, sharing the gospel, and embodying Christ's love in our everyday actions.
Even when we were lost in lesser loves and false identities, God knew us fully and pursued us relentlessly. His knowledge of us isn’t just informational—it’s relational, personal, and redemptive. Because we are known by God, we can lay down our idols and live in the freedom of being deeply loved and truly seen.
God fully knows and fully loves us but this message often gets lost in the chaos of life. We’ve got to reconnect with the Father and reconnect with His life giving words over us.
Against all odds, Jesus conquered death, validating His identity as the Son of God and proving there is life beyond the grave. Through eyewitness accounts and the undeniable transformation of His followers, we’re reminded that the resurrection is not just a historical event but an invitation to new life and eternal hope for all who believe.
Palm Sunday explores Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and how it fulfilled ancient prophecy against all odds. Zechariah 9:9 details these events in prophecy, and the events of Holy Week culminate into the greatest comeback story ever told. What did the last week of Jesus life look like, and how doe that prepare us for Easter?
Jesus, though sinless and divine, willingly took on the status of a criminal, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy and demonstrating the depths of His love for humanity. His crucifixion alongside thieves and His comparison to Barabbas show that no one is too far gone for His grace—He descended to the lowest place to lift us up. As we prepare for Easter, we are reminded that true greatness is found in humility and service, just as Jesus humbled Himself for our salvation.
We serve a generous God who gives abundantly to us as we steward for Him. Because God owns everything and we manage things for Him, He will hold us accountable for what we do.
Against all odds, Jesus fulfilled every prophecy about the coming Messiah, proving that His life, death, and resurrection were divinely orchestrated. Isaiah 53, written 700 years before Christ, details with stunning accuracy how He would be rejected, suffer, die, and ultimately triumph for the salvation of all who believe. God did what only He could do—sending His Son as the perfect sacrifice—so that we, incapable of paying for our own sins, could receive the free gift of eternal life.
In the parable of the shrewd manager, Jesus challenges us to be wise and faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. He teaches that our use of earthly wealth reflects our spiritual priorities, urging us to serve God rather than being enslaved by money. True discipleship requires faithfulness in both small and great matters, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance must always be to God.
Luke 15’s story of the prodigal son reveals our immense worth in God’s eyes, showing that His love is not based on our failures or successes. The father in the parable willingly humiliates himself—running to his son, embracing him, and restoring him—to demonstrate the depth of his unconditional love. In the same way, God spares no cost to welcome us back, proving that His grace is greater than our mistakes.
What really matters in your life? If you made a list called Things that matter, what would be at the top? Now if you made that same list but put it in God’s perspective, what would be at the top? Today we will look at two passages and see two types of people that God specifically “looks” for, and why they matter so much to Him and His purposes.
Continuing our Journey though Luke 14, we look at the excuses people make in scripture for not coming to the “Party.” Jesus talks about how important it is to not only invite people in, but to make sure we are also finding reasons to spread the Word, not excuses to avoid it… Are we looking for reasons to Attend, Serve, Give, and Invite, or excuses to step away from them?
Every one of us was created for purpose, but we can often wonder what that purpose is? Do we just live to Eat, work, sleep, pay bills, and repeat? Or is there more? The Kingdom of God has an amazing story, and we were not called to make an excuse for not participate, we have a responsibility to be all in, because our life has a SIGNIFFICANT part to play in God’s story.
God has given us the opportunity to share His love with the world. In order to do so, we must always be ready to give witness to Jesus through word and deed. We can either give Him a good name or be the reason someone would reject Him.
Every choice we make in life has consequences. We must use wisdom that is given to us by God to choose wisely. That all begins with a fear of God. This fear is a reverence and respect for Holy God, but that fear can mature into a deep and abiding trust. Ultimately it is our trust in God that helps us make better choices.
Our relationships are a good indicator of the trajectory of our lives. The people that we spend most of our time with have an incredible influence on who we become. To become better, we may need to make better choices concerning the “whom” we spend our time “with”.
When we put the things of God first in our lives, the other things fall into proper order. However, when we prioritize earthly things, we find ourselves anxious and full of worry. God helps us have better priorities.
What happens when the people of God lose a hunger for the word of God? The story of Josiah’s reign as king of Judah teaches us that a return to the heart of God happens through the word of God. This week we will discover that the word of God will guide our lives once it hits our hearts.
Join us as we bring in the new year and the Regional Executive Director of Open Bible, Chris Hansler shares with us.
The name given to Jesus at His birth was Emmanuel which means “God with us”. Christmas reminds us that our God has come close in the form of Jesus. No matter where we find ourselves today, God is close to us and so is redemption.
Christmas time fills us with joy as we remember the salvation that comes through the birth of Jesus. The mark of a Christian should be a joy that is not dependent upon external circumstances or situations. Our joy springs eternally because we have been rescued from our sin.
When the God of the universe was born into the world, it was not in an ivory tower somewhere far from the broken world, but instead, it was right in the middle of a messy stable and a world that needed a Savior. This song reminds us that God is born to each of us, no matter who we are or where we come from.
The announcement given to the shepherds in the field was good news for all people. A Savior was born who would bring peace to a world that was in great need. The shepherds could have ignored the news as it seemed too good to be true, but they went away at once to see for themselves. This song reminds us that this good news is for us today, but will we believe it?
For a Christ follower, living a life connected to Christ is of utmost importance. It’s because of Him and through Him that we can experience abundance, fruitfulness, purpose, and joy. The truth is, as the scripture says, “apart from Him you can do nothing.”
It’s easy to love Jesus. He’s patient, kind, gentle, and lowly. He literally traded His life so that we could experience eternal life and salvation. But obedience is hard. Following the commands of Jesus to love, forgive, and extend mercy is all so difficult. Thankfully He gave us a helper, the Holy Spirit. And thankfully, through the enabling of the Spirit we can enter into the life giving and sacrificial love shared by Jesus and God.
The more you get to know Jesus, the more you understand about the Father, the Spirit, and ultimately the Kingdom of Heaven. In John 14:1-14 we learn; if you really know Jesus then you know some pretty incredible truths about salvation, God the Father, and living an empowered life. Really knowing Jesus is really knowing life.
Some of the baggage we haul around with us gives us anxiety about things out of our control. When we feel anxious, instead of bottling it up and keeping it within us, we should cast it on Jesus and trust Him to handle it.
Many people are unwilling to experience the new things God is trying to do in their lives because of the baggage that keeps them longing for the past. When we wonder, “what if” or “if only,” we rob ourselves of the fresh work of God within us that can take us places we cannot imagine.
Jesus does not just offer us the promise of eternal life one day after we die. He offers us the strength and power to sustain us in the present. In His own words, Jesus tells us that he is a vine and we are the branches. When we remain connected to Him, we receive all of the power and strength necessary to produce wonderful fruit with and through our lives.
The Bible teaches that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus. Like a door, Jesus is the way we access the grace of God and eternal life available to us. Like any entrance, however, we must receive the invitation and walk through in faith.
We live in a world that is shrouded in darkness. This darkness causes us to stumble around, making mistake after mistake. In order to be able to see things clearly, we need to have light that exposes all of the dangers and temptations around us. In Jesus’ own words we find that he is the only true source of light that can guide us into eternal life now and forever.
The world has always offered its own version of fulfillment and sustenance. But in Jesus’ own words we find that he is the only true source of nourishment and life. When we find ourselves settling for counterfeit versions of fulfillment, we will always find ourselves spiritually hungry.
Prayer is not the least we can do; prayer is the best we can do. May we be quick to respond to the brokenness of our world with targeted prayer and powerful faith. With thankfulness in our hearts that God hears the prayers of His people, we must be quick to bring our concerns to Him.
The world needs genuine followers of Christ who are ready to respond to the injustices in the world. Life comes at us fast, and often we don’t have time to think before we respond. We need to be ready to react from a place of deep faith and strong convictions. Keep an eye out for darkness in the world that is in need of light.
We have an amazing responsibility as followers of Jesus to be quick to share the hope that we have with others. When we have so internalized our love for God, we can respond to others with gentleness and respect, trusting that God will make himself known to them. We must prepare our hearts and live ready to share the hope we have in Christ.
It is easy to get “stuck” in life. We can experience things that so impact our lives that it is hard to move forward. It could be the loss of a loved one, it could be our own failures, it could be someone else’s failure and we just don’t know how to move forward in life, we are stuck. It could even be something that was spectacularly good. We are uncomfortable with the changes and transitions that come in our lives. We want what used to be but since things have changed, now we are stuck. How do we move forward. God has made certain promises and decisions that free us up to move forward in life. We are “Stuck No More”.
The most important aspect of being ready is having a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. We do not know when He will return, but one day He will. We must all take an honest assessment of our hearts and lives and ask ourselves if we have placed our faith, hope, and trust in Jesus and the saving work He did on the cross. Once we make this decision, we don’t have to be afraid of anything that might come our way.
In the midst of a 3 year drought, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to ask their gods for rain. He could see that it was a big ask, and that only a BIG GOD could deliver. He offered up a mighty prayer to the only one true God in a huge moment, showing us that God is ready and able to rain down blessing on us if we are willing to faithfully make the big ask with the right heart.
Ask anyone and we’ll all answer the same—we want to be free. But what if the thing that’s chaining us up lives inside our own minds? In this message we’ll look at Jesus’ heart to free us from worry and explore two shifts in thinking we can make as we accept His invitation to a freedom we would never find on our own.
The Golden Rule, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” (Matthew 7:12) We all know the rule, but do we really follow that rule? Sometimes we don’t think about what we say, do, or post online, when in reality we should always be making sure that our actions, words, and posts are done with this question in mind... “Would I say this if the person was standing right in front of me, and is what i am saying or doing bringing out the BEST in people?
One way or the other, there comes a moment when you need to cut the rope and take a step or a leap of faith. At the end of our lives, according to psychologist Tom Gilovich, 84% of our regrets will be the things we would have, could have, and should have done but did not do. It’s not the mistakes we made, as painful as that is. It’s the opportunities we miss. Yes, you will experience a few fails, a few falls. But cutting the rope is the way we cut the ribbon on our dreams. We aren’t called to play life safe, we are called to take risks!
How you do anything is how you’ll do everything.God has given each of us dreams in life, and called us to various ways to serve Him. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy and make excuses like “I don’t have the time, money, skills.” Actually, you have everything you need, you just have to start small and be consistent, and watch how He faithfully steps in every time!
Almost anyone can accomplish almost anything if they work at it long enough, hard enough, and smart enough. If we set our sights on accomplishing a goal, God has said that we can accomplish almost anything we set our minds to, the trick is to set good Godly habits to help us along the way.
When we set out to Win the Day, often we are faced with daily challenges, and some of those come in the forms of our fears. Fears can be big, or small, but fear has the ability to cripple us if we don’t learn to overcome it, and we do that by taking one step at a time. Something we need to realize is that You have to take the FIRST STEP of faith, and then God reveals the second step.
Life happens every day, and we have to choose. Do we accept life as tough, or do we see it through a lens of victory? If we want to see change in our lives, we have to take a step and change our story. God is always working and moving, so do we give Him the reigns and let Him steer, or focus on the bad and become subject to our situation?
Jesus and Peter gave us an amazing example to follow by looking at several interactions between them when it comes to discipling someone. There is not one single way to make a disciple but there are specific things we must do if our disciples will become disciple makers themselves. Today we will be learning what to do once you’ve found someone to disciple… its something that ALL of us can do!
God has intentionally placed us around the people in our lives to share with them about Him. John 4 shows how Jesus did this in his encounter with the woman at the well, with truth and grace. We have the ability through Jesus to be equipped and empowered to take next steps with the people they have been praying for, and show them the truth about the God who loves them more than anything!
The first habit of a disciple maker is a vibrant prayer life. Whether you are a prayer warrior already or you struggle to keep your mind focused while blessing the meal, God will meet you where you’re at. Disciple Making is a spiritual activity that the devil doesn’t like and our greatest weapons are the Word of God and prayer. Today we will learn some practical prayer habits that are the first step from moving from the thorns of busyness to the fruitful good soil that produces a harvest.
We often know the process of being close to Jesus and making that jump, but sometimes it’s the first step that’s the hardest. As followers of Jesus we long for the “walk on water” moment, but before we ever get there we have to take the first step out of the boat.
Jesus shared clearly in the parable of the soils that there is only one soil you want to be on. As Jesus followers, we want to be on the fruitful & good soil but honestly, we better identify with the thorns. We will look at how this isn’t just a “next best” option for life, but rather that the two soils are the difference between death and life for you and generations to come.
A faith in Jesus that does not result in action is worthless. The Bible seems to suggest that true faith is demonstrated by our deeds. A powerful example of faith in the scriptures is that of the Centurion in Luke 7. This man asks for Jesus to come to His house because he believes Jesus is the only hope of healing for his servant. The centurion’s faith was not something that he only held in his heart; it was something he was willing to act upon. Jesus actually comments on how amazed he is by the man’s faith.
The early church shared a deep sense of fellowship around their belief in the risen Christ. They supported each other’s faith based on their shared love for Jesus and their commitment to living out His teachings. They shared with anyone who had a need, spent time reading the scripture, and fellowshipped together. This spirit of community was what allowed their numbers to grow each day and for the Gospel to spread far and wide. Today, believers can enjoy the community that comes from faith. Being a part of God’s family helps us experience all that God has for us.
One of the greatest obstacles to growing in our faith is the inability to fully accept the forgiveness of God. Our past mistakes, shortcomings, and failures too often hold us back from all that God has for us. God invites us to live with a future focus. Rather than dwelling on the past, we are called to live with eager anticipation for what lies ahead.
Easter morning revealed an empty tomb because Jesus had risen from the grave. The two women who first made the discovery had a choice to make. Do they trust the good news or do they ignore the evidence in front of them? The resurrection of Jesus was good news that changed the lives of the disciples and by their impact, the world. We have the same choice to make as the woman did. When we choose faith, we are found “in Christ” and our lives are made new.
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the people were excited! They so desperately wanted their savior to come and rescue them, but what they weren’t expecting is where he would start. He didn’t storm the palace and kick out the romans, in fact, he went to His own temple and started with His own people there. The people wanted a regime change, and Jesu brought it, but not at all in the way they were expecting.
The only imitation we should be striving for in our life is to imitate Jesus. This means we look like Him in how He loved others. This love was unbelievable to those on the receiving end. This love was unconditional and not based on performance. This love was self-sacrificial and not selfish. The only urge we should give into is the urge to be more like Jesus.
