Summit Life with J.D. Greear: Recent Episodes
J.D. Greear Ministries
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the source of our life, a deep well of grace that transforms us and propels us into the world. Join Pastor J.D. Greear each weekday to learn how the gospel can bring new life in you and through you.
In this Easter message, Pastor J.D. explains that whether or not the resurrection is true, we should all want it to be true. In 1 Corinthians 15, we see that this incredible news is, in fact, true. Jesus has entered into our greatest fear—death—and has defeated and overturned it forever. And because he lives, everything has changed.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor J.D. takes a look at how Paul responds to some of the Corinthians who are saying there’s no resurrection of the dead. In his answer, Paul shows them that belief in our bodily resurrection is as core a Christian concept as you can get. It’s not a secondary or peripheral belief; it’s at the core of Christian hope.
In this message from 1 Corinthians, Pastor J.D. walks through what some might call “the rowdy chapter” of Paul’s letter, the one about spiritual gifts of tongues and prophecy. As a church, we should be open to and desirous of these spectacular gifts, being careful to avoid fleshly limitation and pursuing them in the way the Bible instructs us to.
In this message from 1 Corinthians, Pastor J.D. talks about a topic as popular as it is misunderstood—love. Our society seems smitten with notions of love, but at the same time, we don’t seem to live in a fairy-tale land of love and grace. What does real love look like? And once we understand it, how can we, tangibly, become more loving? A dive into 1 Corinthians 13 shows us the most profound, powerful, and counter-cultural description of love ever written.
In this message from 1 Corinthians, Pastor J.D. takes a look at the topic of spiritual gifts. According to the Apostle Paul, God didn’t establish his church as a collection of individuals, but as an interconnected body. I need you; you need me. Where do we see that interconnectedness most? In our spiritual gifts. None of us—and none of our brothers or sisters—can truly flourish until we know and exercise our gifts. In God’s community, everybody has a special role to play. Every. Body. Including you.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 11, Pastor J.D. picks up the most fundamental element of Christian worship—the bread and the cup of communion. When we share this meal together, we aren’t merely remembering Jesus’ last meal. We are entering into his presence. Come to this table. There is no place for religious pride here. No place for classism. No place for racial division. But there is a place for you.
In this message from our “Cutting Through the Noise” series, Pastor J.D. walks through one of the most confusing and misinterpreted passages in the entire New Testament. Along the way, we’ll learn just how relevant first-century head coverings are for the hot button questions about gender (and gender identity) in the twenty-first. And we’ll see that in Christ’s service, every brother and sister finds unimaginable grace, inestimable value, and eternal purpose.
In this message from our “Cutting Through the Noise” series, Pastor J.D. echoes the warnings of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10, showing us the dangers of (and the deliverance from) idolatry. Much of what we seek in life—success, romance, family—is good. But when we make these good things into essential things, we find ourselves eaten up with anxiety, strife, suffering, and sin. Only one identity is strong enough to be our foundation—servant of God.
In this message from our “Cutting Through the Noise” series, Pastor J.D. picks up the analogy Paul uses in chapter 9—of an athlete in training—and asks us, “How can we run like disciplined athletes in pursuit of the race God has set before us?” Athletes are ruthless, eliminating everything that stands in the way of winning. And we should be the same. Whether we’re looking at our personal preferences, our worship services, our political decisions, even our ethnic identity … we lay it all on the line for the sake of the gospel—that we might save some.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 7, Pastor J.D. addresses an issue that is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago—divorce. Broken marriages affect so many of us in the church, and we often fail to apply gospel hope to this painful experience. But the Apostle Paul offers real-world wisdom and gospel hope to those who are divorced, those who have considered divorce, those who have been hurt by divorce. Essentially, to all of us.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 7, Pastor J.D. walks us through Paul’s teaching on sex, singleness, and spiritual gifts. When it comes to marriage and singleness, it’s easy for us to get disoriented. Outside the church, marriage seems less and less important. But inside the church, it can sometimes be elevated to the status of idol! So how do we understand God’s design for both marriage and singleness? Simple: We follow the example of the Apostle Paul.
As we continue through the book of 1 Corinthians in our series, “Cutting Through the Noise,” Pastor J.D. explores a topic that is as contentious to us today as it was to the people in Corinth—sex. Our society has a lot of competing ideas about what sex is for and what makes sex good. God has ideas, too. And since sex was his idea, it’s well worth listening to the wisdom he has to share.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 5, Pastor J.D. teaches about the messy but necessary process of church discipline. We may find it harsh to hear what the Apostle Paul says about those who persist in sin. But if we truly care about our people, if we truly care about the vulnerable, if we truly care about our neighbors, if we truly care about Jesus’ reputation … we will be faithful to confront our brothers and sisters in love.
Whether you’re a pastor or a plumber, a stay-at-home mom or a shift leader, at some point in your life you will lead others. The question isn’t if you’re a leader, but rather how you’ll lead. Join Pastor J.D. as he unpacks what biblical leadership looks like as we continue our series in 1 Corinthians, Cutting Through the Noise.
In this message, Pastor J.D. kicks off our series in the book of 1 Corinthians, showing how the gospel cuts through the noise and chaos of our lives. First up—the issue of divisions in the church. We may assume that church factions are a new phenomenon. But one glance at the church in Corinth reveals that dysfunction, division, and doctrinal chaos are as old as the church itself. And yet, in the midst of all this conflict, all this division, all this noise, the gospel provides a voice of clarity and a place of calm.
The final chapters of the book of Revelation present the end of the world as we know it—but there’s also a glorious beginning. In this message from Revelation 21–22, Pastor J.D. walks us through the vision of a new heaven and a new earth described by the Apostle John. The fact that God will once again dwell with his people should cause all of us to rejoice. But the fact that those who reject God will not experience this reunion with him should motivate us to share the gospel with urgency, inviting people to put their faith in the God who delights in making all things new.
What do you most look forward to? Maybe it’s a vacation that you’ve been anticipating for a long time, or a new job that you can’t wait to start. Maybe it’s catching up with an old friend that you haven’t seen in years. For those who follow Jesus, what we look forward to with great anticipation is what Revelation calls “the marriage supper of the Lamb.” In this message from Revelation 19–20, Pastor J.D. unpacks the implications of this great wedding feast as well as the 1,000-year earthly reign of Christ, encouraging us to live with the realization that life is short and eternity is forever.
We’re all familiar with the experience of being tourists, but exiles? No way. And yet, we are told in multiple places in the Bible to think of ourselves as exiles here on earth, because this is not our true home. In this message from Revelation 14–18, Pastor J.D. shows us the value of living as exiles in a place that frequently seems alluring but will ultimately pass away. What we are meant to do is fix our eyes on the heavenly city, the one with true, lasting foundations. That, after all, is our eternal home.
If you’ve ever watched a movie with a big reveal the SECOND time, it’s a much different experience. The suspense is gone, and you can be calm, cool, and collected. Why? Because you knew the end before the story even got there. The coming of the Antichrist is a lot like that, as God tells us ahead of time what to expect from the end of history. And because we know the end, we can live today with patience, peace…and even joy.
Judgments. Fire and hail. A beast from a bottomless pit. Taken on their own, quite frankly, these things seem like the stuff of nightmares. In the midst of such frightening images, we might ask, where is hope to be found? In this message from Revelation 8–11, Pastor J.D. encourages us to find hope by keeping our gaze on this glorious picture: Jesus reigns victorious, his mission will ultimately be accomplished, and his Word will triumph.
If you’re like most people, once you make it to Revelation 6, you decide your devotional time would probably be better spent elsewhere. After all, what are those seven seals about, anyway? And the “great tribulation”? Forget it. But as we’ll see in this message from Pastor J.D., Revelation 6–7 is essential to understanding the very culmination of biblical history, when people from all tribes, nations, and tongues will worship God together. It’s a beautiful vision, and it’s one that gives us confidence that the sacrifices we make for Jesus are well worth it.
We were created to worship. Even those who claim no interest in religion will inevitably worship something, whether it’s fame, wealth, family, or another thing entirely. In this message from Revelation 4–5, Pastor J.D. gives us a glimpse of heavenly worship that is motivated by the sovereignty of God and the salvation found in Jesus. This Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb, is the one our hearts yearn for and the only one who can give us life to the full.
“Lukewarm” isn’t really a desirable trait in, well, just about anything. After all, is there anyone who actually looks forward to a lukewarm cup of coffee in the morning? But when Jesus uses this word, what he has in mind is something far worse. In this message from Revelation 3, Pastor J.D. takes us through John’s last three letters to the churches. Though Jesus doesn’t have anything negative to say to the church at Philadelphia, he has plenty to say to the congregation of Laodicea, and it begins with his visceral reaction to their halfhearted Christianity. We, of course, have to be careful not to fall into the same trap: claiming the name of Jesus with our lips but living lives that are in no way distinct from the world.
We may think that making a small compromise here and there doesn’t matter. But the truth is that there is inherent danger in compromising our beliefs or morals, danger that can sometimes lead to disaster. In this message from Revelation 2, Pastor J.D. takes us through John’s letters to the churches at Ephesus and Smyrna, showing us where Jesus both commends and challenges these congregations. Jesus’ warning should serve as a sobering reminder to us today: It’s possible to be faithful to the doctrines and practices of Jesus while having hearts that are cold and far from him.
Ask your friends which book of the Bible they most enjoy reading for personal quiet time, and it’s highly unlikely that anyone will choose Revelation. But the book that we often avoid is the same one that we desperately need to help us live the Christian life in tumultuous times. In this message from Revelation 1, Pastor J.D. highlights how in the midst of tribulation, this book presents us with a compelling vision of Jesus: the one who is sovereign, just, and worthy of our worship.
You’ve probably heard about the spiritual armor Paul describes in Ephesians. But have you ever really thought you needed it? In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through each piece of spiritual armor so that you know how to arm yourself for the spiritual attack happening right now, but also so you understand that you need every part of your body covered—because where the gospel has built you up, Satan cannot attack you.
If your spiritual progress were based on how well you lived out the Bible’s instructions at home, how would you be doing? In this message, as part of the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. walks us through Ephesians 5, a passage that stirs up a lot of confusion about submission, and helps us see that God uses the relationships in marriage, family, and work as laboratories to help us grow in spiritual maturity.
You may think you’re being a good Christian because you’re trying to imitate God. But are you doing it because you adore him? In this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. shows us why, when we experience the beauty of the gospel, we are compelled to walk in love, light, and wisdom—not in order to become a child of God but because as his beloved children, we can’t help but want to be like him.
As the church, we cannot insist that people bow to our preferences when it comes to worshipping a Savior who gave up all his rights to rescue us. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows us as part of the “Love Incorruptible” series that when we are defined by who we are in Christ and not our cultural differences, we are able to lay down our preferences for the sake of others’ salvation.
Believing in the gospel is kind of inconvenient, isn’t it? When we don’t understand how necessary it is in our lives, the demands it makes on us, like giving generously and reaching out to people who are different, can seem pretty bothersome. In this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. helps us see that, until we fully understand the problem of sin, we can never fully cherish the gift of grace.
Have you ever felt like something is missing in your spiritual life? What’s often missing is the difference in knowing something in our head and having it come alive in our heart. In this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. takes us through a passage in Ephesians and shows us why it’s not enough just to know facts. God has to grant us spiritual sight if we want to know him more and see his true glory.
There are a lot of things in the Bible that are hard to understand. In this introduction to the “Love Incorruptible” series from Ephesians, Pastor J.D. explains predestination and helps us see that while some things are not meant to be understood, we can know this: we were chosen for the glory of God. When we embrace that truth, it gives us the power to persist in trials as God works out his good plan in us.
Self-improvement is an American obsession, and the self-help industry churns out an endless supply of books, seminars and training programs, raking in about $10 billion each year! But Pastor J.D. teaches about the real path to confidence and significance, as we continue our series, titled Not God Enough.
Sometimes when we’re afraid or in a bind, we try to bargain with God. We’ve all been there — trying to get Jesus to agree to our demands. Pastor J.D. helps us get our theology right about prayer as he continues our series titled, Not God Enough.
Remember how frustrating it was when you were in school and the teacher was describing a big concept, but you couldn’t make heads or tails of it? Nobody likes when they can’t understand something. But as he kicks off our series called Not God Enough, Pastor J.D. shows us there are some things about God that we, as humans, aren’t capable of wrapping our minds around. And that’s a good thing!
At Easter, we consider the cross and the resurrection, of course—but this consideration ultimately demands a response from us. It demands that a choice be made. In this Easter message, Pastor J.D. explains how Luke 23 is the dividing line of history, and the most important decision we will ever make is whether we are on the side of Jesus or not. For those who choose to put their faith in Jesus, we can say with confidence and joy, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”
Pastor J.D. walks us down the path to Jesus’ tomb. We’ve all walked that lonely path in one form or another over the past 23 months, wondering where life is headed. The bad news? It’s headed to the grave. The good news? It doesn’t have to stay there. Because of the resurrection, the path to true life doesn’t end at the grave. It begins there.
There is no transcript for today’s episode!
When it comes to end-time prophecy, there are some Christians who look at their view as absolutely essential doctrine and spend tons of time trying to map out the last days with charts and graphs. Others see that as a waste of time and prefer to focus on the here and now. So which approach is correct? Pastor J.D. answers that question today as he continues our series, “The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.”
When many of us picture Satan, we think of a cartoon character with little red horns and a pitchfork. But is he really just a figment of Hollywood’s imagination, or is Satan alive and active in our world today? Pastor J.D. dives into Scripture to answer that question as he continues our series, “The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.”
A lot of people use Matthew 7:1 to argue that we should never tell anyone that they’re sinning. In fact, if you’ve ever gotten into a debate about morality or challenged a friend about a sin they were dealing with, there’s a good chance they brought up this verse. But is that what Jesus really meant when he told us not to judge others?
For the most part, everyone likes the Jesus of Christmas, who brings peace on earth and goodwill to men. And they usually like the Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount, who urges us to love one another and turn the other cheek. But uncontroversial people don’t get crucified. On this edition of Summit Life, we’re unpacking more of the Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
Have you ever felt abandoned? Maybe a spouse left you, a friend betrayed you, or a parent wasn’t there when you needed them most. Pastor J.D. reminds us of the incredible truth that Jesus knows exactly how that feels. It’s part of our series called The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
There is no transcript for today’s sermon.
As Pastor J.D. begins a series called The Difficult Sayings of Jesus, we’re putting aside our assumptions and taking a fresh look at who Jesus really is. A lot of us picture Jesus in a flowing white robe with a purple sash, carrying around a lamb on his shoulder, and smiling sadly. But as we’ll discover, the true Jesus is so much more exciting!
One of the most painful things to hear from a loved one is the phrase, “I don’t trust you.” It’s especially painful when you didn’t do anything to break their trust! Yet many of us treat God that way. Pastor J.D. explains that when we doubt our own salvation, we’re really doubting God! And not only does it cause us to be anxious, it actually damages our relationship with him. So on this program, we’re learning how we can know with certainty whether or not we’re truly saved.
Please note that for today’s podcast there is no transcript. Most people get uncomfortable when the pastor starts talking about money. Some of us come from churches where wealth is looked down on as a sign of worldliness or greed. Perhaps we feel a measure of guilt for having a nice house and a robust savings account. Others may have been burned by prosperity teachers who used false promises to manipulate the congregation into giving. So what does the Bible really say about wealth and generosity?
Many believers think ministry is a job for pastors and missionaries, not the work of “ordinary Christians.” But the truth is that there’s no such thing as an “ordinary Christian”! As you’re transformed by the gospel, you’re empowered to do amazing things for God. And whether he’s called you to go across the ocean or across the street, every one of us is on mission.
If you only have one tomatillo plant in a garden, it’ll never produce any fruit because it needs other plants to cross-pollinate. And Christians are kind of like tomatillo plants in that way. Healthy believers will produce the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But first, you have to be rooted in Christ, and second, you need to have community.
We often refer to the first four books of the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—as “the gospels.” But Pastor J.D. reveals that the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is all one story: the story of Jesus Christ. It’s all the gospel! And as we go deeper into it, savoring the truths on every page of scripture, that’s when God transforms our lives.
On this edition of Summit Life, we’re beginning a new series that gets to the very heart of this ministry. It’s simply titled, Gospel. If you’ve been a believer for a while, you might think you’ve moved beyond the gospel. But Pastor J.D. argues that we never outgrow the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In fact, getting deeper into the gospel is the key to the entire Christian life.
In this message from Romans 15, Pastor J.D. challenges us to lift our eyes to the ends of the earth. When Jesus left his disciples, he promised that his gospel would go to every nation, tribe, language, and tongue. That task isn’t finished. And God is calling many of us to follow him to the most unreached parts of the planet. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it dangerous? Yes. Is he worthy of it? Absolutely.
Pastor J.D. takes us on a march throughout church history. The journey of a church doesn’t begin when it’s planted. It began 2,000 years ago, with 11 frightened disciples on a hillside outside of Jerusalem.
If there’s one myth surrounding marriage that has been perpetuated by our society, it’s that marriage is what completes you. Of course, Jesus refuted this idea over and over in his teachings. In this message from Mark and Luke, Pastor J.D. shows us the importance and implications of considering the church as family. When we take this seriously, we will realize that faithfully investing in this family will yield a harvest far beyond what we could ever imagine.
Throughout history, there have been countless songs, poems, and books written about love. Yet, we know that turning to pop culture for advice on finding love is not the wisest course of action. In this message, Pastor J.D. reminds us from Song of Solomon 1 and 2 of some foundational truths about love that are helpful in navigating singleness, dating, and marriage. In the end, these earthly forms of love are intended to be a signpost, pointing us to the much greater love that God has for us.
As we close our journey through the book of Exodus, we come to a seemingly anticlimactic ending—the construction of the tabernacle. You might think it strange, after all of the crescendos in the book, to end here. The burning bush, the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, Moses meeting God on the mountain … and this is the happy ending? But as Pastor J.D. shows us, the tabernacle functioned as the center of the Israelites walk with God. Not only that, but through Jesus, it can enrich our daily time with God as well.
We tend to read the story of the Israelites making the golden calf and ask, “How could they?” But we fail to realize that what the Israelites were guilty of, idolatry, is the very thing that is behind all of our other sins. Today, Pastor J.D. shows us not only the danger of idolatry in our lives, but how we can escape it. Ultimately, what is bad news for those who reject Christ is actually good news for those who follow him: You become like what you worship.
In a secular, post-Christian society like the one we find ourselves living in, the Ten Commandments aren’t exactly popular. Cries to “live your own truth” threaten to drown out the absolute truth of God’s law. But how can we expect to love each other well without parameters for what that actually looks like in practice? Today, Pastor J.D. shows us how the Ten Commandments are designed to help us flourish, experiencing God’s creation as it was truly intended to be. True freedom, it turns out, isn’t found in the absence of God’s law, but in the embracing of it.
We all have an important role to play in the body of believers. This truth, though seemingly ingrained in us now, was something that God had to intentionally teach the Israelites. Today, Pastor J.D. takes us through three foundational lessons that God taught the Israelites about life in the redeemed community. In showing them that everything wasn’t meant to be centered around one leader, the people were ultimately better equipped to serve the needs of the community as a whole.
You aren’t likely to find many people who genuinely enjoy tests, but they certainly have a way of revealing where we are lacking in knowledge. Today, Pastor J.D. explains three tests that God walked the Israelites through after delivering them through the Red Sea. These tests, along with the lessons learned from them, were so fundamental that New Testament writers would later refer to them again and again. The truth is, we are no less forgetful than the Israelites, and like them, we need to be continually reminded of why God is always worthy of our trust.
The parting of the Red Sea was not only an epic moment in Israel’s history, but an event that would become the most frequent image of salvation in the Old Testament. Pastor J.D. shows us how this defining moment became a marker for the Israelites to look back on when their faith faltered. In the same way, when we are tempted to doubt God’s goodness in our lives, we can remember his faithfulness to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
For many people in the world, believing in God may not necessarily be a far reach. But believing in Jesus? Furthermore, believing that it was necessary for Jesus to die in order for us to receive forgiveness of sins? That, they would say, is a step too far. In this week’s message from Exodus 11–13, Pastor J.D. takes us through the story of the Passover, showing us the mercy of God for the Israelites. Ultimately, this mercy would find expression in Jesus, the true Passover Lamb and our only hope of forgiveness.
Our obedience to God doesn’t necessarily guarantee that things in our life won’t go wrong, or that we won’t fail. And yet, that’s a hard pill to swallow—if we’re obeying God, surely everything will fall into place, right? In this week’s message from Exodus 4–6, Pastor J.D. shows us how Moses faced this very struggle in his first confrontation with Pharaoh. Ultimately, God allowed Moses to fail not because he was cruel, but as a demonstration of his saving power and unmatched glory.
When we are overwhelmed by a particular challenge or even just by life itself, feelings of insecurity can threaten to take over. In today’s message from Exodus 3 and 4, Pastor J.D. walks us through Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. Though Moses felt completely unprepared for the assignment in front of him, God provided reassurance that was rooted in his unchanging nature. This reassurance addressed what Moses needed the most, and what we need the most in the face of life’s challenges and trials: the very presence of God himself.
Rescue. Salvation. Deliverance. These words characterize the story of the book of Exodus, as God frees his people from slavery in Egypt in an amazing display of power and might. As we begin a new series through the first half of Exodus, Pastor J.D. shows us from the first two chapters what we can learn about God’s work of salvation on a broad scale, as well as in our individual lives. And often, the very aspects of our lives that we consider weak, broken, or useless are what God uses to write a beautiful story of redemption.
In this message from Genesis 32, Pastor J.D. tells the story of Jacob, a man who began his life as a deceiver and ended his life with a limp—but who, right in the middle, wrestled with God and received an unimaginable blessing. Jacob provides a model for all of us who have ever waited on God to answer us, unsure if he hears, he cares, or he will ever act. Through Jacob, we learn that many of the blessings of God are released into our lives only through persistent, unrelenting prayer.
Jesus said we should pray like children. Children don’t think about how they approach, whether they are using the right words, or whether their parents are pleased with them. They just ask. Astoundingly, that’s the beginning of learning to pray.
Hope has a name, and his name is JESUS. For all that you aren’t, for all that you need, for all that you fear, for all that you crave, for literally all that you ever cannot be, he is the great I AM.
The Savior that was promised hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth was the Messiah an army under siege needed … not because they needed to be delivered from their enemies but because they needed to be delivered from their sin. Pastor J.D. continues today in Isaiah 7 to show us how to approach the Wonderful Counselor, who knows our sin but instead of condemnation offers us the righteousness of Christ.
The promise of a Savior that wouldn’t arrive for 700 years might not have been a great comfort to the army that received the prophecy, but God knew what they needed, and what we need today, is a Messiah who would save us from our sin. Today, Pastor J.D. is unpacking the promise of Isaiah 9 from the series “Hope Has a Name” and showing us how we should approach the Wonderful Counselor, who brings light to our darkness and gives us the gift of himself.
Have you ever been in a place of immense darkness, literal or otherwise? If so, then you know how incredibly powerful it is when you see the first rays of light beginning to break through. In this week’s message from Isaiah 9, the last in our Christmas series, Pastor J.D. shows us how Jesus is the light that the long-ago prophet spoke about. Even when darkness threatens to overwhelm this weary world, we can rejoice in the knowledge that the light of Jesus has come—a light that will never be eclipsed by darkness.
While Christmas has inspired the writing of many songs throughout the centuries, one song that is often overlooked is a biblical one—namely, that of Zechariah, whose words were inspired by the birth of John the Baptist. It talks about three ordinary objects and how they can help us better apprehend the meaning of Christmas. In this message from Luke 1, Pastor J.D. walks through Zechariah’s song to explain the first of these objects, the horn. At first glance, it may seem a curious image to use—but its rich symbolism serves to point us to Jesus, the ultimate horn of salvation.
Though the first few chapters of Acts are filled with baptisms and miracles, the pivotal point of the book—the stoning of Stephen—shows how God uses ordinary believers to display his power and accomplish his mission amidst persecution. In today’s message from Acts 7 and 8, Pastor J.D. encourages us to consider how God might be calling us to advance the mission of the gospel. It won’t look the same for everyone, of course. But the worth of Jesus and the truth of the gospel should compel us to share with a lost and dying world, whether here or overseas.
As we finish our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. walks us down the path to Jesus’ tomb. We’ve all walked that lonely path in one form or another over the past 12 months, wondering where life is headed. The bad news? It’s headed to the grave. The good news? It doesn’t have to stay there. Because of the resurrection, the path to true life doesn’t end at the grave. It begins there.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. takes us along the road to the cross, where we will meet a handful of different people—each of whom has a different response to Jesus’ sacrifice. Luke doesn’t just record their stories because these people were there; he records their stories because in them, we see ourselves. Their stories are our stories. They prompt the question, “How will you respond to Jesus?”
As we continue our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. preaches about the most famous parable Jesus ever told—the story of the Prodigal Son. There’s a reason this parable is so popular: In it we see the biography of all of human history, the story of every single one of us. And we see a picture of God’s extravagant love that is more astounding and more surprising than anything we had ever dared to hope.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. preaches about the most famous parable Jesus ever told—the story of the Prodigal Son. There’s a reason this parable is so popular: In it we see the biography of all of human history, the story of every single one of us. And we see a picture of God’s extravagant love that is more astounding and more surprising than anything we had ever dared to hope.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. invites us to view Jesus the way his original disciples did: with overwhelming awe at his radical love. Because when we see the radical love of Jesus for us, we will respond with radical surrender to him. Our lives—and the world—will never be the same.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. teaches about a defining feature of those who follow Jesus: They care for the vulnerable, the weak, the helpless, and the forgotten. Followers of Jesus care for the vulnerable and the helpless because, before God, we are vulnerable and helpless, too.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. talks about the cosmic struggle between God and Satan, a struggle that bears on our lives every day. We’ll see that apart from God’s power, even the best attempts to change are ultimately doomed to fail. But with God’s power, not only can we survive, but we can actually plunder the Enemy.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. teaches about a paralytic man and his friends, all of whom were desperate to get close to Jesus. But as we’ll see in this story, as eager as they were to get to Jesus, Jesus was even more eager to extend forgiveness to them. And to us.
In today’s episode, Pastor J.D. tells the story of Anna and Simeon, two of the first people to meet Jesus. Unlike so many others who missed Jesus, Anna and Simeon were able to recognize the unexpected majesty of the newborn King. Their story raises the question for us: Will we see Jesus?
As we continue our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. teaches about the scandal of grace. Grace offends most people, particularly religious people. We are hard-wired to think that our worth is a result of what we do. Do good things, get good outcomes. Do bad things, get bad outcomes. Grace throws this whole system aside. And thank God it does, because without the scandal of grace, none of us would have any hope.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. teaches what it means to “live ready” for Jesus’ return. Are we awake to the task Jesus left for his church, or are we asleep at the wheel? Are we confident Jesus will return soon, or do we live without urgency? As followers of Jesus, we should live in such a way that only makes sense if we believe Jesus could be back at any moment.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. preaches about a sickness that most of us have, but few of us realize—the sickness of greed. Part of what makes greed so deadly is our inherent blindness to it. Jesus simply assumes that greed is a problem for all of us! But he also offers us a radical, gospel-shaped antidote.
As we begin our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. dives into one of Jesus’ most recognized parables. It’s a story about two men who built identical houses—with tragically different results. The only difference? Their foundation. In these times of uncertainty, as our very lives seem shaken, it’s a perfect time to make sure our lives are built on a foundation that will endure.
Faith often takes different shapes and forms throughout your life. Sometimes it means believing God for a miracle, while at other times it looks like trusting that God is good even when the miracle doesn’t come. In this message, the finale of our Hebrews 11 series, Pastor J.D. encourages us with the truth that no matter where we find ourselves, our faith can be used to glorify God and point others to the gospel. What might God do through us as we continue the legacy of these great men and women of faith?
The beauty of faith is often found in its simplicity. You don’t have to possess a wealth of theological knowledge to be captivated by the truth of the gospel. Maybe, like Rahab, you’ve simply heard what the Lord has done and you believe. In this week’s message from Hebrews 11, Pastor J.D. explains how the faith of a Gentile prostitute changed the course of history and left an enduring legacy. In the same way, one simple act of faith on our part has the potential to make a profound, eternal difference in the lives of those around us.
It’s tempting at times to read the Bible through a human-centric lens, as though we are the main character in each narrative. But in so doing, we’re in danger of missing the larger point of stories like Joshua and the city of Jericho. In this week’s message from Hebrews 11, Pastor J.D. shows us how this key moment in Joshua’s life holds a valuable lesson for us: Rather than orienting our lives around trying to get God “on our side,” we ought to be asking what God wants to do and how we can join him in it.
There is something in each of us that cries out for acceptance, that longs for blessing. And while the culture around us strives for this acceptance to the point of exhaustion, the gospel says that God’s acceptance of us is strictly a gift of grace that can’t be earned. In this week’s message from Hebrews 11, Pastor J.D. shows us how this truth came to life for Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Though circumstances might have pointed to the contrary, God’s faithfulness was always at work, even in the midst of dark days.
What Abraham faced in his final test from God was incomprehensible, and yet he knew that God would remain faithful no matter the outcome. How was Abraham able to display such trust when met with the thought of sacrificing his son? In this week’s message from Hebrews 11, Pastor J.D. explains how ultimately, this story is not about Abraham’s obedience, but about God’s commitment to his people. Whatever the nature of our trials in this life, we can take comfort in knowing that the God we place our faith in is the one who always keeps his promises.
A man often regarded as the “father of faith,” Abraham was faced with numerous tests throughout his life. Called by God to an unknown land, Abraham had to decide if obeying God was worth leaving everything that was familiar and comfortable. In this week’s message from Hebrews 11, Pastor J.D. invites us to consider what made Abraham regard what he was gaining as having far greater value than what he was leaving behind. What does it mean to truly follow God in faith? It means, like Abraham, taking steps of obedience even when we don’t know exactly where God is leading.
Though widely known, the story of Noah and the ark is one that tends to be misinterpreted by many in today’s society. Far from being a tame bedtime story, it gives us a glimpse of the response of a holy God to the depravity of sin. In this week’s message from Hebrews 11, Pastor J.D. explains how Noah’s faith led him to act on God’s command, without fear of what the surrounding community might think. Likewise, we are called to display the kind of faith that acts according to God’s Word, out of reverence for him, and calls others to do the same.
Who are you, really? In a culture rife with comparison, the question of identity is one that tends to plague many of us. Is your identity anchored in things such as your accomplishments, your net worth, your social media presence—or in God’s purpose and plan for your life? In this week’s message from Matthew 3 and 4, Pastor J.D. explains common snares that Satan uses to attack our identity and how, by being grounded in the truths of Scripture, we can avoid becoming entangled in them.
Who are you, really? In a culture rife with comparison, the question of identity is one that tends to plague many of us. Is your identity anchored in things such as your accomplishments, your net worth, your social media presence—or in God’s purpose and plan for your life? In this week’s message from Matthew 3 and 4, Pastor J.D. explains common snares that Satan uses to attack our identity and how, by being grounded in the truths of Scripture, we can avoid becoming entangled in them.
Who are you, really? In a culture rife with comparison, the question of identity is one that tends to plague many of us. Is your identity anchored in things such as your accomplishments, your net worth, your social media presence—or in God’s purpose and plan for your life? In this week’s message from Matthew 3 and 4, Pastor J.D. explains common snares that Satan uses to attack our identity and how, by being grounded in the truths of Scripture, we can avoid becoming entangled in them.
When you think about the realm of the demonic, perhaps your thoughts tend toward Hollywood depictions of it rather than its real influence in the world around you. As we begin a short series on spiritual warfare, Pastor J.D. takes us through the realities of demonic activity in this week’s message from Luke 11. Though the attacks and accusations of Satan can often lead us to despair, there is much hope to be found in fully surrendering to Jesus, the only one who has truly conquered this unseen Enemy.
When you hear the phrase “The Great Commission,” what is your initial reaction? There can be a tendency in the church to relegate the carrying out of this command to those who are “called,” or perhaps to those of a certain personality type. But if we follow Christ, the command to make disciples applies to us all—to the introvert as well as to the extrovert; to the lawyer and the barista as well as to the pastor and the career missionary. In this week’s message from John 15, Acts 1, and Matthew 28, Pastor J.D. provides a helpful framework for how to do what Jesus has called us to do: live with gospel intentionality in a way that results in true multiplication.
Whether you make New Year’s resolutions or not, you probably have areas of your life that you would like to change. But the path to change, as we all know, isn’t always an easy one. It can be difficult to break old habits, make new ones, and incorporate fresh rhythms into our lives. In this week’s message from John 15, Pastor J.D. helps us to see that our growth as disciples isn’t a matter of steeling ourselves and willing new routines and habits into existence. Rather, this growth is a natural byproduct of abiding in Jesus as he abides in us. And it is this true connection to Jesus that will produce fruit that lasts into eternity.
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If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus, you probably refer to yourself as a “Christian.” But how often do you call yourself a “disciple”? In this week’s message from John 15, Pastor J.D. shows us that the difference between these two words might just be more significant than we think. What’s more, we may be surrounded by people who claim to be Christians but are far from being true disciples of Jesus. The good news? For those willing to fully submit to and follow Jesus, there is immense joy to be found in joining him in his mission—one that really does change the world.
You’re listening to a revamped version of the Summit Life podcast now featuring twice a week full length sermons! Prefer to watch? Join us on YouTube!
“Getting back to the basics” is an often repeated phrase—and for good reason. Whether you’ve been following Jesus for 10 months or 10 years, it is always beneficial to be reminded of the essential truths of the gospel, upon which our faith is built. In this week’s message, the first in our series on “The Whole Disciple,” Pastor J.D. helps us unpack some of these foundational truths from Romans 3:23–26. As true disciples of Jesus, these are the things that we cherish and continually learn from, rather than master and move on from.
In this message from Daniel 10–12, Pastor J.D. walks through Daniel’s visions of receiving warnings and capturing hope. We see that hardship, persecution, and suffering have all been decreed, but they’re not the only decree: Jesus will reign forever and judge the living and the dead according to his righteousness. He will renew and restore all things, and his people will dwell with him forever. And as we live in the in-between, Daniel encourages us that though things are dark—and they are likely only to get darker—we don’t despair. It’s all part of the plan.