God, because He decided to use us to accomplish His mission in this world, calls us His “ambassadors.” We are called to be God’s voice to reconcile people to Himself. This includes the willingness to speak up and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
As followers of Christ, we have been chosen by the God of the universe as His prized possession. We are chosen and set apart through Christ our Savior. This has all happened for a specific purpose which is to allow us to proclaim the goodness of God to those who still find themselves in the darkness.
The world has certain patterns to it that do not lead to a full life. Greed, anger, jealousy, materialism, and dishonesty are just a few of them. Paul instructs us in the book of Romans to no longer conform or blend in with the ways of the world, but instead we are to live as transformed people. Transformation doesn’t happen by accident; it is an intentional way of daily living.
Jesus was busy. But he was never in a hurry. He had counted the cost of his time, and knew exactly what he should do in order to fulfill his mission on earth. We can do the same by budgeting our time, and protecting it based on our priorities. However, we should always remember that our verdict is sealed regardless of our productivity. God doesn’t need us to finish our to-do lists. This freedom should allow us to work hard because we want to be a part of redeeming God’s creation.
If you’ve ever felt unequipped or unsure of yourself or your call from God, you’re certainly not alone. All throughout scripture God calls people who make excuses, feel insecure, don’t like themselves, ore don’t believe they’re the right person for the job. And guess what, he proved time and time again that His call on their lives and ours is ON purpose, FOR a purpose.
We live in a celebrity culture and often that affects the church as well and keeps God’s people from experiencing the powerful life He intended for us, because all through Scripture and down through history we see that God takes ordinary people, in ordinary places and empowers them to do extraordinary things!
We live in a “hustle” culture. If you want to get more done, the world will often tell you to “work harder,” “burn the midnight oil,” or “sleep when you’re dead.” But the biblically-based, scientifically-verified truth is that rest is a counterintuitive key to being wildly productive. In order to do more, most of us need to do less and rest more.
When Jesus came to earth, he temporarily traded in his Godly omnipresence and accepted the unipresence of being a human being. He could only be in one place at a time. He had to prioritize the many good things pulling at his attention because he was laser-focused on “finishing the work the Father gave him.” We can apply these principles of prioritizing our yeses and accepting our unipresence to our work and lives today.
As we look to the life of Christ for principles of time management, we notice that Jesus always ensured his “yes” was “yes,” from the smallest to the biggest commitments. He also fought to block out noise and create room for silence, stillness, and reflection, which we see all throughout the Gospels as he retreated to “lonely places.”
Time is something that if not managed well can easily feel like gets away from us very quickly. Have you even tried to manage your time, but feel like you just don’t have enough of it? How do we make sure that we are accomplishing our every day life tasks, as well as preparing ourselves for the work God has for us when there just doesn’t seem to be enough time? Today we will look at 5 biblical truths about our time, and how we can better manage the precious time God has given us.
At just the right time, Jesus came into the world. He came to free us from the crushing weight of the law. We could never be good enough to earn salvation, so Jesus lived a perfect life on our behalf. Why? Because of love. God wanted us to be a part of his family. Out of love, he adopted us through the work of Christ. We are now the sons and daughters of God. Jesus is our savior and we can rest in the love of the Father.
The circumstances of life have a way of robbing us of joy. Disappointment, frustration, and loss can suck the very life from us; however, Jesus’s birth reminds us that, no matter how hard life is, we don’t have to go through it alone. God has come to us full of grace and truth, and that should bring us joy. We can trust that Jesus’s presence with us will reveal the truth about our lives and at the same time offer us the grace to see things change.
The announcement of Jesus’s birth was delivered to shepherds who lived on the fringe of society, in the fields, watching their sheep by night. If a king were born to the world, you would expect these shepherds to be the last ones to know about it. Yet, the heavenly angels told them that peace was coming to the earth for those on whom God’s favor rested. What a shocking message! God’s favor was even on the shepherds. They were being offered peace; and if it could be given to them, we can rest assured it is offered to us as well. Now that is good news for a world in turmoil!
The prophet Isaiah writes one of the most classic of all Old Testament prophecies about the coming birth of Christ. The passage he writes is born of gloom and darkness. The world had felt the full weight of sin, and it had wreaked havoc on all of creation. What Isaiah offered in chapter nine was something the Jewish people needed more than anything—hope. Hope that one day someone would come to make all things right and restore what had been broken. The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of that hope and this fact offers us hope in our lives today.
Mission accomplished; we have done the task God called us to do…now what? What if God does something that we weren’t expecting? Or worse…what if He does something that we absolutely disagree with? When God acts and we aren’t happy with Him, that actually speaks a lot to our heart and how we may be off from aligning ourselves with God’s will and God’s heart. Do our hearts break for what breaks his? Do we ultimately want what He wants…for ALL to know Him? Jonah struggled with this…
Every one of us matter to God. Even when we run from or resist Him, His pursuing love keeps coming to win us back to Him. For people of the 2nd chance, the focus is not on what it IS, but what it CAN be…God’s grace changes everything, and in Jonah 3 we see Jonah’s 2nd chance, Nineveh’s 2nd chance, and ultimately OUR 2nd chance!
Sometimes in life we find ourselves in some REALLY hot water from a decision we have made. All our choices have a consequence, and we have a good loving father who lovingly disciplines us to bring us back to Him. How we react when disciplined is key! Do we receive it, grow from it, and let it shape and mold us? Or do we reject it and keep running? When we are confronted by God, do we get BETTER or BITTER?
Our actions have a lot to do with not just what happens to us, but also with what happens to others around us. Storms in life can hit us from all angles, and our minds and attitudes play out in our actions, which lead in either running to Jesus, or away from Him. If Jesus commanded you to go love someone that you despised, what would you think? How would you respond? How would you act? Would you run TO Jesus, or AWAY from Him?
What if you mess up, and feel like you are unable to do what God has asked? You need another chance, but you feel like you lost your opportunity to do it because you ran from His call? The good news is that we serve a God who not only cares about the work He asks you do you, but He cares about you! So much so, that He always gives another chance.
The commands of Jesus that we have studied up until this week are meaningless if we don’t understand the repercussions of them. Namely, Jesus wants us to follow Him and do things His way so that we can be sent into the world, now that He is back in heaven. He has left us His Holy Spirit to guide us into the broken world around us. Therefore, if we want to go All In for Jesus, we must live the commission He has left us with.
It is often said that knowing Jesus can happen in a single moment with a single prayer, while following Jesus happens over the course of a lifetime. Jesus uses His words strategically throughout His ministry, calling people of all different backgrounds and lifestyles to follow Him. Our task this week is to answer the question: what happens when we decide to follow Jesus? And if we answer that question; we will experience what it means to go All In for Jesus.
In a world full of expectations and demands, Christian’s can tend to get caught up in the logistics of expecting God show up or hearing from Him. The reality is, we have a hard enough time figuring out the best way to hear from God and can get so crippled by those logistics that we miss it altogether. How does God speak? When does He speak? Why can’t I hear Him?
Have you ever been given something of great value? How do you treat it? We’ve been entrusted with a treasure of great value – God’s grace. It has been given by God, and passed down through generations. How should this affect our daily life? And how might this treasure that you hold affect the future?
After we have learned what it truly means to deny ourselves, Jesus calls us to take up our cross. While this is a command that brings back the image of Jesus carrying His own cross, He wants us to apply this metaphorically to our lives. Taking up our cross means that the road ahead will be difficult at times. Will we walk away when it gets too tough? Or will we take up our cross as Jesus did?
Jesus often gives commands that seem backwards from anything we hear elsewhere in the world around us. As part of His famous 3-step command to living life, Jesus first says that we must be people who deny ourselves. This doesn’t mean that we mope around in life having no fun. Instead, Jesus is calling us to give up our old ways of doing things and enter into the abundant life of Christ.
All throughout history we deal with sickness, injury, and death. Through various situations we pray and either see God heal, doctors heal, or ultimate healing where people pass from this world and into the presence of Jesus. How do we process through these times when it feels like our prayers aren’t answered, or we feel like God isn’t healing the way he does in scripture? Ultimately we will see that He is sovereign and healing doesn’t always look/work the way we think…
Our life is full of appointments. Some we look forward to, others we avoid or are late to on purpose. What do we do when we are dreading an appointment? To the Dr? To the Dentist? What about when we have an appointment with God and we REALLY don’t like what is currently happening in life. Will be listen to his prescription and look for His will, or will we live in disappointment with his path, and where we currently are in it?
There is no amount of sin in our lives that can separate us from the love of God. If we are willing to confess, He is willing to forgive. We can live pure lives because God promises us forgiveness through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our part is to repent and believe, that is the message we are given throughout the New Testament to experience new life in Jesus.
Sometimes we are tempted to be discouraged because of what seems like wasted time, wasted opportunity, or wasted potential. However, God promises us that He will use all things in our lives to work out His plans. Nothing is wasted when God is involved, His goodness abounds in all things.
Life has a way of throwing all kinds of trials our way. It might be disappointment, mistakes, sickness, persecution or loss, but through it all, God promises to offer us grace that is sufficient for whatever season we’re in. We learn to rejoice in everything, because we know that His grace is enough.
It’s sweet to know that when we find life to be overwhelming, God has offered rest for us. When we find ourselves weary and burdened, sometimes it’s because we have taken on a yoke or a way of living that comes from the world rather than from God. Living to please others can be crushing, but finding God is already pleased with us offers us rest.
Giving, something that some churches never talk about or maybe talk about too much. Sometimes we can feel like we are being manipulated into giving money, or maybe we even thing tithing is only an Old Testament principle? Money talks, and something it says is “Give Me.” Scripture speaks a lot of giving, and even says that THIS is the area to test God… Giving says a lot about priority, obedience, faith, and trust!
“In God We Trust” is printed on all American currency…paper and coin. We see it, we read it, but do we actually LIVE by it? Trusting money can seem easier and more convenient, but it may not always lead us in the way that God directs in scripture. How do we differentiate trusting God vs Trusting the almighty dollar, and what is the difference between the two? Money offers us something, but God offers us something else!
Missions are important, so important that the last command Jesus gave on Earth was to go to the world and spread the message of His love. Today we will hear from the Mexico Missions team, and learn about how we all can be a part of the Great Commission.
Are you uncertain how to know God’s voice. “Is that thought from God or not? Is that the Holy Spirit or just an impression, or idea of my own? How can I know when God is speaking to me? Acts chapters 10 and 11 is full of the amazing story of how Simon Peter, the former Jewish fisherman - now a disciple/apostle of Jesus – is directed by God to take the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles - something that had never been done before - and something no orthodox Hebrew would ever consider doing, because it was unlawful. Join us we see how Peter learned to know when God was speaking to him.
The story of the Prodigal’s son is one of the most well-known stories in all of Scripture. However, it holds so much more weight when you know just how important it was that that father didn’t simply wait for the son to come home, and instead actively sought it out.
Money itself is not evil. Besides saving, giving, serving…money is also used for spending—it’s a tool. The key here is not overindulging or squandering, but to use it with discretion, and to understand that the money we have REALLY isn’t ours in the first place. We have to shift our mind from owning/spending money, to STEWARDING the money God has given us responsibility with.
Saving is not something that’s talked about much in church. Of course, financial gurus the world over would instruct you to build a sound savings plan in preparation for retirement. But where is the balance between being a wise saver or a simple hoarder? On the other end of the spectrum, we’re told that our generation, and the ones after us, won’t be able to retire because we’ve entirely neglected the principles of saving and investing. The question then becomes not how much money you should have, but how to honor God with the money you do have.
God invites you to a better way of working. A way where you earn money through purposeful work, through serving God, rather than chasing money. Both ways—the relentless chase and the purposeful service—involve work, but the pace is different, the pursuit is different, and ultimately the posture of the heart is different. Both ways result in income, but God’s way doesn’t come at the expense of all of the people and things most important in your life. Do you want your money to say, “Chase me!”? Or do you want to teach it to recite a different script?
Money talks! Money talks a lot and if we aren’t careful can become an Idol in our life. One of the biggest things money says is “Serve Me.” But the bible is clear that we can’t serve two masters, so how to we make sure that we are good stewards and God honoring with what He has blessed us with?
If we aren't careful, our walk with Jesus can look like a hot mess, and that directly ties to our faith and trust in Him. Sometimes we have to look past our doubts and fears, take the leap, and let Him catch us when we fall. Scary, yes. Worth it, absolutley!
We all are called to some sort of work. For many, this looks like a 9-5 job that ends in retirement. For others, it is the responsibility of being a stay-at-home mom. No matter what we call our job, it can often feel like a hot mess, as if nothing is going our way. This week, we dive into what the Bible says about the work we do, our perspective on it, and even how to respond in order to keep peace.
There are many ways to make sure you stay up to date on your daily routine or schedule. However, no amount of fancy technology can help with a schedule that is just too full. This week, we pull from the Bible practical steps you can take when your schedule seems like a hot mess, and how we can make sure we are keeping the main thing, the main thing.
Join us as we have special guest, Pastor Matt Venable from Restoration Point Church in Tacoma, shares with us on Godly Words and their impact on our our lives and those around us.
Our families are the most important people in our lives. We live with them. We love them. But if we are honest, sometimes our family can seem like a Hot Mess. This week, we unpack what the Bible says about family and how to respond when it seems chaotic and we are at our wits end on how to handle them.
The soldiers could not stop him. The crowds could not stop him. The nails could not stop him. Even the grave could not hold him. Jesus overcame it all and was resurrected from the dead. As followers of Christ, we identify with his death, as we give up our old lives and identify with his resurrection as we embrace his Spirit living in us.
Sometimes it’s hard to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. But, we must never grow tired of following Christ because He is the one who perfects our faith. It was this joy that caused Him to endure the cross without giving up. He knew his death would give us new life.
God so loves the entire world and does not want to condemn it, so he sends Jesus as an atoning sacrifice. God’s motivation to send Jesus was fueled by love. And Jesus’ ministry here on earth, all the way up to His death on the cross, was fueled by the same unconditional and all-powerful love.
Join us as our special guest, Pastor Chris Hansler, shares with us a key to walking with Jesus and sharing His love with those right in front of us.
Live Passionately, Love Completely, Learn Humbly, and Leave Boldly. These are the four principles that we learned about in our “one month to live” study. However, none of these matter if we don’t have God and His word as the center for our motivations. Life is short, too short to wait. We are called to live differently than others, and when we infuse God’s word into our spiritual and physical core, we can live every day with no regrets and show His love to all.