Have you ever wondered how prayer works? Of course, we won’t ever have all the details, but as we continue through the book of Daniel, this passage gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how prayer works and demonstrates why prayer is so important.
As we continue our walk through the book of Daniel, Pastor J.D. highlights the most undervalued resource of the church—prayer. Discarded by many, prayer is the vehicle through which the blessings of God are released and the promises of God are enacted. In Daniel 9, we not only see five principles that make for effective prayer; we also get a one-of-a-kind glimpse into what happens in heaven as we pray.
How would you describe your attitude toward the future? Is it an attitude filled with peace, or one full of overwhelming stress at what might happen? As Pastor J.D. moves into the prophetic portion of the book of Daniel, he shows us how it’s Daniel’s prophecy about the future that makes the difference between those two attitudes.
As we continue our walk through the book of Daniel, Pastor J.D. tackles two of the most obscure prophecies in the entire book. Although the imagery can be confusing—lions and beasts and fiery thrones—the message is as timely as ever. What God says to Daniel he says to believers in every generation: If you are going to faithfully shine in the present, you need to have a crystal clear vision of the future. There’s two ways to look at the future–a stress-producing way and a peace-producing one.
What was it that gave Daniel so much courage in the lion’s den? Is there a way to have that same courage in our own lives? Pastor J.D. tells us what the source of Daniel’s confidence was—or rather, in whom Daniel’s confidence was placed in.
The most famous story in the book–Daniel in the lions’ den. Daniel provides an incredible example of courage in the midst of adversity. But as much as we make of Daniel’s night with the lions, his courage was actually forged long before that fateful night. Courage is not summoned in a moment; courage is developed through a lifetime.
Have you heard the phrase “The writing is on the wall?” It usually means that something bad is about to happen; that your fate has been sealed. That phrase actually comes from Daniel, Chapter 5. Belshazzar is hosting a party when suddenly a mysterious floating hand appears and begins to carve a message into the plaster on the wall. Talk about terrifying! It begins etching 3 mysterious words into the wall, and then just disappears? The 3 words were “numbered,” “weighed,” and “divided.” And they brought in Daniel to help interpret what these words could mean.
Today on Summit Life, we come to another story of God taking down a prideful, rebellious, selfish king. You’re like, wait, didn’t we JUST hear this story on the program? Hang on, today we come to Belshazzar, the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar. We’re going to see that this problem is much bigger than just one king.
Last week on the program we talked about the roots of pride. The first root is the failure to recognize everything—everything, every breath you take—is a gift of God; and the second root is, the foolish assumption that it will last forever. In this message, we’ll take a look at what God has to say about pride’s fruits and pride’s cure. It’s something we all need from time to time, so let’s dig in.
It’s a tricky thing, pride. Just when we think we’ve overcome it, we’re super proud of ourselves for accomplishing it! In fact, scripture is pretty clear about it when it says, “Pride comes before a fall…” Just when we think we’ve nailed it, it creeps in and can destroy us. Just ask the character in our teaching. He learned some pretty serious lessons about the sin of pride and its consequences. Where are the roots of pride in your life?
GOD IS BIGGER. It’s one of the most basic principles of our faith that we’re going to dive much deeper into. We’re going to talk about bold faith—faith both for when God delivers us, and faith for when he chooses not to. Will we be bold enough to ask ourselves the question, “Is God enough?” Will you follow him even when the answer is “no”? That type of courage takes a deep level of trust in God. Grab your Bible, and let’s walk through the “Courage in Babylon.” It’s a message we all need to be reminded of today.
Through the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we will see an example of courage that could only come from faith in God. These three young men knew that God was bigger than anything life can throw at us. And more importantly, that God was better than anything death could take away. So what does courage look like in your life right now?
We learn that what was true for Daniel is still true now: “There is a God in heaven.” Where human strategies fail, God begins to work. Don’t you want to be part of what God is up to in your community, in your family, in your world?
As we continue our teaching series through the book of Daniel, we’re walking through Nebuchadnezzar’s confusing dream in Daniel, Chapter 2. Through this wild and startling story, we learn to view our culture the way Daniel viewed his—not through assimilation, not through separation, but through transformation. We’re called to participate in what God is doing in culture, not shrink back or isolate.
The world we live in, like Daniel’s, is often very dark and hostile to the message of God. But thankfully, he doesn’t call us to escape this world. He calls us to transform it. We’ll learn that the power to make a difference is only found in the commitment to be different. And one thing that definitely describes Daniel is he was different. So let’s put ourselves in his shoes as we travel back to the ancient near east and are dropped in the middle of Babylon.
We begin working our way through the Old Testament book of Daniel–and it’s about a lot more than just lions. This book is about how to shine, how to thrive, in a very dark and hostile world. Unlike most of the other books in the Hebrew Bible, this one is not set in Israel, but in the heart of an enemy, pagan empire where God’s people have been taken captive.
Today, we conclude our series called, Instead of Me. Every message in this series, Pastor J.D. has shown us how Matthew places people in the story of Jesus that give us possible ways we might respond. Which ones describe you?
We have arrived at the joy of the resurrection in our series titled, Instead of Me. This has been a heavy series, but today we find Jesus alive! And he’s not just alive, he’s alive for me!
If you had been present during Jesus’ crucifixion, how would you have responded? There are four different characters and responses Pastor J.D. is going to walk us through to give us pictures of how we might have responded then and how we can still respond to Jesus today.
Pastor J.D. will help us see how the responses of the people surrounding the events of Jesus’ crucifixion give us pictures of how we respond to Jesus—just as we’ve done in the previous days of this series, called, “Instead of Me.”
The events surrounding the trial of Jesus are recorded to show us that we are the ones who are actually on trial. In these stories we should see ourselves—and they should make us consider how we are responding to Jesus. We are Judas. We are Peter. And today, we’ll see we are also those involved in the trial of Jesus.
We are marching toward the cross in our series titled, Instead of Me. Our prayer during this series is that you will see these days that led up to Jesus’ death with fresh eyes. Feel the weight of the resurrection so that you can make Jesus the center of everything in your life. Today, Pastor J.D. takes us through the trial of Jesus in a message he titled, Accused for Me.
Have you ever thought that the cross must have been a scary place? Even for Jesus? But he went, when he could have fled for us. He took it all—all of the suffering for us—because there is only one way for us to have salvation, and that’s through the blood of Jesus. God’s wrath against our sin is like a toxic poison, and Jesus drank it for us. Pastor J.D. is teaching from Matthew 26.
Jesus was well accustomed to getting a clear response from God when he prayed. But there was once where God was completely silent. Pastor J.D. continues our new series, called Instead of Me, and shows us how necessary it was for Jesus to be abandoned for me and for you and to take on the full wrath of God in our place.
What’s your most prized possession? A car? A signed baseball? Maybe a piece of jewelry? Would you sell it? Could you put a price on it? Judas betrayed Jesus for only 30 pieces of silver, but Jesus told the disciples that they would all fall away, sending a message that all of us, even at our very best, still fall short and need a Savior. Join Pastor J.D. as he teaches on the free gift of grace.
By looking at the way Jesus’ friends and enemies responded to him during his final hours, we will see how we, also, respond to Jesus’ shocking, upside-down, precious sacrifice. Pastor J.D. begins a new series titled, Instead of Me.
Today’s culture tends to paint sexual expression, in any context, as a matter of personal choice and simply physical. In movies, magazines, and music, we’re encouraged to follow any path that leads to pleasure. But Paul shows us in Ephesians Chapter 5 that marriage is a divine mystery that points us to something higher—and that is Christ and the Church. Today Pastor J.D. concludes our series, First Love.
Today, we’ll look to Scripture for clarity and direction on intimacy and healthy relationships. Many people get uneasy when the preacher starts talking about these personal issues. But the fact is, sex is one of the few topics that’s addressed in almost every book of the Bible. God has a lot to say about it!
If we’re honest, a lot of us would admit that the biblical view of marriage seems pretty outdated and patriarchal. But God has a reason for the way he set things up, and his design isn’t just to set a cultural norm. It’s to reveal and reflect Christ. Pastor J.D. is talking about what it actually means for a husband to lead and clearly defines what submission does not include.
We’re in a study of Ephesians Chapter 5 called “First Love.” Today we’re jumping into the delicate and controversial subject of the biblical roles of husbands and wives. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or widowed, you’ll wanna listen!
“Sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt us.” We all know that’s not right! Pastor J.D. will give us practical wisdom for how our words can be grace-saturated during conflict. It’s part of our study in Ephesians, Chapter 5 called First Love.
Has your smoke detector in your home ever woken you up chirping in the middle of the night? The smoke detector always seems to need batteries at the worst times in my house! But I’m so glad we have them! Pastor J.D. encourages us to mind the smoke detectors of anger and bitterness before they turn into fires in our relationships.
Young couples plan their weddings with so much excitement, anticipating living “happily ever after”—just like fairy tales promise. But to live happily ever after doesn’t mean you never fight with your spouse. Good couples have learned to fight fairly, to fight Christianly. We’re learning how to resolve conflict—not just in marriage but in all of our relationships—an issue that touches the life of everyone in one way or another.
For many people, our views on love and relationships were shaped by the songs we listened to growing up or the movies we watched as a teen. But there’s only one relationship model we should care about, and it doesn’t come from Hollywood! We’re diving deep into the friendship of marriage as Pastor J.D. continues our study in the book of Ephesians, Chapter 5.
If you were to ask most couples why they got married, they would probably say something about being in love, making each other happy, or physical attraction. And there’s nothing wrong with any of those things! But Pastor J.D. reveals one of the most forgotten and important elements of marriage.
What if every time you saw your spouse, or your friends, or your parents, or boss or your employees, you had a thought, that if obeyed, would radically change everything? Pastor J.D. reveals one simple, transforming question, that if asked and obeyed, will change every relationship.
As we go through our days, we might notice the needs and interests of other people around us, and sometimes we’re empathetic to those things. But at the end of the day, those interests of others are almost always secondary to our own. Pastor J.D. shows us just how important the interests are of those we love! We’re studying Chapter 5 of the book of Ephesians.
Pastor J.D. helps us answer the question, “What are you looking for when you yearn for love and romance?” We’re going to deal with our expectations in marriage and what God’s plan is for singleness as we continue our study of Ephesians 5 called First Love.
Our culture often acts like romantic love is the pinnacle of human existence. From our earliest days, we read about storybook characters finding their “happily ever after” with their soulmate. But, is that really how it works? Pastor J.D. gives us a balanced, biblical view of marriage and singleness as he continues our new series on relationships called First Love in Ephesians 5.
In our series called First Love, we’re dealing with some common pitfalls and struggles in relationships, whether those are romantic relationships, friendships, or anything else! And we’re kicking it off by getting a biblical perspective on the purpose of marriage. It’s a drastic shift from what our culture usually portrays!
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Meal time was just as important to the life of Jesus as it is in our lives today. Pastor J.D. dives into Luke 14 in our new series called Come to the Table where Jesus tells several parables comparing the kingdom of God. Lost people are found, broken people are put back together, addicts are set free, lonely people find community, and sins are forgiven at Jesus’ table.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Meal time was just as important to the life of Jesus as it is in our lives today. Pastor J.D. dives into Luke 14 in our new series called Come to the Table where Jesus tells several parables comparing the kingdom of God. Lost people are found, broken people are put back together, addicts are set free, lonely people find community, and sins are forgiven at Jesus’ table.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Meal time was just as important to the life of Jesus as it is in our lives today. Pastor J.D. dives into Luke 14 in our new series called Come to the Table where Jesus tells several parables comparing the kingdom of God. Lost people are found, broken people are put back together, addicts are set free, lonely people find community, and sins are forgiven at Jesus’ table.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Meal time was just as important to the life of Jesus as it is in our lives today. Pastor J.D. dives into Luke 14 in our new series called Come to the Table where Jesus tells several parables comparing the kingdom of God. Lost people are found, broken people are put back together, addicts are set free, lonely people find community, and sins are forgiven at Jesus’ table.
Today we conclude our series on the parables called, Listen. What we’ve learned in this series is that Jesus spoke in parables so that those who weren’t really listening, from their heart, would miss the meaning of his words. All throughout his ministry, Jesus explained that if your heart is in the right posture, and you have ears to hear, then the truth about him will be evident.
Sometimes it’s easy to look at history and assume we won’t repeat the same mistakes. We feel like we’ve learned from the past and look down on the actions of previous generations. But what’s different about our hearts? Pastor J.D. Greear encourages us to look at our own hearts today as he continues our series called, Listen.
Are you a sheep or a goat? Are you a lukewarm person? We all struggle with seasons where we are lukewarm, where we are striving to maintain a commitment to Christ but we falter. Luckily, Pastor J.D. doesn’t just ask these questions, but he shows us how to find the answers
In his parables, Jesus reveals the beauty of the gospel, but only for those who truly listen. Pastor J.D. shares another one of Jesus’ parables. And this one is going to show us what it looks like to be a Christian in today’s world.
Friday, Pastor J.D. covered the first two signs that you might be in a contract relationship with God. And today he’s going to present three more in order for us to see that we must get rid of our contract and embrace the goodness and grace of God!
In our culture, we conduct business by creating agreements or contracts so that we’re sure we know what we’re getting or what we’re owed. It’s a binding relationship between parties. But how many of us extend that same mind-set to our relationship with God? Pastor J.D. teaches about the dangers of believing God owes us something and wanting him to give us what we deserve.
Have you had an encounter with God that you would describe like finding a hidden treasure? Like finding a treasure that brought you so much joy that you gladly left everything else to possess it? Many of us, if we were honest, might choose a different image – something more like a never-ending to-do list or being tied to a ball-and-chain. Today, Pastor J.D. is going to steer us in another direction so that we more clearly understand who Jesus is and what he is offering to us.
Jesus once told a story about two men – both of them come across something of such value that it makes everything else in their lives look worthless by comparison. Today, Pastor J.D. looks at the differences between these two men as he continues our series on Jesus’ parables titled, “Listen.”
Yesterday on Summit Life, we began a new series about the parables of Jesus. In these stories, Jesus reveals the beauty of the gospel, but only for those whose heart is in a posture to perceive it—only for those who truly listen. Let’s join Pastor J.D. as he teaches from Matthew, Chapter 13.
Today Pastor J.D. begins teaching through the parables of Jesus, stories so simple a child can understand them, yet so profound that we can never exhaust their wealth of wisdom! Join us as we kick off a new series titled, “Listen.”
Do you ever have FOMO? The fear of missing out? It can even become like a drug—needing a hit of entertainment or distraction to find satisfaction and enjoyment. Sometimes in order to be focused on what we need to be focused on, we have to say “no” to something else. Pastor J.D. shows us that distraction and the feeling of being overwhelmed and hurried often comes from being terribly out of fellowship with Jesus. He even gives us a list of super helpful and practical things we can do today, so make sure you listen to the end.
It’s safe to say that our society deals with more distractions than any previous society in history. Most of us feel like we are constantly pulled in different directions. Today, Pastor J.D. talks about being a distracted people who need focus—mostly away from our phones. He’s going to help us distinguish between good and bad distractions by looking to how Jesus seemed to be entirely in-distractible on the one hand but imminently interruptible on the other!
You know, Jesus promised that for all who came to him, he would give them rest. But in today’s society, where overworking is the new norm, most of us hear Jesus’ invitation as wishful thinking.
Today we begin our teaching series titled, Rest & Distraction. In this short series, Pastor J.D. will show us that those most mature in Jesus are not those working hardest for him but those resting most in him.
We’ve come to the final message in our series on the book of Judges titled “Broken Saviors,” and we’re looking at a collection of stories from Judges, Chapters 17 to 21–accounts that reveal the tragic outcome when a society turns its back on God’s leading.
Most of us have a friend or family member who’d call themself an atheist. But before you write that person off for their godless view of life, it’s possible you may share something in common. This message looks at the final chapters of the book of Judges. It’s a time when the Israelites turned their backs on God’s leading. They still acknowledged him with their lips, but they’d become, in essence, a nation of atheists. And we often fall into that same trap.
Samson’s incredible strength made him seem larger than life, but we’re finding out that we’ve got a lot more in common with him than we think. Just like Samson, we’ve all fallen into the trap of our own desires. So, what’s the answer?
Have you ever been told to “follow your heart?” This philosophy is pushed on us from a young age, showing up in kids’ movies and popular music. I bet you can remember one of those songs right now! But Pastor J.D. reveals that your own heart is usually your worst enemy. This message is the third part of a four-part message on the life of Samson.
Have you ever finished the first book or movie in a series and felt frustrated or anxious with the ending? You’re ready for the next installment to see how everything comes together, right? Today, we’re continuing our study called “Broken Saviors.” As we come to the end of Judges later this week, we’ll find out that the entire book is just one portion of a much bigger story. And it’s all pointing ahead to a glorious ending!
The Bible is filled with fascinating stories about heroes and villains. Some are parables, but most are real-life descriptions of men and women who struggled just as we do. Did you know these stories aren’t intended just to teach us moral lessons or simply to entertain us? They’re ultimately designed to point us to the person and work of God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ! During this message, Pastor J.D. invites us to look at one of the most familiar characters in the Old Testament. His life teaches us that God can accomplish amazing things through ordinary people—when they submit to his leadership.
Man is incapable of constructing, or living up to, the true Gospel. In fact, left to our own devices we tend to twist and misconstrue what God designed as perfect. Our current series is called “Broken Saviors.”
This month, Pastor J.D. is walking us through the fascinating book of Judges. In this message, we’ll see how over and over again, God’s people substituted his plan for their own, with tragic consequences.
Do you have a tendency to take a bit too much credit for your success while overlooking God’s blessing in your life? Even with the best of intentions, the human heart always defaults toward pride. Beginning in Judges Chapter 8, we see how Gideon’s victory as a warrior began to inflate his ego. Rather than giving glory to God, he chose to act like a king who deserved special treatment. In a real sense, Gideon manufactured his own “broken savior.”
Being successful can sometimes be dangerous. Once we’ve scored a few victories and our leadership produces notoriety and fame, we’re tempted to give ourselves far more credit than we deserve. Pastor J.D. will show us that even our biblical heroes fell into this same trap. As we trace the footsteps of Gideon, we’ll discover how this successful warrior began to get puffed up and proud.
When God wants to use us he often humbles us. In this refining process, he shapes us into an instrument that can be used for his glory. The Bible often shows us how God uses flawed characters to accomplish amazing feats. In fact, behind every hero in the Bible, we see a God who remains faithful even though our heroes–and let’s admit it–we are often faithless. Good news for those of us who feel unworthy–thankfully God is the one who gives us value!
You know, everyone is a leader to someone, even if you don’t realize it. Whether you’re a mom or dad, a supervisor at work, or you’re volunteering to lead a committee at school, someone somewhere is looking to you for guidance. Pastor J.D. shows us how God can use anyone to accomplish his plan even when we feel stretched and afraid!
It was C.S. Lewis who once said, “Courage is one of the least talked about Christian virtues, but courage is essential to all the others.” Today, we’ll discover how God took a man like Gideon—a man full of fear and doubt–and transformed him into one of the greatest leaders of Israel. And the great news is that when God transforms our generation, he’ll use ordinary men and women just like Gideon; those who are willing to step up and take the lead.
We all know that feeling of being asked to lead a group. It can be a little scary and intimidating, but God assures us in his Word that he can use anyone to accomplish his purposes even when we feel insecure or unqualified. Thankfully, he’s not searching for experts. He’s looking for men and women who are willing and obedient. Today we look at the story of Gideon—one of God’s mighty warriors of the Old Testament—and we see that even he had doubts and struggles as he considered the mantle of leadership being handed to him by God.
In the Old Testament book of Judges, we find a fascinating story about two people named Deborah and Barak. A careful examination of their lives offers a powerful lesson on leadership. Pastor J.D. invites us to follow along as he teaches from the book of Judges, Chapters 4 and 5, as he shares five key points that will apply to both men and women in leadership.
When God inspires a woman to step forward and give leadership in ministry, how can the church help her become all God intended? Pastor J.D.’s response is informed by a fascinating story in the book of Judges.
When we suffer, we look for any means possible to escape. But according to Scripture, sometimes God uses our pain to draw us back to him. Today Pastor J.D. invites us to follow along as we trace the footsteps of an Old Testament character. His story helps us understand God’s compassion and love, even when he chooses to discipline us.
Today, we’re venturing into the book of Judges where God exposes the Israelites for their lack of courage. Through their example, we’ll discover how to overcome our fears and choose faith instead.
As flawed human beings, sometimes we get complacent about following God. Our failures defeat us. And before long, we begin to compromise and let things slide. Pastor J.D. explains how we can find power and freedom in following Christ.
On today’s program, we’re launching a new study in the book of Judges called “Broken Saviors.” Over the next few weeks, we’ll discover that we’re a lot like the Israelites who let their fear get in the way of their progress.
We all have days when we feel insufficient, like we’re not smart enough, strong enough, or talented enough to serve God. But the Bible says that in our weakness, God is strong. It’s not our own ability, because it’s all about God’s strength in us! That’s our subject on this edition of Summit Life, as Pastor J.D. concludes our powerful series titled, The Name.
Throughout history, people have invented and named mythological gods. But the God of the Bible was not invented by mankind, and unlike Zeus or Thor, he chose his own name. In this message, Pastor J.D. describes how knowing the name that God chose for himself will change our understanding of God forever. It’s part of our powerful study in Exodus 34 called, The Name.
If there’s one aspect of God’s character that most people wish they could erase from the Bible, it’s God’s wrath. In fact, the doctrine of hell is one of the most common answers people give when asked why they don’t believe in God. But as we continue our powerful series called The Name, Pastor J.D. explains that God’s wrath isn’t just something we need to accept; it’s actually a fact we can, and should, rejoice in!
Thomas Jefferson once famously took a razor blade to his Bible and cut out the parts he disliked. And while most of us haven’t literally chopped up our Bibles in that way, we often cut out certain passages in our minds, skipping past uncomfortable verses that talk about God’s wrath and the punishment for sin. But Pastor J.D. explains that the wrath of God isn’t a demeaning doctrine to be ignored. It’s a glorious reality!
Verses about God’s love, like John 3:16, tend to get repeated and memorized. They stir up warm, sentimental feelings and make us feel good about ourselves. But in this message, Pastor J.D. explains that God’s love has nothing to do with our worthiness or loveliness. It’s all about God’s compassion.
Have you ever wondered why so many movies, books, and songs are focused on romance? It’s because every one of us, in the deepest corners of our hearts, longs to feel loved and cherished. But if we’re honest with ourselves, we also know that we don’t deserve that kind of unconditional love. We know that eventually, we’ll fail everyone: our spouse, our family, and even God. And God knows all this, so why does he continue to love and pursue us? Pastor J.D. answers that question on this edition of Summit Life.
If you want to get to know someone, the first thing you do is introduce yourself, because knowing someone’s name is an important part of your relationship with him or her. And you’re never going to feel very close with someone if they always call you by the wrong name. So in this series, Pastor J.D. is helping us know God personally by knowing his name.
What do you think God’s most appealing attribute is? If you’re like most people, you’re probably attracted to his love and kindness, and you gravitate to verses that describe him as our Father and our shepherd. And God is definitely all of those things! But Pastor J.D. reminds us that God is so much more than just loving and kind. And if you really want to know God, you have to know everything about him, not just the parts that are appealing. So on this edition of Summit Life, we’re gaining a bigger view of God.
What is the presence of God like? Is it just a warm, fuzzy feeling, or an emotional worship encounter? For something we all want to experience, why can it seem so elusive? On this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. takes us back to Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Zion. We’ll see how the presence of God changed Moses’ goals and desires forever. And it will change us, too.
Some people imagine God as an absentee “watchmaker in the sky” who set the world in motion and then stepped away. They think he’s probably out there, but there’s no way to know what he’s like. Others think of God as an unknown, impersonal force, without thoughts or emotions. But on this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. kicks off a brand new series that’s all about knowing God intimately. He titled this series, The Name.
Like the disciples, we want to know the “how” and “what” of the Christian life. Pastor J.D. helps us see in this message that the Christian life, from start to finish, is a relationship with Jesus. Whatever you need, whatever you lack, wherever you are incomplete or broken, whatever you are missing in yourself or didn’t get from someone else, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
These days, it’s not exactly popular to claim the existence of absolute truth. It’s even less popular to claim that such truth is embodied in the person of Jesus, the one who is the only way to salvation. In this week’s message from John 14, Pastor J.D. shows us the importance of what is perhaps Jesus’ most controversial “I am” statement: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Yet, this statement isn’t primarily about a set of principles to live by, or even having the correct answers to every theological question. Instead, it’s about truly knowing and having a relationship with the Savior of the world.
Do you want to know how to find peace when you feel confused or afraid, when you don’t know what to do with your finances or your kids or a big decision? Pastor J.D. continues to teach in this message how, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we can rest in his promise to give us peace and lead us in the way we should go.
Without shepherds to care for them, the threats posed to sheep run the gamut, from losing their way to being attacked by other animals. Simply put, sheep thrive under the guidance and protection of their shepherd. In this week’s message from John 10, Pastor J.D. takes us through Jesus’ claim to be the “good shepherd.” What is so remarkable about this shepherd is that his love for the flock leads him to not only protect them, but lay down his life for them. As believers, then, we can fix our eyes not on any dangers that may threaten to harm us, but on our good shepherd.
Does it feel like you’re in a long “second day” of waiting before resurrection? In this message, Pastor J.D. looks at the story of Lazarus to teach us why sometimes God seems to delay his help or deliverance. One day soon, this whole veil of tears we call life will end in resurrection, and we’ll see that, even when life felt like meaningless chaos, Jesus was never absent in our pain.
If we’re honest, most of us have probably experienced disappointment with God at some point in our lives. We question why God didn’t cure our friend’s cancer, or why he didn’t provide for us financially when we really needed it. Pastor J.D. walks us through Jesus’ claim to be the “resurrection and the life,” from John 11. In Jesus’ response to the death of Lazarus, and to the pain of those close to him, we find a Savior who not only weeps with us, but meets us in our moments of disappointment and doubt. And, ultimately, we have a Savior whose resurrection will one day mean the end of pain and death—forever.
Most people think that surrender to Jesus means giving up our freedom. But when you surrender to Jesus and lean on him, it leads to freedom and abundance! Pastor J.D. continues in this message to show us how Jesus is a Good Shepherd who proved his commitment to us on the cross and now promises to use everything he lets into the pasture of our lives for good.
Doors and gates are things that we likely don’t give much thought to until they are in need of repair—and while the truth is that they are usually constructed to keep people or animals out, they can also certainly be opened to let them in. In this week’s message from John 10, Pastor J.D. explains perhaps the most overlooked of Jesus’ “I Am” statements: “I am the door.” Though most people recognize this as Jesus’ claim to be the only way to salvation—and it is—it is also a statement that is far richer and deeper than we may realize. Because while Jesus is indeed the only door to salvation, he is also the door that leads to a flourishing life here on earth.
Jesus said in John 8:12 that those who follow him will not walk in darkness, which means that our lives will radiate with his light. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to share how to look to the light of Jesus to be saved and then live in a way that glows with the knowledge that you belong to Jesus and Jesus belongs to you.
No matter what side of the “daylight saving time” debate we find ourselves on, we all have to at least acknowledge that light is essential for life, for a myriad of reasons. So Jesus’ declaration that he is “the light of the world” was truly a bold claim. In this week’s message from John 8, Pastor J.D. shows us how Jesus’ light is one that doesn’t merely reveal our sin, but ultimately, it heals us. As a result, we shouldn’t feel as though we have to hide in the darkness—on the contrary, we can be the ones who radiate the light of Jesus in the midst of this darkness.
If we were to trace some of our worst choices, our bad habits, our addictions, and even some of our emotional problems back to their source, we would find a deep and unsatisfied spiritual hunger. Pastor J.D. continues to teach in this message how Jesus satisfies that spiritual hunger we all have and the two things we need to feast on Jesus’ grace.
As humans, one of our most basic needs is food—when we don’t have it, we experience discomfort, irritability, or even sickness or death. And yet, as unbearable as physical hunger can be, it is our spiritual hunger that we often neglect to address, to our own detriment. As we begin a series looking at the seven “I am” statements made by Jesus in the Gospel of John, this message from Pastor J.D. explores the first of these, from John 6. Jesus’ claim to be the “bread of life” is a truth that we so desperately need in a world full of people who seek to satisfy their spiritual hunger with anything but Jesus.
Our emotions function like smoke from a fire—and just like you can follow a trail of smoke to figure out what’s on fire in your house, you can follow the trail of your emotions to figure out what is on fire in your heart. Pastor J.D. concludes with the emotion of shame.
We’re in the final couple of days of our series on difficult emotions titled, “Smoke from a Fire.” Or, to change the analogy—each of these emotions—depression, anxiety, anger, envy, and now “shame”—functions like warning lights on the dashboard of our hearts, indicating what is going on in the engine of our souls.
Sociologists say that envy seems to be a bigger problem for our generation than any before us, because social media seems designed to play on it! But when we look at other people’s lives on social media, we are seeing a filtered image. Pastor J.D. concludes his message on the difficult emotion of envy.
Envy surrounds us—and most of us don’t realize the deadly poison that envy is. We think of envy as a kind of petty jealousy that just comes from wanting a little more. But the Bible treats it as far more serious. We’re discovering what the Bible really says about our emotions as we continue our series called, “Smoke from a Fire.”
We seem to live in an angry society. Just turn on any evening news talk show. The issues change by the day, but the anger doesn’t. People seem queued up and ready to be angry—in the classroom, at work, on Twitter, and on the freeway. Pastor J.D. teaches how we can be angry like Jesus.
Remember that one time in the Bible when Jesus got angry? And he didn’t hide it? And he didn’t sin? Pastor J.D. is helping us see how we can be angry like Jesus, too. We’re discovering what the Bible really says about our emotions … as we continue our series called, Smoke from a Fire.
When it comes to money, parenting, marriage, education, career, and any of the other litany of things we worry about, God is not telling us to sit back and do nothing. He is saying that we need to do what we can—in obedience to God, to the best of our ability—and trust him with the results. Pastor J.D. continues our study of difficult emotions called, Smoke from a Fire, with the emotion of anxiety. While anxiety thinks too little about God, it also minimizes how much God thinks of us.
What brings you the most worry and anxiety? Is it your kids? Your job? Your finances? We worry most about what we are devoted to most. Jesus talks about the difficult emotion of anxiety by first challenging what we are most devoted to. Today, Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Smoke from a Fire.
For some reason, most of us tend to think of “good Christians” as those who’re always smiling and encouraging others. So whenever we struggle with depression, despair, or doubts about God, we think there’s something wrong with us or maybe we just don’t have enough faith. And it can be difficult to ask for help because we don’t want anyone to see us as broken. Today, Pastor J.D. addresses this very real struggle from a biblical perspective.
St. Augustine once said that our deepest emotions often function like smoke from a fire: They can indicate what is going wrong in our hearts before we can articulate it. In this series, Pastor J.D. shows us that the aim of the Bible’s teaching on emotions isn’t to suppress them or even to manage them, but to read them accurately, express them honestly, and allow the gospel to reshape them completely.
Death is never a comfortable subject, but in the back of our minds, we all know that death is eventually coming. So, what happens after? Pastor J.D. talks about the two eternal destinations as he concludes our overview of the Bible titled, The Whole Story.
In art and film, heaven is usually portrayed as this ethereal place in the clouds full of harps and chubby cherubim. But, is that really all we have to look forward to in eternity? In this message, Pastor J.D. gives us a biblical picture of the new heaven and new earth promised in the book of Revelation. It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
If you were to flip through the book of Revelation with no previous Bible knowledge, it would probably sound like a piece of science fiction or someone’s crazy dream journal. All that talk of dragons and beasts can be pretty confusing! But Pastor J.D. is walking us through this book of prophecy and explaining how God pulled back the curtain to give us a glimpse of the spiritual reality. It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
In our series called, The Whole Story, we’ve been traveling from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how every page is pointing to Jesus and revealing the gospel. In this message, we’re looking at the life of the Apostle Paul and the example he set for how the gospel transforms our priorities and our definition of success.
In our series called, The Whole Story, we’ve been traveling from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how every page is pointing to Jesus and revealing the gospel. In this message, we’re looking at the life of the Apostle Paul and the example he set for how the gospel transforms our priorities and our definition of success.
Everyone wants to feel like they’ve succeeded at life. But, what does “success” even mean? Our world often points to fame, wealth, or accolades from peers. But as believers, we should have a different metric. In this message, Pastor J.D. describes the biblical standard for a successful life and explains how we can make our days count. It’s a challenging message from our series called, The Whole Story.
In this message, Pastor J.D. tackles a subject that can be a bit sensitive, but is vital to advancing the gospel. We’re talking about biblical generosity—in every area of life! Pastor J.D. is challenging us to surrender everything to God as he continues his series called, The Whole Story. We’re in Second Corinthians 9:7.
Tragically, it’s not uncommon to hear speakers and pastors who promise God’s blessing in order to manipulate their audience into giving them money. They claim that if you give a certain amount, God will bring you physical healing or financial success. But is that really what the Bible means when it talks about blessing? What should be the heart behind true, biblical generosity? That’s our subject as we continue the series called, The Whole Story.
When asked about their hopes for the future, 96% of teens in a recent survey said they want to make a difference in the world. Clearly, we all crave a greater purpose and for our lives to leave an impact. But, how do we make that happen? How do we find our calling? Pastor J.D. addresses those questions as he continues our survey of the Bible called, The Whole Story.
Have you ever come to a crucial moment where you realized that, one way or another, the decision you were about to make was gonna change your life forever? Maybe it was your wedding day or when you took the plunge and launched a new business. Well, as we continue our series called, The Whole Story, we’re looking at a crucial moment that changed—not just the course of a single life—but the course of human history. And how you respond to this moment will change your eternity!
In our series called, The Whole Story, we’ve been going from Genesis to Revelation to see the unfolding story of God’s redemptive plan for mankind. In this message, we’ve come to the climax of the story, the moment on which everything else hangs. It’s a hope-filled message about the crucifixion.
As Christians, we all know that prayer is important. And yet, sometimes it feels like just another thing to check off on our to-do list. In this message, Pastor J.D. is reminding us of the ultimate purpose of prayer and why it matters. And when we catch sight of this vision, it’ll give us a fresh excitement for prayer like never before! This message is part of our series called, The Whole Story.
Have you ever noticed that people tend to be a lot more honest about their opinions when voicing them through an anonymous email or online profile? It’s easy to be bold when no one can hold us responsible for what we said. But Pastor J.D. is challenging us to take a bold, public stance for our faith. He’s calling us to step out of our comfort zone and make our private faith known to the world as he continues our series called, The Whole Story.
According to tradition, there are two topics you should avoid in social conversations: politics and religion. It’s much easier and more comfortable to keep our faith a private, personal thing. But Pastor J.D. is challenging us to get outside our comfort zone and make our faith known. It’s part of our series called The Whole Story.
Even with all the comfort and luxury of modern life, happiness is still hard to come by. And all the self-care and positivity in the world can never truly satisfy our souls. So, what are we missing? In this message, Pastor J.D. explains how Jesus himself tackled that question in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s part of the series called The Whole Story.
We all crave happiness, and yet, it often seems elusive. We pin our hopes on something in the future, like marriage, kids, career success, or retirement, and we think if we can just get to that goal, we’ll be happy. But nothing ever seems to satisfy! So what’s the solution? How do we escape the rat race and find true, lasting joy? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues his series called The Whole Story.
When artists try to depict Jesus, they often paint him wearing a clean, white robe and holding a lamb in a quiet, green pasture. It’s a peaceful and comforting representation, reminding us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. There’s nothing wrong with those images, in and of themselves, but they don’t capture the full picture of Jesus. In this message, Pastor J.D. draws our attention to another aspect of Jesus’ character. And it might surprise you! It’s part of our series called The Whole Story.
Sometimes, a little scare can be fun, like when you’re watching a suspenseful movie or riding a roller coaster. But aside from that, we don’t typically think of fear as a positive thing. However, when it comes to our relationship with God, fear is actually a good, healthy, and even essential emotion. That’s our subject as we continue our series called The Whole Story.
Have you ever prayed for a miracle? At one point or another, almost everyone will end up on their knees begging for the impossible, even those who don’t consider themselves religious. Sometimes, you might get the answer you were hoping for! But other times, it seems like God doesn’t respond. Why is that? Pastor J.D. tackles this challenging topic as he continues our series called, The Whole Story.
As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. walks us through the story of two people who came to Jesus looking for physical healing. But as we’ll see, these stories are about so much more than just getting your prayers answered. We’re talking about faith, prayer, and God’s sovereign plan.
Whether we’re aware of it or not, we all face temptations on a daily basis. Sometimes, we’re even tempted to be prideful about overcoming temptation! So, how do we find the power to overcome and keep resisting the constant enticement? That’s the subject as Pastor J.D. continues this series called, The Whole Story.
When you hear the word, “sin,” what do you picture? For some of us, it’s something along the lines of a wild party or an adulterous affair. Impatience probably isn’t first thing that comes to mind. But as Pastor J.D. continues a series called, The Whole Story, he explains that a lack of patience is at the root of a lot of sins.
Baptism is one of those subjects that tends to stir up some lively debate among believers. Some people say you should be baptized as a baby; others say you should wait for adulthood. Some like to sprinkle, while others like to dunk. But what does the Bible say on the issue, and why does it even matter? Pastor J.D. addresses those questions as he continues a series called, The Whole Story.
When you were a kid, did you ever get a really big homework assignment, but instead of chipping away at it over the semester, you put it off until the night before it was due? Thankfully, with a homework assignment, the worst that can happen is a bad grade. But in this message, Pastor J.D. talks about something you might be putting off that has much higher stakes. It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
If there’s one part of Scripture most of us skip over, it’s the genealogies. It’s hard to see how a list of “who-begat-who” is relevant to our own lives. But in this message, Pastor J.D. explains that those lists are actually critical to understanding God’s plan. We’re looking at the genealogy of Jesus and learning how God has been working through all of history to reveal the plan of salvation. It’s part of our series called, “The Whole Story.”
Recently, there’s been a growing interest in studying family histories. In fact, multiple companies have popped up that will trace your family line through a DNA sample. For some people, the results may be exciting, learning about historical figures or even royalty in their line. For others, the findings may be a little less glamorous. In this message, we’re taking a look at Jesus’ family history and what it reveals about God’s overarching plan for human history. It’s part of our series called, “The Whole Story”
If you asked an atheist why they don’t believe in God, they’ll often say that it’s due to a lack of evidence. But is that really the case? Is our faith just based on wishful thinking, or are there logical reasons to believe the Bible? As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, he argues there is solid evidence of God’s existence. He’s taking us through the prophecies of Isaiah—a book that can only be explained by divine inspiration.
There’s something special about receiving a thoughtful note, especially when it’s coming from someone you love. Maybe that’s why so many romantic movies center on a love letter! Well, as Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, he’s looking at the greatest love letter ever written: the book of Isaiah.
In this message, Pastor J.D. unpacks a lesser-known account from the Old Testament that gives us a powerful picture of God’s purpose in our suffering. It’s the story of a young girl’s faith, a proud man’s brush with death, and God’s amazing mercy. It’s part of our overview of the Bible called, The Whole Story.
Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Sometimes, things go wrong because of a reckless or unwise decision, but much of the time, it’s due to forces outside our control. And when everything is headed downhill, we might start to wonder if God has abandoned us or if he even exists. As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. addresses those doubts, helping us see God’s greater purpose in our pain.
As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, we’re looking at a tragic moment in the history of Israel. The people had turned from following God and had given themselves over to worshiping idols. Pastor J.D. cautions us that, though it might not look the same in our day, idolatry is still alive and well. He’s teaching from Ezekiel 10:4 to 11:23.
When life is going well, it’s easy to say that we trust God’s plan. But what about when everything seems to be falling apart? Does having faith mean we skip along and pretend everything is fine? Pastor J.D. addresses those questions as he continues our series called, The Whole Story. We’re looking at Psalm 37.
What kind of memories do you have of your dad? Maybe he was a good father or, maybe your relationship has been strained. Pastor J.D. explains that no matter what our relationships with our earthly dads look like, we all have some sort of childhood wounds. In a series titled, Foretold, we’re learning how our heavenly father heals all wounds.
Whether we like to admit it or not, we all wrestle with doubts from time to time. So when those questions start creeping up in our minds and we just can’t make sense of God’s plan, how should we respond? Pastor J.D. turns to Psalm 73 to answer that question as he continues our series called, The Whole Story.
The Bible describes King David as “a man after God’s own heart.” He was the one who fought Goliath and wrote many of our favorite psalms. And yet, even this great hero of the faith fell into the trap of sexual sin. In this message, Pastor J.D. is drawing some cautionary truths from David’s mistakes and is pointing us to our only true hope. It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
In Christian circles, King David is often treated as a model of courage and faithfulness. And in many ways, he was that! But he was also a broken sinner. In this message, we’re looking at the darkest moment in David’s life and learning from his mistakes. It’s part of our overview of the Bible called, The Whole Story.
Are you up against a giant today? Maybe you’re facing a scary diagnosis or a financial crisis. Perhaps it’s a rebellious child, or someone you love has walked out of your life. When your problems seem so big, it’s hard not to feel like God has abandoned you. But in this message, Pastor J.D. reminds us that our God is fighting for us, even when we can’t see it. We’re looking at the story of David and Goliath as we continue our overview of the Bible called, The Whole Story.
Everyone likes an underdog story: the protagonist who’s up against impossible odds, yet somehow manages to pull through. It’s no wonder Hollywood is always doing a take on this theme. So when most of us picture David and Goliath, we think of it as another inspiring story about overcoming obstacles. But Pastor J.D. suggests we might actually be missing the main point! It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, we’re looking at a short Old Testament book that paints a beautiful picture of God’s redeeming love. Through the romance of Boaz and Ruth, we see a picture of Jesus, our Kinsman Redeemer. And we’re learning that God can restore any situation for our good and his glory!
Have you ever come to a point in your life where it seemed like everything had fallen apart? Maybe it was a cancer diagnosis or the death of a loved one. Maybe your business went under, or you lost your home in a natural disaster. In this message, Pastor J.D. walks us through the story of a woman who lost everything: her home, her family, and her financial security. And through her story, we’re finding hope to carry us through even in the darkest seasons! It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
How do you judge success in life? Is it tied to your bank account or the respect of your peers? We all have different things we look to for validation, but Pastor J.D. is reminding us that God has a different way of measuring success. We’re looking at the book of Joshua and learning how to find success in surrender. It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
In military terms, surrender is a bad thing. It means you’ve failed or given up. But in spiritual terms, surrender is the best decision you’ll ever make! As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, he’s describing what it means to submit yourself completely to God’s will and direction. We’re looking at the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho and learning how to give up control to God’s leading.
At the center of any religion, you’ll find a list of rules and expectations. But the gospel is different, because it’s not about anything we’ve done! That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story. We’re looking at the final sermon Moses delivered to the Israelites before his death. And, we’re discovering that even in the Old Testament, Moses was already pointing to Jesus and the gospel of grace.
If you grew up in church, you probably heard a lot of talk about the “heroes of the faith.” You maybe have even had storybooks or movies featuring these larger-than-life figures like Joseph, Moses, or David. But when you read through their stories as an adult, you’ll start to notice these heroes were far from perfect. Instead of being role models, they were signposts pointing to a much greater hero! In this message, Pastor J.D. dives into the story of Moses to help us see what God was really trying to teach through this account. It’s part of our series called, “The Whole Story.”
As believers, we know we’re saved by God’s grace alone, not by any works that we do. But why does the Bible give us so many rules and regulations? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he describes the purpose of these Old Testament instructions. We’ll be learning more about the Ten Commandments as we continue our series called, The Whole Story.
Many people think of the Bible as just a book of rules and regulations. And, the Old Testament tends to be especially intimidating, because it appears to be full of impossible standards we can never live up to. As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. explains the true purpose behind all of God’s standards. It’s an important reminder about our desperate need of God’s grace.
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest of all the biblical feasts. And traditionally, the activities of this solemn day centered around two goats. One was sacrificed, while the other was sent into the wilderness as a scapegoat, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, he explains how this ancient practice points to Jesus!
As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. dives into a part of the Bible you don’t usually hear a lot about: the book of Leviticus. We’re learning how the traditional celebration of Yom Kippur serves as a sign—pointing us to Jesus!
The story of Joseph and his many-colored coat is one of the more popular accounts in the Old Testament. But it’s more than just an interesting story. From being sold into slavery by his brothers, thrown into prison, and then rising to power and being reunited with his family, Joseph’s life is a beautiful picture of God’s sovereign plan. And that’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our series titled, The Whole Story.
It’s easy to say you trust God. But when things go wrong, and your child gets a scary diagnosis or your business goes under, it’s hard to see how that fits into God’s plan. Pastor J.D. is tackling those doubts as he continues our overview of the Bible called, The Whole Story. We’re getting an important reminder of God’s sovereign control in every situation.
Our culture tells us that the key to happiness is finding your soul mate. But then, when marriage gets hard, we start looking for something else to fill us up, like a career, children, or a hobby. But it never really satisfies! Pastor J.D. is pointing us to the only source of lasting joy as he continues our series called, The Whole Story.
The movies often make it seem like romance is the answer to all of our problems. Guy kisses girl, and they live happily ever after. But we all know that real life doesn’t work that way! No matter how happy your relationship might be, it’s not a guarantee of a happy life. As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, he’s explaining the key to true, lasting joy, regardless of your relationship status.
When you picture “the good life,” what comes to mind? Financial security? A happy marriage? A successful career? None of those things are wrong on their own. But Pastor J.D. explains that they will never truly bring you satisfaction. We’re discovering the only source of security and significance as we continue our series called, The Whole Story.
Whenever you start something new, there tends to be a “honeymoon phase,” when it seems like all of your dreams are coming true. But eventually, that excitement wears off, and you find it’s not as perfect as you initially thought. How are we supposed to handle those disappointments? What do you do when the thing you’ve been dreaming about doesn’t fulfill you like you thought it would? Pastor J.D. addresses those questions as he continues our series called, The Whole Story.
Noah’s Ark is one of the most popular stories in the Bible. It’s an especially big hit with kids. In fact, you’ve probably seen picture books and nursery décor with the animals going up two-by-two into the boat. But when you look at the actual story as it’s told in the Bible, it’s definitely not G-rated! As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. explains what Noah’s story reveals about our sin, God’s wrath, and the plan of redemption.
If you asked a few people to name their favorite aspect of God’s character, you’d probably hear things like, “his love” or “his grace.” His wrath usually won’t be at the top of the list! But Pastor J.D. explains that God’s wrath isn’t something to be covered up, ignored, or minimized. It’s actually an important, beautiful part of who God is! And we’ll see why that is as we unpack the story of Noah’s Ark. It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
It doesn’t take more than about ten minutes of listening to the news to know that our world is pretty messed up. Between wars, hate crimes, and mass shootings, it can all seem pretty overwhelming! But how did things get this way, and is there any way to fix it? Pastor J.D. tackles those questions as he continues our series called, The Whole Story.
Most people like to think of themselves as a “pretty good person.” But Pastor J.D. is challenging that notion as he continues our study in Genesis. He’s showing that, if we’re honest with ourselves, we know we’re not as good as we should be. So why is that, and what can we do about it? It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
If you grew up in the Western world, you’re probably familiar with the Genesis account of creation. But why did this story get included in the Bible? Is it just for the sake of our curiosity, so we know where we came from? Pastor J.D. explains that this story actually has much bigger implications. As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, we’re discovering what the creation account reveals about God’s design for us.
Almost every culture and every religion has their own creation story—their idea of how everything started. And that story says a lot about how the people in that culture view themselves. Well, Pastor J.D. is unpacking the true story of creation. He’s explaining how we were created—and what that says about our ultimate purpose. It’s part of our series called, The Whole Story.
When you pick up a Bible, you’re actually holding sixty-six books, written by more than thirty authors over a span of thousands of years. And yet, it all tells one story! And that’s the subject of our series titled, The Whole Story. We’re going to go from Genesis to Revelation, hitting most of the major events in-between. But before we get to Genesis, Pastor J.D. kicks off the study with a quick stop in the book of Psalms.
What kind of memories do you have of your dad? Maybe he was a good father or, maybe your relationship has been strained. Pastor J.D. explains that no matter what our relationships with our earthly dads look like, we all have some sort of childhood wounds. In a series titled, Foretold, we’re learning how our heavenly father heals all wounds.
As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Foretold, we’re looking at some Old Testament prophesies in the book of Isaiah. As we study the reign of Ahaz, King of Jerusalem, we’ll learn more about Ahaz’s reign, and an event that pointed to the coming Savior—700 years before the birth of Jesus.
Around Christmas time, we hear and see the words—For to us a child is born everywhere. And we know the verse is talking about Jesus. But for most of us, that’s all we know about it. Join us as Pastor J.D. dives into the context behind this familiar Christmas passage. It’s a message from our series, Foretold.
As a kid, you probably believed a lot of stories about the Christmas season that you later learned were a bit exaggerated or made up entirely. So, is the story of Jesus’ birth just another story? Pastor J.D. addresses that question on Summit Life as he continues our series called, Foretold.
In Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman, we are supposed to hear him speaking words of life to us and learning more about who he is. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows how we are all like the Samaritan woman—searching for something that will satisfy and always coming up thirsty until we find in Jesus the safest place in the universe, free of shame and condemnation.
In this special Christmas message from John 4, Pastor J.D. Greear walks us through a story that demonstrates the beauty of the incarnate Christ, whose coming we celebrate during this Christmas season. The Samaritan woman at the well—the first person to whom Jesus overtly reveals himself as the Messiah—has much to teach us about the Savior who has come to earth. He’s the Savior who comes to the unlikely, and you are exactly who he is looking for.
Jesus could have come to earth as the lion, but instead he came as the lamb who conquered death and now offers salvation to anyone who humbly receives it. Pastor J.D. continues to look at our response to who Jesus is by walking through the third question we must answer, after we understand that Jesus knows everything about us and loves us anyway: Will we follow him?
In this message that takes us through the remainder of John 1, Pastor J.D. explains how Jesus both asks and answers a vital question for all of us: “What are you seeking?” Though people everywhere naturally crave love and acceptance, they often search for it in all the wrong places. Through Jesus’ encounters with both Peter and Nathanael, we see the beauty of being fully known and loved by the One we should devote our lives to following.
In his incarnation, Jesus personified God’s defining characteristics of grace and truth. Yet religion often espouses one without the other, to the point of condemnation and exclusion. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to walk through Jesus’ resume in John 1 to show how Jesus is the glory of God in the flesh and how to respond to his offer of grace and truth and eternal life.
In this message from the Gospel of John, Pastor J.D. takes us through what we can think of as Jesus’ resume, to better understand who Jesus was and is. With so many misconceptions of Jesus prevalent in today’s world, this is a task that is immensely important. Perhaps you’ve encountered churches that have embodied grace, but not truth (or vice versa). If so, you can rest in the assurance that the Jesus who took on flesh and dwelt among us is full of both grace and truth.
Jesus said that money is the top competitor in our hearts for God, and what we do with our money reveals who is really the Lord of our lives. In this message, Pastor J.D. concludes a series on opening our hands with our time, talent, and treasure to show just how much the gospel has changed our lives by teaching the two ways Zacchaeus demonstrated that he had been changed by grace.
In today’s teaching from the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. leads us through what is likely a familiar story for many—the story of a tax collector named Zacchaeus whose life was forever changed by a glimpse of Jesus. This man who was despised by many was willing to do whatever it took to see the Savior, and as a result, the grace offered by Jesus changed not just his behavior, but his heart. Is your life characterized by generosity and a desire to live honorably before God and others? If not, maybe you simply need to start by taking your first real glimpse of Jesus.
We may recognize the time, treasure, and talents God has given us, but have we asked God for his purpose in giving them to us? Pastor J.D. continues to teach in this message about investing our lives in God’s kingdom by sharing what keeps so many of us from investing our resources wisely and how to take what we’ve been given and double it so that others can hear the gospel.
To follow Jesus involves risk—the risk of releasing control and yielding every area of your life to Jesus as Lord over all. In this message from the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. looks at the parable of the ten minas, where we see that, likewise, sowing a harvest with our resources can also involve risk. But when the risk is for the building up of God’s kingdom, it’s always worth it.
The way to reap a bountiful harvest is not by collecting and spending but by giving and trusting. Pastor J.D. continues in this message to show how living like Christ, not money, is what brings happiness by looking at five laws of the harvest. When we ask ourselves first how much we want God to multiply us, then we will know what kind of sacrificial giving he requires of us.
In this message from the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. looks at one of the most revolutionary principles in all of Jesus’ teaching—the “law of the harvest.” It’s as simple as it is profound: As you give, it will be given to you. Sounds wise enough, maybe even encouraging. Most of us, however, don’t live that way. We don’t believe, in our heart of hearts, that God is as generous as he says he is. The result? We aren’t generous either. But Jesus invites us to a richer life than any of us could imagine, one in which every good thing (generosity, forgiveness, joy) not only abounds, but multiplies.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, we know what’s coming, and we know that only what’s done for the sake of the gospel will last—and that’s why we can let go of the things that will soon have no value for the one thing that has infinite value. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to teach about surrender by looking at the essential question of lordship and what keeps us from clinging to Jesus.
In this message from the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. walks through the story of a man who missed out on an enormous (actually, an eternal) opportunity—all because he was too afraid to take a risk. Thinking only of what he would lose in following Jesus, he never considered what he would gain. It was the biggest mistake of his life. And if we’re not careful, it will the biggest regret of ours, too.
A lot of people become interested in church because they realize that something is missing from their life. They expect that being a Christian will give them a new sense of purpose, a better family, or comfort during a hard time. But Pastor J.D. is challenging us to rethink why we follow God. It’s the conclusion of our series called All-In.
Tragically, there are a lot of pastors out there who have used the Bible to manipulate their listeners into giving, promising financial blessing from God as a result. But that’s a far cry from the true heart behind biblical generosity! Pastor J.D. sets the record straight by describing what the Bible actually says about giving to God’s mission. It’s from our series titled, All-In.
Even more than politics, money is usually considered an impolite topic to bring up at parties. But as we continue our series called All-In, Pastor J.D. is diving into this sensitive subject. He’s describing the biblical principles for handling wealth, and you might be surprised by a few of them!
Whenever a pastor starts talking about money, people usually start squirming in their seats. It’s an extremely touchy subject, and it’s also an area where a lot of people have felt manipulated or taken advantage of in the past. But Jesus talked more about money than almost any other subject, so it’s not a topic we can avoid. Pastor J.D. dives into this tricky topic, describing what the Bible really says about our finances. It’s part of our series called All-In.
There’s a cliché phrase we often use when someone gets saved. We say that they “gave their life to Jesus.” But what does that really mean? How will our day-to-day lives look different if we’re really surrendered to God? That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our series called All-In. Pastor J.D. originally preached this sermon to his home church, The Summit in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, but the principles apply to believers everywhere.
Everyone wants to experience God’s blessing, but how do we really grab ahold of that? What does it take to get the abundant life it talks about in Scripture? Pastor J.D. describes the biblical answer to that question as he continues our series called, All-In.
In our series called All-In, Pastor J.D. is walking through the stories of five Old Testament characters who each give us a picture of what it means to be fully committed to God’s mission. This series was originally preached to Pastor J.D.’s home congregation, The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, but the principles apply to every believer and every local church.
If you ever flip through one of those picture book Bibles for kids, one of the first stories you’ll noticed is Noah and the Ark, usually accompanied by a cute illustration of little animals walking two-by-two into the ark. But this account isn’t just a nice story about God saving some animals from a flood; it’s a powerful foreshadowing of the gospel. That’s our subject as we begin our study called All-In.
Did you know that Esther is one of only two books in the Bible named for a woman? It’s been a pretty controversial book. But not because it is named for a woman, but because God’s name is not mentioned— not even one time—in the whole book! Thankfully, however, God has kept it in the Bible for us—because it really has something important to teach us. Today Pastor J.D. will wrap up a quick trip through Esther and we’ll hear the timeless challenge that it is always the right call to risk it all for the sake of Jesus. Jump right into Chapter 4 with us.
Pastor J.D. opens up Esther, a book that surprisingly lacks the name of God, yet is mysteriously full of God at work. We’re going to see that God has sovereignly arranged our circumstances, just like Esther’s, to be strategically involved in his mission. Grab your Bible, and take some notes as we dive in.
Psalm 91 seems to say that if you trust God, nothing bad will happen to you, and your life will go smoothly. And, well, maybe then if things aren’t going well, you must not be trusting God. That’s troubling, right? It almost sounds like karma. Pastor J.D. uses Romans 8:28 to show us how the promises of Psalm 91 are still true. Today, we’re concluding our series called, Help.
There are some passages in the Bible I’m just not sure what to do with. Well, maybe more than “some”. The Psalms of help and protection especially fall in that category of Scripture I’m not sure if I’m really using correctly. It seems like we gravitate toward them, but I have a hard time applying them to my life.
I’ve started to rely more and more on the different GPS apps on my phone—not because I don’t know my way around, but because they get real-time traffic information and can correct my course. It’s more of a guide than just a map. Today, Pastor J.D. lovingly shows us that what we need is a relationship with a constant guide who, at every point, can provide the next piece. Let’s join in as he concludes his message from Psalm 25.
No matter how strong our faith is, we all have moments when we come to the end of ourselves. The problem is, if we’re honest, we aren’t sure if God can meet us in that place. But Pastor J.D. explains that if we offer our desperation to God in prayer, we will find him eager to listen, eager to forgive, eager to heal, eager to step in and help.
Sometimes it’s easy to think about missions and evangelism as a task for “elite Christians” who God calls to be pastors or missionaries. But as we continue our series, “Be the Movement,” Pastor J.D. shows us that God wants to use all of us to live on mission for him—yes, God wants to use YOU!
In this message on Acts 7–8, Pastor J.D. teaches on The Summit Church’s fourth core value: “We send every member.” Because Jesus sent his Spirit to us, the question is no longer if we are called to join in his mission. It’s only a matter of where and how. Living “sent” isn’t a special calling for our church planters and missionaries. It’s a calling for you.
In this message on Matthew 28, Pastor J.D. teaches on a third core value: “We make disciples, not just converts.” Most churches celebrate how many people attend services or “make decisions” or get baptized. But our central commission, as a church, is much simpler—and much harder: We are called to make disciples.
Believers aren’t meant to be stagnant ponds who are always receiving and never pouring into other people. Instead, we’re meant to be rivers where gospel water flows through us to others. In this message from our series, “Be the Movement,” Pastor J.D. talks about how Jesus wants us to take the good news of the gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation—truly pursuing ALL people in our communities with the love of Jesus.
In this message on 1 Corinthians 9, Pastor J.D. explains one of the core four values of The Summit Church, “We do whatever it takes to reach all people.” Believers aren’t meant to be stagnant ponds—receiving, receiving, receiving. We’re meant to be rivers where gospel water flows through us to others. So we get comfortable being uncomfortable, knowing that Jesus wants people from every tribe, every tongue, and every background to be welcomed into his family.
In this message on 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor J.D. begins a deep dive into the mission and values of The Summit Church with Value #1, “We prioritize the gospel above all.” The gospel alone transforms us, empowers us, unites us, propels us. This is why the Apostle Paul puts the gospel in a special class all by itself—because a church without the gospel at the center is a church without power.
We all want to make our lives count. We want to use our gifts and abilities to change things for the better. And as Christians, we’ve each been given a spiritual gift that we’re supposed to use to advance God’s Kingdom! But how do we figure out what that gift is? And how is a spiritual gift any different than a natural talent? That’s our topic as Pastor J.D. continues our study of the Holy Spirit titled, Rushing Wind.
What’s the difference between attending a Christian movie and being part of a church? They both involve a bunch of people listening to someone talk about Jesus. But that’s not all church is supposed to be! As he continues our series called, Rushing Wind, Pastor J.D. reminds us that we’re called to be so much more than just an audience at church. We’ve all been given spiritual gifts, and we’re supposed to use them!
Take a minute right now to think back to your childhood. What was the best present you were ever given? Maybe it was a new bike one Christmas, or a puppy! Or maybe you were one of the lucky kids who got a car for their sixteenth birthday. As we continue our series called, Rushing Wind, Pastor J.D. reminds us that, as believers, we’ve all been given an even better gift: a spiritual gift. But what does that mean exactly? What does that look like?
When you sit down to pray, what do you talk about? Maybe you run through a list of people in your life who need healing, or you reflect on everything you’re grateful for. Those are all great things to pray about and should definitely be part of your normal routine. But Pastor J.D. is reminding us of the most important prayer request, one that might have slipped your mind! It’s part of our series called, Rushing Wind, and we’re in Luke 11:11.
How do we become more like Jesus? Is it by reading our Bibles more, getting an accountability partner, or volunteering at church? Those are definitely good steps, but they only deal with surface-level issues. As he continues our series called, Rushing Wind, Pastor J.D. explains how the Holy Spirit works to transform our hearts and our desires, to change us from the inside out.
In our series on the Holy Spirit called, Rushing Wind, we’ve learned who the Holy Spirit is and why we need him in our lives. In this message, Pastor J.D. gets really practical, explaining how you can experience the Holy Spirit in your own life. We’re learning how to tap into the Spirit’s power so we can do God’s work in the world.
As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Rushing Wind, we’re studying the third person of the Trinity and learning how to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor J.D. explains what the “filling of the Spirit” is, when it happens, and how it happens. We’re in Ephesians 5:18-21.
Some Christians think you can receive the Holy Spirit months or even years after you’ve been saved. They believe that when he comes, there will be a clear, outward sign, like speaking in tongues or prophesying. Others think you’re sealed with the Spirit when you’re first saved, and that’s your only experience with him! They believe in the Spirit in theory, but don’t think he really change anything in their lives. Pastor J.D. reveals that neither of those views tells the whole story! It’s part of our series called, Rushing Wind.
When we give our lives to Jesus, the Bible says we’re sealed with the Holy Spirit. But what does that mean? Is the Spirit just a stamp we get in our spiritual passport to make sure we’ll get into heaven? As he continues our series called, Rushing Wind, Pastor J.D. explains that we aren’t just sealed with the Spirit. We’re also filled with the Spirit!
Cars either run on gasoline or electricity. If you tried to fill your car up with something else, like soda, you wouldn’t get very far! For a car to work, it has to be drawing from the right power source. And the same is true of us! Pastor J.D. points us to the power source for the Christian life as he continues our study of the Holy Spirit titled, Rushing Wind.
When scientists began experimenting with electricity in the 1800s, a whole new world of possibilities opened up. This incredible power source had always existed, but they’d never before been able to tap into it. And Pastor J.D. explains that you and I have access to a spiritual power source that we might be ignoring! We’re talking about the power of the Holy Spirit as we continue our series called, Rushing Wind.
The word “charismatic” has very strong connotations for Christians today, and it can be extremely divisive. But as he continues our series called, Rushing Wind, Pastor J.D. gives us clarity on this issue, revealing what the Bible really says about the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.
In certain churches, the Holy Spirit is talked about as something you experience during worship, when the music crescendos and you get a surge of emotions. Or, when we’re praying about a decision and we feel a warmth in our chest, we think that that’s the Holy Spirit telling us which way to go. But Pastor J.D. explains that the Holy Spirit’s role in your life is way bigger and way more real than just getting goosebumps. It’s part of our series called, Rushing Wind.
In some churches, you’ll hear a lot of talk about God the Father and Jesus Christ, but the Holy Spirit seems to sort of get pushed to the side. In other churches, people focus so much on trying to hear from the Holy Spirit, that they’ll interpret anything and everything as a sign from him. So which side is more biblical? What role is the Holy Spirit supposed to play in our churches and in our lives? Pastor J.D. unpacks those questions as he continues our new series called, Rushing Wind.
When most people try to picture God the Father, they think of him sitting on a throne in heaven. And when we try to picture Jesus, we imagine a bearded carpenter, maybe holding a lamb. But the Holy Spirit can be a little bit harder to relate with! In our series called, “Rushing Wind,” Pastor J.D. gets in-depth with what the Bible tells us about the Holy Spirit: who he is, what he does, and how he’s working in our world today.
Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world, and yet there are myths we believe inside and outside the church that make a season of political turmoil feel even darker. In this broadcast, Pastor J.D. continues to look at some of those myths and how, when we look at the words of Jesus as he stood before Pilate, we will be able to replace feelings of anxiety and despair with hope and urgency about sharing the gospel.
In this second message of our “Flags” series, Pastor J.D. explores several myths that are common in our approach to politics, both outside and inside the church. By focusing instead on Jesus’ revolutionary claim to Pilate in John 18, we’ll see that Jesus’ kingdom puts every other earthly kingdom—and political party—into stark perspective. It is a perspective that can transform cynicism and despair into hope and urgency.
While it is every Christian’s responsibility to bring their faith and understanding of God’s kingdom into all that they do, the church as an organization has a limited platform. In this broadcast, Pastor J.D. looks at the church’s duty to preach righteousness, justice, and compassion and our complementary role as church members so that we can be united by what is most important—our identity in Christ.
In this first message of our “Flags” series, Pastor J.D. Greear shows us that the hope of the gospel unites the most unlikely of people from all tribes, tongues, nations … and even political parties. As members of Christ’s eternal kingdom, we can declare that even in moments of great division, Jesus retains the power to heal, restore, and offer an eternal hope.
Chapters 22 and 23 of 2 Samuel felt like an ideal place to end David’s story, with a testament to God’s redeeming power. In this message, Pastor J.D. explains why 2 Samuel ends with 70,000 Israelites dying because of the sin of their king and how the story—the whole story of David’s life—points to the real King we’ve all been looking for and the only right response to him.
In this message, Pastor J.D. Greear focuses on a chapter that, frankly, many of us might find confusing—if not downright offensive. By walking through David’s mysterious census and the massive punishment that follows, Pastor J.D. deals with one of the biggest obstacles many people have to trusting in God: Deep down, we don’t think he’s really a good person. If God seems, to you, less loving and forgiving and more vindictive and cruel, this obscure story might just show you what God is actually up to in the world.
It’s no wonder David closes the psalm of his life glorifying God’s power in redemption, because there is nothing quite as amazing as God taking a life ruined by sin, like David’s, and making it new. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to look at David’s life song and shares the three things God’s salvation gives us. Because of the gospel, we can say with David, “God is my hope, my Savior, and my restoration.”
A person’s last words can often be very telling. In this week’s message, Pastor J.D. gives us a glimpse into a song that David wrote during an earlier time in his life, which serves as a summary of both his life and his ministry. From these “last words” of David, we can learn important truths about God—truths that sustained David,and that can sustain us through even the darkest of times.
In the tragic story of David and his son Absalom, we’re left to wonder what might have happened if David had used his power to protect and heal instead of allowing his power to keep him detached in his palace. Pastor J.D. explains in this message why humanity is stuck in a perpetual cycle of brokenness and violence and how Jesus broke the cycle so we could experience healing and his grace.
As we near the end of 2 Samuel, this week’s message from Pastor J.D. is one that examines the often far-reaching consequences of sin. These consequences played out not only in David’s life, but in the lives of many in his family. For those who have experienced the tragic results of sin, either your own or that of others, things may seem hopeless—but there is healing to be found in the true King who redeems and restores.
After David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah, he walked through a process of restoration that models for us how to repent and take responsibility for our sin. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows us how our repentance points others to Jesus. Because Christ didn’t just die but also resurrected, God can take the dead remains of our sin and bring them back to life.
What does true repentance look like? This week, Pastor J.D. helps us unpack 2 Samuel 12, in which David is confronted regarding his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. Following the prophet Nathan’s rebuke of him, David pens Psalm 51. It is in this psalm that we observe the components of true confession and repentance, which lead ultimately—and joyfully—to restoration.
David was Israel’s long-awaited and hoped-for king, and he’d started out so well by defeating Goliath and writing beautiful psalms about God. But his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah made Israel ask, if even King David, the man after God’s own heart, failed them, what hope was there? Pastor J.D. shares in this message why we, like Israel, needed a King far greater than David and how that King, Jesus, helps us overcome sin.
Pastor J.D. helps us process a very difficult passage in 2 Samuel, and a turning point in the life of David—the story of David and Bathsheba. Could this be the same David who was called “a man after God’s own heart”? Though David was indeed forgiven, his sin would affect everyone around him. While this story holds a powerful warning for us today, what it ultimately reveals is a deep longing for another King, a better King — Jesus.