God has placed within every one of our hearts this desire to live a life that outlasts us. The problem is we get so distracted by life, we forget that our time on earth is limited. Today we look at how Jesus lived a life that left a bold legacy, but leaving nothing out and putting everything on the line!
Life is a lot like a roller coaster. There are up’s and downs. There are sharp curves where the wheels start to come off the track. There are dark tunnels that you are not sure you are going to make it through, but we insist on taking the wheel from God and try to steer our own lives. Today we unpack how to learn humbly, and let God have the ultimate control over our lives.
Jesus showed us in just 3 years of his “active” ministry what it means to love completely. The way he interacted with people showed that He was all in 100% of the time, and he was fully committed to his mission. If you had 30 days to live, what would change in your life with how you loved people? Would you hold anything back? What would you risk if you loved completely and were “All in?” Its risky, but is it worth it?
Our lives are full of activities, full of busyness, full of stress, full of anxiety, but are they fulfilling? Jesus said, “I've come that you might have life, life to the full.” He didn't say, “I've come that you might have a full schedule.” He said, “I've come that you might have a life to the full. I want you to experience true fulfillment.” because passion is often the difference between fulfillment and frustration. That train is not going to get through to get the medicine in. No other train is going to get through because that train is blocking the track. It would've been better if that train would've gone completely off the track and exploded so the track could be open for other trains to get through.
What would you do if you found out you only had 30 left to live? Would you go on a spending binge? Skydive? What would suddenly mean EVERYTHING to you, and what would suddenly mean NOTHING to you? If we look at Jesus, he KNEW when he had 30 days left to live, and we see that he did 4 things that we can put into practice today and live a life with no regrets! And the kicker, you don’t only need 30 days to do it!
With God’s help, David was able to experience victory over the giant in his path. His enemy was defeated. But what does it look like to respond well to victory? Who gets the glory for it? Through the conclusion of this story, we once again see David’s posture on display.
We know David was chosen by God, even though he was an unlikely choice. And with God’s help, he defeats Goliath in battle with only five smooth stones and a sling. There were certain things David did to make his effort successful. And, if we can understand what David did, we will be better equipped to defeat the giants in our life as well.
When David fought Goliath, no one thought he had a chance. It was a miracle in itself that the King allowed David to represent the entire army in one fight! What made David so special, so poised, so confident? Here’s a hint…it wasn’t his size, age, or physical traits. It was something that only God could see, and that’s why after the fight only God could get the glory for the victory!
When Israel and the Philistines were at war, the Philistines sent out their giant, Goliath, to fight. But before he fought, he questioned, insulted, and instilled fear amongst the people. Today we have many Goliaths and they all do the same thing. Question, demean, and cause fear. David shows us how faith in God allows us to conquer ANY challenger that stands before us today, just like he conquered Goliath.
This Christmas, lets take time to remember that God came to be WITH us! Emmanuel, God with us means that he came to comfort, bring peace, redemption, AND get us out of our comfort zone. This Christmas, lets remember all the reasons that Jesus came, and lets celebrate the birth of the King!
The last name that Isaiah says Jesus will be called is the “Prince of Peace.” And this didn’t just mean to the government, it is a peace that rules over our entire lives. But how do we reconcile with that peace amongst the turbulent world…one that is constantly changing with mandates, government, politics, and just plain and simple life? Jesus brings peace in a number of ways, and the Gospels give us great examples of how His peace can be brought into our everyday lives.
People view God in many different ways. Punitive, judgmental, angry, or even view Him like Santa Clause, and often that relates to how our earthly father raised us individually. Scripture calls God the GOOD father, and the EVERLASTING Father. God was, is, and will always be, and His love is that of a perfect father.
Isaiah says that Jesus will be called “Mighty God.” That’s a huge thing to call a newborn babe, especially in times of captivity and problems. We may not be in captivity today, but we do have some mighty big problems! Jesus showed how mighty He was in just 3 years of ministry on Earth, but His might carries through to today. How can we rely on His might to get us through our Mighty BIG problems?
The book of Isaiah gives many names to Jesus, one of those being “Wonderful Counselor.” In biblical times however, a counselor was extremely different than what we refer to as a counselor today. Jesus broke the mold of what a counselor is by consistently going above and beyond what any counselor would say or do in those times, and this reigns true for us today as He is STILL our “Wonderful Counselor.”
Have you ever wondered how God feels toward you? Join us as special guest, Pastor Kelly Armstrong from Center Church, shares with us how God''s arms are open wide no matter what mess you bring with you.
For some being generous is a struggle. However, for many Christ-followers, acts of generosity are second nature and, in some cases, have become commonplace & routine. This message unpacks the unseen & undiscussed issue of the potential of becoming distracted by generosity and losing sight of our primary role as Disciples of Christ… Making More Disciples.
Living a generous life starts with awareness, but that’s only step one. Being aware or a need doesn’t fill that need, we have to be able to take action on something. In scripture we see an amazing example of how Jesus himself walks through this process with his disciples, and we see just how we can take action and do this today!
Its easy to go through life and be so focused on our task at hand, that we can easily miss seeing the needs of those right in front of us. As we enter into the Thanksgiving season, it seems as if we can very easily miss the ability we have to be generous with others in various ways, because we haven’t trained ourselves to LOOK for opportunities to actually BE generous. Being aware of the people around you is an integral part of living a generous life.
When life comes at you, without a strong foundation you can “sink” into your problems. Wave after wave of life can come your way, and it takes a lot to float to the top and STAY on top. Paul urges us to become “Living Sacrifices” in our journey through the world, and doing so means says yes to some things and NO to others. Saying no to ourselves and yes to Jesus allows us to not drown in the world, and instead float to the top and see what He has in store.
Ever been the last kid picked for a game at recess? Sometimes we can feel like we live in a world where we aren’t wanted or aren’t chosen to be a part of fun or important things. Romans talks about how when we understand what God has done for us through Jesus, we can begin to understand that before we even knew who God was, we were already CHOSEN by Him!
The more we talk about the big sin problem and how we were rescued from it brings the question…What happens next? Once we have been forgive, do we just sit back and live life waiting to eventually meet Jesus, or is there more? How do we walk towards God and pursue the life He called us to when we are still engulfed in a world filled with sin? What does it mean when it says we are “dead to sin,” yet we still live in a flesh and sin filled world? We have an amazing resource at our disposal, sent by God to help in in our pursuit of righteousness!
Jesus wants us to know we are so much more than our mess. When we're going through struggles we need to hear, pursue, think about, and ultimately touch Jesus in order for our situation to change.
Paul says in Romans that we all have this big SIN problem, and that needed a big PERFECT solution. When God sent Jesus, it was for all people and for all time, even though we are unworthy of such a gift. Today we unpack just how perfect this gift was, and how God’s timing is everything, AND perfect!
We have a special treat today, as Pastor Ryan from Elim church joins us to bring us a special word from the book of Ecclesiastes. Pastor Ryan and Pastor Dustin both met in college in California and now have the privilege of pastoring churches just a few blocks from each other. Welcome him today as he shares and leads us this morning!
All to often we can take for granted the forgiveness that God offers and make a compromising decision. Then we may even say something like, “well, its not that big of a deal…” or maybe, “its nothing compared to ______...” Maybe we have even blamed politics, the laws of the land, or someone else for something we have done and we haven’t addressed the REAL issue behind the action. The root of so many problems is laws, people, or politics…it’s a sin problem. We all have a sin problem, and we all have an incredible sin solution!
This Sunday we have another special treat, as we get to welcome our very own Chris Hansler to share with us about how God can handle anything.
This Sunday we have a special treat, as we get to welcome our very own Tammy Swailes to share with us about her adventures as a missionary! Join us as we hear from her, and support her as she lives to spread the word of God in Ukraine.
Patience reveals a LOT of human nature. Are we self centered? Others Centered? God centered? How do we get it without going crazy when we have to practice it…do we really want it in the first place? James concludes his letter with a passage on patience, what we should do AND what we shouldn’t do with it! Now…the real question is, “Who REALLY wants it?
James chapter 4 hits heavy on the world, and the heart. God says that He wants our whole heart, and we live in a world that is constantly competing with our heart. If our hearts aren’t focused on Him, then it can cause pride, which leads to conflict, which ultimately leads to a life that is self centered and not Jesus centered. James talks about how to set the eyes of your heart on Godly things, and how to keep the main thing the main thing!
The Tongue can be an amazing thing for praise, worship, affirmation, and power…but it also can be poison, hurtful, poison, destructive… James outlines the power of the tongue and how as followers of Jesus we have an INCREDIBLE tool at our disposal, so let's learn how to use it the way God intended.
Faith without works is dead… That’s a VERY bold statement that James makes in James 2, but what does he mean? Is he saying that if you don’t do “works,” then you have no faith? Is he saying that you have to do something in order to be saved? Theologians have argued about this for years…why do we act on faith, and what does it mean if we profess to have faith but do nothing about it??? Today we will unpack what James is talking about in chapter 2 of his letter.
“Are you listening? Did you hear me?” At some point we have either said or heard this, and it is usually asked because an instruction was given…and then not followed through on. James addressed this type of behavior in scripture, and calls for people to be both “Listeners and Doers” of the Word. It’s one thing to read about scripture and hear from God, but are we ready to actually DO everything he tells us to…or what just feels comfortable to do?
The testing of our faith through trials, adversity, suffering, etc… produces in us a steadfast spirit and perseverance. And perseverance is an invaluable characteristic of those who follow Christ.
Religion often has a BAD connotation to it, but yet we often talk about being a part of a religion. What if we looked at what we do as a RELATIONSHIP instead of a religion? That changes everything! Today we kick off a study of the book of James, and we will look at what he means when he talks about having a “True Religion” in our walk with his half-brother, Jesus.
Join us this week as the team that went to Mexico shares the amazing experiences they had while building a home and meeting the needs of people while in Mexico
Join us this Father's Day as we have guest speaker Pastor Gary Hebden share with us about the Father's Love and answer the question, What's love got to do with it?
As a church, one of our values is spreading the word of Jesus to the world. But why should we care about what happens in other countries when we have so many needs that are immediately around us here in our own backyard? Jesus makes it clear that missions are important, and we have a responsibility not just locally, but globally as well. Today we explore the thought, “what if our hearts broke for what breaks God’s?”
Have you ever felt like you don’t have time or space to add anything into your life? Seriously, you look at your schedule and every day is booked, scheduled, busy. Join us as we wrap up our series on Following Jesus as we talk about making room.
When we are working on how we are following Jesus everyone walk is going to look a little different, but there are principles that we can all apply that help us grow. Something that scripture makes clear is that we were designed to move forward TOGETHER. Large groups, small groups, so much more than just a Sunday morning! Today we unpack what it looks like to defend, grow, cheer, and hurt with one another. Community is huge and we were called to grow ours with Jesus and each other!
GPS is a wonderful thing that allows us to get from point A to point B quickly and efficiently, but sometimes we don’t follow it because “we know better.” How often does this work? We look at life sometimes and think we know best, when in reality the bible lays out a strong foundation for our every day living. We have to decide the consume the word daily and follow it instead of ourselves, and see how the LIVING and ACTIVE Word of God is crucial for everyday living.
Have you even noticed that when something is far away it looks VERY different than when it is close up? Our relationship with Jesus is the same way. If we keep Him distant and only see Him from afar, then we are missing out on so much he has to offer our lives. This week we will explore the Heart of Heaven, and what happens when we decide to move closer to Jesus, and how that changes everything!
Anxiety. The almighty google says, anxiety is “intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.” Join us as Stephanie Warford shares with us about how Love Reigns Over our Future and our worries.
It is the love of God that caused Jesus to endure the cross, and it is the love of God that forgives us our past. Love reigns in our lives. Today we continue this series by taking a look at how love reigns over our present. Because of God’s great mercy, we can live lives that honor Him.
Jesus Christ demonstrated his love for humanity by sacrificially giving his life on the cross and resurrecting from the dead. Because of this incredible act of love, those who are in Christ have become new creations. All of our past mistakes, sins, and miscues have been covered by the blood of Jesus. Our past no longer has the last word and final say over our lives. We have been given a fresh start. We have been reconciled to God and we, in turn, can give hope to others by making an appeal for God’s forgiving love to them as well.
Love can cause us to do crazy things. All throughout history people have expressed their love for another in crazy ways from over the top declarations, to countries waging war on each other. But non of this compares to the love that God showed when His son conquered the cross, defeating death, and bridging the gap that sin had divided! Today we will see how the God rules, and how His love reigns!
Join us this week as Pastor Chris Hansler shares with us the importance and difference between the Sword and the Cross.
Throughout the year we participate in communion, and very often we can overlook the simplicity, yet powerful message conveyed in this act. When we take communion, we have the chance to look BACK, look WITHIN, and look AHEAD with everything Jesus is doing. This isn’t your ordinary meal here, it’s a powerful time of what the Greeks would call “Koinonia,” and something we get to proclaim until Jesus returns.
After Jesus had his triumphant entrance on Palm Sunday one of the first things He did was go to the temple, and what He found made Him very…wait for it…ANGRY! Tables were flipped over, a whip was made, and the driving out of the Thieves had begun! That’s right, Jesus got angry! Today we will look at why He did this, why was this the moment that made Him mad after everything He had gone through, and what was the message He was conveying to us about our hearts?
Palm Sunday, the triumphal entry in Jerusalem is what kicked off the last 7 days of Jesus time on Earth before is crucifixion. We may know the story… Jesus on a Donkey, palm branched, the declarations of Hosana! This may seem like a simple event, but everything about this specific entry on a donkey tells us so much about the character, person, and deity of scripture and foretold about the events that would rock the world in just one week…
So often we can hear the phrase, “We need to walk with God.” But what if we don’t know HOW to walk with God? Walking with someone means that you are headed to a similar destination, you have a similar pace, and you have to be in sync in your travels. Today we will look at what is means to “Walk with Jesus” as we prepare to unpack the last week of His life headed to his Crucifixion.
So often we can hear the phrase, “We need to walk with God.” But what if we don’t know HOW to walk with God? Walking with someone means that you are headed to a similar destination, you have a similar pace, and you have to be in sync in your travels. Today we will look at what is means to “Walk with Jesus” as we prepare to unpack the last week of His life headed to his Crucifixion.
Throughout our life we will experience our ups and downs, and unfortunately when the downs hit it can lead to poor choices. When we have a “slip up,” weather it be small or large, sometimes we end up feeling broken, worthless, or unable to be used by God. Luckily for us, we have a God who is our ultimate “Fixer Upper,” and He is in the business of restoring His children who may feel broken into amazing masterpieces!
We lose things all the time, don’t we? Phones, wallets, directions, sometimes our very minds! When we lose something, sometimes we go crazy in our pursuit of whatever it is, until we finally find it. What if we looked at people who don’t know Jesus as “lost?” How do we pursue them, and how does God pursue them? What will he or won’t He do in his relentless pursuit of His people?
How can you not see that?” You may catch yourself saying that as some point in life, in particular with your kids! We often see things around us that don’t make sense, and we can ask God, “Are you NOT seeing what I am seeing?” Let me tell you, not only does He see it, but He CARES about it! Today will talk about what it means when we say that God sees everything, and He cares about all that He sees!
Do you ever feel like when you pray, your prayers go “unheard?” Maybe you feel like God just isn’t listening to you, you are constantly trying to communicate, but maybe He just isn’t hearing what you are saying. We can all ask these questions, and this week we will unpack how God always HEARS us, but HOW are we going about the “asking” part of prayer?
Have you ever felt as if you were in a rut, and you just wish God would say SOMETHING to you? Often we can feel like that we haven’t heard from God in a long time, but what if the issues wasn’t that He wasn’t saying anything, what if we had to learn how to listen? This week we will see that God is Always speaking to us, and that looks different in so many ways! Let’s learn how we can listen better to hear what He is telling us!
As we finish our series on Beginnings, we will ask ourselves the question “How can I be a part of what God is doing in the world?” We constantly mess up and we talked about that last week when we discussed “the fall.” But does our mess up take away the promises and covenants that God started with Adam and carried throughout scripture? What happens when we break a covenant? What price is paid? How do we move forward today, and how can we partner with God for HIS best for us?
What’s your problem? We probably have all heard that at some point directed at us, or maybe have even asked that question to some one else. As we continue our series on “Beginnings” we are going to ask ourself that question, “What’s MY problem?” Genesis 3 points us toward this with some harsh truth, but also begins the story of the most amazing redemption in history!
Last week we asked “Why are we here?” Today we will ask “Who am I?” Genesis says that God created us, but who did He create you to be? If you were created in His image, that must mean that life is more than just day to day, job to job, task to task living right? We were made in the IMAGE of God, He gave us some incredible attributes and incredible responsibilities, and we have the privilege of living with HIS stamp on our lives.
In Jesus’ sermon on the mount, he says “Blessed are the poor in Spirit,” but what does that mean? The word “Poor” often has a negative impact when we hear it, and often we spend our lives trying not to be “poor,” or reaching out to help the “poor.” But what if we are missing the point. What if poor means more than we think it does, and what if we are supposed to apply some aspects of being “poor” into our own life?
The most basic question of life is this: Why are we here? It’s foundational for virtually every religion and philosophy. It’s a universal question. Today we start a new series called Beginnings, and we start with that question…why are we here? We definitely were made for a reason and with a purpose, and in Genesis 1 we see the beginning of OUR creation, purpose, and meaning!
Join us as we finish our Advent series on ReDiscovering Christmas with a special Christmas Eve service.
Join us this week as we continue our Advent series on ReDiscovering Christmas with Love.
Peace is something that is hard to come by this season. Christmas brings about chaos, shopping frenzy, family drama, and the season can turn from Joy to chaos. In the midst of our storms, Jesus offers us a peace that only he can bring, and this peace started with the proclamation to a group of shepherds that PEACE was born!
In the past couple years, our lives have been rocked with uncertainty. From covid, to politics, to mandates…so much is changing and its easy to lose hope. This Sunday we kick off the Christmas season here at Celebration Church, and we will talk about how in the midst of crazy, we get to enter the Advent season with Hope. Hope for who He is, and we can be reminded by those in scripture just how full we can be when we never lose Hope.
Join us for our first annual Thanksgathering service as people reflect and share why they are thankful this year.
Join us for our first annual Thanksgathering service as people reflect and share why they are thankful this year.
Join us this week as Pastor Kelly Armstrong from Center Church in Spokane WA shares with us about being thankful and how it can transform our perspective and lives.
A person who lives a life of gratitude has a different spirit about them. You want to be around them. They change the environment in the room. They have a freedom about them. Where does that come from? Join us as we discuss The Freeing Power of Gratitude.
Gratitude has an opposite, a nemesis, an archvillain…the GRUMBLE! When we decide to look at what we don’t have, or what we WANT instead of what God is providing, then we can quickly lose focus on what He is actively doing for us in the moment, or what He ahs already done for us in the past. This week we will look at people who complained, had a lack of gratitude, and who grumbled when God was actively working in their trials, and learn how to have a spirit of gratitude instead!
Join us this week as we have guest speaker, Pastor Jeff Farmer share with us about prayer and its importance in our lives.
Gratitude is a fundamental ingredient to a deep and meaningful life, but can often be overlooked or forgotten about. Gratitude however is more than saying thank you, it is a lifestyle that was imbedded into us from creation, and God responds to it in incredible ways!
Patience, we probably could use more of it, but do we REALLY want to ask God for more? That prayer comes with major implications that we may not be ready for! What does God say about patience, and why does he MAKE us wait at times? And what is our attitude when we wait? We will look at Acts chapters 1 and 2 to see what happened when we wait, and what happens when God shows up in our waiting!
Sometimes it feels like others are on fire for Jesus, but when we evaluate ourselves we don’t see the same passion in our lives that we see in others. What fuels their passion, what fuels ours? What robs our passions from us, and how do we keep our from burning out? Paul and Silas give us an amazing example about how to stay passionate in our mission to spread the love of Jesus, and tips to not burn out!
There is a link between Humility and Grace, but unfortunately our human pride gets in the way. All too often we make more of ourselves and less of God, which leads to Pride, the direct enemy of God. Today we will unpack some stores about pride, humility, and see how having a humble heart will lead to an outpouring of God’s grace in our lives!
As we continue our talks on Grace, we will unpack the phrase, “God loves me as I am.” What does this mean, and does that mean we stay where we are? And what does it mean if we constantly look at ourselves as lowly sinners with the view that God is always disappointed in our failures? Grace gives us freedom, affirmation, justification, and redemption! Don’t be paralyzed in life by grace, let it move you to action!
As we continue our talks on Grace, we will unpack the phrase, “God loves me as I am.” What does this mean, and does that mean we stay where we are? And what does it mean if we constantly look at ourselves as lowly sinners with the view that God is always disappointed in our failures? Grace gives us freedom, affirmation, justification, and redemption! Don’t be paralyzed in life by grace, let it move you to action!
Have you ever taken the time to think deeply about grace? Have you ever taken the time to study God’s Word about grace? This is a journey for all of us to take together. Today, we will discover that God’s grace is more than forgiveness; he sends his grace to teach us a new way to live…a difficult but necessary balance between Grace and Truth.
Growing is important, but sometimes we fall into a routine that seems so repetitive and mundane that we can lose our excitement for it. What if God doesn’t answer us the way we expect, or what if we get discouraged because our quiet time doesn’t feel the way it used to when we first started? Today we talk about what happens “After the Honeymoon Phase” and we will debunk some common myths about things that discourage us in our quiet time with Jesus.
How many of us are busy? It's easy to say that we don’t live in a slow-paced society, and more people than even wish there was more time in a day to get things done. So, the question is, how do we take time to GROW in Jesus when we simply do not have any time to spare between work, family, life, and sleep? Today we break down one day in the life of Jesus, and see how He made connecting with his Father a priority, despite the busy life he lived, and how it recharged Him to keep moving forward!
Today we continue talking about how to GROW in our walk with Jesus, but how do we stay focused? Sometimes we can be like that Dog from Disney’s “UP,” and the smallest little thing takes our focus away…SQUIRREL! Today we will get practical and talk about how to overcome Spiritual A.D.D!
Often, we can miss out on a huge part of our mission. We can gather, then spend our lives reaching other people…and miss out on taking the time needed to personally GROW ourselves and our relationship with Jesus. Join us as we start to unpack what it means to GROW.
Join us this week as we discuss the FREEDOM we have in Christ, FREEDOM from Sin, FREEDOM from death, and FREEDOM from the enemy and his schemes.
There has been a great deal of fighting, frustration and disappointment among people in our culture. Sometimes it has been among those whom we have loved, respected and hung out with. Jesus told us, “You are the light of the world.” The implications of this remarkable statement are many, and understanding them will help us to find a way forward through the darkness.
With so much dividing us, join as Pastor Dan LeLaCheur shares a power message about Unity.
This week we will be digging into how the Bible shows us that we are STRONGER together than we are apart. No one was meant to go through life alone, and things get significantly easier when you have Jesus AND His people by your side!
A healthy rhythm forms healthy habits - and habits are powerful in shaping our lives. Habits can be good or bad, so what are some good ones that are worth the time to form? Join us as we discuss and celebrate together!
Life is difficult, confusing, and frustrating. To know that you have a place to go and be lifted up or challenged to keep moving in faith every week is a gift. Join us as we start a new series called "We are Gathered Here", and we will unpack just how vital it is that we GATHER together.
Once we start walking with God, we will begin to be used by God. Jesus does not just want our focus and full attention so that we can have a happy life, but rather a FULFILLED life! God desires to use you and me to reach a world that is focused elsewhere. Here’s the good news: we don’t have to do it alone. God promises to walk this road with us to get His people back. In fact, Jesus even lays out a guide for us to follow!
We often have temptations not only to make our own plans, but we also try our hardest to make those plans happen. We are so focused on having it all figured out, that we miss God’s best in the process. The Bible is full of examples of people who trusted God with every step. If you are thinking the right thoughts and your eyes are fixed on the right person, it’s time to start walking towards the things God has for you in the future, rather than focusing on the past.
So much happens in life that shifts our focus away from Jesus, and that’s when things seem to really fall apart. We all face storms and trials that threaten to swallow us whole, but if we shift our focus and make sure it is centered on Jesus, we can see that He is right there in the storm, and he is Focused on us!
Much of what we choose to focus on is triggered by what we think about. As we begin this series, Paul talks about the importance of this concept. Our thoughts have the power either to drag us down to an emotional and spiritual valley of death or to lift us high to a mountaintop. As a foundational rule, focusing on the negatives will make it very difficult for us to see the positives. This week, let's talk about how we can FOCUS ON THE GOOD!
Gather. Grow. Go.
These three words that we talked about last week at big ones for our church. We GATHER together, we GROW in Jesus, and we GO out to the world to spread the news. This week we have the joy about hearing from the Welch family, and family who have embraced the GO and are missionaries in Liberia. Join us as they share about food, family, faith, and the mission that God has placed on their heart as they GO to the world to spread the Good News!
Easter has come and gone, and sometimes after a big celebration, we can all ask… “Now What? Where do we go from here now that we just went through the biggest day of the year when it comes to being a Christ-follower?” This Sunday we will talk about where we are going as a church. What do we want to see happen here, in Puyallup, and in our community? How do we move as a church, grow personally, and grow as a congregation as we live out what Jesus’ final command to his disciples was? Exciting times are ahead, join us Sunday to hear about the vision and mission!
EASTER is here! Today we finish our series “From the Ashes,” with our focus on the Resurrection of Jesus. Without the resurrection, everything else is a good story but doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of life. Why is there so much weight on today, and what does his resurrection that happened 2000 years ago mean for us today? Join us to hear why, and celebrate the good news…JESUS IS ALIVE!
The Hebrew people experienced the temporary forgiveness of sins by the blood of an animal sacrifice. The sacrifice of Jesus, to leave heaven and offer himself on the cross, was an atoning sacrifice that is effective throughout eternity. Through Christ, we are completely redeemed from the ashes of our former life, and this week we will unpack what this looks like for us, our friends, family, and others throughout the world!
Join us as we tackle an important word that probably brings negative thoughts or memories…Confession! Why does this world make us cringe, when in all reality it should allow us to feel the embrace of our loving Father? Sunday we will tackle the importance of confronting our sin and “hashing it out” with God.
In the busyness of life, we often neglect our connection to the source of life. Drawing near to God through contemplative prayer is the way in which we experience the nearness of God. Prayer is incredibly powerful, but often our last resort in hard times. Join us as we unpack the power of a strong quiet time and prayer life with Jesus.
Jesus demonstrated humility by coming to earth from heaven and washing the feet of His disciples, and this is an amazing example for us when it comes to learning to be humble. When we choose to exercise humility, we look most like Christ to the world around us, and this week we will unpack a little of what that looks like together!
This week we start a new series looking at different aspects of the life of Jesus, all leading into Easter Sunday. This week we look at temptation...how are we tempted, how did Jesus handle it, and what does it mean for us today! Here's a hint...it all starts with your identity!
Setting goals and moving towards a preferred future can be exciting, hard, scary, and thrilling all at the same time! As we chart our course for a new season, we need to keep our eyes on the prize and know that God is charting our course. This week we will look at a group of men in! scripture who followed wholeheartedly what God had prepared them for, and we will learn from their example what it means to go after a dream God has given you!
We started talking about new beginnings, but what does it take to step into that new adventure? Jeremiah 29:11 says that we have hope and a future, and it takes big dreams, big faith, and big steps to dive in, all while having faith in the hard times when we feel like the world is against us! Sunday we will dive into stepping into that hope and future together!
Have you even made a new years resolution, but broke it before it really got started? That’s a common story, but maybe because the resolution was about us. What if we decided to take the best possible relationship we have, and made our resolution about Him instead? Taking this relationship to a new level can lead to an incredible new year!
Celebration Center is at the threshold of a landmark season as we prepare for our new pastor. Join us as Pastor Chris shares a brief history of Celebration Center and takes us on a journey to hope. Landmark seasons remind us to celebrate the past, contemplate the present and they compel us into a future with great hope!
Hello church family. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Our guest speaker Michael Nortune, "Friend of Open Bible" will be joining us this week and sharing about More and Less.
When traveling we use markers to orient ourselves. In times of chaos and even despair; in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents us with markers to remind us who and where we are. When we feel like we don’t have a place in the world, we’re reminded that we do have a place in God’s Kingdom.
Join us with guest speaker Pastor Aaron Sutherland as he shares with us the intricacies found in the parable of the Good Samaritan according to the passage in Luke 10:25-36.