When David understood that he had been the recipient of extravagant grace, he felt compelled to find someone to whom he could show that kind of grace. In this message, Pastor J.D. helps us understand that, before we can become generous like David toward Mephibosheth, we must first recognize the generosity of Christ toward us and how the gospel transforms the way we see others.
If you have believed and been changed by the gospel, what should your response be? In this week’s message from 2 Samuel, Pastor J.D. takes us through a story that is perhaps not as well-known, that of David and Mephibosheth. David’s response to the extravagant love of God (as seen in 2 Samuel 7) is to pour out that same love onto an unlikely recipient, giving him a permanent seat at his table. It is here that we find our own story reflected—we who were once enemies have been invited to sit at the table of the King.
In any great work of art, every stroke on the canvas comes through a paintbrush, but the real brilliance isn’t in the paintbrush but in the hand of the artist wielding the brush. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows us how God is the painter and we are the paintbrush—how our role is to be submitted to him as his instrument and then rest and sit in wonder at his grace to us.
As we continue in the book of 2 Samuel, this week’s message from Pastor J.D. walks us through both King David’s desire to build the temple and God’s response to him—one that serves as a good reminder for us even today. What David learned—and what we often forget—is that our relationship with God is not based on how much we do or give. Instead, it’s based on what God has already done for us and given to us.
What does your worship tell others about God’s value to you? For David, he so valued and adored God that it produced one of the most passionate expressions of worship in the Bible. Pastor J.D. teaches in this message how our pride keeps us from genuine worship and why worship puts God’s worth and our gratitude for our salvation on display.
In this week’s message from 2 Samuel, Pastor J.D. encourages us to honestly evaluate our worship of God. Though different cultures (and different personalities) often exhibit differing styles of worship, our intention should be the same—putting the worthiness of God on display. Though we might not always feel like worshiping, we can resolve to do so anyway, out of obedience to and love for our great God.
God had promised Israel a king that would bring identity, happiness, and security, but their hearts had been broken with their first king, Saul. Friday Pastor J.D. talks about why David was not the king Israel was looking for either and how, just like God brought David and Jesus to the throne through chaos, he is sovereign in the mess of our lives, too.
In this message from 2 Samuel, Pastor J.D. walks us through a few ways in which David was “a man after God’s own heart.” And yet, what we ultimately see through the first several chapters of this book is that not even David was the king that Israel was looking for. The king that they needed—and that we need today—was one fully without sin, willing to lay down his life even for his enemies. With such a King on the throne, we can learn to accept with joy what God has for us this year and beyond.
God had promised Israel a king that would bring Israel identity, happiness, and security, but their hearts had been broken with their first king, Saul. Surely David would be the king they had been promised! In this message, Pastor J.D. talks about why David was not the king Israel was looking for and how, just like God brought David and Jesus to the throne through chaos, he is sovereign in the mess of our lives, too.
In this message from 1 Samuel, Pastor J.D. walks through the tragic last chapter of Israel’s first king. King Saul held such promise in the beginning. But the longer he reigned, the more it became clear that he wanted God’s blessing much more than he wanted God. And Saul isn’t alone: In the church today, many people seem destined to miss heaven by 18 inches—the distance between your head and your heart.
When life takes an unexpected turn, we have a choice: We can take matters into our own hands, or we can do things God’s way and wait on him to fulfill his promises. In this message, Pastor J.D. uses Abigail’s story of wisdom and discretion to show us why we cannot accomplish the promise of the Spirit in the power of the flesh and how to instead leave vengeance to God and respond with grace.
One day, the story of your life will be told to the next generation. How do you want today’s chapter to be told? In this message from 1 Samuel 25, Pastor J.D. shows us King David at a critical juncture, fresh off his faithful response to the murderous King Saul. But when a smaller obstacle meets David, he stumbles and nearly falls. The only thing that prevents David from veering into a pattern of sin and foolishness is an obscure figure—one of the wisest (and least known) people in the entire Bible.
David did not spend time in the wilderness, running from Saul, so we could believe that if we trust God more, he will accept and provide for us. That’s the wrong order—and the order is critical. Pastor J.D. explains in this message how David’s confidence and steadfast faith in God’s purpose developed because he believed God had already accepted him and how you can have the same faith.
What do you do when the path you’re on takes an expected turn for the worst? In this message from 1 Samuel 24, Pastor J.D. follows King David into an unexpected place—the wilderness. At this point in his life, David had been chosen to be king. And yet circumstances sent him running for his life. David’s temptation in this season echoes our own: When our plans seem to be going south, we can take matters into our own hands. Or we can follow David, doing the hardest thing in the Bible—trust God and actively wait on his timing.
We all need the kind of friendships in our lives that will shield us, strengthen us, and shape us into the person God created us to be. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows how Jonathan’s friendship with David modeled this kind of friendship and how friendship with Jesus enables us to be to others this kind of friend—healthy, complete, trusting, and forgiving.
In this message from 1 Samuel, Pastor J.D. looks at one of the greatest friendship stories of all time—between the presumptive heir, Prince Jonathan, and the anointed king, David. This unlikely friendship challenges us to choose our own response to the one true King, Jesus. Will we, like Saul, resist him? Or will we, like Jonathan, yield the throne of our life to him?
For anyone who struggles to find courage in adversity, the story of David and Goliath does not give us hope because God promises to help us defeat all of our “giants” if we trust him enough. Pastor J.D. teaches in this message how the story of David shows us that, because of Jesus’ victory over death, we can have audacious courage in the face of obstacles.
In this message from 1 Samuel, Pastor J.D. walks through the most famous story in the Old Testament—David and Goliath. Everyone knows this story, but few truly understand what it’s about. Goliath’s downfall isn’t an encouragement to underdogs or a guarantee that you’ll overcome every “giant” in your life. Goliath’s story shows us what true courage is, where courage comes from, and what God is up to when the Accuser’s voice is all we hear.
Do you ever feel like you’re just biding your time doing mundane tasks that aren’t really leading anywhere? In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to look at David’s ordinary years in the pasture before he became king and explains how the blank spaces—the sections in the Bible where all the activity seems to stop—are where our hearts are shaped by God to be faithful in the big and small things.
In this message from 1 Samuel, Pastor J.D. finally introduces us to the person of David. But David’s first appearance is hardly a commanding one: He is overlooked before being anointed as king, then seemingly forgotten immediately afterwards. What this message will show us, is that those moments when God seems completely absent often turn out to be the places where God does his most transformative work.
Most of us don’t want to be poor in spirit. We’d rather be upper middle class in spirit, so we can do what we want, when we want. Pastor J.D. helps us understand in this message why God blesses those who are poor in spirit and how a posture of humility leads to dependence, surrender, and ultimately peace and life and power.
All earthly kings that we demand, whether a literal king or a metaphorical one, like success or money or romance, are going to not only let us down; they are also going to enslave us. Pastor J.D. teaches that we, too, have to learn the hard lessons Israel learned—and those lessons create in us a desire for the only King that offers joy and freedom through surrender.
In this teaching from The Life of David, Pastor J.D. shows us how all of us—religious or irreligious, Christian or not—seem hard-wired to chase after someone (or something) to make us feel okay. Like the people of Israel, we desire a king. We desire identity, security, happiness, freedom. And what 1 Samuel 8 teaches us is as simple as it is profound: Every king promises freedom; but every king but God only delivers slavery.
There’s a fine line between “thy kingdom come” and “my kingdom come.” Friday on Summit Life, Pastor J.D. shows us how Saul was a king who at first displayed humility, yet, as time passed his main concern became making a name for himself. Learn how—just like Saul and the people of Israel—we often search for the wrong things, Friday on Summit Life with Pastor J.D. Greear.
The stories of the Old Testament often show us what not to do, even through some of its most famous characters—but every story points to Jesus, who faithfully delivered God’s truth to us and refused to forsake us when we rejected his words. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows how every great leader becomes good only as they model their leadership after Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King.
In this teaching, Pastor J.D. highlights the radical difference between God’s faithful shepherds and spiritual abusers. Throughout history—and throughout the Bible—it is tragically common to find spiritual leaders who exploit and wound others. But in Jesus, we find a different kind of Shepherd—faithful, gentle, safe, and true. He came not to wound, but to be wounded for us. And by his wounds, we are healed.
It’s easy to read Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel and think the lesson is that if we ask God for something in faith, he will answer. But Hannah’s song of praise and trust in God’s faithfulness point to an even greater promise. Pastor J.D. continues to teach in this message how trust in God’s greatest gift, Jesus, leads to identity, security, and happiness.
Pastor J.D. kicks off our series following the biography of David, Israel’s greatest king. A king who began his life as an obscure shepherd boy, but became a warrior who brought rival nations to their knees. We see hints of that king long before David arrives—in the story of an overlooked woman named Hannah.
Sometimes, the worst situations in life provide the best opportunities for God to use us. As we conclude our study in the book of Acts, Pastor J.D. reminds us that it’s usually during the middle of life’s storms that God uses us to make the biggest impact on those around us. It’s part of our SENT series, and Pastor J.D. is teaching from Acts, Chapter 28.
Life doesn’t always go the way we want. But even in the midst of those difficult seasons, God calls us to make the most of our time. As we continue our series titled, SENT, we’re turning to the book of Acts, Chapter 28. Pastor J.D. shows us how Paul furthered his mission of getting the gospel to Rome—while sitting in jail.
Sometimes it can feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. But Pastor J.D. explains that there’s only one person who is responsible for saving the world, and it’s not us! Pastor J.D. draws our attention to five things in the Book of Acts we should be focused on instead. It’s part of our series called SENT.
Have you ever considered what you’d like to have written on your tombstone? Well, death isn’t something we like to think about very often. But Pastor J.D. encourages us to reflect on the summation of our lives. From Acts 20, this message is titled, Paul’s Tombstone, and it’s part of our series called SENT.
I bet we all have things we’re not willing to give up. And if we’re holding too tight to something, it might be an idol! So, Pastor J.D. is helping us to examine our hearts to identify any idols in our lives. J.D. is teaching from the book of Acts as we continue our series called SENT.
When we hear the word “idol,” we probably conjure up images of ancient statues and graven images. But idols are still with us today. They just come in different packages. That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our SENT series, teaching from Acts, Chapter 19.
Bank tellers don’t waste their time looking at counterfeit bills. Instead, they learn to spot fakes by studying the genuine article! As we continue our series titled, SENT, Pastor J.D. explains that if we want to share God’s redemptive plan in a counterfeit culture, we’ve got to start by studying God’s Word.
When it comes to cross-cultural communication, there’s a lot that can get lost in translation. We’re learning that in order for others to understand the gospel, we first need to understand where they’re coming from! Pastor J.D. continues our study in the book of Acts, teaching us about effective communication. It’s part of our series titled, SENT.
In the midst of trials and tribulations, we may not be aware that we’re making an eternal impact on those around us. Our reactions can either draw people closer to God or push them further away. Pastor J.D. continues our study in the book of Acts, picking up in Chapter 16.
A businesswoman, a slave girl, and a jailer. What do all these people have in common? No, they’re not the punch line for a joke, but three biblical examples that remind us that the gospel message is for everyone! Pastor J.D. is continuing a study in the book of Acts, providing the foundational principles for faith. It’s part of our series called SENT, and today’s message is titled Three Gospel Conversations.
From the outside, it might seem like there are a lot of rules and regulations when it comes to being a Christian. But Pastor J.D. explains how to remove the barriers that may keep people from coming to Jesus. It’s more from our series in the book of Acts, and today’s message is called When Drinking, Politics, Cussing, and Circumcision Divide.
The early Church was anything but vanilla! It was full of people from all kinds of backgrounds and ethnicities. As we study the book of Acts, Pastor J.D. is explaining the power of diversity in the body of Christ. There’s more to learn from our series called SENT.
In the art of war, every strategy and every opportunity should be employed, and it’s no different for Christians in the battle to further God’s mission. As we continue our series titled SENT in the book of Acts, Pastor J.D. explains the importance of prayer in God’s battle plan!
It’s easy to tell someone that you will pray for them, or that you’ll be lifting up their needs to God. But is that all there is to a healthy prayer life? Pastor J.D. answers that question as we continue our series called SENT. We’re studying the book of Acts, Chapter 12, to learn God’s view on prayer.
I’m sure we’ve all wondered why God works the way that he does. And Pastor J.D. explains that God has a method to what might look like madness! We’re continuing to discover God’s ultimate plan in the book of Acts, and today we’re in Chapter 9 verses 19 through 31.
When most of us think of demons, we picture something from the latest Hollywood horror film. It’s just the stuff of fiction to us. But Pastor J.D. shows us that the spirit world is very real, and it affects our lives a lot more than we probably think. It’s part of our series titled, “Mystery and Clarity.”
Tapestries are formed by weaving together many different-colored threads to create a beautifully textured picture. And the church is like a tapestry: colorful and culturally integrated. We’re continuing our series titled SENT, and today Pastor J.D. is teaching from the book of Acts, Chapter 10.
When you think of racial diversity, what comes to mind? Well, today we’re learning that God’s plan is a true multi-cultural celebration!
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, and it’s something we should aspire to in our relationship with God. But that’s easier said than done! Pastor J.D. describes the key to being more like Jesus as he continues our study of Ephesians called “Mystery and Clarity.”
Throughout our study of Ephesians called “Mystery and Clarity,” Pastor J.D. has been showing us that God isn’t just concerned about our actions; he’s concerned about reshaping our hearts and our desires.
When we first give our lives to Christ, most of us are excited for this new adventure with God. We want to learn more, do more, and grow more! But then, the excitement fades, and our faith becomes part of the routine. We might even feel bored with our faith. But it’s not supposed to be that way! As he kicks off our new series called Mystery and Clarity, Pastor J.D. describes the radical life we can experience when we’re pursuing God.
As Christians, we know that the blood of Jesus has completely washed away all our sins. And sometimes when we hear that, we might start thinking of God’s grace as a “get out of jail free card.” But Pastor J.D. reminds us that being forgiven and justified before God, doesn’t mean we won’t still face consequences for our actions here on earth. It’s the conclusion of our study in Galatians called, Freedom in the In-Between.
As believers, we know that, through the blood of Jesus, all of our sins have been completely forgiven. And yet, we still suffer the consequences for our mistakes. Why is that? Pastor J.D. tackles that question as he continues our series called, Freedom in the In-Between.
As we continue our series called, “Freedom in the In-Between,” Pastor J.D. is talking about a subject that comes up a lot: love. What does genuine Christian love actually look like, and how do we live it out? We’re diving into those questions as we continue our study in Galatians 5:25-6:18.
Jesus said that the world would know we are his disciples by our love. As believers, our love for each other and for the world ought to set us apart from any other group. So what does Christian love actually look like, and how do we start to live it out? Pastor J.D. answers those questions as he continues our series called, Freedom in the In-Between.
Next time you’re in a bookstore, go take a peek at the self-improvement section. You’ll see rows and rows of books promising to unlock the secret to a better life. But no matter how many diets you follow or how much positive thinking you do, none of those tricks are going to fill your deepest needs or fix your greatest problems! As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, “Freedom in the In-Between,” he explains the only way for us to truly change and be set free from our own sinful hearts.
Stop and feel your wrist, or put a finger under the edge of your jaw. If you do it right, you’ll be able to feel your own heartbeat—proof that you are alive. So if that’s the case, then what does the Bible mean when it talks about our need for spiritual life? Pastor J.D. tackles that subject as he continues the series called, Freedom in the In-Between.
As we continue our series called, Freedom in the In-Between, Pastor J.D. is tackling an issue that’s critical to understanding the gospel: the relationship between grace and actions. We’re in Galatians chapter 3, and J.D. is answering the question, “If we’re saved by grace, then what’s the point of obeying God’s law?”
It’s been said that Christianity is more like a relationship than a religion. Religions are about what you do, while the gospel is about what God did for you. But if that’s the case, why do Christians still follow certain rules? Why do we still go to church, read our Bibles, and try to obey the Ten Commandments? Pastor J.D. answers these questions as he continues our series called, Freedom in the In-Between.
Next time you’re in a bookstore, go take a peek at the self-improvement section. You’ll see rows and rows of books promising to unlock the secret to a better life. But no matter how many diets you follow or how much positive thinking you do, none of those tricks are going to fill your deepest needs or fix your greatest problems! As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, “Freedom in the In-Between,” he explains the only way for us to truly change and be set free from our own sinful hearts.
Our Western culture is highly individualistic. We all want to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and make our own way in the world. We don’t want to be dependent on anyone. But Pastor J.D. cautions us that a self-made mindset doesn’t work when it comes to holiness! We’re getting an important and humbling reminder about our dependence on God as we continue our study in Galatians called, “Freedom in the In-Between.”
Most everyone agrees that freedom is a good thing. And yet, freedom inevitably leads to conflict. If I’m free to have my opinion, then you’re free to disagree! But as Pastor J.D. continues our study of Galatians, he’s explaining how our freedom in Christ actually leads to greater unity! We’re being reminded of our ultimate identity that overcomes every difference. It’s part of our series called, “Freedom in the In-Between.”
If you turn on the news these days or browse through Facebook for a bit, it will be pretty apparent that we’re living in turbulent times. Emotions are running high over issues like politics and race relations. Our world seems so divided. And tragically, that same attitude often creeps into our churches! As Pastor J.D. continues our study in Galatians, he’s challenging us to pursue unity—for the sake of the gospel. It’s part of our series called, “Freedom in the In-Between.”
Paul’s transformation from a Jesus-hating Pharisee to a passionate Christ-follower is nothing short of miraculous. But if you’re a follower of Christ, then your story is a miracle, too! And your testimony is powerful proof of the truth of the gospel! That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our study of Galatians called, “Freedom in the In-Between.”
The word “gospel” literally means, “good news.” It assures us that we’re saved by Jesus’ blood alone, not by anything we do. But how can we really know if the gospel we find in scripture is accurate? How do we know it wasn’t just a clever conspiracy the disciples came up with to gain a following? Pastor J.D. addresses those questions as he continues our series called, Freedom in the In-Between.
On October 31, 2017, Christians around the world celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg church and called Christians to return to the true gospel. Pastor J.D. preached this special message in honor of that anniversary, explaining why the work of an ancient German monk is still relevant to our lives today. It’s part of our study in Galatians called Freedom in the In-Between.
In a new study of Galatians called, Freedom in the In-Between, we’re discovering how the gospel frees us to live with confidence in a world of uncertainty. Pastor J.D. kicks off the study with a message he preached in October of 2017, on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. It’s a great reminder of why the actions of a 16th-Century German monk named Martin Luther still matter to us today.
Plenty of people have high aspirations.But as easy as it is to dream about our goals, it’s a lot harder to take the little, everyday steps to reach them. The same is true in our walk with God. We like to think we’d follow God to the ends of the earth, but we haven’t even taken the first little steps of faith. That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. wraps up our study of the prophet Elisha called, Something Greater.
When most of us pray, we typically spend the bulk of our time telling God about our needs and desires. There’s nothing wrong with that, but what does it say about our hearts? Pastor J.D. asks us to take a look inside and consider whether we really want God, or just his blessings. We’re in a two-part series called, Something Better/Something Greater.
If you wear glasses, you know how important they are for everyday life. And if you ever lose or break them, you’re not going to waste any time getting a replacement, because without our eyes, most of us are pretty helpless. And we also miss out on seeing all the beauty around us! As we continue our series called, Something Greater, Pastor J.D. reveals that you might be going through life blind, without even knowing it!
Imagine driving down a windy mountain road and having your headlights go off! When we’re driving blind, we’re asking for trouble. And as we continue our series called, Something Greater, Pastor J.D. explains that many of us are going through life with spiritual blindness.
Many people these days tend to see religion as a personal choice. It’s not so much about truth as it is about finding a faith that “works for you.” But in our brand new series called, Something Better, Pastor J.D. explains why that attitude doesn’t really work! We’re looking at the life of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings, and a period in Israel’s history that’s eerily similar to our world today.
Many people these days tend to see religion as a personal choice. It’s not so much about truth as it is about finding a faith that “works for you.” But in our brand new series called, Something Better, Pastor J.D. explains why that attitude doesn’t really work! We’re looking at the life of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings, and a period in Israel’s history that’s eerily similar to our world today.
Have you ever wanted to take a mission trip but didn’t know where to begin? Or maybe you’re waiting for God to present the perfect opportunity. Monday on Summit Life, Pastor J.D. Greear tells us what it takes to be SENT!
Does God speak to ordinary believers like you and me, or just to the super spiritual? Friday on Summit Life, we’re looking at the life of an ordinary guy named Philip, who heard and answered the Holy Spirit’s call.
We’ve all seen people who say they follow Jesus. But when you look closely, their lives seem to be a reflection of their own gain, NOT God’s. So, Thursday on Summit Life, we’re rediscovering what it means to be focused on Jesus’s plan rather than our own. We’ll see you Thursday for Summit Life with J.D. Greear!
Most people say they want peace and unity, but few people will do the work to obtain it. Because it usually requires crossing cultural barriers to bridge the divide. Pastor J.D. continues our series titled “SENT,” sharing the story of one man who took that risk. J.D. is teaching from Acts, chapter 8.
Many people are being called on right now to glorify God in their hour of trial or in a situation where it is costly to obey him.
One of the out workings of the gospel is that it will inevitably reorder your value system. This is exactly what we find in the book of Acts, in the life of an ordinary man name Stephen—he realized the value of the gospel and was willing to risk everything to preach it. It’s because of common people like Stephen—even more than the apostles—that the early church grew.
As human beings, our natural tendency is to focus on ourselves, as we try to cover up our flaws. But outward appearances can be deceiving, resulting in some serious consequences.
What characterizes a gospel-centered life? Praying? Going to church? Being kind to your neighbor? Pastor J.D. provides the answer as he continues our series titled, SENT.
What does a hero look like? Does they wear a red cape? Do they shoot across the sky like a bird or a plane?
As we continue through Psalm 23, we’re finishing up a look into the life of Joseph. Joseph’s life was characterized by betrayal, injustice, confusion, and—above all—years and years of waiting.
In the next teaching from our series called “Goodness In the Middle,” Pastor J.D. draws a parallel between this psalm of David and the life of Joseph – one of the most engaging characters in the entire Bible. Joseph lived a life of high’s and low’s, but through it all, he trusted that God was ultimately in control.
Ever wondered what it would be like to say, “I have no needs?” As Pastor J.D. wraps up the first teaching from a brand new series through Psalm 23 called “Goodness In the Middle,” he shows us exactly what it looks like to have no needs—straight from one of the most famous chapters in the Bible.
Theology isn’t just about learning a lot of impressive terminology. Good, biblical theology is practical, and it changes the way we interact with our world.
In the rush of everyday life, we often find ourselves hungry for a bigger destiny. Pastor J.D. describes the only thing that can fill that desire.
Everyone wants to feel that their life has a bigger purpose. But does anything we do actually last into eternity?
What does it mean to have faith through trials? Does it mean that we just put on a smile and act like everything’s fine, even when we’re hurting inside?
It seems like we’re constantly hearing news of hurricanes, wildfires, and mass shootings. And on a more personal level, we face chronic pain, broken marriages, and unfulfilled dreams. Will it ever get better?
The Czech writer Franz Kafka once said that life is like a never-ending trial in which you are the defendant, and no one will tell you what you’re accused of. We all have a deep-seated sense that we don’t quite measure up and we need to do better. Where does that feeling come from? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues our study in Psalms titled, “Question Everything.”
Most of us would say that we’re a pretty good person. We have faults, but our hearts are in the right place. But if our hearts are truly in the right place, then why do we keep doing wrong things? Why do we still hurt people, act selfishly, or lash out in anger? Why don’t our actions fit our ideals? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues our study in Psalms called, “Question Everything.”
If there’s one thing that everyone wants in life, it’s happiness. And yet, for so many people, happiness seems like a pipe dream. We either spend our whole lives chasing the next thrill, never completely satisfied, or we end up settling for comfort and trying to drown out the nagging sense that we’re meant for more.
In a brand new study in the book of Psalms called Question Everything, we’re discovering how an ancient book of music lyrics can help us answer some of the most pressing questions on our hearts, like, “Why am I not happy?” and “Does my life have a purpose?”
As Pastor J.D. is concluding our series titled "Kingdom Come," he is explaining how we can have joy today, knowing that what we do in this life will count for eternity!
As Pastor J.D. wraps up our series titled Kingdom Come, he reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus isn’t folklore or myth, but a factual, historical account supported by hundreds of eyewitnesses.
In a teaching called The Imminence of the Kingdom, Pastor J.D. is teaching from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 17, reminding us that more people will miss the Kingdom of God because they neglect it, rather than reject it.
You’ve probably noticed that Christian books and ministries offer endless speculation about the end times and the Kingdom of God. Pastor J.D. Greear explains that the Kingdom of God is already here, but also, not yet.
Many people think they have to go overseas to fulfill the Great Commission. But Pastor J.D. reminds us that we have a mission field right here at home! Today’s message is part of our series called Kingdom Come. And Pastor J.D. is teaching from Luke, Chapter 14.
As Pastor J.D. teaches from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 14, he explains who God puts on his A-list, and he notes that it’s much different than our own. This message is part of our series called "Kingdom Come."
We’re learning a lesson in gospel irony as Pastor J.D. continues our study in the Gospel of Luke. In Luke, Chapter 14, he unpacks the meaning of two seemingly different parables. But when we see how they tie together and how much God truly loves and cares for us, we’ll never be the same.
Not all invitations are equal. A backyard BBQ invite might show up in an email or a text message, whereas a wedding invitation is probably going to make a splash.
Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t just show up and announce himself? Wouldn’t that quiet down all the skeptics? As we continue our series titled "Kingdom Come," Pastor J.D. explains that God reveals himself to those who want to know him but hides from those who want to use him.
In this passage of Luke 10, Pastor J.D. explains that Jesus conceals the truth from those who seek to use God as a means to an end.
The Gospel of Luke records several times when Jesus told people not to reveal who he is. If God wants everyone to know him, why did Jesus take such great pains to hide his accomplishments?
When someone asks, “What’s the point of prayer?” there are probably a couple of ways we could answer. As we continue our series, titled “Kingdom Come,” Pastor J.D. turns to the Gospel of Luke to teach us how to pray boldly and with persistence.
Almost every religion teaches prayer, and even non-religious people pray. But what makes Christian prayer different? For starters, it’s not about twisting someone’s arm, or cajoling a distant god, but speaking with boldness to our loving, Heavenly Father.
We’ve all heard the saying: “Nothing in life is certain, except death and taxes.” But Pastor J.D. explains how Jesus removed the sting and power of death
Wherever Jesus went, crowds followed. But no matter a person’s class or station, Jesus extends compassion and tenderness to anyone who comes to him in faith.
As we continue our study in the Gospel of Luke, we’re exploring what Jesus says about the Kingdom! It’s part of our series titled Kingdom Come.
What comes to mind when you think about the Kingdom of God? Jesus robed in white, walking beside your loved ones on streets of gold? Well, it’s likely that we all need to broaden our perspective.
The temptation of Jesus is a passage of scripture that raises a lot of questions. It may even cause us to wonder why Jesus seemed to be playing Satan’s game. Pastor J.D. clears up the confusion, offering us practical application for overcoming temptation in our lives today.
Everyone enjoys the good things in life. But when those “good things” become our focus, we’ve landed in enemy territory. Learn how to steer clear of the temptations.
Can God’s plan triumph over all of life’s hurts and disappointments? It’s a question most of us have asked. Pastor J.D. provides the answer as he continues the series called Kingdom Come.
Do you have pain, disappointment, or unanswered questions in your life? This message, titled “Surprise,” teaches us what real faith is—in spite of the challenges that life throws at you. Don’t miss it Monday on Summit Life with J.D. Greear.
In this message from Romans 10, Pastor J.D. continues to lean into the truth that those of us who have heard the message have an obligation to share it and how to send or be sent.
Are you ready to say “yes” to whatever God asks you to do? In this message, Pastor J.D. looks at four important verses from Romans 10 that show us why, as the ones who believe in the gospel message, we owe it to those who have not heard to take it to them.
Do your circumstances feel pretty dark and heavy right now? When we feel far from God, it’s easy to doubt that we have what it takes to be saved. But in this message from Pastor J.D. on Romans 10, we see why we can trust that what was required for salvation has been fulfilled in Jesus and how, when we confess and believe that Jesus is Lord, we will never be disappointed.
In this message, Pastor J.D. looks at Romans 10 to show us how, no matter how much shame we feel from our past or how far we feel from God, he is as close as our mouth and our heart.
Do God’s ways often seem confusing to you? Pastor J.D. continues today’s teaching from Romans 9 to teach us how trusting in the mystery of God’s wisdom and his goodness to save us gives us assurance that he will finish the work he has started in us.
To answer this and some other tough questions in today’s message, Pastor J.D. looks at Romans 9 to show us how the mystery of God’s ways should point us to his sovereignty and our unworthiness. When we see ourselves rightly, we are emboldened to share his mercy with the least likely.
As Pastor J.D. continues today in Romans 8, he teaches us that persecution and opposition may affect our situation, but, as God’s children, our lives are not defined by our situation. When we suffer, we have the assurance of being called, justified, and glorified—and that makes us more than conquerors.
In this message, Pastor J.D. takes us back to the greatest chapter in the Bible, Romans 8, to show us how God not only delivers us from our suffering. Even more—he makes our pain and suffering serve his purposes.
Pastor J.D. continues in this message to draw from the deep well of gospel truth in Romans 8 to remind us of how God is working in our suffering and the fact that, even when you feel like you’re barely holding onto God in the midst of your pain, he is still holding onto you.
In today’s teaching, Pastor J.D. turns to Romans 8 to show us the myths we believe about suffering as Christians and how we can hope in our suffering, knowing that God is going to finish his good work in us.
Pastor J.D. continues in today’s message from Romans 8 to show us how the Holy Spirit gives us assurance that God is with us and working for our good, even in our pain.
Do you know what to do with the Holy Spirit? Many Christians repeat familiar phrases about the Spirit but still don’t know what they mean. In this message, Pastor J.D. teaches from Romans 8 about why the Holy Spirit is necessary.
What if the worst effect of sin is not how it hurts you or someone else, but how it cuts you off from the Holy Spirit? When there is total surrender to God’s Spirit, we’re free to walk in righteousness and resurrection power.
If some part of your life feels dead because of the effects of sin, then you need to hear this: there is resurrection hope for you. In this message, Pastor J.D. turns to what many people consider the greatest chapter in the Bible, Romans 8.
Can you relate to the Apostle Paul, who was so torn between his desire to do good and the ongoing sin in his life that he needed to cling desperately to God’s mercy? We’ll see how acknowledging the battle with sin and our ultimate victory over it doesn’t just change how we view the fight.
Ever feel like you’re living a double life? There’s one side of you that wants to do the right thing and another that doesn’t want to do it at all—and that can’t be right, because you’re a Christian, and you think you shouldn’t struggle with sin anymore.
Have you ever wondered why, even though you made Jesus Lord of your life, sin still seems so powerful? It’s a question every believer asks at some point, and it’s a struggle the Apostle Paul understood firsthand.
At some point, every follower of Jesus will ask, “If Jesus is Lord of my life, then why do I keep sinning?” In today’s teaching from the “Romans” series, Pastor J.D. shows us how believing in our righteous identity in Christ releases power in us to live up to that identity.
Some of us think if only we could see Jesus with our own eyes, like Paul, then we would never have any doubts about faith.
Do you ever have doubts about faith? If so, you’re not alone. Even the first disciples had unanswered questions. In today’s message from Romans 6, Pastor J.D. walks through how the resurrection shows us not just that Jesus is who he said he was and that his death accomplished what he said it would.
Many of us felt confident and invincible as young kids, but as we grew older, insecurities set in and we started questioning ourselves. Pastor J.D. explains that those insecurities aren’t really a reflection of ourselves — they’re a reflection of our view of God.
Self-improvement is an American obsession, and the self-help industry churns out an endless supply of books, seminars and training programs, raking in about $10 billion each year! But Pastor J.D. teaches about the real path to confidence and significance.
When God doesn’t show up when we want him to, we tend to get worried and anxious, which often leads to disaster.
Sometimes when we’re afraid or in a bind, we try to bargain with God. We’ve all been there — trying to get Jesus to agree to our demands.
Conflict isn’t anything new. It’s as much a part of life as breathing! And while most of us run from conflict, what if conflict is the very thing God wants to use to shape our lives?
Remember how frustrating it was when you were in school and the teacher was describing a big concept, but you couldn’t make heads or tails of it? Nobody likes when they can’t understand something
The battle for holiness was won two thousand years ago on the cross. So why do we still struggle with sin today? And what tools has God given us to break free?
When we’re facing a personal tragedy, we might wonder if we’re being punished for something we did wrong. Certainly, we can cause ourselves a lot of pain when we ignore God’s Word.
Deep down, a lot of people believe the biblical view of submission in marriage is outdated and unequal. But God’s design for marriage is perfect, timeless, and beautiful.
A quick look at the divorce statistics in the U.S. will make one thing abundantly clear: as a culture, we’re bad at marriage. Even couples that manage to stay together often end up living parallel lives rather than the “happily ever after” they dreamed of. So what are we missing?
As Pastor J.D. often says, the gospel is the power for the Christian life. And on this edition of Summit Life, we’re discovering how the gospel transforms our view of marriage.
The Bible makes it clear that if you’re really following Jesus, then the world is going to oppose you in one way or another. So what do we do when we’re mocked or excluded because of our faith?
The Bible clearly calls believers to submit to authority, whether that’s parental authority, a boss at work, or the government. But what about when those in authority are morally corrupt?
In the book of First Peter, Christians are called to be aliens on this earth. That phrase appears on plenty of bumper stickers and T-shirts, but what does it actually mean?
As Christians, we’re supposed to be different than the world around us. We’re called to be outsiders and aliens. But what does that look like on a practical level?
Most teens start feeling grown up when they get their driver’s license or graduate high school. But what are the marks that a person is growing up spiritually?
We can’t help getting older, but growing up is a choice. Pastor J.D. challenges us to Grow Up spiritually and reach true maturity in our faith.
The word “holiness” gets thrown around a lot in church, and most of us have a vague idea of what it means, but do we really understand the implications of calling God holy?
Most Christians think that trusting God means we just have to put on a happy face no matter what, even when we’re hurting inside. But that’s not at all what the Bible teaches us.