The very first characteristic we learn about God in the Bible is that He is a creator. Out of nothing, darkness and chaos, God created beauty and order and meaning. Then He created humanity in His image – to be like Him. Is it possible that God’s intention for us, made in His image, is to use our Spirit-driven imagination to bring beauty out of chaos and to turn obstacles into opportunities?
Dr. Luke introduced the book of Acts by saying he intended to record what Jesus taught AND DID. The implication is clear: Jesus did more than teach; He validated His teaching with signs and wonders. When John the Baptist’s disciples came to Jesus to inquire if He was truly the Messiah, Jesus responded by referring to the miracles that marked His ministry. Again, not what Jesus said or taught, but what He DID. If 1 Cor. 4:20 is true, that the kingdom of God is not in talk (word), but in power, then it should be normative to expect the supernatural among us. This Sunday, after talking about how to hear from God, and how to give a word from the Lord to another person, we are actually going to do it! Get ready for a lab experience as we partner with the precious and powerful Holy Spirit.
Paul came to Corinth not with words but with power! To demonstrate the Spirit’s power; not impart human wisdom. Chapter one debunks human wisdom & will. In the church today we need demonstrations of the Spirit’s power. Not words; power!! Not scholars; philosophers; human wisdom – the foolish & weak will do, empowered by the Spirit and demonstrating the Spirit’s power.
How do you hear the voice of the Lord? Is it a familiar voice? Is it a voice with which you are intimately acquainted? Or do you – like most people – struggle hearing God speak to you? And here is a question that is even more complex? Are you comfortable being the voice of the Lord to other people? Are you comfortable speaking into another person’s life when Holy Spirit quickens a word to you for them? This Sunday we will be sharing about the “The Holy Spirit & Hearing the Voice of the Lord.”
After the birth of Jesus, the most significant spiritual tsunami in the history of our planet, paralleled only by the Protestant Reformation, was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost in 33 A.D. (Acts 2:1-4). In a moment of time the Promised Gift of the Spirit, foretold by the prophets, John the Baptist, and of Jesus, was poured out on the infant church. God opened the floodgates of His power and love (Baptism in the Holy Spirit) in a river that is still sweeping the nations. That river of life, coming upon followers of Jesus, is available today to all who ask Him. Are you thirsty? Do you want to bear fruit? Come to the River!
Life mostly consists of ordinary days. But, there are days and times that are epic and unforgettable! After 40 years in the desert, Israel experienced a huge change at the top, and had to decide to navigate how to march confidently forward towards God’s promise!
Have you ever done any serious digging by hand? It can be very difficult, strenuous work. It can also very rewarding. That was the task assigned to Isaac’s servants in Genesis 26: to dig wells and find water! Sunday we will join them in digging for “freshwater in the valley.” By God’s grace we will dare to dig wells in places that are new to us…to be sensitive to Holy Spirit and obey His nudges to venture into new spaces. Are you willing to seize enemy territory, dig wells there, and find freshwater? I long to hear you shout, “We’ve found water!”
In our services, over the last several weeks we have been discussing the importance of praise. Praise is the gateway into the Presence of God, and the Presence changes everything. From the very beginning, God’s plan has been to build a People of His Presence. Join us this Sunday as we discover what happens when we become a People of Praise and of the Presence.
Who is the Holy Spirit…really? We have heard of Him, but do we talk to Him, or pray to Him? Think about it! You pray to God the Father, and to Jesus the Son, but when was the last time you had a conversation with Holy Spirit? Some have called Holy Spirit the “forgotten member of the Trinity.” Pastor Jeff will introduce you to Holy Spirit this week, calling you to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18) that you might witness “demonstrations of the Spirit’s power” (1 Cor. 2:4) in your corner of the world.
In Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (1997, Zondervan), Brooklyn Tabernacle’s pastor, Jim Cymbala, says “The work of God can only be carried on by the power of God. The church is a spiritual organism fighting spiritual battles. Only spiritual power can make it function as God ordained.” This Sunday our hearts will cry out for the Holy Spirit, who is the origin and source of true spiritual power. Come thirsty for the fresh living water of the Spirit.
Just before Jesus was betrayed, the disciples asked, “What will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?” Jesus memorably answered, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world…then the end will come.” Note Jesus did not say “…this gospel will be preached…” Rather He said, “…this gospel OF THE KINGDOM will be preached…” The apostle Paul declared, “The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” Are churches today simply preaching the gospel (good news), or are they boldly preaching and demonstrating the good news of the kingdom with power? Come Holy Spirit, come! We welcome you. Amen.
Matthew 11 is about the kingdom of God…the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear. Psalm 117 is about praising the Lord…audibly and extravagantly. Did you know Jesus said they intersect at the junction of childlikeness? As much as our logic or pride may want to dismiss it, Holy Spirit is wooing every follower of Jesus to jump into the river of childlike praise, to be clothed with His presence and power, and to begin to plunder the darkness around us.
The Psalms were the praise hymnal of the early church. They are filled with principles important for NT and kingdom living. Few are as profound as Psalm 117, the shortest chapter in the Bible, where we are admonished three times - in machine gun progression - to "Praise the Lord." Praise brings the presence of God! As Jack Hayford has often said, "The presence of God's kingdom power is directly related to the practice of God's praise." God awaits the praise of His people - and the people await the presence and power of God.
The instruction that God gives most often in the Bible is not moralistic or behavioral; it is the command “do not fear.” Even in the modern age, we can still live without anxiety by using the tools God has given to follow His instructions.
We have been dealt some difficult, unforeseen circumstances as a world, as a country, as a region, as a church and as individuals. The air has been toxic and stale – both literally and figuratively. Challenges often reveal the depth of our character. To respond in healthy ways for when those challenges come, we need the life and breath of God’s Spirit in us producing His love through us. We need a fresh wind.
Join us this week as Pastor Nathan shares more about how to deal with the storms in life.
Join us this week as Pastor Nathan shares an important message about how to deal with life while you are in a storm.
Sometimes, especially in tough times, practicing thankfulness is challenging. We all know that our attitude matters. We all know we’re supposed to be grateful. But why is it important, and how is gratitude possible in a season of unrest and great difficulty? Pastor Kurt Bubna will walk us through some helpful suggestions from the story of the ten lepers found in Luke 17.
Join us this week as we have a special guest speaker, Joe Chumley, that shares with us about “Where do we go from here?”
Join us this week as Pastor Nathan continues with part 3 of our study in the book of Philippians.
Join us this week as Pastor Nathan continues in our series on the book of Philippians and we are challenged to live the Gospel.
Join us this morning as Pastor Nathan starts a new series that walks us through the book of Philippians.
Join us this morning as Pastor Nathan shares about our time and specifically how it is a Time for Hope.
God is alive, and he loves us! He has promised to always be with us, and he is faithful to keep his promises, even in times when the world seems turned upside down. Nothing we are facing comes as a surprise to God. He is still King, and he is still good! Join us as Pastor Nathan shares how "Everything is Different" this Easter!
We are continuing “church online” this week in our series: 3 questions Jesus asked. Join us as Nathan wraps up this series with the question: "Why are you so afraid?"
We are continuing “church online” this week in our series: 3 questions Jesus asked. Join us as Nathan shares the second of these: What do you want me to do for you?
We are continuing “church online” this week as we start a new series about 3 questions Jesus asked. Join us as Marshall Meyer shares the first of these: Do you love me?
God is our good shepherd. When we don't understand, when we're scared, when the world doesn't make sense, through it all God is our good shepherd. As we face an unprecedented time we can trust in the God who loves us beyond anything we can imagine.
This week we find out how God wants to use us to bless others by being generous with the treasure he's given to us.
This week we find out how God wants to use us to bless others by being generous with the treasure he's given to us.
This week we are continuing our series "Generous" as we talk about being generous with our talents. How can we be generous with our talents? The answer is by serving.
This week we are continuing our series "Generous" as we talk about being generous with our talents. How can we be generous with our talents? The answer is by serving.
This week we are continuing our series "Generous" as we talk about being generous with our time. How can we be generous with our time? The answer is by being present.
This week we are continuing our series "Generous" as we talk about being generous with our time. How can we be generous with our time? The answer is by being present.
We are starting a new series called Generous. We are called to be generous, but not out of our own ability. Join us as we look at our source of generosity.
We are starting a new series called Generous. We are called to be generous, but not out of our own ability. Join us as we look at our source of generosity.
What does it mean to live "other" in the context of community? Join us this weekend as we conclude our series Other and look at this important issue.
What does it mean to live "other" in the context of community? Join us this weekend as we conclude our series Other and look at this important issue.
How do we deal with suffering in our call to live "other"? Join us as we look at the kind of attitude required to grow through our suffering and not merely go through it.
How do we deal with suffering in our call to live "other"? Join us as we look at the kind of attitude required to grow through our suffering and not merely go through it.
We are continuing our series "Other" by looking at how to live differently within our society. As people who are called to follow Jesus in the real world, there are practical things we can do to be other in our world.
We are continuing our series "Other" by looking at how to live differently within our society. As people who are called to follow Jesus in the real world, there are practical things we can do to be other in our world.
In a world that is increasingly polarized in every aspect of our lives together as a nation, community and even families, what can we do? Join us as we begin our four-part series called "Other" where we will hear about Jesus' way of life and what that means for us and the world around us.
In a world that is increasingly polarized in every aspect of our lives together as a nation, community and even families, what can we do? Join us as we begin our four-part series called "Other" where we will hear about Jesus' way of life and what that means for us and the world around us.
Every day it seems we are faced with complex situations in our personal lives, in our nation and in our world. We deal with health issues, relationship challenges, polarizing politics, international tensions, and a broken world system that makes us wonder, “What is the right decision? What is the right way?” Join us as we dive into those tensions and consider “The Way of Jesus.”
Every day it seems we are faced with complex situations in our personal lives, in our nation and in our world. We deal with health issues, relationship challenges, polarizing politics, international tensions, and a broken world system that makes us wonder, “What is the right decision? What is the right way?” Join us as we dive into those tensions and consider “The Way of Jesus.”
Join us as we wrap up this season with a look at God who is for us in the Christmas story.
Join us for Part 4 of The Hope Of Christmas as we hear about becoming the hope we've been given.
Join us for Part 4 of The Hope Of Christmas as we hear about becoming the hope we've been given.
Join us this week as we continue to look at what it means to live in the incredible hope we have because of Christmas!
Join us this week as we continue to look at what it means to live in the incredible hope we have because of Christmas!
Join us as we continue with our Christmas series, The Hope of Christmas, and look at how we can live in the hope we have because of Jesus' birth!
Join us as we continue with our Christmas series, The Hope of Christmas, and look at how we can live in the hope we have because of Jesus' birth!
Join us as we begin our Christmas series: The Hope of Christmas. We will be looking at Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55 and what it means for us.
Join us as we begin our Christmas series: The Hope of Christmas. We will be looking at Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55 and what it means for us.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, join us as we talk about how to cultivate thankfulness in our lives.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, join us as we talk about how to cultivate thankfulness in our lives.
Join us as we wrap up our series BE | BECOME | DO with what it means to DO the things Jesus did and how to begin living that out!
Join us as we wrap up our series BE | BECOME | DO with what it means to DO the things Jesus did and how to begin living that out!
Join us as we continue in our series Be | Become | Do and look at a couple of practical things to help us BECOME like Jesus!
Join us as we continue in our series Be | Become | Do and look at a couple of practical things to help us BECOME like Jesus!
This week we are beginning a new series called Be Become Do. Join us as we look at our value of Pursuing Jesus!
This week we are beginning a new series called Be Become Do. Join us as we look at our value of Pursuing Jesus!
Join us this weekend as we wrap up our time talking about Better Together. Come and see how we can maintain unity together.
Join us this weekend as we wrap up our time talking about Better Together. Come and see how we can maintain unity together.
This week we're in part four of our Better Together series. Join us as we look at how we can work together.
This week we're in part four of our Better Together series. Join us as we look at how we can work together.
This week we are in part 3 of our Better Together series. We are going to look at the three big virtues we are called to pursue as a body of believers: Faith, Hope, and Love.
This week we are in part 3 of our Better Together series. We are going to look at the three big virtues we are called to pursue as a body of believers: Faith, Hope, and Love.
We are continuing our series, "Better Together". This week we are going to see how love is the environment where we grow whole and healthy relationships, and what we can do to cultivate that more in our lives.
We are continuing our series, "Better Together". This week we are going to see how love is the environment where we grow whole and healthy relationships, and what we can do to cultivate that more in our lives.
Join us as we start our new series: Better Together. As we begin, we will look at how we are created as a community and for a purpose!
This week we're wrapping up our three part series called BIGGER with looking at what it means to join Jesus in his work. Jesus invites us to live out God's bigger story!
This week we are continuing our three-part series called BIGGER! Join us as we look at how Jesus invites us into God's bigger story. What does that mean for us?
This week we are beginning a three-part series called BIGGER! In the first part we are going to look at how Jesus is the center of God's bigger story and what it means for us as we move forward.
Members of God’s kingdom press close to Jesus to learn from him and practice what he says…the condition of our hearts determines if we will press close to Jesus.
Are you having some challenges dealing with the resent changes at Celebration, or life challenges in general? Join us a, Pastor Gary Wyatt gives you 7 keys to embracing change in a healthy way.
We all have more power than we can imagine, but are the pieces there to complete the power circuit? What happens when pieces are missing? Join us on Sunday as we encourage you to tap into your power source all for the glory of God.
The whole Bible is God’s story of redemption for the people He loves. God heals us in our own unique ways, but we tend to hide that we were ever broken in the first place. What if instead of hiding, we showed others God’s restoration in our lives to display His power and grace and to encourage others in their journey to know and love God more deeply?
We all have hopes, plans and dreams for the future. In the course of life some hopes crash and burn, leaving us disappointingly saying “I had hoped…but this happened instead.” The good news is, God probably knows some things that you don’t know…and He’s given you His big toe…
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.
What does God desire for us in the area of formation and transformation? How do we embrace, cooperate, and grow in our new identity in Christ and the new nature of “Christ in us”?
What does God desire for us in our personal relationship with Him? How can we develop a greater intimacy and dependency in our relationship with God? And what does it look like to walk in the fullness of relationship with: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit on a daily basis?
What is this “Fullness of Christ” that God has in mind for us? And how are we to live, grow, and mature in it? Over the next 4 weeks we will be looking at some key elements and asking God, by His spirit, to cause us to hunger and thirst for more of what He desires for us. That we might “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
Join us as Pastor Jeff Farmer speaks to us about "The One Thing: Living in the Presence of God."