Most Christians think that trusting God means we just have to put on a happy face no matter what, even when we’re hurting inside. But that’s not at all what the Bible teaches us.
A lot of people come to Jesus with the expectation that he’ll make their life better. But Jesus said that in this world, we will have trouble. So how should we respond when life gets hard?
From the first century to the 21st, Christians around the world have gladly given their lives for the sake of the gospel. There are countless stories of believers singing as they went to their execution and praying for their enemies. Where did they get that otherworldly courage? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he begins a brand new series called, I Am an Alien. We’re learning what it means to be in the world but not of the world.
We talk a lot on Summit Life about living our lives on a mission… “sent” into the mission field God has placed us in. Today, we’ll hear more about how we can fulfill the Great Commission in our families, our workplaces, and whatever situation we find ourselves in. Because, no matter what season of life we’re in, our calling as followers of Jesus is to “Live Sent.”
Did you know that every single worship service at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, where Pastor J.D. pastors, ends with the same three words? Those words are: “You are sent.” We love gathering to worship God together every weekend, but we always want to remind ourselves that once we leave the church service, the real work begins… because we’re all missionaries being “sent out” into our mission field!
This is the Tale of Two Adams: While one man brought the curse of death upon the human race, another man sacrificed and took that curse into himself. Pastor J.D. continues to teach in this message how we have chosen sin, like the first Adam, but we can choose life through the second man, Jesus Christ. When we do, we’ll understand why every son and daughter of Adam needs to hear how they, too, can be redeemed.
We all have a problem: We are living under the curse of sin and death, all because of the choice of one man: Adam. That’s pretty depressing, isn’t it? But there’s hope in the gospel. In today’s message, Pastor J.D. walks through Romans 5 and shows us how, even though we all made the same choice as Adam to sin, we can all make the choice today to accept salvation through another man—the second Adam, Jesus Christ.
We won’t always know how God is working in our suffering. That doesn’t sound very comforting, but we know from the Bible that we can trust in two things: first, the cross shows us that he hasn’t forgotten us and, two, the resurrection shows us that he always finishes what he has started. Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Romans to remind us how and why we can have joy in the midst of our suffering.
How is it possible to rejoice when we are suffering? You may think it’s not possible. But, Romans 5 shows us that the gospel changes everything, including how we look at suffering. In this message, Pastor J.D. teaches us how we can rejoice in the hope that God will keep all his promises … a hope rooted in the assurance that one day, even if nothing else in our lives works out, God will restore everything that is broken.
Do you have the kind of faith Abraham had? The Apostle Paul says that, even when he faltered, Abraham “did not waver in unbelief.” As Pastor J.D. continues to teach from Romans 4, he helps us understand that faith is not about never failing; it’s about placing your trust in the God who always keeps his promises. Faith is about admitting that you cannot save yourself, but that, in God’s grace, he has done it for you.
One of the most common questions about Christianity is, “How did people in the Old Testament get to heaven?” In today’s teaching, Pastor J.D. teaches us not only when and how Abram — the “father of our faith” — was saved, but also how our faith is the same as Abraham’s. Through his story, we see that the Christian life is started and sustained by faith that God will keep his promises and that he fulfilled his most important one in Jesus.
When we experience division in the church, the first question we should ask is, “What are we boasting in?” As he continues in Romans 3, Pastor J.D. shows us in this message the three things we tend to boast in and why they contribute to conflict. When we understand that, while God only accepts those who are repentant, he also accepts repentant people from every background and race, only then will we have unity in God’s family.
We often like the concept of diversity, as long as other people adapt to our customs and styles. But the gospel teaches us a different way. In this message, Pastor J.D. teaches from Romans 3, where we learn that, while there is only one way to salvation, God doesn’t accept us because of anything about us but because of what he’s done for us. This makes Christianity, as Tim Keller says, “the most inclusive exclusivity there is.”
If you’ve never known how to reply to someone who asks, “What’s the big deal about Jesus?” then this is the message for you. Pastor J.D. continues through the passage in Romans 3 that some scholars say is the most important in the Bible. Through its message, we learn what makes Christianity so different from every other religion and how accepting Jesus’ forgiveness changes the foundation of our lives.
Have you ever wondered how to respond when someone asks you why you think Jesus is the only way to salvation? In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through one of the most important passages in Romans, what Martin Luther called “the very central place … of the whole Bible.” In it, we find not only the answer to why Jesus saves but also a confidence that is found only through our justification.
Billy Graham said that what sends most people to hell is not their sins but their good works, because good works make us think there is something good about us that can save us from ourselves. Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Romans to show us how religion cannot reform us and willpower cannot change our hearts—and the one thing we need to come to Jesus for salvation.
You’ve got a problem. We all do! Salvation through Jesus has always been available, but many people still have not received it because they’re not willing to admit that there’s a problem with their heart. In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through Romans 3 and helps us see how the law showed us our need for a Savior, but that we cannot do anything to be made righteous except believe in Jesus who kept the law in our place.
Good news! Though religion can’t change us, the gospel gives us a new heart. In Romans 2 Paul admonishes religious people who have grown up in church and have never recognized their need for repentance but reminds us that there is hope. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows us the only way for religious and irreligious people to be saved and how God stands ready not with condemnation but mercy and kindness.
In Romans 2, Paul goes after religious people who think they’re better because they know the Bible and go to church—and he’s talking to us. Pastor J.D. continues in the “Romans” series in this message as he explains why, on the final day, God will look beyond the outward performance of religion to our inward motivations and how both religious and irreligious sinners are welcomed back into God’s family through the cross.
It’s easy to look at the sins listed in Romans 1 and think, “What was wrong with those people?” But the gospel teaches us that the same idolatry in the hearts of people throughout history still exists in us today. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to show us in Romans that, while we all stand under judgment of a righteous God, he is also a merciful God who spares us through his grace.
We often look back at our country’s history of slavery, oppression, and racism and think, “How could they have been so blind?” And yet we continue to practice the same idolatry today, where we reject God as the center and ruler of our lives. As Pastor J.D. returns to the “Romans” series in this message, he shows us why, thank God, it doesn’t matter what kind of sinner we are but what kind of Savior Jesus is.
Have you ever wondered what happens to people who have never heard the name of Jesus? In this message, Pastor J.D. turns to Romans, where the Apostle Paul shows us that God has revealed truth to us in creation and in us through a longing for meaning and eternity. Learn why those longings are no cruel joke; they are, as C.S. Lewis said, evidence that we were made for another world.
When it comes to the gospel, you have to get lost before you get saved. Pastor J.D. shows us in this message from the “Romans” series that though the Bible makes it clear that we have all turned away from God and our hearts are corrupt, God did not stop pursuing us. If you’re lost, just look to the cross, where God shows you his holiness, your unrighteousness, and his willingness to come after you anyway.
What would it take for you to give up your life as you know it so others could hear the gospel? In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to examine the life of Paul, who wasn’t just unashamed to share the good news around the world—he was eager to faithfully proclaim what Christ had done. His example shows us just how unworthy we were to hear the gospel and how much we owe to Jesus for giving it to us.
The gospel that compelled Paul to forsake his life and carry its message around the world for the sake of the lost is the same gospel that calls you today to do the same. Pastor J.D. continues in the “Romans” series by examining the life of Paul—the former Pharisee who understood that with the privilege of hearing the gospel comes the responsibility of sharing it—and showing how the gospel should change the way you look at your life.
The power to continue in the Christian life comes from the same place you got the power to start in the Christian life. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues his introduction to the “Romans” series and explains what it means for the gospel to go deeper in you and through you in the world. You may already know the facts, but are you ready to get intimately familiar with the truth of the gospel?
Where do you get the power to continue in the Christian life? In this introduction to the “Romans” series, Pastor J.D. explains how the gospel is not just the diving board off of which we jump into the pool of Christianity. It is the pool itself. Learn what the gospel is and what it means for you as Pastor J.D. starts his study through some of the most important and pressing questions we have today.
In Mark 13, while talking about his second coming, Jesus claimed, “But concerning that day, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” But is it possible for Jesus to be God and not know everything God the Father knows? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he concludes our powerful series, The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
When it comes to end-time prophecy, there are some Christians who look at their view as absolutely essential doctrine and spend tons of time trying to map out the last days with charts and graphs. Others see that as a waste of time and prefer to focus on the here and now. So which approach is correct? Pastor J.D. answers that question today as he continues our series, The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
In Luke 10:17-20, Jesus told his followers, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” What exactly did Jesus mean by that promise? Was he implying that Christians can never be harmed? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues our series, The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
When many of us picture Satan, we think of a cartoon character with little red horns and a pitchfork. But is he really just a figment of Hollywood’s imagination, or is Satan alive and active in our world today? Pastor J.D. dives into Scripture to answer that question as he continues our series, The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
Have you ever been in a fight with someone, and they quoted back something you said, but completely out of context? It’s incredibly frustrating to have your words twisted. And on this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. explains that many of us do that to Jesus without even knowing it. It’s part of our series called, The Difficult Saying of Jesus.
A lot of people use Matthew 7:1 to argue that we should never tell anyone that they’re sinning. In fact, if you’ve ever gotten into a debate about morality or challenged a friend about a sin they were dealing with, there’s a good chance they brought up this verse. But is that what Jesus really meant when he told us not to judge others?
In our culture, it’s a common belief that every religion leads to God, as long as you’re sincere. It seems like a kind, accepting worldview, and even some supposedly Christian churches have started teaching it. But that’s not what Jesus taught! Pastor J.D. brings some biblical perspective on what Jesus actually said about salvation.
For the most part, everyone likes the Jesus of Christmas, who brings peace on earth and goodwill to men. And they usually like the Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount, who urges us to love one another and turn the other cheek. But uncontroversial people don’t get crucified. On this edition of Summit Life, we’re unpacking more of the Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, we witness one of the most shocking moments in all of history. God the Father turned his face away from his Son so that he could welcome us into his presence. Pastor J.D. breaks this scene down moment by moment, and explains how it reveals God’s love for you. It’s part of our series called, The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
Have you ever felt abandoned? Maybe a spouse left you, a friend betrayed you, or a parent wasn’t there when you needed them most. Pastor J.D. reminds us of the incredible truth that Jesus knows exactly how that feels. It’s part of our series called The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
Most people believe that they’re going to go to heaven when they die because they’re a good person. But in truth, our salvation has nothing to do with us. Pastor J.D. describes what it really takes to go from spiritual death to eternal life as he continues our series called The Difficult Sayings of Jesus.
As Pastor J.D. begins a series called The Difficult Sayings of Jesus, we’re putting aside our assumptions and taking a fresh look at who Jesus really is. A lot of us picture Jesus in a flowing white robe with a purple sash, carrying around a lamb on his shoulder, and smiling sadly. But as we’ll discover, the true Jesus is so much more exciting!
Sometimes you can learn as much from someone by watching their life as you do from what they teach. In this message on 1 Corinthians 16, Pastor J.D. continues to walk through Paul’s concluding thoughts to the Corinthian church, through which we get a helpful look into the biblical motivation for giving and how to make a Spirit-led decision.
In this final message from our series through 1 Corinthians, Pastor J.D. walks through Paul’s final, rapid-fire exhortations. Often what we learn from others is more caught than taught, and the final chapter in this book exemplifies that truth. As Paul bounces from topic to topic—principles on giving, the need for courage, dealing with opposition, discerning God’s will—we see a snapshot of a faithful Christian life. And in seeing it, we are encouraged to “go and do likewise.”
Whatever pain you are suffering right now, it is all what the apostle Paul called “light and momentary”—not because your pain is not real but because of what God has waiting for you in eternity if you believe in him. In this message, Pastor J.D. helps you understand what Jesus has done for you and how to make the most important decision of your life.
In this Easter message, Pastor J.D. explains that whether or not the resurrection is true, we should all want it to be true. In 1 Corinthians 15, we see that this incredible news is, in fact, true. Jesus has entered into our greatest fear—death—and has defeated and overturned it forever. And because he lives, everything has changed.
What difference does the resurrection make? As he continues to talk through what resurrection is and if Jesus’ resurrection really happened, Pastor J.D. also teaches the four ways the truth of the resurrection should make a difference in our lives and how to be included in the resurrection to eternal glory.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor J.D. takes a look at how Paul responds to some of the Corinthians who are saying there’s no resurrection of the dead. In his answer, Paul shows them that belief in our bodily resurrection is as core a Christian concept as you can get. It’s not a secondary or peripheral belief; it’s at the core of Christian hope.
In order for the church to be a place where people do more than sing along in worship and listen to teaching and actually experience God’s presence, we have to expect that God is going to use us to speak to others. Pastor J.D. helps us understand how to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit might be putting on our hearts to bless and encourage other people.
In this message from 1 Corinthians, Pastor J.D. walks through what some might call “the rowdy chapter” of Paul’s letter, the one about spiritual gifts of tongues and prophecy. As a church, we should be open to and desirous of these spectacular gifts, being careful to avoid fleshly limitation and pursuing them in the way the Bible instructs us to.
The dilemma of the Great Commandment, Martin Luther said, is that it commands you to do something that, by definition, cannot be commanded: If you love something, you don’t need to be commanded to do it. In this message, Pastor J.D. explains why the love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13 must be received before it is shown—and how that love is found only in Jesus.
In this message from 1 Corinthians, Pastor J.D. talks about a topic as popular as it is misunderstood—love. Our society seems smitten with notions of love, but at the same time, we don’t seem to live in a fairy-tale land of love and grace. What does real love look like? And once we understand it, how can we, tangibly, become more loving? A dive into 1 Corinthians 13 shows us the most profound, powerful, and counter-cultural description of love ever written.
You can’t be a Lone Ranger Christian and be spiritually healthy. If you want God to work in your life, you have to be a part of the church, because when you are connected to the church, you are connected to God’s power. Pastor J.D. continues in this message to show how God works in your life not just through your spiritual gifts but also the spiritual gifts of others.
In this message from 1 Corinthians, Pastor J.D. takes a look at the topic of spiritual gifts. According to the Apostle Paul, God didn’t establish his church as a collection of individuals, but as an interconnected body. I need you; you need me. Where do we see that interconnectedness most? In our spiritual gifts. None of us—and none of our brothers or sisters—can truly flourish until we know and exercise our gifts. In God’s community, everybody has a special role to play. Every. Body. Including you.
When the apostle Paul was completely exasperated by the divisions in the Corinthian church, he laid out a theology of communion, because remembering the gospel cuts through all the noise of the chaos in the church. Pastor J.D. continues to teach the three words that, when believed and applied to communion, will cure so many of our social divisions.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 11, Pastor J.D. picks up the most fundamental element of Christian worship—the bread and the cup of communion. When we share this meal together, we aren’t merely remembering Jesus’ last meal. We are entering into his presence. Come to this table. There is no place for religious pride here. No place for classism. No place for racial division. But there is a place for you.
It’s easy to look at difficult topics in the Bible, like “male headship,” and write them off as a cultural accommodation for an archaic society. But Pastor J.D. wants you to see how difficult topics demonstrate created order and the gospel. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to look at what this passage in 1 Corinthians 11 communicates to us today.
In this message from our “Cutting Through the Noise” series, Pastor J.D. walks through one of the most confusing and misinterpreted passages in the entire New Testament. Along the way, we’ll learn just how relevant first-century head coverings are for the hot button questions about gender (and gender identity) in the twenty-first. And we’ll see that in Christ’s service, every brother and sister finds unimaginable grace, inestimable value, and eternal purpose.
The primary battle for your soul comes down to this: What are you going to worship? In this message, Pastor J.D. helps you understand what competes with God for first place in your life so that you can get rid of your idols, put God first, and surrender to and serve him. The only way to overcome idolatry is to lean in to God’s presence and faithfulness!
The primary battle for your soul comes down to this: What are you going to worship? In this message, Pastor J.D. helps you understand what competes with God for first place in your life so that you can get rid of your idols, put God first, and surrender to and serve him. The only way to overcome idolatry is to lean in to God’s presence and faithfulness!
If athletes train like they do for crowns that perish and names in rafters that fade into oblivion, how much more should we be willing to discipline our lives for the souls of people that last forever? Pastor J.D. explains in this message how to order your life when the crown you are striving for is the soul of your neighbor, coworker, or family member.
In this message Pastor J.D. picks up the analogy Paul uses in chapter 9—of an athlete in training—and asks us, “How can we run like disciplined athletes in pursuit of the race God has set before us?” Athletes are ruthless, eliminating everything that stands in the way of winning. And we should be the same. Whether we’re looking at our personal preferences, our worship services, our political decisions, even our ethnic identity … we lay it all on the line for the sake of the gospel—that we might save some.
From the beginning, God established marriage as a covenant, not a consumer relationship. But God also loves bringing beauty and redemption out of our biggest mistakes. As Pastor J.D. continues to look at what the Bible says about divorce, he answers three practical questions about staying in a difficult marriage, remarriage, and how God views divorced people.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 7, Pastor J.D. addresses an issue that is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago—divorce. Broken marriages affect so many of us in the church, and we often fail to apply gospel hope to this painful experience. But the Apostle Paul offers real-world wisdom and gospel hope to those who are divorced, those who have considered divorce, those who have been hurt by divorce. Essentially, to all of us.
If you’re looking for something to satisfy the deep needs of your soul, you aren’t going to find it in marriage. You’re only going to find it in Jesus and his love for you. Pastor J.D. wants to help believers know when it’s the right time to be married, because God created you for relationship, but also that the ultimate place you find companionship is in the church.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 7, Pastor J.D. walks us through Paul’s teaching on sex, singleness, and spiritual gifts. When it comes to marriage and singleness, it’s easy for us to get disoriented. Outside the church, marriage seems less and less important. But inside the church, it can sometimes be elevated to the status of idol! So how do we understand God’s design for both marriage and singleness? Simple: We follow the example of the Apostle Paul.
Many people feel like Christians are anti-sex, but someone who follows Jesus understands that the limitations on sex God gives are because of its power. Pastor J.D. continues in this message to help Christians know how to respond to a culture that says sex is no big deal and how to flee temptation with the help of the Holy Spirit.
As we continue through the book of 1 Corinthians in our series, “Cutting Through the Noise,” Pastor J.D. explores a topic that is as contentious to us today as it was to the people in Corinth—sex. Our society has a lot of competing ideas about what sex is for and what makes sex good. God has ideas, too. And since sex was his idea, it’s well worth listening to the wisdom he has to share.
Because sin is serious, the church has to take it seriously and follow the example of church discipline Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 5. Pastor J.D. walks through some common objections to church discipline and explains why we need to help people in the church wake up to the gravity of their sin and point them to a Savior who wants to forgive, not condemn.
In this message from 1 Corinthians 5, Pastor J.D. teaches about the messy but necessary process of church discipline. We may find it harsh to hear what the Apostle Paul says about those who persist in sin. But if we truly care about our people, if we truly care about the vulnerable, if we truly care about our neighbors, if we truly care about Jesus’ reputation … we will be faithful to confront our brothers and sisters in love.
In order for a generation of leaders to be raised up in the church, the business place, and the home who lead through service and humility, they must first be grounded in resurrection power. In this message, Pastor J.D. explains further the four characteristics the apostle Paul says should be championed in those who lead.
Whether you’re a pastor or a plumber, a stay-at-home mom or a shift leader, at some point in your life you will lead others. The question isn’t if you’re a leader, but rather how you’ll lead. Join Pastor J.D. as he unpacks what biblical leadership looks like as we continue our series in 1 Corinthians, Cutting Through the Noise.
The same divisions that were present in the early church are still at work in the church today. Because of this, it’s important for those in the church to recognize the roots of self-righteousness and separation. Pastor J.D. continues in this message to walk through four correctives to a spirit of divisiveness in the church and how to find unity in the gospel.
In this message, Pastor J.D. kicks off our series in the book of 1 Corinthians, showing how the gospel cuts through the noise and chaos of our lives. First up—the issue of divisions in the church. We may assume that church factions are a new phenomenon. But one glance at the church in Corinth reveals that dysfunction, division, and doctrinal chaos are as old as the church itself. And yet, in the midst of all this conflict, all this division, all this noise, the gospel provides a voice of clarity and a place of calm.
If your spiritual progress were based on how well you lived out the Bible’s instructions at home, how would you be doing? In this message, as part of the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. walks us through Ephesians 5, a passage that stirs up a lot of confusion about submission, and helps us see that God uses the relationships in marriage, family, and work as laboratories to help us grow in spiritual maturity.
You can find plenty of instruction in the Bible on how you should walk as a Christian. As he continues this message from Ephesians 5, Pastor J.D. helps us see that we don’t just need to know how to walk. We need to know how to get the power to walk with Jesus. When we are transformed by the gospel, the wonder of it fills our hearts, and we are compelled to walk in love, light, and wisdom.
You may think you’re being a good Christian because you’re trying to imitate God. But are you doing it because you adore him? In this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. shows us why, when we experience the beauty of the gospel, we are compelled to walk in love, light, and wisdom—not in order to become a child of God but because as his beloved children, we can’t help but want to be like him.
Do you feel more at ease with someone who shares your political convictions or someone who shares your faith in Jesus? In this message, Pastor J.D. continues in a study of Ephesians, where we learn how moving beyond awareness to engagement helps us create the kind of gospel community that celebrates our cultural differences and where, through the power of the gospel, we are defined first by who we are in Christ.
As the church, we cannot insist that people bow to our preferences when it comes to worshiping a Savior who gave up all his rights to rescue us. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows us as part of the “Love Incorruptible” series that when we are defined by who we are in Christ and not our cultural differences, we are able to lay down our preferences for the sake of others’ salvation.
As sinners, we don’t just need improvement. We need to be saved. We don’t need a life coach to help us start over. We need a resurrected Savior to raise us from death. As Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Ephesians, we learn the four things we must understand about salvation to really lay hold of the gift of grace. When we do, we find the confidence that comes from accepting Christ’s righteousness as our own.
Believing in the gospel is kind of inconvenient, isn’t it? When we don’t understand how necessary it is in our lives, the demands it makes on us, like giving generously and reaching out to people who are different, can seem pretty bothersome. In this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. helps us see that, until we fully understand the problem of sin, we can never fully cherish the gift of grace.
If you feel dry spiritually or just plain bored in your faith, then you don’t need to learn some new facts about Jesus. You just need to have the eyes of your heart enlightened to the truth you already know. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues in Ephesians and the “Love Incorruptible” series, showing us how God opens our eyes to who Jesus is and the four things we understand when we pray for spiritual sight.
Have you ever felt like something is missing in your spiritual life? What’s often missing is the difference in knowing something in our head and having it come alive in our heart. In this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. takes us through a passage in Ephesians and shows us why it’s not enough just to know facts. God has to grant us spiritual sight if we want to know him more and see his true glory.
If God has already chosen the people who will be saved, then why do we keep sharing Christ with people? As Pastor J.D. continues in the “Love Incorruptible” series, he shows us that, while predestination contains some of the greatest paradoxes, we can gain confidence in disciple making from knowing we were saved to bring other people to Jesus and feel empowered to say to him, “Yes, God, use me for your purposes.”
There are a lot of things in the Bible that are hard to understand. In this introduction to the “Love Incorruptible” series from Ephesians, Pastor J.D. explains predestination and helps us see that while some things are not meant to be understood, we can know this: we were chosen for the glory of God. When we embrace that truth, it gives us the power to persist in trials as God works out his good plan in us.
In our series called Everyday Theology, we’ve been focusing on the book of Titus. But Pastor J.D. concludes this study by turning to another book: the New Testament epistle of Philemon. This short letter contains a little-read story of a runaway slave and the power of the gospel.
Pastor J.D. often says that the gospel isn’t just a philosophy we believe; it’s the power for the Christian life. And as we continue our series called Everyday Theology, we’re looking at a picture of the gospel at work in the lives of two first-century believers who couldn’t be more different. It’s a fascinating account that shows that the gospel is for everyone.
For those who have been attending church for a while, phrases like “resurrection,” “salvation,” and “born again” can become kind of worn out, and we can lose sight of how incredible they really are. As he continues our series called Everyday Theology, Pastor J.D. calls us to take a fresh look at the glory of the gospel.
When we talk about the gospel, everyone wants to get to the part about God’s love and forgiveness. It’s a lot more pleasant than the parts about being dead in our sin and enemies of God. But Pastor J.D. reveals that without the bad news of sin, the good news wouldn’t be good! It’s part of our study in Titus called Everyday Theology.
When you’re coaching a team, one of your main jobs is to ensure that everyone knows their role. If players aren’t clear on their position, then the game is going to end in total chaos. And the same is true in our spiritual lives. As we continue our study called Everyday Theology, Pastor J.D. is digging into the book of Titus to help us understand our roles as believers.
When most people think of theology, they usually picture a seminary professor lecturing about obscure terms like dispensationalism, hypostatic union, or substitutionary atonement. It doesn’t seem like the kind of thing that “normal” Christians need to know. But as he continues our study in Titus, Pastor J.D. explains that good theology is essential in our everyday lives. It’s not about knowing fancy terminology; it’s about knowing the gospel.
Back in the earlier part of the 20th century, most Americans would go to church on a regular basis, even if they weren’t really saved. But over the past 70 years or so, our country has become increasingly secular. So how do we continue standing for the truth when it seems like everyone’s against us? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues our study in Titus called Everyday Theology.
Theology isn’t just about learning a lot of impressive terminology. Good, biblical theology is practical, and changes the way we interact with the world. In our new study of Titus called, Everyday Theology, we’re discovering how to develop a theology for everyday life.
Our society tends to define success by how many things you accomplish. It starts when we’re just kids. We feel pressured to get involved in more sports, more clubs, and more activities. And as time goes on, our schedules just get more and more full! But that’s not how God defines success. As Pastor J.D. concludes our series called, God and the Rest of the Week, he challenges us to slow down and make room for rest.
Whether you’re juggling high school AP classes and friends, a young parent trying to keep up with all the household demands, or an employee trying to find a work-life balance, we all find ourselves overwhelmed and overworked sometimes. We often end up wishing there were more hours in the day. But as Pastor J.D. continues our series called, God and the Rest of the Week, he urges us to observe the principle of the Sabbath and explains why it’s so important to carve out time for rest and relationships.
Why do you get up and go to work every morning? Is it just to earn a paycheck or to get the next promotion? Or is there a higher purpose for your work? In this message, Pastor J.D. explains how God wants us to think about our careers and challenges us to view them through the lens of the gospel. It’s part of our series titled, God and the Rest of the Week.
When we think about serving God, we usually imagine ourselves joining a ministry team at church or volunteering at a nonprofit. Those are definitely great things to do, but they aren’t the only places where we can glorify God. Pastor J.D. explains how we can worship God and advance the gospel every day in our workplace, no matter our job title! Whether you’re working your dream job, or are dreaming of the day you can retire, your work is way more important than you think! This message is part of our series called, God and the Rest of the Week.
There are many different parenting theories, and it seems like every year they come out with a new study that completely flips the accepted wisdom about raising kids. It can all be a little overwhelming. So Pastor J.D. is helping reign in our focus, reminding us of our most important task as parents that outweighs everything else. It’s part of our series called, God and the Rest of the Week.
Every parent knows that the old saying is true: Parenting is the hardest job you’ll ever love. We all want to be good parents and do right by our kids, but they don’t exactly come with a manual! So how do we know what to do and what to prioritize? That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. kicks off a brand new series called, God and the Rest of the Week. We’re learning how to honor God in the little aspects of our everyday lives.
Everyone wants to find a career where they can use their gifts and talents and can fulfill their calling in life. But Pastor J.D. reminds us that as believers, we all have one calling that outweighs any other, and it’s something we can do no matter what our actual vocation is. It’s the conclusion of our series called, START.
Everyone wants to have a calling in life, a task that they are specifically designed to accomplish to make the world a better place. And Pastor J.D. explains that if you’re a follower of Christ, you do have a calling! It’s part of our series called START.
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably been through seasons when you felt like your prayers were just bouncing off the ceiling and wasting your time. But get ready for a perspective shift, because Pastor J.D. is explaining the true purpose of prayer. It’s part of our series called START, getting back to the foundations of our faith.
What is prayer at its most basic level? Is it a wish list that we send up to the genie in the sky, a way to unleash the power of positive thinking, or a ritual we have to go through to gain God’s favor? Or is it just a waste of time, telling God things he already knows? Fortunately, prayer isn’t any of those things! Pastor J.D. takes a fresh look at the basics of our faith as he continues our series called, START.
If you’ve been around church for any length of time, you probably know that the Bible is important. And yet, many of us struggle to read it on a regular basis. And when we do read it, we have trouble staying interested. Why is that? And how can we start to want to read the Bible? That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our study called, START.
For most Christians, reading the Bible is like getting a shot. We know it’s good for us, but it’s not something we look forward to. But is that really how God wants us to approach his word? That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our series called, START.
How do you know if you’re saved? Is it because you prayed a prayer at some point asking Jesus into your heart, or because you were baptized as a kid? How can we know if we’ve done the right ritual or if we were sincere enough? Pastor J.D. answers those questions as he continues our new series called, START.
In our new series called START, we’re looking at the foundational elements of our faith. Whether you’re a new believer trying to figure out this whole Christianity thing, or if you’ve been following Christ for years but want to get back to the basics, this study is for you!
When you’re trying to discern God’s call, don’t just look for where his Spirit is moving in your life but also in the world—because even more important than what the Spirit says to you is what the Word of God says to everybody. In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through how to figure out what God is doing in the world and conform your life to his mission.
In this message from Romans 15, Pastor J.D. challenges us to lift our eyes to the ends of the earth. When Jesus left his disciples, he promised that his gospel would go to every nation, tribe, language, and tongue. That task isn’t finished. And God is calling many of us to follow him to the most unreached parts of the planet. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it dangerous? Yes. Is he worthy of it? Absolutely.
Once you look back at God’s grace to you in the past, you can look forward to the future with great anticipation of all he will continue to do in and for you—exceedingly more than you could ask or imagine. Pastor J.D. demonstrates how to expect great things of God and attempt great things for God as you work to complete your mission on Earth.
Pastor J.D. takes us on a march throughout church history. The journey of a church doesn’t begin when it’s planted. It began 2,000 years ago, with 11 frightened disciples on a hillside outside of Jerusalem.
Whenever you make a big change, like starting a new business, moving to a new state, or getting married, there’s always at least a little bit of fear that comes with it. What if it doesn’t work out? What if things just get harder, or we end up losing everything? Sometimes, it’s easier to maintain the status quo. But Pastor J.D. explains that, if we want to do great things for God’s kingdom, it’s going to involve some risk! It’s the challenging conclusion of our series titled, Staying Faith.
Every year on Black Friday, we see crazy news footage of the crowds of people shoving and pushing, trying to get a good deal on a new device like a flat screen. It brings to mind the age-old question, “Do you own your things, or do your things own you?” And that’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Staying Faith.
For most people, money is one of the biggest stressors in our daily lives. And no matter how much we earn, it never seems to be enough! But Pastor J.D. reminds us that God never intended for us to be slaves to wealth. In fact, he designed us for joyful generosity! That’s our subject as we continue our series called, Staying Faith.
We’ve all had the experience of starting a new diet or workout routine. At first, we’re excited. But then, as it becomes routine, it gets a lot harder to keep sticking with it. And a similar effect can happen in our spiritual lives! As Pastor J.D. kicks off a new series called, Staying Faith, we’re learning how to persevere to the end in the race of faith.
Hope has a name, and his name is JESUS. For all that you aren’t, for all that you need, for all that you fear, for all that you crave, for literally all that you ever cannot be, he is the great I AM.
Our relationship with our dads shapes not only our faith and how we view God but also how we approach life. Whether your earthly dad was gone or great, we all crave a Father who never disappoints or leaves us. Pastor J.D. continues today to identify four types of father wounds that our Everlasting Father heals and shows us how Jesus fills those longings and is the heavenly Father we’ve always craved.
For many people, calling Jesus “Everlasting Father” doesn’t bring a lot of comfort because some of the greatest pain in their lives has come from their relationship with their earthly father. Today, Pastor J.D. identifies four types of father wounds from the series “Hope Has a Name” to show us how Jesus came to heal those wounds. Whether your dad was absent or awesome, Jesus is the Everlasting Father your heart has always craved.
The Savior that was promised hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth was the Messiah an army under siege needed … not because they needed to be delivered from their enemies but because they needed to be delivered from their sin. Pastor J.D. continues today in Isaiah 7 to show us how to approach the Wonderful Counselor, who knows our sin but instead of condemnation offers us the righteousness of Christ.
The promise of a Savior that wouldn’t arrive for 700 years might not have been a great comfort to the army that received the prophecy, but God knew what they needed, and what we need today, is a Messiah who would save us from our sin. Today, Pastor J.D. is unpacking the promise of Isaiah 9 from the series “Hope Has a Name” and showing us how we should approach the Wonderful Counselor, who brings light to our darkness and gives us the gift of himself.
With the rise of social media, befriending someone has become as easy as clicking a button. If someone were to look at your Facebook or Twitter profile, it would probably seem like you have hundreds or even thousands of friends. But in truth, many of us are feeling more lonely and disconnected than ever before. On this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. brings biblical wisdom on how to form deep, lifelong friendships. It’s the conclusion of our practical series on relationships called, From the Beginning.
When you’re in preschool, making friends is usually pretty easy. But as you get older, friendships become trickier. They require effort and vulnerability. Many people decide it’s not worth the effort and are satisfied with surface level friendships. But on this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. describes why deep, intimate friendships are so essential for both our happiness and our holiness.
In this program, we’ll continue a practical series called From the Beginning as we learn about God’s design for sex, marriage, and relationships. Pastor J.D. offers biblical wisdom to navigate the confusing process of dating. But beyond the practical aspects of finding a spouse, we’re also learning that marriage and singleness are both preparation for a much greater blessing to come.
There are few things in life as awkward as dating. And many single Christians feel like they can’t turn to scripture for help because the courtship process looked so different in ancient times. In fact, the word “dating” never even appears in the Bible! But even through the cultural differences, God’s word gives us everything we need for life and godliness in relationships.
When most people enter marriage, they understand that it won’t all be smooth sailing. But even with this realistic perspective, we’re often surprised when the going gets rough. Without a biblical mindset, it’s tempting to give up and jump ship! So how can we restore a sinking marriage? And what is God’s plan for those who have already gone through a divorce? In this message, Pastor J.D. answers these questions as he continues our series about sex and relationships titled, From the Beginning.