What is it that you want for your life? What is it that you want for your family? Your kids? Your church? All of us have dreams and desires, yet we wrestle with disappointment and unfulfilled desires. The Bible tells us, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 Is this the secret to seeing our dreams come true?
God always has a plan. Time and again in the scriptures we see people God loves in the midst of difficult seasons, waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled. And God always comes through. Every, single time. Join us for the next several weeks as we learn to “Trust the Process” while God is working in our midst.
God always has a plan. Time and again in the scriptures we see people God loves in the midst of difficult seasons, waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled. And God always comes through. Every, single time. Join us for the next several weeks as we learn to “Trust the Process” while God is working in our midst.
God always has a plan. Time and again in the scriptures we see people God loves in the midst of difficult seasons, waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled. And God always comes through. Every, single time. Join us for the next several weeks as we learn to “Trust the Process” while God is working in our midst.
God always has a plan. Time and again in the scriptures we see people God loves in the midst of difficult seasons, waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled. And God always comes through. Every, single time. Join us for the next several weeks as we learn to “Trust the Process” while God is working in our midst.
The dictionary defines wonder as, “Filled with admiration, amazement, or awe.” When God created women he did something wonderful! This week we look into the life of Hannah, a heroic woman that modeled a life of trusting God through difficult circumstances.
As King Solomon nears the end of his life he pens an incredible letter. Full of wisdom and contemplation, Ecclesiastes contains the final conclusions of a man who has lived an amazing life, and now reflects on what God has taught him through it all. His conclusions are simple and profound. We are all created for a purpose, and God has laid out a path for each of us.
This week, we'll have a guest speaker, Pastor Dave Naron, who will be speaking out of the book of Acts.
If you think Jesus was a great leader and teacher, but find it hard to believe in his resurrection, you’re in good company. Even his disciples were skeptical. Nevertheless, those same followers were the ones who would later become the spokesmen of a new movement: the church. They would maintain faith in the midst of incredible suffering, even to the point of martyrdom. So what can we learn from this defining event—the one that became the foundation of their faith . . . and of ours?
At Passover, Jesus gathered his followers and spelled out a new relational arrangement between God and humankind: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Initiating this new covenant with God, however, would require sacrifice. What came next would confuse his followers and send them scattering.
What did Jesus pray for when he prayed for us? He prayed for us to be “One”. Unity was an incredibly important part of the life of a Jesus follower. How could he expect that people across all demographics could come together and experience the love of God together? It was going to take a lot of prayer.
The words “unlimited” and “unconditional” can make us suspicious. Whether those words describe an insurance policy, cellphone agreement, or meal plan for a college student, we tend to go straight for the fine print. We assume unlimited is really limited and unconditional has some conditions. That suspicion can extend to our relationship with God. Unconditional love? Unlimited forgiveness? There must be a catch. But what if there isn’t?
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" This was the question that was asked of Jesus just before he tells the story of the Good Samaritan. If we listen, Jesus clues us into more than this question asks.
Sometimes it can be easy to believe God loves his Law more than his people. We can even be tempted to prioritize rules instead of people. A lot of us here today have probably been hurt at some point by someone focusing more on the rules than grace. If we turn to Jesus he can offer us a life greater than keeping religious rules.
We all have a natural tendency to surround ourselves with people who are like us. Whether we’re geeks, jocks, hipsters, Democrats, or Republicans, we surround ourselves with people who we click with. However, what is the cost of isolating ourselves from those who are different?
Life happens. When things happen, good or bad, what is it that governs your response? We can’t always understand why things happen the way they do, but we can determine whether we will take our response cues from heaven or from earth. Jesus showed us what this looks like, and his followers lived it out in powerful ways. This Sunday we will take a peek into examples from the book of Acts that will illustrate the transforming power of taking our cues from heaven.
When you read the Gospels two things are abundantly clear. One, being a sinner doesn’t disqualify you from following Jesus. Two, being an unbeliever doesn’t disqualify you from following Jesus. Jesus inspired people from all walks of life to follow him. What does that mean for us?
We all dream about what could be. What’s your dream for your church? What will it take for that dream to be realized? Join us to hear Pastor David’s dream for Discover Church and your critical role in fulfilling that dream.
Jesus gave us a specific command to love one another. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” But what exactly does it look like to do this? It requires that we stop and look at the FACES around us.
Jesus gave us a specific command to love one another. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” But what exactly does it look like to do this? It requires that we stop and look at the FACES around us.
Jesus gave us a specific command to love one another. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” But what exactly does it look like to do this? It requires that we stop and look at the FACES around us.
Jesus gave us a specific command to love one another. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” But what exactly does it look like to do this? It requires that we stop and look at the FACES around us.
Jesus gave us a specific command to love one another. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” But what exactly does it look like to do this? It requires that we stop and look at the FACES around us.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Join us for our Christmas Eve service about Peace on Earth. *Included in this podcast is A song so the world may know Peace! Produced By: Nick Snyder Shot by: Zach Snyder Music by: Colors and Carousels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofPoh2RFnXc
We all have a picture in our minds of the perfect Christmas. We want our favorite traditions with our favorite people. The problem is that the circumstances of Christmas don’t always line up with our picture of a perfect Christmas. What do we do then?
Who needs Christmas? With all of the stress and busyness, is it even worth it? Seriously, who needs it? Well, as it turns out, we all do. It might, however, not be for the reasons you think.
Who needs Christmas? With all of the stress and busyness, is it even worth it? Seriously, who needs it? Well, as it turns out, we all do.
Who needs Christmas? With all of the stress and busyness, is it even worth it? Seriously, who needs it? Well, as it turns out, we all do.
What breaks your heart? What could be that should be? What keeps you up at night? These are questions that draw vision out of us. For the next several weeks we will explore the life of Nehemiah and learn how God helps us discern between “good” ideas and “God” ideas.
What breaks your heart? What could be that should be? What keeps you up at night? These are questions that draw vision out of us. For the next several weeks we will explore the life of Nehemiah and learn how God helps us discern between “good” ideas and “God” ideas.
God has given us six spiritual weapons to possess the kingdom and live an overcoming, victorious Christian life.
What breaks your heart? What could be that should be? What keeps you up at night? These are questions that draw vision out of us. For the next several weeks we will explore the life of Nehemiah and learn how God helps us discern between “good” ideas and “God” ideas.
Many of us play at least on role in a family; parent, spouse, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc… Research indicates that most people site close friends and family members as the most influential people in their lives. God has a plan to remodel, upgrade and strengthen our families, friendships and church community. God is building a house, and you’re invited.
What breaks your heart? What could be that should be? What keeps you up at night? These are questions that draw vision out of us. For the next several weeks we will explore the life of Nehemiah and learn how God helps us discern between “good” ideas and “God” ideas.
What breaks your heart? What could be that should be? What keeps you up at night? These are questions that draw vision out of us. For the next several weeks we will explore the life of Nehemiah and learn how God helps us discern between “good” ideas and “God” ideas.
There are certain voices that we recognize. For many of us, our father’s voice has a specific tone that stops us in our tracks and demands our attention. We recognize when there is concern, compassion or celebration in his voice. What about our Heavenly Father? Have we learned to identify His voice? Jesus says that ““My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” If he is talking about us then how does that work? If we aren’t hearing his voice, then whose voice are we listening to?
"There are certain voices that we recognize. For many of us, our father’s voice has a specific tone that stops us in our tracks and demands our attention. We recognize when there is concern, compassion or celebration in his voice. What about our Heavenly Father? Have we learned to identify His voice? Jesus says that ““My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” If he is talking about us then how does that work? If we aren’t hearing his voice, then whose voice are we listening to?"
There are certain voices that we recognize. For many of us, our father’s voice has a specific tone that stops us in our tracks and demands our attention. We recognize when there is concern, compassion or celebration in his voice. What about our Heavenly Father? Have we learned to identify His voice? Jesus says that ““My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” If he is talking about us then how does that work? If we aren’t hearing his voice, then whose voice are we listening to?
There are certain voices that we recognize. For many of us, our father’s voice has a specific tone that stops us in our tracks and demands our attention. We recognize when there is concern, compassion or celebration in his voice. What about our Heavenly Father? Have we learned to identify His voice? Jesus says that ““My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” If he is talking about us then how does that work? If we aren’t hearing his voice, then whose voice are we listening to?
For the last several weeks we have leaned into the Cost of following Jesus. Jesus shared time and time again that leaving things behind was part of moving towards Jesus. Join us this week as Jesus clarifies everything we leave behind is an investment. Jesus clarifies that what we gain is so much greater than anything we could ever give up. All of our hope, all of our need, all of our security is found in Him.
A couple of weeks ago, we started a new sermon series, "The Cost." This week, we we'll finish up this series with "The Cost: Going Public."
Jesus taught that if anyone wanted to follow Him, they must pick up their cross daily and follow him. In a culture where a cross was not a friendly symbol, they were painfully aware of what that implied. What does it look like to pick up our cross today? Following Jesus is an amazing journey that changes everything. Join us as we explore some of how Jesus encouraged us to follow him, and truly consider “The Cost”.
This week's message is brought to us by our friend Isaac Hebdem from The Intersection church in Spokane, WA. Listen as he shares with us a great strategy to find and remember the deep things of God.
Jesus taught that if anyone wanted to follow Him, they must pick up their cross daily and follow him. In a culture where a cross was not a friendly symbol, they were painfully aware of what that implied. What does it look like to pick up our cross today? Following Jesus is an amazing journey that changes everything. Join us as we explore some of how Jesus encouraged us to follow him, and truly consider “The Cost”.
Do you or your family enjoy camping? It can feel great to get away from everything that usually holds your focus, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and to enjoy it with people you care about. What's not so great is going camping and realizing you forgot something you needed: a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a lighter, clothing. Those are all important. God hasn't left us under-prepared for this journey we are on with Him. He has equipped us with all of the tools we'll need. This week we'll look into 2 Timothy 1 and discover more about the tool of being "partnered".
Do you or your family enjoy camping? It can feel great to get away from everything that usually holds your focus, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and to enjoy it with people you care about. What's not so great is going camping and realizing you forgot something you needed: a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a lighter, clothing. Those are all important. God hasn't left us under-prepared for this journey we are on with Him. He has equipped us with all of the tools we'll need. This week we'll look into 2 Timothy 1 and discover more about the tool of being a "finisher".
Do you or your family enjoy camping? It can feel great to get away from everything that usually holds your focus, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and to enjoy it with people you care about. What's not so great is going camping and realizing you forgot something you needed: a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a lighter, clothing. Those are all important. God hasn't left us under-prepared for this journey we are on with Him. He has equipped us with all of the tools we'll need. This week we'll look into 2 Timothy 1 and discover more about the tool of being "rooted."
Influence. Impact. Value. Significance. We all wonder what difference we are making in our arenas of influence. There is growing concern about the church’s influence (or lack thereof) in our communities and world. But God created us not only to make a difference, but to rule, and He believes we can do it! But what does that look like? How do we do it? Hint: the life of Jesus gives us some clues.
Do you or your family enjoy camping? It can feel great to get away from everything that usually holds your focus, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and to enjoy it with people you care about. What's not so great is going camping and realizing you forgot something you needed: a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a lighter, clothing. Those are all important. God hasn't left us under-prepared for this journey we are on with Him. He has equipped us with all of the tools we'll need. This week we'll look into 2 Timothy 1 and discover more about the tool of "Maturity".
Join us as Pastor Mike shares a Father's Day message about the heart of a father in many different capacities.
Do you or your family enjoy camping? It can feel great to get away from everything that usually holds your focus, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and to enjoy it with people you care about. What's not so great is going camping and realizing you forgot something you needed: a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a lighter, clothing. Those are all important. God hasn't left us under prepared for this journey we are on with Him. He has equipped us with all of the tools we'll need. This week we'll look into 2 Timothy 1 and discover more about the tool of "Holiness".
Last Sunday, we began a new sermon series, "Equipped," directly out of 2 Timothy. Join us this week as we continue in our series with "Shameless." Do you or your family enjoy camping? It can feel great to get away from everything that usually holds your focus, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and to enjoy it with people you care about. What's not so great is going camping and realizing you forgot something you needed: a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a lighter, clothing. Those are all important. God hasn't left us underprepared for this journey we are on with Him. He has equipped us with all of the tools we'll need. This week we'll look into 2 Timothy 1 and discover more about the tool of living shamelessly.
This week we're starting a new sermon series, "Equipped," directly out of 2 Timothy. Do you or your family enjoy camping? It can feel great to get away from everything that usually holds your focus, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and to enjoy it with people you care about. What's not so great is going camping and realizing you forgot something you needed: a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a lighter, clothing. Those are all important. God hasn't left us under prepared for this journey we are on with Him. He has equipped us with all of the tools we'll need. This week we'll look into 2 Timothy 1 and discover more about the tool of courage.
Superhero movies are always fun. Watching people, who look totally normal on the outside, get to do super cool things, and even do some good in the process, is just awesome. The truth, however, is that all of the superhero stories are born out of a great personal struggle. Through their triumphant stories of overcoming hardship, can we really change our own real lives?
Superhero movies are always fun. Watching people, who look totally normal on the outside, get to do super cool things, and even do some good in the process, is just awesome. The truth, however, is that all of the superhero stories are born out of a great personal struggle. Through their triumphant stories of overcoming hardship, can we really change our own real lives?
Superhero movies are always fun. Watching people, who look totally normal on the outside, get to do super cool things, and even do some good in the process, is just awesome. The truth, however, is that all of the superhero stories are born out of a great personal struggle. Through their triumphant stories of overcoming hardship, can we really change our own real lives?
Superhero movies are always fun. Watching people, who look totally normal on the outside, get to do super cool things, and even do some good in the process, is just awesome. The truth, however, is that all of the superhero stories are born out of a great personal struggle. Through their triumphant stories of overcoming hardship, can we really change our own real lives?
Pastor Mike just began a series on HEROES in the Bible, emphasizing they are "Just Like Us." Really? Who believes "I am the same as Moses, David, Ruth, or Paul?" The first hero we heard about was Moses. As Pastor Mike was talking about Moses' power encounter with God in the burning bush (Exodus 3), he pointed out that God introduced Himself as "I Am that I Am." To which Pastor Mike asked all of us, "Are you ever nervous that God is the same God?" Most of us would respond, "I haven't seen the fire yet!"
Is that your story? Are you waiting to see the fire, wondering if God is the same God?