As most young couples plan their wedding day, they excitedly anticipate living “happily ever after” like all the fairy tales promise. But as the years tick by, they often discover that the butterflies fade, and the person they married isn’t the saint they imagined. Today, we’re tackling the painful topic of divorce—an issue that’s touched the life of nearly every American in some way or another. In this message, Pastor J.D. answers the pressing question, When Is It Okay to Divorce and Remarry?
The topic of same-sex attraction is fraught with an incredible amount of hurt and anger. Too many families and churches have been ripped apart over the issue, and many people who identify with the LGBTQ community feel rejected by Christianity, and by extension, God. They’ve been told—either directly or through the actions of believers—that they’re somehow outside the reach of God’s grace. But that’s just not true! Today, Pastor J.D. sets the record straight by revealing what God’s word really says about God’s grace and same sex attraction.
Some churches have embraced a tolerant view of homosexual relationships, while other churches have openly protested, even alienated, the gay and lesbian community. Are either of these responses biblical? In this message, J.D. will set current trends aside to see what God’s word truly says about homosexual relationships.
If you’re single and involved in a church, you’ve probably had some well-meaning person tell you that God is preparing you for the man or woman of your dreams. But this misses the point. In this message, J.D. points us away from our relationship status, married or not, and he points us towards our relationship with Christ. And whether you’re married or not, every Christian should be focused on the marriage to come.
In many churches, single people are sometimes made to feel like outsiders. Everyone appears to be paired off, and a lot of energy goes into cultivating healthy families. As a result, and tragically, some singles admit to feeling like second class Christians. In this message, J.D. explains that God’s view is far different. In fact, the Bible often reinforces the benefits to singleness. And whether you’re married or not, every Christian should be focused on the marriage to come.
Today’s culture tends to paint sexual expression, in any context, as a matter of personal choice. In movies, magazines and music we’re encouraged to follow any path that leads to pleasure. Conversely, the biblical model for sexuality is viewed as repressive, even unhealthy. But if that’s the case, then why have so many of us been burned by sexual encounters? Why are our relationships and marriages so unfulfilling? In this message, J.D. will explain that God’s plan for sexual boundaries isn’t repressive. His design for marital intimacy was intended to produce joy.
Many people get uneasy when the preacher starts talking about personal issues. Especially when the subject is sex. But the fact is, sex is one of the few issues that’s addressed in nearly every book of the Bible. God has a lot to say about this topic, and in this series called From the Beginning, J.D. will explore the Scriptures for clarity and direction on sexual expression and cultivating healthy relationships.
Though he served God throughout most of his reign, the end of King Hezekiah’s life shows you how easy it is to receive God’s blessings and then make them all about you. Pastor J.D. teaches in this message how to leverage your successes, health, and resources for God’s mission so that yours is a life of faithful obedience.
In the face of overwhelming odds, King Hezekiah led the people of Israel to believe in God, who delivered them from their trouble. Today Pastor J.D. uses Hezekiah’s prayer as an example of how you should pray for deliverance and why the prayers that are heard by heaven are the ones that start in heaven.
Spiritual awakening will not happen in your city when other people become less wicked or when the politicians finally get it right or the professors at the local university become more moderate. Pastor J.D. continues to show in this message how revival will only happen when God’s people offer their lives so that others can live through their sacrifice.
God is looking for people who will stand in the gap between him and the faithlessness and disobedience of the world. In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through what it will take for you to be part of a spiritual awakening that starts with repentance in the church and spreads throughout every nation.
The gospel declares that Christ bore our sin in our place—but it doesn’t do the world any good if they never hear about it! Pastor J.D. continues in this message to demonstrate how your generosity contributes to a ministry of reconciliation and why it is best invested in the work of your local church.
Today Pastor J.D. looks at the apostle Paul’s example of what it means to be controlled by Christ’s love when it comes to your giving and what your generosity says about Jesus’ value to you.
King David lost his family and kingdom through a single night of lust. But thankfully, that’s not where his story ends!
Because of the cross, our sins are forgiven, and believers are no longer under condemnation. And yet, sin still has consequences in this life.
When the sun comes up in the morning, our natural response is to pull the pillow over our head and pretend it’s still dark. Do we respond the same way when our sins come to light?
When you’ve messed up big time and done something that you can’t take back, how do you move forward? What’s the next step?
If there’s one area where almost everyone has regrets, it’s in the realm of sexual sin. But even in our greatest failures, God can bring redemption.
King David is known as a man after God’s own heart, but even he wasn’t perfect. As we learn about his greatest failure, we’ll discover the importance of fleeing from sexual sin.
How much do you have to give to please God? Is an hour of your Sunday morning enough or ten percent of your income?
What do we have to do to be good enough for God? Some people think they just have to live a decent life. Others constantly worry if they’ve done enough!
If you visit a few different churches, you’ll probably notice that some people sing in solemn reverence, while others raise their hands, dance, or even fall to their knees. Is one way better than the other?
It’s popular to say that “all roads lead to God.” But while that philosophy may sound nice, it just isn’t true. We can only approach God on his own terms.
When our prayers don’t seem to get any response, we often start to wonder if God is even hearing us. And if he does hear us, does he just not care?
Lots of people go to church every week but still feel distant from God. So how can we be sure that God has accepted us?
Have you ever taken a shortcut in life? We all cut corners sometimes because we want a better life now, but Pastor J.D. explains that we can’t rush God’s timing!
We’re all living in one kingdom or another. So who, or what, is the king in your life? That’s the subject of this new study called Search for a King.
It’s a tragic fact that many marriages fall apart after a sudden loss. So how do we keep it together when our life seems to be falling apart?
It’s a tragic fact that many marriages fall apart after a sudden loss. So how do we keep it together when our life seems to be falling apart?
One of the deadliest poisons to relationships is bitterness. The only cure is to be transformed by the grace of God!
Everyone wants justice. But the Bible makes it clear that Christians are called to forgive. So does that mean we’re supposed to let justice fall by the wayside?
Our natural tendency is to focus on our own needs and desires above all else. But for a relationship to work—whether it’s a marriage, friendship, or family—we need to learn selfless love.
The divorce rates in America today are shocking, yet the media continues to paint marriage as the key to happiness and wholeness. What are we missing?
Have you ever felt like a deer in the headlights, paralyzed by fear? Pastor J.D. explains that the cure for unhealthy fear is learning to fear the right things.
If you were asked to list some common sins, you’d probably mention things like lying, lust or inappropriate anger. But what about fear?
Work may seem like a strange topic to include in a series on building strong, godly families. But in actuality, our approach to work has an enormous effect on our homes.
No matter what your job is, we all have days when we feel like just another cog in the machine. But Pastor J.D. challenges us to take a higher view of our careers.
The word “ambition” tends to conjure up images of greedy Wall Street executives or ruthless dictators. But is there such a thing as good ambition?
In a brand new series called Home Wreckers, we’re taking an in-depth look at the pitfalls that corrode our relationships and destroy our homes.
As he concludes our series called Unknown God, Pastor J.D. argues that the god many of us believe in isn’t the God of the Bible.
For most Americans, statue worship isn’t something we’ve seen or experienced. But in truth, many of us—even Bible believing Christians—are buying into false images of God without even knowing it.
No one enjoys being confused. We want to make sense of things. But God’s understanding is much bigger than our own, and even though we can never grasp it all, we can trust in the God who does.
Whether you’re an atheist or a seminary professor, everyone has doubts about God. So how can we have faith if we still have unanswered questions?
Faith is often portrayed as nothing more than a comforting alternative to the more “rational” approach of atheism. But is that actually the case?
Many people struggle to believe in a God they can’t see or touch or hear. But not only can you know that God exists, you can know him personally!
As we conclude our powerful series called Assured, we’re discovering how we can know with absolute certainty whether or not we’re saved. God doesn’t want you living in fear and doubt!
We tend to use the word “love” pretty loosely. It can refer to your feelings about your pets, your spouse, or your favorite food! So what does the Bible mean when it talks about loving your neighbor?
When most people think of idolatry, they picture a temple with little golden statues. But while worshiping a statue is certainly a form of idolatry, it’s not the only kind!
Jesus made it clear that it’s possible to call yourself a Christian and believe all the right things, but not truly be saved. So what’s the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing him?
Even in Christian circles, the subject of sin tends to get glossed over. But Pastor J.D. explains that the way we think about our sin is a crucial sign of where we stand with God.
Sin is usually an uncomfortable subject. But the way you think about your own sinfulness can actually give you assurance of your salvation!
Usually, our deepest beliefs are based on the things we’ve experienced, not on philosophical reasoning. But is it possible to really experience God if you can’t see him?
The first disciples believed in Jesus because of the miracles they witnessed. But how can we in the 21st century have that same experience and the same level of assurance?
Everyone’s conversion story is different. Some people grew up in church and have always believed. Others had a dramatic conversion later in life. Are both those experiences valid? Or is there a specific formula you need to follow?
Many believers think ministry is a job for pastors and missionaries, not the work of “ordinary Christians.” But there’s no such thing as an “ordinary Christian!”
A healthy relationship with God requires trust. Yet many of us doubt God’s ability to really save us. We feel like we need to earn his forgiveness.
Money is a personal topic, and it’s often considered off-limits in polite conversation. But the Bible doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable issues, and it has a lot to say about finances.
Some of us feel guilty for being wealthy. Others see money as a sign of God’s favor. But what does the Bible really say about our finances?
A lot of people think of missionaries as “super Christians.” But every Christian is called to the mission field—whether it’s across the country or across the street.
Many believers think ministry is a job for pastors and missionaries, not the work of “ordinary Christians.” But there’s no such thing as an “ordinary Christian!”
For many Christians, church is just an event that they attend on weekends. But that’s not what God intended when he designed the church.
Healthy believers will produce the Fruit of the Spirit. But first, you have to be rooted in Christ, and second, you need to have community.
Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” In this message, we’ll discover how good fruit is produced by a life that’s rooted in Christ."
When was the last time you decided to make a change and become a better person? On this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. describes the only path to genuine transformation.
Many Christians struggle to read the Bible for themselves. Isn’t it enough to just listen to Bible teaching or read a devotional?
We often refer to the first four books of the New Testament as “the gospels.” But from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is all about the gospel.
Our journey with God begins when someone explains the gospel to us. But then the question becomes, “What do I do next?” The answer? Keep going deeper into the gospel.
If you’ve been a believer for a while, you might think you’ve moved beyond the gospel. But the truth is, we never outgrow the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Every Christian knows that prayer is important, but if we’re honest, a lot of us wonder what the point is. If God is in control, and he already knows what we need, then why bother telling him?
How’s your prayer life been lately? For most Americans, it usually consists of just a stock prayer before meals and an S-O-S when you’re in the middle of a crisis.
All families have some level of drama. But Isaac’s sons, Jacob and Esau, had more than most. We’re looking at the important role of prayer in their reconciliation.
A lot of us struggle to pray consistently, and we end up only going to God when we’re facing a crisis. So how do we start treating prayer as more than just an emergency hotline?
Even after several days of Pastor J.D.’s teaching on prayer, we might still feel like our prayers aren’t heard by God. He gives one more attempt to meet us where we are.
Have you ever heard the saying, “Prayer doesn’t change God, prayer changes me”? Pastor J.D. is going to challenge that sentiment head-on as he continues the series, ASK.
Pastor J.D. continues walking through the familiar passage of the Lord’s Prayer. He will specifically show us how we can cast our anxiety on God.
Most of us can recite the Lord’s Prayer, but do we really know what we’re praying and how to use it as a guide for all of our prayers?
Pastor J.D. is showing us that’s exactly how we should approach God in prayer -- desperately, boldly, and persistently.
We’re beginning a new series from Pastor J.D. that takes a look at the revolutionary teaching of Jesus regarding prayer.
Time and time again, the Bible gives us examples of how important persistent prayer is. As we finish Jacob's story, we'll look at how God rewarded his persistence, and how that might be exactly what God wants from us, as well.
Through Jacob, we learn that many of the blessings of God are released into our lives only through persistent, unrelenting prayer.
The constant battle of what the heart loves reveals to us our desperate need for prayer. In our own battle, will we be like Lot, captured by the wonders of the world? Or like Abraham, interceding on behalf of the Lots God has placed in our lives?
Jesus said we should pray like children. Children don’t think about how they approach, whether they are using the right words, or whether their parents are pleased with them. They just ask. Astoundingly, that’s the beginning of learning to pray.
We all have days when we feel insufficient. Like we’re not strong enough or smart enough. But the Bible says that in our weakness, God is strong.
Throughout history, people have invented and named mythological gods. But the God of the Bible was not invented by mankind. And unlike Zeus or Thor, he chose his own name.
If there’s one aspect of God’s character that most people wish they could erase from the Bible, it’s the wrath of God. But God’s wrath isn’t something we should resent. His wrath should cause us to rejoice.
Most of us have never taken scissors to our Bibles, but in our minds, we often cut out the uncomfortable passages about God’s wrath. But the wrath of God isn’t a demeaning doctrine to be ignored. It’s a glorious reality!
Everyone likes hearing about God’s love. It stirs up warm sentimental feelings and makes us feel good about ourselves. But Pastor J.D. explains that God’s love has nothing to do with our worthiness.
Everyone wants to feel loved and cherished. But if we’re honest with ourselves, we know that we don’t deserve unconditional love. So why does God pursue us anyway?
Knowing someone’s name is an important part of your relationship with them. So Pastor J.D. is helping us know God personally by knowing his name.
If you really want to know God, you have to know everything about him, not just the parts we find appealing. So on this edition of Summit Life, we’re gaining a bigger view of God.
What is the presence of God like? Does he give us a warm fuzzy feeling? Or an emotional worship encounter? For something we all want to experience, why can God’s presence seem so elusive?
Some people think God set the world in motion and then stepped away. Others think he’s an impersonal force. But Pastor J.D. describes how we can know God personally.
As Pastor J.D. concludes our study in the book of Hebrews, we’re looking at how the power of the gospel connects to real-life—in our work, our marriages, our finances, and our churches.
The gospel is the power for the Christian life. And like a lamp, you can’t shine for Jesus unless you’re plugged in! But what does that “plugging in” look like on a practical level?
Everyone wants to be comfortable and safe from the unknown, but that’s not always God’s plan. And even when it’s scary, God always knows best!
If there’s one thing people want, it’s security. But we’re looking in all the wrong places! True peace of mind isn’t found in burglar alarms or home insurance.
From day one, Christians worldwide have faced physical and intellectual attacks. So in a world that’s opposed to everything we believe, how can we stand strong?
When a prayer goes unanswered, or you just don’t feel that connected to God, faith can be hard to come by! But throughout our study of Hebrews, we’re finding that there are reasons to believe!
It’s not hard to say you trust God until trusting him becomes a matter of life and death. But as we’ll discover, faith is always a matter of life and death—whether we realize it or not!
It’s really not hard to be a cultural Christian in America! But claiming to be a Christian doesn’t really require faith. So what’s the difference between mere belief and saving faith?
All of us have made mistakes that haunt us. And whether we embrace our sins or try to hide them, apart from Christ, we’re all slaves to them. But there is hope!
All of the Old Testament points to Jesus. On this edition of Summit Life, we’re seeing shadows of the gospel in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
If you’ve been in church for any length of time, you’ve probably known people who you thought were genuinely saved, but then they turned away from God completely. How does that happen?
Once you’ve been saved, you’re secure forever. You can’t ever lose that salvation. Or can you? Pastor J.D. challenges each of us to evaluate where we stand with God.
On this edition of Summit Life, we’re studying a mysterious Old Testament figure named Melchizedek, who provides an important picture of Jesus’ role as High Priest and King.
Most of us are running so hard after success, that we miss out on God’s best for us! That’s the danger of busyness.
Everyone feels the pressure to work harder and longer so they can get the next raise and be successful. But all that busyness takes a toll on our spiritual lives.
What fears control you? Is it fear of missing out? Or fear of pain, loneliness, or rejection? J.D. Greear describes how you can be freed from all of that.
The gospel flips the script of religion and frees us from every fear and every chain. It’s the difference between Christianity and every other religion!
Imagine the best thing that could ever happen to you. Christ is better! In fact, Christ is better than anything this world has to offer.
We’re looking at a collection of stories from Judges, Chapters 17 to 21–accounts that reveal the tragic outcome when a society turns its back on God’s leading.
This message looks at the final chapters of the book of Judges. It’s a time when the Israelites turned their backs on God’s leading. They still acknowledged him with their lips, but they’d become, in essence, a nation of atheists.
Just like Samson, we’ve all fallen into the trap of our own desires. So what’s the answer?
Pastor J.D. reveals that your own heart is usually your worst enemy. This message is the third part of a four-part message on the life of Samson.
Today, we’re continuing our study called “Broken Saviors.” As we come to the end of Judges later this week, we’ll find out that the entire book is just one portion of a much bigger story.
During this message, Pastor J.D. invites us to look at one of the most familiar characters in the Old Testament. His life teaches us that God can accomplish amazing things through ordinary people--when they submit to his leadership.
Man is incapable of constructing, or living up to, the true Gospel. In fact, left to our own devices we tend to twist and misconstrue what God designed as perfect.
In this message, we’ll see how over and over again, God’s people substituted his plan for their own, with tragic consequences.
Beginning in Judges Chapter 8, we see how Gideon’s victory as a warrior began to inflate his ego. Rather than giving glory to God, he chose to act like a king who deserved special treatment. In a real sense, Gideon manufactured his own “broken savior.”
Behind every hero in the Bible, we see a God who remains faithful even though our heroes--and let’s admit it--we are often faithless. Good news for those of us who feel unworthy--thankfully God is the one who gives us value!
Pastor J.D. shows us how God can use anyone to accomplish his plan even when we feel stretched and afraid!
When God transforms our generation, he’ll use ordinary men and women just like Gideon; those who are willing to step up and take the lead.
Today we look at the story of Gideon--one of God’s mighty warriors of the Old Testament--and we see that even he had doubts and struggles as he considered the mantle of leadership being handed to him by God.
Pastor J.D. invites us to follow along as he teaches from the book of Judges, Chapters 4 and 5, as he shares five key points that will apply to both men and women in leadership.
When God inspires a woman to step forward and give leadership in ministry, how can the church help her become all God intended?
When we suffer, we look for any means possible to escape. But according to Scripture, sometimes God uses our pain to draw us back to him.
Through the Isrealites’ example, we’ll discover how to overcome our fears and choose faith instead.
On today’s program, we’re launching a new study in the book of Judges called “Broken Saviors.” Over the next few weeks, we’ll discover that we’re a lot like the Israelites who let their fear get in the way of their progress.
Do you know any “zombie Christians,” who look and act like they’re saved but are only going through the motions? Pastor J.D. explains the vital signs that reveal whether or not you’ve been born again.
Christians might be “in the world” and not “of it,” but we’re still impacted by our consumerist culture! But what works in the marketplace doesn’t work in the church.
What does the Bible mean when it says believers are dead to sin? Does it mean that Christians never mess up?
If you ask someone when they became a Christian, they’d probably point to a moment where they prayed “the sinners prayer!” But is praying a certain prayer really a magic ticket into heaven?
Have you ever tried negotiating with God? “Oh God, if you just give me this one thing, then I’ll do this or that for you?” Pastor J.D. points out the absurdity of that kind of bargaining because God doesn’t need anything from us in the first place!
As we dive into a brand new study called, Phantom Faith, Pastor J.D. explains the difference between true, saving faith and just going through the motions.
Paul shows us in Ephesians 5 that marriage is a divine mystery that points us to something higher - and that is Christ and the Church.
Today, we’ll look to Ephesians 5 for clarity and direction on intimacy in relationships. Actually, sex is one of the few topics that’s addressed in almost every book of the Bible.
If we’re honest, a lot of us would admit that the biblical view of marriage seems pretty outdated and patriarchal. Pastor J.D. is talking about what it actually means for a husband to lead.
Today we’re jumping into the delicate and controversial subject of the biblical roles of husbands and wives. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or widowed, you’ll wanna listen!
“Sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt us.” Pastor J.D. gives us practical wisdom for how our words can be grace-saturated during conflict.
Pastor J.D. encourages us to mind the smoke detectors of anger and bitterness before they turn into fires in our relationships.
To live happily ever after doesn’t mean you never fight with your spouse. Good couples have learned to fight fairly.
For many people, our views on love and relationships are shaped by the songs we listen to and the movies we watch. But there’s only one relationship model we should care about, and it doesn’t come from Hollywood!
If you were to ask most couples why they got married, they would probably say something about making each other happy. But Pastor J.D. reveals one of the most forgotten and important elements of marriage.
What if every time you saw your spouse, or your friends, or your parents, or boss or your employees, you had a thought, that if obeyed, would change every relationship?
At the end of the day, the interests of others are almost always secondary to our own. Pastor J.D. shows us just how important the interests are of those we love!
What are you looking for when you yearn for love and romance? Pastor J.D. looks at our expectations in marriage and God’s plan for singleness.
Our culture often acts like romantic love is the pinnacle of human existence. But, is that really the case? Pastor J.D. gives us a balanced, biblical view of marriage and singleness.
As we begin a series called "First Love," we’re getting a biblical perspective on the purpose of marriage and singleness. It’s a drastic shift from what our culture usually portrays!
Pastor J.D. shows us that distraction and the feeling of being overwhelmed and hurried often comes from being terribly out of fellowship with Jesus.
It’s safe to say that our society deals with more distractions than any previous society in history. Most of us feel like we are constantly pulled in different directions. Today, Pastor J.D. talks about being a distracted people who need focus.
You know, Jesus promised that for all who came to him, he would give them rest. But in today’s society, where overworking is the new norm, most of us hear Jesus’ invitation as wishful thinking.
Pastor J.D. shows us that those most mature in Jesus are not those working hardest for him but those resting most in him.
All throughout his ministry, Jesus explained that if your heart is in the right posture, and you have ears to hear, then the truth about him will be evident.
We feel like we’ve learned from the past and look down on the actions of previous generations. But what’s different about our hearts?
Are you a sheep or a goat? Are you a lukewarm person? We all struggle with seasons where we are lukewarm, where we are striving to maintain a commitment to Christ but we falter.
Today, Pastor J.D. shares another one of Jesus’ parables. And this one is going to show us what it looks like to be a Christian in today’s world.
Friday, Pastor J.D. covered the first two signs that you might be in a contract relationship with God. And today he’s going to present three more in order for us to see that we must get rid of our contract and embrace the goodness and grace of God!
Pastor J.D. teaches about the dangers of believing God owes us something and wanting him to give us what we deserve.
Have you had an encounter with God that you would describe like finding a hidden treasure? Like finding a treasure that brought you so much joy that you gladly left everything else to possess it?
Jesus once told a story about two men - both of them come across something of such value that it makes everything else in their lives look worthless by comparison.
In the parables, Jesus reveals the beauty of the gospel, but only for those whose heart is in a posture to perceive it—only for those who truly listen.
Today Pastor J.D. begins teaching through the parables of Jesus, stories so simple a child can understand them, yet so profound that we can never exhaust their wealth of wisdom!
Every message in this series, Pastor J.D. has shown us how Matthew places people in the story of Jesus that give us possible ways we might respond. Which ones describe you?
We have arrived at the joy of the resurrection in our series titled, Instead of Me. This has been a heavy series, but today we find Jesus alive! And he’s not just alive, he’s alive for me!
If you had been present during Jesus’ crucifixion, how would you have responded? Pastor J.D. is going to walk us through four characters to give us pictures of how we might have responded then and how we can still respond to Jesus today.
Pastor J.D. will help us see how the responses of the people surrounding the events of Jesus’ crucifixion give us pictures of how we respond to Jesus.
The events surrounding the trial of Jesus are recorded to show us that we are the ones who are actually on trial. These stories should make us consider how we are responding to Jesus.
We are marching toward the cross in our series titled, Instead of Me. Our prayer during this series is that you will see these days that led up to Jesus’ death with fresh eyes.
Have you ever thought that the cross must have been a scary place? Even for Jesus? But he went, when he could have fled, for us.
Jesus was well accustomed to getting a clear response from God when he prayed. But there was once where God was completely silent.
Judas betrayed Jesus for only 30 pieces of silver, but Jesus told the disciples that they would all fall away, sending a message that all of us, even at our very best, still fall short and need a Savior.
By looking at the way Jesus’ friends and enemies responded to him during his final hours, we will see how we, also, respond to Jesus’ shocking, upside-down, precious sacrifice.
Pastor J.D. addresses some of the obstacles and excuses to show us how our careers and even our dinner tables are a place to practically serve others.
Do you ever wonder, sometimes, if anything about your life matters? Jesus used the occasion of a banquet, a party, to teach people about his Kingdom and our significance and role in it.
Meal time was just as important to the life of Jesus as it is in our lives today. Pastor J.D. dives into Luke 14 in our new series called Come to the Table.
Pastor J.D. shows us how these final chapters of the book teach that in Christ, the suffering here on earth is limited, the resurrection is eternal, and the power of God is available to all who believe in him.
As we live in the in-between, Daniel encourages us that though things are dark—and they are likely only to get darker—we don’t despair. It’s all part of the plan.
Have you ever wondered how prayer works? Of course, we won’t ever have all the details, but Daniel, Chapter 9 gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how prayer works and demonstrates why prayer is so important.
In Daniel 9, we not only see five principles that make for effective prayer; we also get a one-of-a-kind glimpse into what happens in heaven as we pray.
As Pastor J.D. moves into the prophetic portion of the book of Daniel, he shows us how it’s Daniel’s prophecy about the future that makes the difference an outlook between peace and stress.
What God says to Daniel he says to believers in every generation: If you are going to faithfully shine in the present, you need to have a crystal clear vision of the future. There’s two ways to look at the future--a stress-producing way and a peace-producing one.
What was it that gave Daniel so much courage in the lion’s den? Is there a way to have that same courage in our own lives?
As much as we make of Daniel’s night with the lions, his courage was actually forged long before that fateful night. Courage is not summoned in a moment; courage is developed through a lifetime.
Have you heard the phrase “The writing is on the wall?” It usually means that something bad is about to happen; that your fate has been sealed. That phrase actually comes from Daniel, Chapter 5.
Today on Summit Life, we come to another story of God taking down a prideful, rebellious, selfish king. We’re going to see that this problem is much bigger than just one king.
In this message, we’ll take a look at what God has to say about pride’s fruits and pride’s cure. It’s something we all need from time to time, so let’s dig in.
Just when we think we’ve nailed it, pride creeps in and can destroy us. Just ask the character in our teaching. He learned some pretty serious lessons about the sin of pride and its consequences.
Will we be bold enough to ask ourselves the question, “Is God enough?” Will you follow him even when the answer is “no”? That type of courage takes a deep level of trust in God.
Through the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we will see an example of courage that could only come from faith in God. These three young men knew that God was bigger than anything life can throw at us.
We learn that what was true for Daniel is still true now: “There is a God in heaven.” Where human strategies fail, God begins to work.
As we continue our teaching series through the book of Daniel, we’re walking through Nebuchadnezzar’s confusing dream in Daniel, Chapter 2.
The world we live in, like Daniel’s, is often very dark and hostile to the message of God. But thankfully, he doesn’t call us to escape this world. He calls us to transform it. We’ll learn that the power to make a difference is only found in the commitment to be different.
We begin working our way through the Old Testament book of Daniel--and it’s about a lot more than just lions. This book is about how to shine, how to thrive, in a very dark and hostile world.
Pastor J.D. encourages us to pray, act wisely, and stay alert as he follows Paul’s conclusion of the book of Colossians.
We go to church on the weekends, check that box, and move on. But today, Pastor J.D. reminds us that Jesus isn’t one part of our life, he’s first in everything!
Pastor J.D. cautions us about treating Jesus like an a la carte menu. We’ll see that we can’t take Jesus and “a little bit of this” and “a little bit of that.”
Today Pastor J.D. uses the familiar Old Testament verse, Micah 6:8, to frame his teaching in the first chapter of Colossians.
Have you ever considered that everyday you are experiencing the fruits of the audacious faith of others who came before you? You are the fruit of someone’s bold faith!
Pastor J.D. challenges us to consider whether we’re on the front lines of living with bold, reckless faith or are you kicking back watching the faith of others from the sidelines?
In light of who Jesus is, Pastor J.D. asks one simple but revolutionary question: Is Jesus just important to you, or is he truly first in your life?
Our emotions function like smoke from a fire—and just like you can follow a trail of smoke to figure out what’s on fire in your house, you can follow the trail of your emotions to figure out what is on fire in your heart.
Each of these emotions—depression, anxiety, anger, envy, and now “shame”—functions like warning lights on the dashboard of our hearts, indicating what is going on in the engine of our souls.
When we look at other people’s lives on social media, we are seeing a filtered image. Pastor J.D. concludes his message on the difficult emotion of envy.
Envy surrounds us—and most of us don’t realize the deadly poison that envy is. We think of envy as a kind of petty jealousy that just comes from wanting a little more. But the Bible treats it as far more serious.
People seem queued up and ready to be angry—in the classroom, at work, on Twitter, and on the freeway. Pastor J.D. teaches how we can be angry like Jesus.
Remember that one time in the Bible when Jesus got angry? And he didn’t hide it? And he didn’t sin? Pastor J.D. is helping us see how we can be angry like Jesus, too.
When it comes to money, parenting, career, and any of the other litany of things we worry about, God is not telling us to sit back and do nothing. He is saying that we need to do what we can, and trust him with the results.
We worry most about what we are devoted to most. Jesus talks about the difficult emotion of anxiety by first challenging what we are most devoted to.
Whenever we struggle with depression, despair, or doubts about God, we think there’s something wrong with us or maybe we just don’t have enough faith. And it can be difficult to ask for help because we don’t want anyone to see us as broken.
Pastor J.D. shows us that the aim of the Bible’s teaching on emotions isn’t to suppress them or even to manage them, but to read them accurately, express them honestly, and allow the gospel reshape them completely.
If we believe that Jesus defeated death through his resurrection, that changes everything. And if we believe it, we too will defeat death and live eternally through the power of his blood. So the question is, do you believe it?
We’ve all walked the lonely path to Jesus’ tomb in one form or another over the past 23 months, wondering where life is headed. The bad news? It’s headed to the grave. The good news? It doesn’t have to stay there.
Jesus encountered a preoccupied man, a superficial man, a religious man, a guilty man, and a disciple along the way to the cross. Which one are you?
Pastor J.D. takes us along the road to the cross, where we will meet a handful of different people—each of whom has a different response to Jesus’ sacrifice.
Every one of us can experience the love and grace of our Heavenly Father who welcomes us back home with open arms.
Pastor J.D. preaches about the most famous parable Jesus ever told—the story of the Prodigal Son. There’s a reason this parable is so popular: In it we see the biography of all of human history, the story of every single one of us.
Jesus wanted his disciples to be willing to give up everything to advance the kingdom of God, and he wants the same thing from us today.
Pastor J.D. asks us to count the cost of truly following Jesus. When Jesus called his first disciples, he warned them that it was going to cost them everything. The path of discipleship hasn’t changed.
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Let’s look at the three necessary qualities to be a disciple of Jesus and what it would look like if all of us committed to fully surrendering control of our lives for the sake of the gospel.
Pastor J.D. invites us to view Jesus the way his original disciples did: with overwhelming awe at his radical love. Because when we see the radical love of Jesus for us, we will respond with radical surrender to him.
As we continue “In Step,” our series through the book of Luke, we talk about what it means to be a protector and defender of the weak and vulnerable among us.
Pastor J.D. teaches about a defining feature of those who follow Jesus: They care for the vulnerable, the weak, the helpless, and the forgotten. Followers of Jesus care for the vulnerable and the helpless because, before God, we are vulnerable and helpless, too.
It can be frightening to think about battling the “rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers” of this world—Satan’s demonic forces that are at work all around us. But Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Luke that as believers, we have nothing to fear.
Pastor J.D. talks about the cosmic struggle between God and Satan, a struggle that bears on our lives every day. We’ll see that apart from God’s power, even the best attempts to change are ultimately doomed to fail.
What if your greatest need is different from your greatest desire? Pastor J.D. shows us that our greatest need is forgiveness, and Jesus is even more desperate to offer it to us than we are to receive it.
Pastor J.D. teaches about a paralytic man and his friends, all of whom were desperate to get close to Jesus. But as we’ll see in this story, as eager as they were to get to Jesus, Jesus was even more eager to extend forgiveness to them.
The Bible tells us that when Jesus came, he drew a dividing line—one that would separate people for all of eternity. Which side are you on?
Pastor J.D. tells the story of Anna and Simeon, two of the first people to meet Jesus. Unlike so many others who missed Jesus, Anna and Simeon were able to recognize the unexpected majesty of the newborn King.
Grace. It’s the thing we need the most, and the thing we deserve the least. While many of us understand in our heads the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, we often allow our hearts to forget just how amazing the good news of the gospel really is.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. teaches about the scandal of grace.
How do we stay awake to the reality that Jesus could return at any time? As we continue our series, “In Step,” we look at what it means to live ready for Jesus’ return.
As we continue our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. teaches what it means to “live ready” for Jesus’ return. Are we awake to the task Jesus left for his church, or are we asleep at the wheel?
Pastor J.D. shows us what Jesus has to say about guarding against greed as he draws from the book of Luke in our series called “In Step.”
As we continue our “In Step” series through the book of Luke, Pastor J.D. preaches about a sickness that most of us have, but few of us realize—the sickness of greed.
Pastor J.D. shows us how we can make sure the foundation of our life is secure as we continue our new series in the book of Luke called “In Step.”
Pastor J.D. dives into one of Jesus’ most recognized parables. It’s a story about two men who built identical houses—with tragically different results. The only difference? Their foundation.
The Psalms of help and protection fall into a category of Scripture I’m not sure if I’m really using correctly. It seems like we gravitate toward them, but I have a hard time applying them to my life.
Pastor J.D. lovingly shows us that what we need is a relationship with a constant guide who, at every point, can provide the next piece.
Pastor J.D. explains that if we offer our desperation to God in prayer, we will find him eager to listen, eager to forgive, eager to heal, eager to step in and help.
Hear the timeless challenge that it is always the right call to risk it all for the sake of Jesus.
Pastor J.D. opens up Esther, a book that surprisingly lacks the name of God, yet is mysteriously full of God at work.
Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and peace. But for most of us, December is just as hard as the rest of the year! So, does Christmas actually change anything?
As Christians, we tend to use the term “blessed” pretty loosely. When something good happens, we say we’re blessed. Or we pray for God’s blessing. But is our understanding of that word actually biblical?
When the angel told Mary she would have a baby, she knew that meant a life of social isolation. And yet, she called herself blessed. Pastor J.D. is reframing our understanding of biblical blessings.
Have you ever had one of those moments when you’re singing along with a song that you’ve heard it a million times before, but all of a sudden something clicks, and you realize what the lyrics are actually about? Well, a similar thing can happen with familiar Bible stories, like the Christmas narrative. Pastor J.D. urges us to look at the Christmas story with fresh eyes so we can discover the true wonder of the incarnation. Pastor J.D. is teaching from a First Century song recorded in Colossians 1, verses 15 to 20. It’s part of our series called, God With Us.
If you really think about it, the incarnation can seems pretty mysterious and confusing. Pastor J.D. is going to break down what it means to us—and for us.
Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind some of your favorite Christmas songs? Well, Pastor J.D. takes us behind the scenes of the classic carol, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.
We’re looking at the classic Christmas song, Go Tell It on the Mountain—penned by someone who wasn’t afraid to stare down the mountain and overcome obstacles in order to share Jesus.
As Pastor J.D. kicks off a series titled, Carols, we’re learning the history and meaning behind the popular Christmas carol, Go Tell It on the Mountain.
We all know that fathers play an important role in family development. But not everyone is lucky enough to have a loving, supportive father. But, Pastor J.D. reminds us that God will restore this relationship through his Son.
No matter what our relationship was like with our earthly dads, we all carry wounds from our childhood. But our heavenly father can heal all wounds.
As Pastor J.D. continues the series called, Foretold, we’ll learn more about the reign of Ahaz, the King of Jerusalem and an event that pointed to the coming Savior—700 years before the birth of Jesus.
Around Christmas time, the words—For to us a child is born are everywhere. Pastor J.D. is diving into the context behind this familiar Christmas passage.
As a kid, you probably believed a lot of stories about Christmas that you later learned were a bit exaggerated or made up entirely. Pastor J.D. shows us Jesus’ birth isn’t just another story.
The Christmas story is familiar and beautiful, but have you ever thought it sounded a little larger than life? Pastor J.D. explains what sets this tale apart from all the others.
A lot of people expect that being a Christian will give them a new sense of purpose or comfort during a hard time. But Pastor J.D. is challenging us to rethink why we follow God.
Tragically, there are a lot of pastors who have used the Bible to manipulate their listeners into giving, promising financial blessing as a result. But that’s a far cry from the true heart behind biblical generosity!
Even more than politics, money is usually considered an impolite topic to bring up at parties. But Pastor J.D. is diving headfirst into this sensitive subject, describing the biblical principles for handling wealth.
Whenever a pastor starts talking about money, people usually start squirming in their seats. But Jesus talked more about money than almost any other subject, so it’s not a topic we can avoid!
There’s a cliché phrase we often use when someone gets saved. We say that they “gave their life to Jesus.” But what does that really mean?
Everyone wants to experience God’s blessing, but how do we really grab ahold of that? What does it take to get the abundant life it talks about in Scripture?
In our series called All-In, Pastor J.D. is walking through the stories of five Old Testament characters who each give us a picture of what it means to be fully committed to God’s mission.
Noah and the Ark isn’t just a nice story about God saving some animals from a flood; it’s a powerful foreshadowing of the gospel.
As we continue our series, "Be the Movement," Pastor J.D. shows us that God wants to use all of us to live on mission for him—yes, God wants to use YOU!
Because Jesus sent his Spirit to us, the question is no longer if we are called to join in his mission. It’s only a matter of where and how. Living “sent” isn’t a special calling for our church planters and missionaries. It’s a calling for you.
Pastor J.D. teaches on a third core value: “We make disciples, not just converts.” Most churches celebrate how many people attend services or “make decisions” or get baptized. But our central commission, as a church, is much simpler—and much harder: We are called to make disciples.
In this message from our series, "Be the Movement," Pastor J.D. talks about how Jesus wants us to take the good news of the gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation—truly pursuing ALL people in our communities with the love of Jesus.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable, knowing that Jesus wants people from every tribe, every tongue, and every background to be welcomed into his family.
The gospel alone transforms us, empowers us, unites us, propels us. This is why the Apostle Paul puts the gospel in a special class all by itself—because a church without the gospel at the center is a church without power.
Some people think of God’s grace as a “get out of jail free card.” But Pastor J.D. reminds us that being forgiven and justified before God, doesn’t mean we won’t still face consequences for our actions here on earth.
As believers, we know that, through the blood of Jesus, all of our sins have been completely forgiven. And yet, we still suffer the consequences for our mistakes. Why is that?
What does genuine Christian love actually look like, and how do we live it out? We’re diving into those questions as we continue our study in Galatians 5:25-6:18.
As believers, our love for each other and for the world ought to set us apart from any other group. So what does Christian love actually look like, and how do we start to live it out?
The Bible tells us that before we place our faith in Christ, we are all dead in our sins. So how do we know if we’ve been made alive? What does spiritual life actually look like?
What does the Bible mean when it talks about our need for spiritual life? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues his series called, Freedom in the In-Between.
As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Freedom in the In-Between, he’s answering a critical question: “If we’re saved by grace, then what’s the point of obeying God’s law?”
If we can’t earn our salvation, then why do Christians still follow certain rules? Why do we still go to church, read our Bibles, and try to obey the Ten Commandments?
As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Freedom in the In-Between, he explains the only way for us to truly change and be set free from our own sinful hearts.
Pastor J.D. cautions us that a self-made mindset doesn’t work when it comes to holiness! We’re getting an important and humbling reminder about our dependence on God.
As Pastor J.D. continues our study of Galatians, he explains how our freedom in Christ leads to greater unity! We’re being reminded of our ultimate identity that overcomes every difference.
We’re living in turbulent times, and even within the church, people are very divided. But as Pastor J.D. continues our study in Galatians, he’s challenging us to pursue unity—for the sake of the gospel.
Paul’s transformation from a Jesus-hating Pharisee to a passionate Christ-follower is nothing short of miraculous. But if you’re a follower of Christ, then your story is a miracle, too!
How can we really know if the gospel we find in scripture is accurate? How do we know it wasn’t just a clever conspiracy? Pastor J.D. addresses those questions as he continues our study in Galatians.
Pastor J.D. challenges us to cling to the true gospel as he continues our study in the book of Galatians called, Freedom in the In-Between.
In a new study of Galatians called, Freedom in the In-Between, we’re discovering how the gospel frees us to live with confidence in a world of uncertainty.
Death is never a comfortable subject, but in the back of our minds, we all know that death is eventually coming. So, what happens after?
Heaven is usually portrayed as this ethereal place in the clouds full of harps and chubby cherubim. But, is that really all we have to look forward to in eternity?
As we walk through the book of Revelation, Pastor J.D. explains how God has pulled back the curtain to give us a glimpse of the spiritual reality.
The book of Revelation has generated more curiosity and debate than any other book of the Bible. So, Pastor J.D. is helping us wrap our minds around the main point of this prophetic book.
As we look at the life of the Apostle Paul, we’re discovering how the gospel transforms our priorities and our definition of success.
Everyone wants to feel like they’ve succeeded at life. But, what does “success” even mean? Pastor J.D. describes the biblical standard for a successful life and explains how we can make our days count.
In this message, Pastor J.D. tackles a subject that can be a bit sensitive, but is vital to advancing the gospel. We’re talking about biblical generosity—in every area of life!
What’s the heart behind true, biblical generosity? We’re tackling that subject as Pastor J.D. continues his series called, The Whole Story.
We all crave a greater purpose and for our lives to leave an impact. But, how do we make that happen? How do we find our calling?
In this message, we’re looking at a crucial moment that changed—not just the course of a single life—but the course of human history. And how you respond to this moment will change your eternity!
In the unfolding story of God’s redemptive plan for mankind, we’ve come to the climax of the story, the moment on which everything else hangs. It’s a hope-filled message about the crucifixion.
Pastor J.D. reminds us of the ultimate purpose of prayer and why it matters. And when we catch sight of this vision, it’ll give us a fresh excitement for prayer like never before!
Pastor J.D. challenges us to take a bold, public stance for our faith. He’s calling us to step out of our comfort zone and make our private faith known to the world.
It’s much easier and more comfortable to keep our faith a private, personal thing. But Pastor J.D. is challenging us to get outside our comfort zone and make our faith known.
Even with all the comfort and luxury of modern life, happiness is still hard to come by. And all the self-care and positivity in the world can never truly satisfy our souls. So, what are we missing?
We all crave happiness, and yet, it often seems elusive. So what’s the solution? How do we escape the rat race and find true, lasting joy?
When we picture Jesus, we often think of him as our gentle Good Shepherd. But Pastor J.D. is drawing our attention to another aspect of Jesus’ character that we don’t think about as often!
We don’t typically think of fear as a positive thing. However, when it comes to our relationship with God, fear is actually a good, healthy, and even essential emotion.
Have you ever prayed for a miracle? Sometimes, you might get the answer you were hoping for! But other times, it seems like God doesn’t respond. So why is that?
Pastor J.D. walks us through the story of two people who came to Jesus looking for physical healing. But these stories are about so much more than just getting your prayers answered!
Whether we’re aware of it or not, we all face temptations on a daily basis. So, how do we find the power to overcome and keep resisting the constant enticement?
When you hear the word, “sin,” impatience probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But Pastor J.D. explains that a lack of patience is at the root of a lot of sins.
Baptism is one of those subjects that tends to stir up some lively debate among believers. But what does the Bible say on the issue, and why does it even matter?
There are some things in life you can put off to the last minute with few consequences. But Pastor J.D. warns about something you might be putting off that has much higher stakes!
If there’s one part of Scripture most of us skip over, it’s the genealogies. But Pastor J.D. explains that those lists are actually critical to understanding God’s plan of salvation.
Recently, there’s been a growing interest in studying family histories. In this message, we’re looking at Jesus’ family history and what it reveals about God’s overarching plan for human history.
If you asked an atheist why they don’t believe in God, they’ll often say that it’s due to a lack of evidence. But is that really the case? Or are there logical reasons to believe the Bible?
As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, he’s looking at the greatest love letter ever written: the book of Isaiah.
As Pastor J.D. continues his overview of the Bible, he turns our attention to a lesser-known account from the Old Testament that gives us a powerful picture of God’s purpose in our suffering.
When everything seems to be going wrong, we might start to wonder if God has abandoned us. But Pastor J.D. is helping us see God’s greater purpose in our pain.
Though it might not look the same as it did in the Old Testament, idolatry is still alive and well in our day. Pastor J.D. cautions us against giving our hearts to idols.
The Jewish temple was much more than a place to worship God. It was the symbol of his presence! So, why don’t we have a temple today?
When life is going well, it’s easy to say that we trust God’s plan. But what about when everything seems to be falling apart? Does having faith mean we pretend everything is fine?
Whether we like to admit it or not, we all wrestle with doubts from time to time. So when those questions start creeping up in our minds, how should we respond?
The Bible describes King David as “a man after God’s own heart.” And yet, even this great hero of the faith fell into the trap of sexual sin. So how do we avoid making the same mistake?
In this message, we’re looking at the darkest moment in King David’s life and learning from his mistakes. It’s part of our overview of the Bible called, The Whole Story.
When your problems seem overwhelming, it’s hard not to feel like God has abandoned you. But Pastor J.D. reminds us that our God is fighting for us, even when we can’t see it.
When most of us think of David and Goliath, we see it as an inspiring underdog story. But Pastor J.D. suggests we might actually be missing the main point!
Through the romance of Boaz and Ruth, we’re discovering a picture of God’s redeeming love. And we’re learning that God can restore any situation for our good and his glory!
In this message, Pastor J.D. walks us through the story of a woman who lost everything. And through her story, we’re finding hope to carry us through even in the darkest seasons!
How do you judge success in life? As we look at the book of Joshua, Pastor J.D. is explaining how to find success in surrender.
In military terms, surrender is a bad thing. It means you’ve failed or given up. But in spiritual terms, surrender is the best decision you’ll ever make!
At the center of any religion, you’ll find a list of rules and expectations. But the gospel is different, because it’s not about anything we’ve done!
As Pastor J.D. dives into the story of Moses, we’re discovering Moses isn’t supposed to be a role model. He’s a signpost pointing to a much greater hero!
As believers, we know we’re saved by God’s grace alone, not by any works that we do. But why does the Bible give us so many rules and regulations?
Many people think of the Bible as just a book of rules and regulations. But Pastor J.D. explains the true purpose behind all of God’s standards.
As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, The Whole Story, he explains how the practices of Yom Kippur point to Jesus!
As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. dives into a part of the Bible that you don’t usually hear a lot about: the book of Leviticus.
From being sold into slavery by his brothers, thrown into prison, and then rising to power and being reunited with his family, Joseph’s life is a beautiful picture of God’s sovereign plan.
It’s easy to say you trust God. But when things go wrong, and your child gets a scary diagnosis or your business goes under, it’s hard to see how that fits into God’s plan.
Our culture tells us that the key to happiness is finding your soul mate. But even a happy marriage can’t give you true, lasting joy!
The movies often make it seem like romance is the answer to all of our problems. But Pastor J.D. is describing the key to true, lasting joy, regardless of your relationship status.
When you picture “the good life,” what comes to mind? Pastor J.D. describes the only source of security and significance as he continues his series called, The Whole Story.
What do you do when the thing you’ve been dreaming about doesn’t fulfill you like you thought it would? Pastor J.D. addresses that question as he continues our series called, The Whole Story.
As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. explains what Noah’s story reveals about our sin, God’s wrath, and the plan of redemption.
If you asked a few people to name their favorite aspect of God’s character, his wrath usually won’t be at the top of the list. But Pastor J.D. explains that God’s wrath isn’t something to be covered up.
It doesn’t take more than about ten minutes of listening to the news to know that our world is pretty messed up. So, how did things get that way? And is there any way to fix it?
Most people like to think of themselves as a “pretty good person.” But Pastor J.D. is challenging that notion as he continues our study called, The Whole Story.
As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, we’re discovering what the creation account in the book of Genesis reveals about God’s design for us.
As we continue our series called, The Whole Story, Pastor J.D. unpacks the story of creation—and what it says about our ultimate purpose!
When you pick up a Bible, you’re actually holding sixty-six books, written by more than thirty authors over a span of thousands of years. And yet, it all tells one story!
We would never forget to put on clothes before we leave the house in the morning. But often, we forget to get dressed spiritually.
A firefighter would never run into a burning building without their gear. Being properly equipped is important! But often as Christians, we enter the spiritual battlefield without any protective gear.
Some believers tend to forget about spiritual forces like angels and demons, while others obsess over them and are constantly worried about demonic influences. But neither of these are biblical responses!
Most of us think of demons as the stuff of fiction. But Pastor J.D. shows us that the spirit world is very real, and it affects our lives a lot more than we probably think.
For many people, our views on love and relationships are shaped by the songs we listen to and the movies we watch. But there’s only one relationship model we should care about, and it doesn’t come from Hollywood!
If you were to ask most couples why they got married, they would probably say something about making each other happy. But God actually has a much bigger purpose for our marriages!
When life is hard, where do you turn for comfort? Pastor J.D. reveals the only true cure for our broken hearts as he continues our study called Mystery and Clarity.
Our culture tends to portray Christianity as bland and uninteresting. But Pastor J.D. reveals that the Christian life is far from boring. In fact, it’s an all-out war!
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, and it’s something we should aspire to in our relationship with God. But that’s easier said than done!
God isn’t just concerned about our actions; he’s concerned about reshaping our hearts. And Pastor J.D. is showing us how that principle plays out in one of the most intimate parts of life: our sexuality.
We might vary on certain nuances, but most religions share the same basic moral code. So if that’s the case, then how is Christianity different than any other faith?
For a lot of people, Christianity seems like just a list of rules. But is that really all it is? Does Jesus just want us to live by a certain moral code?
Christmas presents might look nice under the tree, but it would be silly to leave them there. Presents are meant to be opened and used. And the same is true of the spiritual gifts God has given us!
When you’re a baby, it’s okay to wear a diaper and use a pacifier. But at some point, you have to grow up. And the same is true of our faith. We can’t be spiritual babies forever!
You can know plenty of facts about your favorite celebrity, but that’s completely different than knowing them personally. And the same is true of God.
It’s not uncommon to meet people who consider themselves Christians but aren’t really involved in a church. Is it okay to just listen to a sermon online? Is it really any different than going to church?
By itself, a single Lego doesn’t really do much. And Christians are kind of like Lego bricks in that sense. We can only accomplish our mission when we’re working together!
Everyone wants to know who they are and where they belong, so it’s no surprise that ancestry testing is all the rage right now. But does our family tree really define our identity?
The Bible makes it clear that without Christ, every single person is dead in their sins. But because of the cross, we don’t have to stay that way!
When something goes wrong in the world, we tend to look for someone to blame. But Pastor J.D. reveals that the blame doesn’t lie with a political party or system; it’s in all of us.
Shakespeare was right when he wrote, “All the World’s a Stage.” And even though we’re not the lead actors of this particular play, we still have an essential role!
Prayer is a personal and intimate privilege in the life of every believer. But is there a way we can add power to our prayers?
A lot of us spend our lives trying to earn God’s approval. But as Pastor J.D. continues our study of Ephesians, he reveals that salvation doesn’t work that way!
When considering adoption, there are many costs and factors to consider, but throughout Scripture, God repeatedly shows us that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make us his own!
Through the story of the ancient city of Ephesus, we’re discovering the amazing things we can accomplish when we follow God’s leading.
When we first give our lives to Christ, most of us are excited for this new adventure. Then, the excitement fades, and it all becomes routine. But it’s not supposed to be that way!
It’s usually in the middle of life’s storms that God uses us to make the biggest impact in the lives of those around us.
Life doesn’t always go the way we want. But even in the midst of those difficult seasons, God calls us to make the most of our time.
Sometimes it can feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. But Pastor J.D. explains that there’s only one person who is responsible for saving the world, and it’s not us!
Have you ever considered what you would like to have written on your tombstone? Death isn’t something we like to think about, but Pastor J.D. asks us to reflect on the summation of our lives.
I bet we all have things we’re not willing to give up. And if we’re holding too tight to something, it might be an idol!
When we hear the word “idol,” we probably conjure up images of ancient statues and graven images. But idols are still with us today, they just come in different packages.
Bank tellers don’t waste their time looking at counterfeit bills. Instead they spot fakes by studying the genuine article! And, if we want to share God’s plan in a counterfeit culture, we have to start by studying his word.
When it comes to cross-cultural communication, there’s a lot that can get lost in translation. We’re learning that in order for others to understand the gospel, we first need to understand where they’re coming from!
In the midst of trials and tribulations, do our actions draw people closer to God or push them further away?
A businesswoman, a slave girl, and jailer. What do all these people have in common? No, they’re not the punch line for a joke, but three reminders that the gospel message is for everyone!
From the outside, it might seem like there are a lot of rules and regulations for Christians. But Pastor J.D. explains how to remove the barriers that may keep people from coming to Jesus.
The early Church was anything but vanilla! It was full of people from all kinds of backgrounds and ethnicities!
In war, every strategy and every opportunity should be employed. And it’s no different for Christians, battling to further God’s mission. Learn how to make prayer a part of your battle plan!
It’s easy to tell someone that you will be praying for them, or that you’ll be lifting up their needs to God. But is that all there is to a healthy prayer life?
I’m sure we’ve all wondered why God works the way that he does. But God has a method to what might look like madness!
We’ve all experienced the hurts and sorrows of life, but what about the people who seem to have more than their fair share of struggles? Are they being punished for doing something wrong?
Tapestries are formed by weaving together many different-colored threads to create a beautifully textured picture. And the church is like a tapestry: colorful and culturally integrated.
When you think of racial diversity, what comes to mind? Pastor J.D. outlines God’s plan for racial integration and it’s bigger and broader than you might imagine!
As we continue studying the life of Paul, we’re discovering the difference between religion and relationship with God!
When most people think of the apostle Paul, they picture this bigger-than-life, champion of the faith. But before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul was a pretty undesirable character!
Pastor J.D. is helping us get a balanced view of a controversial topic. We’re discovering what the Bible really says about the gifts of tongues and prophecy as we wrap up our series called, Rushing Wind.
The “gift of tongues” is one of the most confusing and controversial topics in the Bible. What does that phrase even mean? Pastor J.D. brings some clarity on this subject as he continues our study titled, Rushing Wind.
As he continues our series called Rushing Wind, Pastor J.D. deals with one of the most debated topics in Christian circles: the role of tongues and prophecy in the modern church.
We all want to make our lives count. As Christians, we’ve each been given a spiritual gift to help us advance God’s Kingdom! But how do we figure out what that gift is?
We’re called to be so much more than just an audience at church. We’ve all been given spiritual gifts, and we’re supposed to use them!
What’s the best present you’ve ever gotten? Pastor J.D. reminds us that, as believers, we’ve all been given a spiritual gift. But what does that mean exactly?
As he continues our series called Rushing Wind, Pastor J.D. reminds us about the most important request we can make in prayer. And it’s something that’s probably slipped your mind!
How do we become more like Jesus? Is it by reading our Bibles more, getting an accountability partner, or volunteering more at church? Those things are definitely good steps, but they only deal with surface-level issues.
As we continue our series called, Rushing Wind, Pastor J.D. explains how we connect to the Spirit’s power so we can do God’s work in the world.
As Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Rushing Wind, we’re studying the third person of the Trinity and learning how to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Some Christians think there will be a clear, outward sign when you receive the Holy Spirit. Others believe in the Spirit in theory, but don’t think he really changes anything in their lives. But what does the Bible really say?
When we give our lives to Jesus, the Bible says we’re sealed with the Holy Spirit. But what does that mean? Is the Spirit just a stamp we get in our spiritual passport to make sure we’ll get into heaven?
For a car to work, it has to be drawing from the right power source. And the same is true of us! Pastor J.D. is pointing us to the power source for the Christian life.
You and I have access to a spiritual power source, but we might not be tapping into it! We’re talking about the power of the Holy Spirit as we continue our series called, Rushing Wind.
The word “charismatic” has very strong connotations for Christians today, and it can be extremely divisive. But Pastor J.D. reveals what the Bible really says about the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit is talked about as something you experience during worship, when you get a surge of emotions. But the Holy Spirit’s role in your life is way bigger and way more real than just emotion, and continues long after the goose bumps fade!
What role is the Holy Spirit supposed to play in our churches and in our lives? Pastor J.D. unpacks those questions as he continues our new series called, Rushing Wind.
Of the three members of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is often the most difficult for us to relate to. In our new series called, Rushing Wind, Pastor J.D. explains who the Holy Spirit is, what he does, and how he’s working in our world today.
Pastor J.D. is describing the only cure for our wandering hearts as he wraps up our study of the Minot Prophets titled, Come Back to Me.
As Pastor J.D. continues our study of the Minor Prophets, he challenges us to look at our hearts to see what’s motivating our religious activity.
Habakkuk wrote during a time when the people of Judah were in spiritual, economic, and political decline. And yet, through it all, Habakkuk gives us a picture of gospel-powered hope.
At some point or another, we’ve all asked the question, “Where was God when my life went wrong?” But Pastor J.D. explains how we can have hope that will carry us through the painful seasons.
No one likes being the bearer of bad news, and we like hearing bad news even less! But sin isn’t something we can just ignore.
No one likes being corrected. And even though it doesn’t feel good, being called out on our sin is often the most loving thing someone can do for us!
In the book of Joel, we read about a period in Israel’s history when the Israelites were facing God’s judgment over their sin. But even God’s judgment is an expression of his love!
Why would a loving God let so many bad things happen? Pastor J.D. flips that question on its head, challenging us to consider the possibility that the trials we face might actually proof of God’s love.
Sometimes, when we’re struggling with sin, we might start to worry that God is going to run out of patience. But Pastor J.D. reminds us that God’s grace is never-ending, and his love is scandalous!
As we kick off a series titled, Come Back to Me, we’re discovering a beautiful and surprising picture of the gospel in the story of an unusual marriage.
A lot of people imagine God as an angry judge who’s constantly disappointed. But Pastor J.D. reveals that God actually uses our failures to make us more dependent on him!
If we’re honest, we’ve all had days where we’ve messed up big time. But as Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Can’t Believe, he explains how God can redeem even our greatest failures.
Many people who reject the resurrection like to think that their issue is an intellectual one. But Pastor J.D. argues that unbelief doesn’t actually stem from a lack of evidence.
As we continue our series called, Can’t Believe, we’re discovering how we can overcome doubts and fully trust in God, even if we still have questions.
Pastor J.D. explains that not making a decision is, in itself, a decision! We might not be actively rejecting God, but are we willing to step out in faith and follow him?
As we continue our series called, Can’t Believe, we’re discovering how staying on the sidelines can cause us to miss out on Jesus.
How do we continue trusting God when life goes wrong? Pastor J.D. helps us think through that question and find hope to sustain our faith through the hard times.
When life goes tragically wrong, a lot of people end up questioning their faith. But Pastor J.D. explains that pain can either drive us away from God, or it can drive us deeper into the gospel.
Pastor J.D. explains how shortsightedness can keep us from really giving our lives to Jesus as he continues our series called, Can’t Believe.
There are many good causes we can fight for in this world. But as Pastor J.D. continues our series called, Can’t Believe, he’s calling us to refocus on our most important mission.
As we unpack the story of a woman who was brought before Jesus after being caught in adultery, we’re discovering how we can be set free from our past and the sins that haunt us.
Pastor J.D. describes two women from the First Century who we can all probably relate to in the area of temptation! And he’s explaining how we, like these women, can be set free from slavery to our sin.
Despite what many people think, the Bible isn’t against sex. In fact, God designed it! But sex can easily turn from a good gift, to something that enslaves us and holds us back from saving faith.
Immunizations are a marvel of modern medicine. One little shot and you suddenly leave the world’s most dangerous diseases weak and ineffective! But what if you could be immunized against a good thing, like faith?
In our new series called, Can’t Believe, we’re looking at some of the most common barriers that hold people back from saving faith. And the first one might surprise you: religion.
Have you ever wanted to take a mission trip? Well, maybe you just don’t know where to begin, or you’re waiting for God to present the right opportunity. Learn what it takes to be SENT!
As we study the life of an ordinary guy named Philip, we’re discovering that the Holy Spirit speaks to all of us. Learn how to answer his call.
Is your life a reflection of your own desires or God’s? Renew your perspective as we study the life of a guy named Simon the Magician.
Most people say they want peace and unity, but few people will do the work to obtain it. Because it usually requires crossing cultural barriers to bridge the divide.
As flawed human beings, our natural tendency is to focus on ourselves, as we try to look good. But appearances can be deceiving, resulting in some serious consequences.
What characterizes a gospel-centered life? Praying? Going to church? Being kind to your neighbor? Pastor J.D. provides the answer as we continue our study of the birth of the early church, and its mission today.
So what does a hero look like? Does he wear a red cape? Does he shoot across the sky like a bird or a plane? Get ready for a real look at heroism as Pastor J.D. continues our study in the book of Acts. It’s part of our series called SENT.
When bad things happen, many of us focus so much on the problem that we lose sight of the solution. For a life-changing perspective, Pastor J.D. takes us back to the early church for a lesson from the book of Acts. We’re learning to put the focus on our faith, and not on our failures!
Most of us have no problem telling others about our favorite movie or the latest TV show we’ve seen. So why is sharing the gospel so difficult? Pastor J.D. Greear is continuing our series called SENT. We’re learning from Acts, Chapter 4, how to speak boldly about Jesus—even in the most difficult situations.
Many still struggle with the question, “Is there more than one way to get to heaven?” And today Pastor J.D. points to the core problem with that question as he continues his series titled SENT. Pastor J.D. is teaching from the book of Acts, Chapter 4, in a message titled The Inclusive Exclusivity.
Whether it’s money, fame, power, or even health, it’s human nature for us to want what we “think” will make us happy. But Pastor J.D. shows us that often times getting what we think we want, is not what we need. In our series called SENT, Pastor J.D. is teaching us about God’s greater gifts.
The world today is full of suffering and pain. But is that how it’s supposed to be? As Pastor J.D. continues our study of the book of Acts, he explains that in the world to come, God has a different plan for our lives. It’s part of our series titled SENT.
Is the Bible really the Word of God? We’re studying the book of Acts to discover why the apostles believed in the authority of the Bible, and why we should, too. It’s part of the series called SENT. Pastor J.D. titled this message The Word of the Apostles as the Foundation of the Movement.
Crime scene experts often confess that eyewitness testimony is subject to personal interpretation. But Pastor J.D. shows us that the testimony of the first-century disciples all points to the same rock-solid evidence. J.D. is continuing his study in the book of Acts with the series called SENT.
The early church grew faster than any other religious movement in history. In fact, after the Apostle Peter’s first message, three thousand people got saved! What made this movement so powerful? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues our study in the book of Acts titled, SENT. It’s a special message that J.D. preached at the Durham Bulls Baseball field during an all-campus gathering of The Summit Church. We’re in Acts, Chapter 2, starting at verse 22.
When we’re picking a movie theater for an evening out, we usually consider a few different factors, such as which one has more comfortable seats or better snacks. It’s all about what we can get out of the experience. And there’s nothing wrong with that when it comes to entertainment! But it can be a real problem when that attitude translates to how we think about church. That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our study in the book of Acts, Chapter 2.
As Pastor J.D. continues our study of Acts called, SENT, we’re learning what it means to be a follower of Christ, fully committed to his mission. Pastor J.D. is teaching from Acts, Chapter 2, verses 42 to 47.
If you’re like most people, you probably think that mission work is for someone else who’s more spiritual or more talented. But we’re gaining a whole new perspective and taking a fresh look at what means to be on the mission field as Pastor J.D. continues our series called, SENT.
As he begins a study in the book of Acts called, SENT, Pastor J.D. is unpacking the birth and spread of the early church. But this isn’t just a history study! J.D. is challenging us to reframe how we think about the church today. It’s not just a place; it’s a movement! And we’re called to be an active part of the team.
Plenty of people have high aspirations. Maybe you dream about running a marathon or owning your own business. But as easy as it is to dream about those goals, it’s a lot harder to take the little, everyday steps to reach them, like jogging regularly or going back to school to get your business degree. And sometimes, the same is true in our walk with God. We like to think we’d follow God to the ends of the earth, but we haven’t even taken the first little steps of faith. That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. wraps up our study of the prophet Elisha called, Something Greater.
When most of us pray, we typically spend the bulk of our time telling God about our needs and desires. There’s nothing wrong with that, in and of itself, but what does it say about our hearts? Pastor J.D. asks us to take a look inside and consider whether we really want God, or just his blessings. We’re in a two-part series called, Something Better/Something Greater.
If you wear glasses, you know how important they are for everyday life. And if you ever lose or break them, you’re not going to waste any time getting a replacement, because without our eyes, most of us are pretty helpless. And we also miss out on seeing all the beauty around us! As we continue our series called, Something Greater, Pastor J.D. reveals that you might be going through life blind, without even knowing it!
Imagine driving down a windy mountain road and having your headlights go off! When we’re driving blind, we’re asking for trouble. And as we continue our series called, Something Greater, Pastor J.D. explains that many of us are going through life with spiritual blindness. We’re learning how the eyes of our hearts can be opened so we can move from darkness to light.
In Christian circles, we tend to throw the word “blessing” around a lot. And it’s true that every good gift is from God! But even non-believers enjoy the “common grace” of everyday blessings. There’s a big difference between good things happening to us, and God actively moving in a miraculous way. As he continues our series called, Something Greater, Pastor J.D. explains how we can experience God’s miraculous, mountain-moving power in our own lives. It might not be how you expect!
What do you think a “blessed life” looks like? Wealth? Health? A happy family? Pastor J.D. describes what it looks like to be blessed by God, and explains how we can make room for him to move in our lives! It’s part of our study of the prophet Elisha titled, Something Greater.
Most decisions in life are reversible. Take choosing a college, for example. If you don’t like it after a semester or two, you can always transfer! And the same goes for your major, your career, and where you choose to live. But as he continues our series called, Something Greater, Pastor J.D. describes one decision that needs to be all in, no holds barred, and no going back!
Most of us would say we want to be used by God. But Pastor J.D. is challenging us to consider whether or not we’re really willing to take up our cross and follow wherever God leads. As we wrap up First Kings, we’re shifting our focus from the prophet Elijah to his protégé, Elisha. It’s the first message in the second half of our two-part series called, Something Better | Something Greater.
First Kings Chapter 18 records a definite high point in the life of the prophet Elijah, when he faced off against the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. God came through for Elijah in an awesome way, and the people repented and turned back to the One True God! It was an amazing victory. But then, things seemed to go downhill. Pastor J.D. picks up the story as Elijah is on the run for his life and is dealing with some heavy emotions. We’re looking at the biblical response to depression as we continue our series called, Something Better.
Depression is stigmatized in a lot of Christian circles. We either avoid the topic entirely, or we talk about it in hushed, shameful tones. We act as if believers are just supposed to be happy-go-lucky all the time. But Pastor J.D. reveals that reality isn’t that simple! We’re discovering the biblical response for when Christians go through depression. It’s part of our study of the Prophet Elijah called, Something Better. We’re picking up the story after Elijah’s victory over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel.
False gods aren’t always little golden statues. They can be anything, even good things like family, health, and financial security. Pastor J.D. explains how we turn good things into idols, and how to spot false gods that are growing up in our hearts. It’s part of our study of the prophet Elijah called, Something Better. We’re in the book of First Kings.
Every once in a while, you’re bound to come to some crossroads in life, like a marriage proposal or a new career. And either way you choose, you know your life will never be the same again. The nation of Israel had defining moments like that, too, when they had to choose between serving God or idols. As we study this do-or-die moment, Pastor J.D. reveals that we all have to make that decision in our own lives. It’s part of our series called, Something Better.
When most of us think of “false gods,” we picture different world religions, mythologies, and little golden statues on altars. But the truth is, we might actually be worshiping a false god even if we think we’re worshiping Jesus! As he continues our series called, Something Better, Pastor J.D. unpacks four truths that set the God of the Bible apart from the gods of our imaginations.