Superhero movies are always fun. Watching people, who look totally normal on the outside, get to do super cool things, and even do some good in the process, is just awesome. The truth, however, is that all of the superhero stories are born out of a great personal struggle. Through their triumphant stories of overcoming hardship, can we really change our own real lives?
Easter is a really big deal. If the resurrection is true, then everything hangs on this. The resurrection of Jesus is what launched the church. It is what birthed all of Christianity. History points to this remarkable moment and invites us to ask the question, “What do you believe?” Was Jesus the Son of God, overcoming the grave? This Easter we invite you to, “Believe Again.”
From the fall of Man in the Garden of Eden, God’s incredible plan to bring a savior is seen throughout history. Palm Sunday was a celebration that was hoped for by generations. The Passion week begins with an amazing picture of a creative and loving God orchestrating events in perfect timing to demonstrate His love for all of us. - Hosanna ©2006 Hillsong Music Publishing
Some games are fun and life giving. Others have the potential to disrupt unity and create unwanted tension in our relationships. No one wants to be in a relationship with someone who is playing mind games with them. Assuming the worst in others or trying to manipulate them to gain the upper hand is a recipe for disaster. This morning let’s look at a strategy to end the Mind Game in our relationships.
Since Adam and Eve first attempted to divert blame, mankind has been consistently playing the “Blame Game.” When we know we are guilty, it's tempting to blame others for our choices. However, putting the blame on others is toxic to any relationship. This week, we explore the secret to quitting the “Blame Game”.
We all love games. However, playing games in our relationships is a dangerous practice. Approaching any relationship as though there must be a winner and a loser is a bad idea. One game we tend to play in our relationships is The Change Game. No one wants to feel manipulated. When we secretly try to change someone, we end up creating something toxic for everyone involved. It simply does not work. And it will eventually destroy the relationship. The good news is God’s Word points us towards a better way.
Mankind has always celebrated milestones of maturity. Birthdays, graduations, retirement parties, etc. As we journey in faith with Jesus, the Bible encourages us to be mature in Christ. (Col 1:28) What does that look like? How do we know if we are moving towards maturity? Join us as we explore what it means to be “Real Mature."
Mankind has always celebrated milestones of maturity. Birthdays, graduations, retirement parties, etc. As we journey in faith with Jesus, the bible encourages us to be mature in Christ. (Col 1:28) What does that look like? How do we know if we are moving towards maturity? Join us as we explore what it means to be “Real Mature.”
Mankind has always celebrated milestones of maturity. Birthdays, graduations, retirement parties, etc. As we journey in faith with Jesus, the bible encourages us to be mature in Christ. (Col 1:28) What does that look like? How do we know if we are moving towards maturity? Join us as we explore what it means to be “Real Mature.”
Mankind has always celebrated milestones of maturity. Birthdays, graduations, retirement parties, etc. As we journey in faith with Jesus, the Bible encourages us to be mature in Christ. (Col 1:28) What does that look like? How do we know if we are moving towards maturity? Join us as we explore what it means to be “Real Mature
The bible reveals incredible truth about God. He loves us, he designed us in his image, he wants relationship with us. All relationships require time and proximity to thrive. So what can we do in order to foster a great relationship with God? This week we will explore one of the great tools God gives us in order to develop an intimate and personal relationship with him. Fasting, when less is more.
"Happy New Years! A kind phrase… but do we mean it? Are we really expecting to be happy this year? We all long for a life of abundant joy and happiness. Why does it seem that many of our days end in anger, frustration, and tears? We try to fill our days with the things we think will make us happy, but it does not always work. What if we started 2018 making a decision to pursue the joy and freedom that only a personal relationship with God can bring?
Happy New Years! A kind phrase… but do we mean it? Are we really expecting to be happy this year? We all long for a life of abundant joy and happiness. Why does it seem that many of our days end in anger, frustration, and tears? We try to fill our days with the things we think will make us happy, but it does not always work. What if we started 2018 making a decision to pursue the joy and freedom that only a personal relationship with God can bring? The Pursuit of Happiness.
Happy New Years! A kind phrase… but do we mean it? Are we really expecting to be happy this year? We all long for a life of abundant joy and happiness. Why does it seem that many of our days end in anger, frustration, and tears? We try to fill our days with the things we think will make us happy, but it does not always work. What if we started 2018 making a decision to pursue the joy and freedom that only a personal relationship with God can bring?
Over this season, we’ve been unwrapping the gifts of Christmas as we have journeyed through the Advent season. It is our chance to listen to the stories, to remember the true meaning of Christmas, to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. As we more deeply experience the gifts of Christmas: the hope, love, peace, and joy of Jesus, we will also be challenged to give those gifts away.
Over this season, we will unwrap the gifts of Christmas as we journey through the Advent season. It is our chance to listen to the stories, to remember the true meaning of Christmas, to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. As we more deeply experience the gifts of Christmas: the hope, love, peace, and joy of Jesus, we will also be challenged to give those gifts away.
Over this season, we will unwrap the gifts of Christmas as we journey through the Advent season. It is our chance to listen to the stories, to remember the true meaning of Christmas, to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. As we more deeply experience the gifts of Christmas: the hope, love, peace, and joy of Jesus, we will also be challenged to give those gifts away.
Over this season, we will unwrap the gifts of Christmas as we journey through the Advent season. It is our chance to listen to the stories, to remember the true meaning of Christmas, to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. As we more deeply experience the gifts of Christmas: The Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy of Jesus, we will also be challenged to give those gifts away.
Over the next four weeks, we will unwrap the gifts of Christmas as we journey through the Advent season. It is our chance to listen to the stories, to remember the true meaning of Christmas, to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. As we more deeply experience the gifts of Christmas: the hope, love, peace, and joy of Jesus, we will also be challenged to give those gifts away.
Walking with God is a step by step process. In a time when no one else was committed to walking with God, Noah demonstrated that one person, willing to walk with God, can change the world. Even when we are not sure where all the steps will lead us, our best option is to keep walking with Him!
Walking with God when you don’t know the final destination takes faith. Without faith its impossible to please God, and it’s impossible to walk with God. Walking in faith, trusting God with your steps, could change your destiny.
One of the most powerful descriptions you can give of a person is “they walked with God.” The bible directs us to several individuals that demonstrate what a life that walks with God looks like. Hebrews tells us that Enoch walked with God in a way that pleased God. Perhaps we can too!
We live in a society steeped in the mindset of entitlement. Many believe we deserve or are owed certain benefits – from the government, our parents, the church, even God. This entitlement is the opposite of gratitude. A heart filled with gratitude lifts us beyond ourselves and provides a clear connection into His presence in every circumstance.
Before he delivered the Ten Commandments, God reminded Moses: “I am the LORD your God who brought you out...of slavery”. In other words, “I set you free, now here is the law!” Does that sound like a contradiction? The reality is that our soul longs to be free. Still, we find ourselves in conflict when things we desire ultimately desire to enslave us. God knows there is a path to true freedom.
We all get tired. Life is busy and stressful. Tiredness can cause negative consequences. But there is an antidote for the ill-effects of tiredness. A healthy, well-rested soul enables our total self to function at full capability and guards against the ill-effects of being tired.
Sometimes doing the right thing costs us. When others take the easy way out, it can be tempting to move away from what we know is right, in order to avoid potential pain or consequences. Our soul desires to move in alignment with God no matter what the circumstance, but those outside pressures can be hard to overcome!" Judges 16:16 “…she pestered him daily with her words and pressed him, so that his soul was vexed to death”
From soul music to soul food, we use the term soul to describe cars, people and preferences. Yet what is a soul? Do we have a soul? If we have a soul, what does it need? In Mark 8:36 Jesus says, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his soul?” Jesus implies we have a responsibility for our soul. What could that mean?
It’s amazing how often fear and anxiety are the deciding factors in our lives. When we’re overcome by fear, safety becomes our new god; a weight that mere safety cannot bear. Fear is an inevitable element of the world we live in, but it doesn’t have to rule our hearts.
We all face seasons where we wonder if anyone knows or cares about what we are going through. However we also know that God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) So how do we guard our heart against loneliness?"
The Bible is clear that our heart needs protecting. A firewall is an intentional layer of security, designed to keep out specific threats. This week, we will explore how anger presents a threat to our heart, and how managing our anger affects our heart and helps determine the direction of our lives.
How do we overcome when faced with a Civil War? We have the hard conversation. Jesus taught us how to manage tension with people we are close with. Matthew 18 show us that going to a person and working through the issue is part of the process. However, it takes two to resolve a “Civil” War. If they are not willing, then it’s time for healthy boundaries.
What do you need to forgive someone? Do you need them to feel bad, do you need to get even? Do you need to feel like they have paid back whatever they owe you? A war can get pretty “un-civil” if it cannot end until we are “even”. This week we will focus who handles the revenge part of our lives. We need to learn to invite God into the tension – and trust he has this part handled.
Every conflict I experience has one thing in common. Me! When there is conflict one of the hardest things to do, is see things from someone else’s perspective. Even when we disagree with someone, seeing things from their vantage point can help us develop some empathy. With empathy we are on the path to reconciliation. The more we learn to see things from other perspectives the closer we are to winning a civil war.
James has been teaching us that interacting with God is a huge piece of our faith journey. As he wraps up his letter he stresses that prayer factors into every major area of our life. So how do we do it? We all have to start somewhere. Pick a time. Pick a place. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Perhaps we should do the same?
We all want to know the future. We all want to have the answers before we take the test. However, only God truly knows the future. I can make plans – I just can’t “guarantee” they will happen. Only God has that kind of power. James wants us to learn this important lesson – when we attempt to control every part of our future – we actually reject Gods will and Gods plan for our lives. That kind of brash declaration is a recipe for disappointment. How does God want us to handle our plans?
This episode the Holy Spirit will be speaking to you about an extremely critical principle of life. It is a foundational pillar! In fact, if sequence or order means anything in Scripture, it may be ranked among the most important LIFE HACKS in all of God's kingdom.
"Okay Pastor, quit hanging the proverbial carrot out there and tell me what it is? What is this all important biblical principal I cannot live without?" Hmmm...I think I'll let you look it up for yourself! It is the first "spirit" in the seven Spirits of the Lord in Isaiah 11. And it is the first "gift" in the nine gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12.
But it comes with a warning label...like all medications. Beware!: There are two kinds - one from above and one from below. Join us as we unpack this marvelous truth.
Resistance. James teaches us that though we will all face temptation, we don't have to be overwhelmed by it. In fact, we can partner with God to resist. When we recognize that some of our greatest internal and external battles come from wanting the wrong things for the wrong reasons, we can learn to trust God in new ways. [Creed Audio Clip - Copyright MGM, Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema] - [God is Better Audio Clip - Copyright Francis Chan]
“…and God said...” When God created the universe – He spoke. From that moment on, it was clear that words are incredibly powerful. The bible tells us that the power of life and death are in the tongue. As people created in the image of God, we have to be incredibly aware of how we use our words. James warns us that great fires begin as a small spark. Knowing when to speak and choosing to speak life can make all the difference.
James the brother of Jesus writes to us in Chapter 2 that one of the pitfalls followers of Jesus should avoid is playing favorites. Often times we fall into a trap of treating people differently based on what we think that person can do for us. But God the Father modeled a love that was freely given to all – genuinely caring for who the person is and not just what they could do. A true Father’s love, the love God modeled for us, doesn’t give some people special treatment, but sees the incredible value in every one of us.
James, the brother of Jesus, lays out for us some very practical keys to living life as a follower of Jesus. One such key challenges us to take our faith and put momentum on it. Learning is important, but action changes things. James asserts that there is a “dead” faith and we have to guard against it! Join us as we figure out how to put our faith into action.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Trials of many kinds! Oh yea! What was James thinking when he asked us to consider this pure joy? James knew that the secret to our attitude lies in our thinking, and that the way we think about our trials, and ourselves, can change everything. Let’s see what life hack James has for our thoughts that will cause us to rejoice about our trials.
When you have a mess to address, first options aren’t usually the best options. First options often make messes messier. Sometimes what appears to be the easiest path actually leads to a larger mess! In this message, we explore an approach that can take the "er" out of your messy situations.
Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. But that’s easier said than done. What are the limits of our responsibility to others? How can we love people that are difficult to even like? How do we embrace messy people? Jesus gives us a model for moving towards the mess.
A common misperception is that the Christian life is all about avoiding messes and staying out of trouble. However following Jesus is not about avoiding the mess; it’s a journey towards becoming more like him. Jesus invited people to follow him while they were still a mess! The more time we spend with him, the more like him we become.
We have all experienced the mess! One of the great realities of our faith is that Jesus comes and meets us right in our mess. We don’t have to get it all together before we are ready for a relationship with God. In fact, your mess has the potential to bring God near you. Once we acknowledge that we are all a mess, we can recognize that we all need the grace God provides.
Whether we are religious or not, we’ve all been in, are in, or are only one decision away from a mess. Often times we can be critical of the messes we see in others, yet dismiss the mess that is in us. But behind every mess, there is a story. Your story and your mess have a powerful connection to your relationship with God.
On Easter, we don't celebrate a collection of teachings. We don't celebrate an idea. We celebrate an event . . . an event in history that changed history. Men and women who were present, met Jesus on the other side of the grave, and it changed everything for them. In a culture that threatened to punish and isolate them, they held on to what they knew was true. He is Risen… He is Risen indeed.
Often times when things don’t work out according to plan, we become frustrated with God. When we play the comparison game, and see others seemingly blessed more than us, we can become frustrated with God. Sometimes when things haven’t worked out for a long time, we even turn away from God. If we believe God is personally invested in our lives, then it is possible in the toughest times to turn towards God. That first Easter, the other men on their crosses faced a decision. As a result, one missed Easter.
Understanding and listening to your longings is essential to finding our way back to God. God knows who you really are, and I want to challenge you to believe that God wants to be found even more than you want to find him.
In the days and weeks leading up to Easter, several people find their way into the story. They are close to what is happening, but because they are focused on the wrong things, they miss what God is doing in the world. More importantly they miss who Jesus really is. Join us this week as we meet Caiaphas, and realize that with the right position but wrong vantage point, we miss Jesus.
Sometimes the winter seems long. The dormant season seems never-ending. Moses was a leader with great promise in a place with great need. But after a moment of failure and disappointment, Moses found himself in a long “winter” season where he believed his call had gone dormant. But God still believed in him. Sometimes we need a reminder that God still believes in us. But be careful, because that reminder may just launch us out of our “Winter” and into a “Spring” of new life and a new normal!
Live United - Disconnected body parts are gross. Paul tells us that the Church is one body, made of many parts. There is a beautiful symmetry when we work together and partner. The body needs all of its parts to be at maximum efficiency – and those parts have purpose and accomplish more when connected to one another. Here at Celebration Center we recognize that we do the most good, and fulfill the mission of the Church when we “Live United”.
How and why do we do this thing we do? How do we work out loving like Jesus? Join us as we explore what it looks like to live out and put into action being the church in our neighborhoods, families and homes.
There is a direct connection from our treasure to our heart. So it is very important that we treasure the right things! The things we treasure live in our heart – so we have to choose what we will let in! Here Jesus teaches us to never be mastered by things that don’t last.
Do not deny me. What an incredible statement of Jesus. Our faith on display in the earth matters. Jesus calls us to be his ambassadors here on earth. There will be folks that don’t appreciate us standing up for Jesus, and he warns us not to fear them… I wonder how often in our day to day lives we accidentally deny Jesus… lets explore.
When we judge others, we assume the high ground. Jesus challenges us, that if we are going to be honest judges, we have to begin by first evaluating our own hearts, and lives. Then from a place of wholeness, we can encourage life in others. Often we assume the high ground and stand in judgment, when, from God's vantage point we should be lifting others up!
When something is important, we tend to worry about it. Jesus teaches us that the more important something is, the more opportunity we have to trust God. Besides, what gain do we have when we worry? The more we worry, the less we really understand about God’s love and faithfulness. If we put the first things first, God can and will take care of the rest.
We all carry the weight of the world - pressure that we put on ourselves or that we feel from others. Often times we feel like our actions have somehow disqualified us from what God could otherwise do in our lives. But is that consistent with who God says that we are? Do we dare to activate our dreams again? The reality is God has called us to get moving.
New love is always exciting. When it comes to relationships with people and with the Lord, staying in love is a commitment. This week we explore the nature of loving relationships and dare you to fall back in love!
If you are a parent there is one thing for certain – someone is watching your life! Think of all the things you do the way your parents did them. Whether you have adult kids, young kids, or even no kids, you may have more influence than you know. How do you manage it? The next generation is looking at our faith as their model. I dare you to invest!
Everyone is called to do something! Generally we start with a dream and excitement. However, it is often how we move through conflict that determines if we reach the goals God called us to.
Lights, Stars, Angels, Shepherds, a miraculous birth. Something unusual in all of human history was happening. The God of all creation introduced us to His plan for rescuing the human race. For unto us a child is born… Christ the Lord. An event so world changing that some 2000 years later people from all over the world will celebrate his birth. Let it be. Christmas.
We often refer to Christmas as the “most wonderful” time of the year. It is a time to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and remember just what God has done in the earth. Yet amidst all of the celebration, we often run into complications. We run into problems that seem unsolvable, people that we cannot control, and expectations that we are unable to meet. The first Christmas was wrought with tension. An unexpected baby, a census, wise men bringing gifts and declaring a new king, angel visitations, and a ruthless King that wanted none of it. However, God was still up to something wonderful. Christmas reminds us that He remains up to something wonderful!"
Wait - to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens. Christmas is not wonderful because of what is happening right now…it is wonderful because of what happened! Christmas reminds us that God always promises his presence...however... what do we do when we feel like God has been slow to keep his promise? What does this first Christmas teach us about waiting on God?
Christmas can be a time when we know there should be peace but our own circumstances make peace a difficult personal reality. Join us this week as we explore how to get away from the "normalcy" of life to make room for peace.
Imagine being Mary, a normal young woman, engaged to be married to an upstanding carpenter. Then one day she received a message that changes her world. An angel visits her and tells her that she, a virgin, was going to give birth to the Son of God. How could this happen? Who would believe her? In a moment, her whole world is changed. And the coming of this child can also change your world.
No one aims to live an average life. When we were younger, we all aspired to live extraordinary lives. But somewhere along the way, we settle into an average job, average debt, average marriage, average family, and average dreams. If we were to really follow Jesus, we would not be average. Jesus calls us to give more than expected. He calls us to live for tomorrow. He calls us to action because only by acting can we become anything but average.
One of the things that can keep us from living beyond average is the tension between now and later. We're tempted to live for the moment, to satisfy our desires instantly. But when we pursue instant gratification, there are problems in our lives. Our finances blow up because we buy things before we can afford them. Our relationships are damaged because we don't put in the time to build solid foundations of trust and respect. Our careers suffer because we climb faster than our competence can sustain. Jesus wants anything but average for you. But to be anything but average, you have to learn to stop living for now and begin living for later.
No one wants to be average. You don't want to be an average spouse or parent. You don't want to be an average boss or employee. You may not want to be extraordinary, but you probably want to stand apart from the crowd. You probably want to avoid the pitfalls you see in the lives of some of the people around you. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke about three behaviors that have the power to make you anything but average.
In this series we have been looking at the incredible importance of great relationships. Today we focus on having great friendships. The Bible says 'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!' Great friends can pick us up when we are down, carry us when we are stuck, encourage us when we want to give up. David had a great friend in Jonathan. How did that work?
When the Lord sought a man after His own heart, he chose David. David had a relationship with God that was unique in history. Psalm 23 explores the nature of this relationship. Join us as we finish exploring how an intimate relationship with God can direct us through the difficult seasons of life.
When the Lord sought a man after His own heart, he chose David. Something about David and his relationship with God was unique in history. While David excelled at many things, perhaps the most profound of those is his relational intimacy with God. Many of us have a large volume of "social" relationships, but how do we move beyond a "social" relationship with God?
Our words are powerful! James warns us that we have the tendency to use our lips to praise God and then curse one another. That should not be the case! However, the reality is that our conversations average 6 criticisms to every one encouragement. Is reversing this ratio the key to improving our relationships at home, at work, and in our everyday lives?
Our words are powerful! James warns us that we have the tendency to use our lips to praise God and then curse one another. That should not be the case! However, the reality is that our conversations average 6 criticisms to every one encouragement. Is reversing this ratio the key to improving our relationships at home, at work, and in our everyday lives?
Proverbs 27:4-6: When someone lets you down, can you choose to believe the best, or are you forced to believe the worst? Trust is a key component in every healthy relationship. So does the Bible expect us to lead our relationships with trust? In this message, we’re reminded that we have the power to choose our reactions—and the response we choose may make all the difference in our relationships.
Can rest and vacations actually be spiritual disciplines? Communicating the importance of rest was one of the first things God did in the Bible. So why have we neglected - or worse, denied - the importance of this principle? In this message, we examine the pattern God gives us for the pace of our lives. God designed us to need rest, to have margin, and to enjoy his creation. He actually modeled this for us! Feel like your life is too hurried? There's an app for that.
James 5:13-20: At some point in time, confession became a private practice used to relieve your conscience. But that's not the way confession is presented in the Bible. What is biblical confession? How do we do it? When should we do it? In this message, we look at the biblical view of confession and why we should confess to one another, along with God, as a critical life application.
Forgiveness can be difficult. Does forgiving someone mean that the person we forgive gets away with it? Besides, sometimes it feels really good to hold a grudge. During this message, we discover how the Bible teaches us to release the grip of our grudges. Forgiveness...there's an app for that.
Application is Everything- James 1:22 'Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves, do what it says!' For more than 2000 years, people have been confused about this simple truth. James, the brother of Jesus, heard the truth his whole life, and wants us to know that hearing the truth doesn't change our lives, living it does. Followers of Jesus have to move beyond being listeners of the word and actually apply it. Application is Everything.
Does God want us to be happy? We hear this phrase all the time, but is it really true? Is our happiness God's highest priority? Join us we drop this in and see if it really does float.
How often do we hear that the biggest problem with the church is the people? Gandhi famously stated: "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Is that a true criticism? Does the Bible offer us any answers?
We hear this expression all the time. Often it is applied to people going through the most difficult of life's circumstances. However, life often seems full of things that are more than we can handle. So how do we know if this is true--will God give us more than we can bear, or not? Furthermore, if I can't handle what I experience, am I flawed or is God being too harsh? Where did we get this expression and what does the Bible actually have to say about it?
Christians say the strangest things sometimes. For instance: "All things work together for good." Does everything really work together for good? When we face tragedy and hardship, where is the good in that? Does God give us things that are seemingly terrible for good? Does the Bible really want us to believe that? Just because it sounds nice, does that mean it is true? Do the Scriptures declare it or have we just heard it so many times we think it must be in the Bible somewhere?
What do you do when God asks you to do something crazy - when the odds are stacked against you, and you don't feel like you have the resume or the resources to do what needs to be done? Gideon faced this situation and he discovered that victory was not determined by the size of his army, the strength of his ability, or even the certainty of his faith - it was found when his weakness was turned to dependence on God. Then this hero discovered that with God, he was enough!
Devotion: In the midst of tragedy, Ruth had every excuse to throw in the towel. She could have changed the course of her life, returned home, and just given up. But she was devoted. She had made a decision to live differently, and even insurmountable odds were not going to dissuade her. Her love and self-sacrificing nature won her what she had no right to. All great qualities of a hero.
Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing! It's fascinating to think about how long Noah worked on the ark. Bible scholars estimate around 98 years! Nearly a century of people telling him he is crazy for obeying God. Working day after day to build something that no one else thought was necessary. Not seeing the fruit of his labors. We often want to quit on God if things don't go our way immediately. Noah wants us to see that we can obey God when everyone else thinks it's crazy! That's heroic!
Heroes come from all different walks of life. Rahab is a testimony that God can take any person, from any place, with any history, and do something truly heroic with them. Rahab's story reminds us of the redemptive power of God. When we have an excuse why God can't use us, He sees an opportunity to show us how heroic we can truly be.
How do you define a hero? The dictionary defines hero as: "a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities." However, it also defines hero as a sandwich! Joseph experienced incredible high moments, and incredible low moments. Yet, through it all, he never lost sight of who God called him to be. This perspective helped him to be the right man, at the right place, to accomplish everything God called him to do. Sounds heroic.
Have you ever felt like you were in a place you didn't want to be? Have you ever been in a situation that didn't feel very God-ordained. God has you here on purpose, and every believer can be a planter of the Good News.
As Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians he addresses how we relate to one another and where our greatest source of conflict as believers in Jesus will come from. He recognizes that we are in a spiritual battle and encourages us to be prepared. His love for the church and role as a spiritual father to so many is evident. This Father's Day, let's thank God for Dads that are truly fearless.
From prison, Paul writes and stresses the importance of following Christ as our model. In Ephesians 5, we see how following Jesus affects all of our relationships. This is especially true of our most intimate relationships, such as marriage. With powerful words like reverence and submission, Paul shows us how amazing a marriage is when it reflects Christ's love, and how that love on display can impact the lives of everyone around us.
Authentic (aw-then-tik) adjective- not false or copied; genuine; real.
The US Department of Treasury trains its agents to detect counterfeit bills by making sure they are incredibly familiar with genuine currency. As a result, bills that are not authentic are easily detected. Paul writes in Ephesians 4 that we were "created to be like God." Often times we find ourselves living in the tension of who we used to be, and who God calls us to be moving forward. Join us as we talk about what it means to be "Authentic".
What is confidence? The dictionary defines it as: “ full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing” Can we have confidence in God? Full trust? Belief in the power? Is God reliable? Paul writes from a jail cell – facing a death penalty, that confidence in God is not only possible, but essential in the life of every believer.
God's incredible love for mankind was on display in the work of Jesus. Paul wants us to understand that Christ's mission was to come for us. Although we don't always realize it, God assigns incredible value and worth to us. Paul wants the future church to know that this was a rescue mission, and just how valuable we are.
Encourage. A letter to the Ephesians. en-cour-age : verb: to give support, confidence, or hope to (someone).
"Can you identify times in your life when some encouragement really made the difference? People that spoke words of support, confidence, and hope to you? The Apostle Paul, from one of the bleakest circumstances imaginable, pens a letter to his friends and supporters - not looking to receive encouragement, but offering it to them. Is it really possible to not only to only be encouraged when in tough circumstances, but, also, to be a catalyst of encouragement in others? Can you imagine the difference it could make in our lives and the lives of those we interact with if we did? Today we will explore the incredible hope that gets deposited when we experience encouragement."
A Wife of Noble Character - For words written more than 2400 years ago, they hold a lot of wisdom for us today. Praise is given to someone who lives in tremendous partnership with their spouse. God validates the strengths, talents, and diligence of someone committed to what is deemed a noble life. Our challenge is to be that incredible partner, and to pass that legacy on to those that follow us.
Proverbs is filled with practical insights and everyday wisdom for waling with the Lord...and living well. Pastor Jeff shares nine kingdom principles from Proverbs that have impacted him personally: 3 Warnings to Welcome, 3 Strategies for Success, and 3 Promises to Possess.
Proverbs 3, perhaps the most famous of Solomon’s writings. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… He will direct your paths.” However, Solomon’s path seemed to veer off course. We know it is wise to heed the Proverbs – but how do we actually live this out? What does trusting God with all of our heart look like? Today we will look at key points in the life of Solomon that help us discover how trusting the Lord is a life time process – not a means to an end.
One of the amazing realities of the Gospel is that we have received forgiveness beyond what we could ever imagine. How should recipients of such an amazing grace treat those who have wronged us? We know love keeps no record of wrongs...but can we actually do that? And what would happen if we did?"
Jesus taught that everyone we come into contact with has the potential to become a neighbor. This parable challenges us to see people the way Jesus does. Ultimately we all have to answer, "Who is my neighbor and what is my story?"
We all have to determine what kind of soil we are, and we also have to be aware of the soil in those around us.
As we continue to explore seemingly controversial statements that Jesus made, today we look at a question that has be controversial for 2000+ years. Who do you say that He is? Some wonder if he ever existed, and some ask if he was just a good teacher. Many have had doubts and questions about his life and claims. Jesus doesn't abandon those of us with questions, but the events of that first Easter morning removed all doubt. Who do you say that He is?
Jesus wants us to move away from things that cause us to move away from Him. Can we really take his directions seriously and still remain whole?
Sometimes the financial miracle in the waiting is us beginning to take God at his word.
Sometimes we let the fact that God hasn't spoken to us paralyze into inaction when we need to just do something.
Pastor Mike shares his first sermon as our lead pastor, where he casts vision about the incredible potential that is inside each one of us as we partner with one another and with the Holy Spirit in building the Kingdom.