Often, we think of people from the Old Testament as primitive and backward because they worshiped idols like the god of the harvest or the god of the sun. But in reality, we still worship idols today. They just look a little different! In fact, we might be worshiping a false god even if we think we’re worshiping the God of the Bible. So as we continue our study in First Kings, Pastor J.D. explains how we can tell if we’re worshiping the true God or a figment of our imaginations. It’s part of our series called, Something Better.
When you apply for a job, you typically want to highlight your skills and natural talents. Your strengths are what will qualify you for the position! But Pastor J.D. reveals that, when God chooses us for a job, he has an entirely different standard! It’s part of our study of the life of Elijah titled, Something Better.
Many people these days tend to see religion as a personal choice. It’s not so much about truth as it is about finding a faith that “works for you.” But in our brand new series called, Something Better, Pastor J.D. explains why that attitude doesn’t really work! We’re looking at the life of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings, and a period in Israel’s history that’s eerily similar to our world today.
If you think the Son of God never engaged in conflict while he was on earth, then think again! Jesus had lots of interpersonal conflicts, but they were always done from a place of love. Join Pastor J.D. as he continues in the series “Forever Family” and shares with us what Christ-like confrontation looks like so that we can engage with others to pursue justice while maintaining strong relationships.
No matter what the structures look like, we all have one thing in common when it comes to family: there will always be conflict. In this message from the series, “Forever Family,” Pastor J.D. teaches an important concept about conflict that comes from James—who, growing up as Jesus’ younger half-brother, must have known better than anyone about family strife that stems from jealousy. Understanding the root of conflict will fundamentally change how you engage in it.
Sex is no big deal, right? That’s what the world wants you to believe, but God wants us to trust him so that we can view sex rightly and experience his best for us when we wait on him. Join Pastor J.D. as he continues in the “Forever Family” series and teaches how to dispel the myths about sex with biblical truth so that it is a beautiful echo of what God has planned for us as part of his eternal family.
Our culture has some deeply held, deeply untrue ideas about sex. To fully understand and respect the sanctity of sex, we have to go to God, who created it, and his Word, which is very clear about how we should view it. In this message from “Forever Family,” Pastor J.D. explains how sex addresses one of our basic soul needs to be fully known and fully loved and gives us a taste of God’s love.
Dating is not easy—whether you’re 16 or 56! When you choose to apply God’s biblical standard to dating, you’re going to stand out, because the world has not figured out how to be successful in relationships without God’s wisdom. Pastor J.D. shares in this message from “Forever Family” how adopting six biblical resolutions for dating may make you stand out, but it will also lead to the kind of marriage you long for and Jesus wants for you.
Most people want fulfilling, happy, lifelong marriages, but we don’t get a lot of direction on how to get there. The Bible teaches that if you want something not many people seem to have, then you’ve got to do what few people are willing to do. Don’t miss this message from the series “Forever Family,” where Pastor J.D. shows us how understanding the biblical basis for marriage makes us wise in dating and pursuing God’s best for our lives.
Singleness is a gift. That might not be how we’re told by culture to view it—or even what the church sometimes tells us about it. In this message from the “Forever Family” series, Pastor J.D. teaches how to see singleness as a unique opportunity in ministry, relationships, and God’s kingdom. Learn how to clear the path for singleness in your life so that you can leverage this gift and cultivate a spiritual family that will last forever.
If you’re single, do you ever feel like the world is telling you that you’re missing out on something because you’re not married? Even in the church, we often equate marriage with completion—but Jesus taught something altogether different and more beautiful. Join Pastor J.D. for this message from “Forever Family” as he shows us what Jesus’ death and resurrection created that trumps even the nuclear family as the center of God’s kingdom.
What does God really think about divorce? In this message from “Forever Family,” Pastor J.D. walks us through Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19 and helps us see that, though God’s command about divorce is clear, there is no situation that he cannot redeem. Whatever situation you find yourself in, don’t miss this important reminder to always seek God first so that you have his grace in every relationship.
Even if you’re not married, how you think about marriage affects the way you view so much more of life, like dating, sex, conflict, and even singleness. In this first message from the “Forever Family” series, Pastor J.D. shows us how the gospel shapes the essence and purpose of marriage and teaches us why, no matter what you have been called to in marriage or singleness, you’re going to need God help to accomplish it.
When it comes to giving, many of us want rules to follow and boxes to check. As Pastor J.D. continues in the “First” series, he helps us see why, though our tithe is a great place to start, God wants our giving to display what is first and best in our hearts. Only when we have surrendered all our resources to the Holy Spirit and seek his direction will we be able to live sufficiently and give extravagantly.
Have you ever felt guilty about your giving? Many people assume that, because there are still people in need around the world, God’s only purpose for our money is to get the gospel to them. In this message from the “First” series, Pastor J.D. shows us how to view our possessions through a generosity matrix and apply God’s wisdom to spending, saving, and giving so that we honor him with our resources.
The battle for holiness was won two thousand years ago on the cross. So why do we still struggle with sin today? And what tools has God given us to break free? Pastor J.D. is answering those questions and arming us for the fight against sin as he concludes our study in First Peter called, I Am an Alien.
When we’re facing a personal tragedy, we might wonder if we’re being punished for something we did wrong. Certainly, we can cause ourselves a lot of pain when we ignore God’s Word. But sometimes, our suffering comes from obeying God! Why would God allow us to suffer for doing what’s right? We’re diving into scripture to find the answer as we continue our series called, I Am an Alien.
Deep down, a lot of people believe the biblical view of submission in marriage is outdated and patriarchal. But God’s principles for marriage transcend our cultural norms. As Pastor J.D. continues our series called I Am an Alien, he’s joined by his wife, Veronica, to discuss the interconnected roles of marriage and the gospel.
A quick look at the divorce statistics in the U.S. will make it abundantly clear that, as a culture, we’re bad at marriage. Even couples that manage to stay together often end up living parallel lives rather than the “happily ever after” they dreamed of. So what are we missing? Pastor J.D. answers that question as we look at First Peter 3:1-7. It’s part of our series called, I Am an Alien.
As Pastor J.D. often says, the gospel is the power for the Christian life. And on this edition of Summit Life, we’re discovering how the gospel transforms our view of marriage, and particularly the roles of husbands and wives. It’s an important perspective shift no matter what your relationship status might be, and it’s part of our study in First Peter called, I Am an Alien.
In America today, Christians aren’t facing torture or death for speaking the truth. But the Bible makes it clear that if you’re really following Jesus, then the world is going to oppose you in one way or another. So what do we do when we’re mocked or excluded because of our faith? What if we’re shunned by our family or fired from our job because we held to our convictions? Pastor J.D. describes the biblical response to persecution as he continues our series, I Am an Alien.
The Bible clearly calls believers to submit to authority, whether that’s parental authority, a boss at work, or the government. But what about when those in authority morally corrupt? What if they’re mistreating you or denying you justice? Pastor J.D. deals with these sticky questions as he continues our series, I Am an Alien.
In the book of First Peter, Christians are called to be aliens on this earth. That phrase appears on plenty of bumper stickers and T-shirts, but what does it actually mean? What does it look like, practically, to live as a citizen of heaven? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues our series, I Am an Alien.
In our series called, I Am an Alien, Pastor J.D. has been explaining that, as Christians, we’re supposed to be different than the world around us. We’re called to be outsiders and aliens. But what does that look like on a practical level? How does that calling affect our everyday lives?
When you’re a kid, there are several big milestones you usually look forward to hitting as you grow up, like getting your driver’s license, graduating high school, and moving out of your parents’ house. But in our spiritual lives, it can be harder to judge whether or not we’re “growing up.” As he continues our series called I Am an Alien, Pastor J.D. describes the marks of a maturing believer.
From midnight feedings to carefully buckled car seats, it takes a lot of work to keep a newborn healthy! As cute as they are, it’s a bit of a relief when they start getting older and can manage some of those tasks on their own. And the Bible talks about our spiritual lives in similar terms. As he continues our series in First Peter, I Am an Alien, Pastor J.D. challenges us to Grow Up in our faith.
Have you ever noticed how little kids will pick up a new word without really understanding the nuances? If we’re honest, a lot of grownups still do the same thing with “churchy words” like holiness. We throw it around all the time, and most of us have a vague idea of what it means, but do we really understand the implications of calling God holy? Pastor J.D. clears up any confusion as he continues our series called, I Am an Alien.
When a soldier is in an active warzone, they’re not going to be getting distracted or daydreaming. They’re going to be on high alert, every thought focused on the battle at hand. And as Christians, we’re constantly engaged in spiritual warfare. So how do we train our minds for the battlefield? Pastor J.D. answers that question as continues our study in the book of First Peter called, I Am an Alien.
Most Christians think that trusting God means we just have to put on a happy face no matter what, even when we’re hurting inside. But that’s not the case at all! In fact, Jesus himself wept bitterly on multiple occasions. Pastor J.D. describes the biblical response to suffering as he continues our study in First Peter called, I Am an Alien.
A lot of people come to Jesus with the expectation that he will make their life better. They know things won’t be perfect, but they still expect some improvements: a happier family, financial stability, and a “help line” when things get sticky. But the Bible never promised us an easy life! In fact, Jesus said that in this world, we will have trouble. So where does our hope come from when life gets hard? Pastor J.D answers that question as he continues our series, I Am an Alien.
From the first century to the 21st, Christians around the world have gladly given their lives for the sake of the gospel. There are countless stories of believers singing as they went to their execution and praying for their enemies. Where did they get that otherworldly courage? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he begins a brand new series called, I Am an Alien. We’re learning what it means to be in the world but not of the world.
As we conclude our powerful series in 1 John called Assured, we’re discovering how we can know with absolute certainty whether or not we’re saved. God doesn’t want you living in fear and doubt! Pastor J.D. has described several tests that give us assurance, and the final test of salvation is our love for others.
We tend to use the word “love” pretty loosely in our culture. It can refer to your feelings about your pets, your spouse, or your favorite food! Obviously, those are not the same kind of love. So what does the Bible mean when it talks about loving your neighbor? Pastor J.D. unpacks that question today as he continues our series in 1 John called Assured.
When most people think of idolatry, they picture a temple with little golden statues. But Pastor J.D. explains that idolatry is a much broader term. While worshiping a statue is certainly a form of idolatry, it’s not the only kind! Pastor J.D. is continuing our series titled, Assured.
In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus makes it clear that it’s possible to call yourself a Christian, believe all the right things, but still not truly be saved. Even more than that, Jesus even says that it’s possible to prophecy, cast out demons, and do mighty works in his name without even truly knowing him. So how can we tell where we stand? What’s the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing him? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues our series called Assured.
Sin isn’t a very popular subject. No one likes being reminded of their failures, and even in Christian circles, the subject of sin tends to get glossed over. It’s easier to ask for prayer for an illness or a job situation than it is to admit your deepest struggles. But Pastor J.D. explains that the way we think about and deal with our sin is a crucial sign of where we stand with God. This message is part of our series in 1 John called, Assured.
As we continue our series in the book of 1 John called, Assured, Pastor J.D. is talking about an often-uncomfortable subject: sin. He’s revealing that the way we think about our own sinfulness can be proof of our standing with God and can give us assurance of our salvation.
The deepest-held beliefs in your life are probably not things that have been proven to you through philosophic reasoning. Usually, our deepest beliefs are based on the things we’ve experienced in our own lives. We believe them because we’ve seen, heard, or felt them. But we can’t see God. Is it even possible to know him beyond just an intellectual knowledge? Can we ever really experience him? Pastor J.D. argues that we can. And he’ll explain how as he continues our series called, Assured.
The first disciples believed in Jesus because of the miracles they witnessed: the healing of the sick and blind, the calming of storms, and the resurrection. But now that Jesus has returned to heaven, how can we have that same experience and the same assurance that those first disciples had? We’ll discover the answer as Pastor J.D. continues our new series titled, Assured.
If you ask a dozen people at your church how they got saved, you’ll probably get a dozen different answers. Some probably grew up in church and have always believed in God. Others might have prayed a prayer in Sunday school or at a youth camp. Still others might have had a dramatic conversion later in life. Are all those experiences valid? Or is there a certain formula you have to follow to truly be saved? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues our series called, Assured.
Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to lose your salvation? Or why some people who seem to be saved later walk away from God? Those are the questions we’ll be looking at over the next two weeks in our new series called Assured. We’ll discover the freedom and power that comes from being secure in Christ.
If you were to ask a hundred people what it means to be “Christian,” you’d probably get a ton of different answers. Some think it means that you come from a Christian family. Others think it means you go to church. Still others just think it means that you believe in God. So what’s really the defining factor? Pastor J.D. brings some clarity on this issue and defines what it truly means to be a follower of Christ. It’s the final message in our series called, In Earth as it Is in Heaven.
The term “Christian” has become almost meaningless in recent years, especially in America. If you believe in God and don’t really identify with any other religion, then you probably call yourself a Christian. But is that really all it takes to be a “follower of Christ?” Pastor J.D. challenges us to reevaluate what we really mean by the term “Christian”. It’s part of our series called, In Earth as it Is in Heaven.
Most people are familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan. It’s a nice story about loving others and being the bigger person. Isn’t it? Pastor J.D. suggests that Jesus had a deeper message and a bigger purpose in mind when he told this story. It’s part of our series called In Earth as it Is in Heaven.
Download the Margin Auditing Tool that Pastor J.D. referenced in this message.
How good do we have to be to get into heaven? J.D. Greear answers that question as we jump into a brand new series called, In Earth as it Is in Heaven. Pastor J.D. is unpacking the story of the Good Samaritan. He’s getting right to the heart of the difference between works-based religion, and the gospel of Christ. We’re discovering why religion and good works are never enough to save us.
What are the core components of the gospel centered life? As we wrap up this study on King David, J.D. Greear finds the answer by looking at David’s end-of-life legacy, and the way in which he responded to God’s judgment and mercy by pointing to an even greater King who was yet to come.
David may have been a man after God’s own heart, but he also made some terrible mistakes. In this message, we’re studying 1 Chronicles 29:10-22 to discover how David’s response to his most devastating sin is a crucial part of what makes him a great example for our lives. It’s part of our series called, Search for a King.
The Bible records two different versions of the end of David’s life: One in 2 Samuel, and one in 1 Chronicles. One version focuses on David’s failures and lack of faith, while the other reveals God’s redemptive power. And both of them point ahead to the coming Savior! That’s our subject as we continue our series called Search for a King.
Why would a census from a king, known as a “man after God’s own heart,” incite divine wrath? In this message, Pastor J.D. teaches from one of the most perplexing stories in the Old Testament, a story that occurred near the end of David’s incredible life. It’s part of our series called, Search for a King.
According to Romans 8, there’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. So why do believers still face consequences for sin? Pastor J.D. answers that question as we look at the tragic story of King David, who lost his family and kingdom through a single night of lust. But thankfully, that’s not where his story ends!
We know that because of the cross, our sins are forgiven, and when we surrender to Jesus, there’s no condemnation left for us! Jesus took all God’s wrath. And yet, sin still has consequences in this life. Why is that, and how should we respond? Pastor J.D. answers those questions as he continues our study in the book of Second Samuel. We’re looking at the tragic results of David’s sin with Bathsheba and the hope of the gospel that shines through it all.
When the sun comes up in the morning, our natural response is to pull the pillow over our head and pretend it’s still dark. And most of us will admit that we often respond the same way when our sins come to light. But Pastor J.D. explains that for true repentance and healing to happen, we can’t keep ignoring or excusing our sin. On this edition of Summit Life, we’re looking at a Psalm that King David wrote after he was caught in sexual sin, and we’re learning the steps to biblical repentance.
When you’ve messed up big time and done something that you can’t take back, how do you move forward? What’s the next step? Pastor J.D. shows us how King David responded when he was called out on his sin with Bathsheba, and we’re discovering the steps to true, biblical repentance. It’s part of our series in 2 Samuel called Search for a King.
In our study of King David called Search for a King, we’re dealing with the uncomfortable but important topic of sexual sin. If there’s one area where almost everyone has regrets, it’s this one. But even in the midst of David’s greatest failure, God was painting a picture of the coming Savior. Pastor J.D. is teaching from 2 Samuel 11.
King David is one of the greatest Old Testament heroes. He’s known as a man after God’s own heart, the one who defeated Goliath and saved Israel. But even he wasn’t perfect. In fact, he messed up big time! And as we learn about his greatest failure, we’ll discover the importance of fleeing from sexual sin.
How much do you have to give to please God? Is an hour of your Sunday morning enough or ten percent of your income? What if you went into full time missions and gave away everything but the clothes on your back? Would that be enough? As Pastor J.D. leads us through the story of King David, he explains that it’s not about what we do for God, but what God does for us. And our service to him flows out of that!
What do we have to do to be good enough for God? Some think it’s enough to just live a decent life and not hurt other people. Others think they have to give everything away, and they constantly worry if they’ve done enough! On this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. brings clarity on this issue, as he explains what God really wants from us. It’s part of our study in the book of 2 Samuel called Search for a King.
If you visit a few different churches, you’ll probably notice several kinds of worshipers. Some people sing in solemn reverence, while others raise their hands, dance, or maybe even fall to their knees. Is one way better and more pleasing to God than the other? Pastor J.D. addresses that question as he continues our study of King David titled, Search for a King.
It’s popular to think that “all roads lead to God.” We like to believe that different religions are all really teaching the same thing, and as long as you’re sincere, God will be pleased with you. But while that philosophy may sound nice, it just isn’t true! Pastor J.D. explains that we don’t get to choose how we worship. We can only approach God on his own terms.
When we’re feeling distant from God and our prayers don’t seem to get any response, we often start to wonder if God is even hearing us. And if he does hear us, does he just not care? J.D. Greear addresses these concerns as he continues our study in the book of First Samuel titled, Search for a King. We’re finding that religion that’s devoid of submission will never create a true relationship with God.
Lots of people go to church every week, read their Bible, and even serve in Sunday School or lead a Bible study, but they still feel distant from God and worry about whether or not they’re saved. So how can we know for sure that God has accepted us? Pastor J.D. addresses that question by diving into the story of King Saul. We’re discovering the difference between true faith and surface-level religion.
Have you ever taken a shortcut in life? Maybe you were just a few points away from passing a class, so you cheated on the final. Or maybe you wanted a new car so badly that you took out a loan you couldn’t afford. We’ve all made little compromises like these because we want a better life now. But the truth is that God’s timing is always the best timing, and we can’t rush his plans!
On this edition of Summit Life, Pastor J.D. begins a brand new series called Search for a King. In this study of King David, we’re discovering that each of us lives in one kingdom or another. So who, or what, is the king in your life? Are you submitting to God’s rule, or are you looking to something else for fulfillment?
It’s a tragic reality that many marriages fall apart after a dramatic and sudden loss, like the collapse of a business or the death of a child. So how do we keep it together when our life seems to be falling apart? More importantly, how do we keep our faith through all the pain? Pastor J.D. answers those questions as he concludes our series on family and relationships titled, Home Wreckers.
Most of us think of “good Christians” as those who are always smiling and encouraging others. So whenever we struggle with depression, despair, or doubts about God, we tend to feel a lot of shame or wonder if there’s something wrong with us. And it can be difficult to ask for help because we don’t want anyone to see us as broken. But as Pastor J.D. Greear explains, doubt can be a driving force to push us into deeper faith.
In the series, Home Wreckers, Pastor J.D. talks about several common stumbling blocks that destroy our ability to have healthy, God-centered families. On this edition of Summit Life, he describes one of the deadliest poisons to relationships: bitterness. We’re discovering that the only cure for bitterness is to be transformed by the grace of God.
Everyone is born with a natural desire for justice. That’s why we love it when the bad guy in a movie gets what’s coming to him! But the Bible makes it clear that Christians are called to forgive. So does that mean we’re supposed to let justice fall by the wayside? Pastor J.D. answers that question as he continues our series, Home Wreckers. We’re discovering how the gospel satisfies God’s justice and mercy and equips us to forgive.
Whenever we look at group photos, we automatically search for ourselves first—just to make sure we look good! It’s our natural tendency to focus on our own needs and desires before anything else. But for a relationship to work—whether it’s a marriage, friendship, or family—we need to love the other person like Jesus loved us: selflessly and unconditionally. That’s our subject as Pastor J.D. continues our Home Wreckers series.
No matter how you slice it, the divorce rates in America today are shocking. Even couples who manage to stay together often find that their relationship has become distant, loveless, and unfulfilling. The flame that started out so bright has burned down to a flicker. Despite all this, the media continues to paint marriage as the key to happiness and wholeness. So what are we missing? As he continues our series Home Wreckers, Pastor J.D. describes one central issue that breaks down friendships and marriages—and how to cure it.
Have you ever felt like a deer in the headlights, paralyzed by fear? Anxiety has unbelievable power over us, both emotionally and physically. It can even trigger heart palpitations, panic attacks, or asthma. But worse than its physical effects, fear paralyses us spiritually. As we continue the series Home Wreckers, Pastor J.D. and his wife, Veronica, explain that the cure for unhealthy fear is learning to fear the right things.
If you were asked to list some common sins, you’d probably mention things like lying, lust or inappropriate anger. But what about fear? In this message, Pastor J.D. invites his wife Veronica to join him as he addresses this common struggle. It’s part of the series Homewreckers. We’re discovering that worry doesn’t just harm you emotionally and physically; it also destroys your ability to experience God’s blessing and can inflict serious damage on your family. But we don’t have to be slaves to it any longer!
In the series Home Wreckers, we’ve been looking at issues that break down families and the biblical solutions to avoid them. Work may seem like a strange topic to include, but in actuality, our approach to work has an enormous effect on our homes.
Whether you’re working your dream job or are just punching the clock to get a paycheck, we all have days when we feel like just another cog in the machine. We might even start wondering if our work even matters. But as we continue the series Home Wreckers, Pastor J.D. challenges us to take a higher view of our careers.
The word “ambition” tends to conjure up images of greedy Wall Street executives or ruthless dictators, like Napoleon Bonaparte or Stalin. It carries a distinctly negative connotation. But is there such a thing as good ambition? Pastor J.D. argues that there is. As we continue the series Home Wreckers, we’re discovering how our aspirations affect our family life and what it looks like to have godly ambition.
In a new series called Home Wreckers, we’re taking an in-depth look at how to avoid many of the dangers and pitfalls that corrode our relationships and destroy our homes. But don’t let the title fool you! We’ll be covering so much more than just marital issues. Whether you’re single, married, widowed, divorced, we all have relationships that need healing and strengthening.
If you don’t think you have the strength to engage in the spiritual battle against you, then you’ve actually got an advantage in this fight. As Pastor J.D. continues in this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, he shows us why feeling weak and unqualified makes us more likely to lean on God’s power and how, when we apply gospel truth to our lives, we are strengthened knowing we are fighting from a victory Jesus has already won.
You’ve probably heard about the spiritual armor Paul describes in Ephesians. But have you ever really thought you needed it? In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through each piece of spiritual armor so that you know how to arm yourself for the spiritual attack happening right now but also so you understand that you need every part of your body covered—because where the gospel has built you up, Satan cannot attack you.
“Wives, submit to your husbands.” That may be one of the most misunderstood lines in the Bible that raises all sorts of questions for many people. As Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Ephesians 5, he helps us understand the biblical meaning of submission and how, when we use our relationships in marriage, family, and work to love and serve like Christ, we grow deeper in joy and unity and put the gospel on display.
If your spiritual progress were based on how well you lived out the Bible’s instructions at home, how would you be doing? In this message, as part of the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. walks us through Ephesians 5, a passage that stirs up a lot of confusion about submission, and helps us see that God uses the relationships in marriage, family, and work as laboratories to help us grow in spiritual maturity.
You can find plenty of instruction in the Bible on how you should walk as a Christian. As he continues this message from Ephesians 5, Pastor J.D. helps us see that we don’t just need to know how to walk. We need to know how to get the power to walk with Jesus. When we are transformed by the gospel, the wonder of it fills our hearts, and we are compelled to walk in love, light, and wisdom.
You may think you’re being a good Christian because you’re trying to imitate God. But are you doing it because you adore him? In this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. shows us why, when we experience the beauty of the gospel, we are compelled to walk in love, light, and wisdom—not in order to become a child of God but because as his beloved children, we can’t help but want to be like him.
Do you feel more at ease with someone who shares your political convictions or someone who shares your faith in Jesus? In this message, Pastor J.D. continues in a study of Ephesians, where we learn how moving beyond awareness to engagement helps us create the kind of gospel community that celebrates our cultural differences and where, through the power of the gospel, we are defined first by who we are in Christ.
As the church, we cannot insist that people bow to our preferences when it comes to worshipping a Savior who gave up all his rights to rescue us. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows us as part of the “Love Incorruptible” series that when we are defined by who we are in Christ and not our cultural differences, we are able to lay down our preferences for the sake of others’ salvation.
As sinners, we don’t just need improvement. We need to be saved. We don’t need a life coach to help us start over. We need a resurrected Savior to raise us from death. As Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Ephesians, we learn the four things we must understand about salvation to really lay hold of the gift of grace. When we do, we find the confidence that comes from accepting Christ’s righteousness as our own.
Believing in the gospel is kind of inconvenient, isn’t it? When we don’t understand how necessary it is in our lives, the demands it makes on us, like giving generously and reaching out to people who are different, can seem pretty bothersome. In this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. helps us see that, until we fully understand the problem of sin, we can never fully cherish the gift of grace.
If you feel dry spiritually or just plain bored in your faith, then you don’t need to learn some new facts about Jesus. You just need to have the eyes of your heart enlightened to the truth you already know. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues in Ephesians and the “Love Incorruptible” series, showing us how God opens our eyes to who Jesus is and the four things we understand when we pray for spiritual sight.
Have you ever felt like something is missing in your spiritual life? What’s often missing is the difference in knowing something in our head and having it come alive in our heart. In this message from the “Love Incorruptible” series, Pastor J.D. takes us through a passage in Ephesians and shows us why it’s not enough just to know facts. God has to grant us spiritual sight if we want to know him more and see his true glory.
If God has already chosen the people who will be saved, then why do we keep sharing Christ with people? As Pastor J.D. continues in the “Love Incorruptible” series, he shows us that, while predestination contains some of the greatest paradoxes, we can gain confidence in disciple making from knowing we were saved to bring other people to Jesus and feel empowered to say to him, “Yes, God, use me for your purposes.”
There are a lot of things in the Bible that are hard to understand. In this introduction to the “Love Incorruptible” series from Ephesians, Pastor J.D. explains predestination and helps us see that while some things are not meant to be understood, we can know this: we were chosen for the glory of God. When we embrace that truth, it gives us the power to persist in trials as God works out his good plan in us.
This is the Tale of Two Adams: While one man brought the curse of death upon the human race, another man sacrificed and took that curse into himself. Pastor J.D. continues to teach in this message how we have chosen sin, like the first Adam, but we can choose life through the second man, Jesus Christ. When we do, we’ll understand why every son and daughter of Adam needs to hear how they, too, can be redeemed.
We all have a problem: We are living under the curse of sin and death, all because of the choice of one man, Adam. That’s pretty depressing, isn’t it? But the gospel is hope. In today’s message, Pastor J.D. walks through Romans 5 and shows us how, even though we all made the same choice as Adam to sin, we can all make the choice today to accept salvation through another man—the second Adam, Jesus Christ.
We won’t always know how God is working in our suffering. That doesn’t sound very comforting, but we know from the Bible that we can trust in two things: first, the cross shows us that he hasn’t forgotten us and, two, the resurrection shows us that he always finishes what he has started. Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Romans to remind us how and why we can have joy in the midst of our suffering.
How is it possible to rejoice when we are suffering? You may think it’s not possible. But, Romans 5 shows us that the gospel changes everything, including how we look at suffering. In this message, Pastor J.D. teaches us how we can rejoice in the hope that God will keep all his promises ... a hope rooted in the assurance that one day, even if nothing else in our lives works out, God will restore everything that is broken.
Do you have the kind of faith Abraham had? The Apostle Paul says that, even when he faltered, Abraham “did not waver in unbelief.” As Pastor J.D. continues to teach from Romans 4, he helps us understand that faith is not about never failing. It is about placing your trust in the God who always keeps his promises. It is admitting that you cannot save yourself, but that, in his grace, God has done it for you.
One of the common questions in Christianity is, “How did people in the Old Testament get to heaven?” In this message, Pastor J.D. teaches us not only when and how the father of our faith, Abraham, was saved but also how our faith is the same as Abraham’s. Through his story, we see that the Christian life is started and sustained by faith that God will keep his promises and that he fulfilled his most important one in Jesus.
When we experience division in the church, the first question we should ask is, “What are we boasting in?” As he continues in Romans 3, Pastor J.D. shows us in this message the three things we tend to boast in and why they contribute to conflict. When we understand that, while God only accepts those who are repentant, he also accepts repentant people from every background and race, only then will we have unity in God’s family.
We often like the concept of diversity, as long as other people adapt to our customs and styles. But the gospel teaches us a different way. In this message, Pastor J.D. teaches from Romans 3, where we learn that, while there is only one way to salvation, God doesn’t accept us because of anything about us but because of what he’s done for us. This makes Christianity, as Tim Keller says, “the most inclusive exclusivity there is.”
If you’ve never known how to reply to someone who asks, “What’s the big deal about Jesus?” then this is the message for you. Pastor J.D. continues through the passage in Romans 3 that some scholars say is the most important in the Bible. Through its message, we learn what makes Christianity so different from every other religion and how accepting Jesus’ forgiveness changes the foundation of our lives.
Have you ever wondered how to respond when someone asks you why you think Jesus is the only way to salvation? In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through one of the most important passages in Romans, what Martin Luther called “the very central place ... of the whole Bible.” In it, we find not only the answer to why Jesus saves but also a confidence that is found only through our justification.
Billy Graham said that what sends most people to hell is not their sins but their good works, because good works make us think there is something good about us that can save us from ourselves. Pastor J.D. continues in this message from Romans to show us how religion cannot reform us and willpower cannot change our hearts—and the one thing we need to come to Jesus for salvation.
You’ve got a problem. We all do! Salvation through Jesus has always been available, but many people still have not received it because they’re not willing to admit that there’s a problem with their heart. In this message, Pastor J.D. walks through Romans 3 and helps us see how the law showed us our need for a Savior, but that we cannot do anything to be made righteous except believe in Jesus who kept the law in our place.
Good news! Though religion can’t change us, the gospel gives us a new heart. In Romans 2 Paul admonishes religious people who have grown up in church and have never recognized their need for repentance but reminds us that there is hope. In this message, Pastor J.D. shows us the only way for religious and irreligious people to be saved and how God stands ready not with condemnation but mercy and kindness.
In Romans 2, Paul goes after religious people who think they’re better because they know the Bible and go to church—and he’s talking to us. Pastor J.D. continues in the “Romans” series in this message as he explains why, on the final day, God will look beyond outward performance of religion to our inward motivations and how both religious and irreligious sinners are welcomed back into God’s family through the cross.
It’s easy to look at the sins listed in Romans 1 and think, “What was wrong with those people?” But the gospel teaches us that the same idolatry in the hearts of people throughout history still exists in us today. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to show us in Romans that, while we all stand under judgment of a righteous God, he is also a merciful God who spares us through his grace.
We often look back at our country’s history of slavery, oppression, and racism and think, “How could they have been so blind?” And yet we continue to practice the same idolatry today, where we reject God as the center and ruler of our lives. As Pastor J.D. returns to the “Romans” series in this message, he shows us why, thank God, it doesn’t matter what kind of sinner we are but what kind of Savior Jesus is.
Have you ever wondered what happens to people who have never heard the name of Jesus? In this message, Pastor J.D. turns to Romans, where the Apostle Paul shows us that God has revealed truth to us in creation and in us through a longing for meaning and eternity. Learn why those longings are no cruel joke; they are, as C.S. Lewis said, evidence that we were made for another world.
When it comes to the gospel, you have to get lost before you get saved. Pastor J.D. shows us in this message from the “Romans” series that though the Bible makes it clear that we have all turned away from God and our hearts are corrupt, God did not stop pursuing us. If you’re lost, just look to the cross, where God shows you his holiness, your unrighteousness, and his willingness to come after you anyway.
What would it take for you to give up your life as you know it so others could hear the gospel? In this message, Pastor J.D. continues to examine the life of Paul, who wasn’t just unashamed to share the good news around the world—he was eager to faithfully proclaim what Christ had done. His example shows us just how unworthy we were to hear the gospel and how much we owe to Jesus for giving it to us.
The gospel that compelled Paul to forsake his life and carry its message around the world for the sake of the lost is the same gospel that calls you today to do the same. Pastor J.D. continues in the “Romans” series by examining the life of Paul—the former Pharisee who understood that with the privilege of hearing the gospel comes the responsibility of sharing it—and showing how the gospel should change the way you look at your life.
The power to continue in the Christian life comes from the same place you got the power to start in the Christian life. In this message, Pastor J.D. continues his introduction to the “Romans” series and explains what it means for the gospel to go deeper in you and through you in the world. You may already know the facts, but are you ready to get intimately familiar with the truth of the gospel?
Where do you get the power to continue in the Christian life? In this introduction to the “Romans” series, Pastor J.D. explains how the gospel is not just the diving board off of which we jump into the pool of Christianity. It is the pool itself. Learn what the gospel is and what it means for you as Pastor J.D. starts his study through some of the most important and pressing questions we have today.
As Pastor J.D. concludes the series Unknown God, we’re talking about a problem that most of us deal with without even knowing it. Pastor J.D. argues that the god many of us believe in isn’t really the God of the Bible.
When the Bible was written, statue worship was a common practice—and still is in some parts of the world! But for the majority of Americans, it’s not really something we’ve seen or experienced, so we think we’re safe when it comes to the second commandment, “You shall not make for yourself a carved image.” But Pastor J.D. reveals that many of us—even Bible believing Christians—are buying into false images of God without even knowing it.
Think back to when you were in school and the teacher was explaining a difficult concept, and no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn’t seem to get it. It’s incredibly frustrating. We all feel the need to make sense of things! But Pastor J.D. reminds us that we can never fully understand God because his understanding is so much greater than our own.
Whatever your background, whether you’re an atheist, a brand-new believer, or a seminary professor, everyone has doubts and questions about God that they struggle with. So how can we have faith without understanding everything? Pastor J.D. addresses this important topic in the series called, Unknown God.