Mill Creek Church: Recent Episodes
Mill Creek Church
Welcome to the weekly audio podcast for Mill Creek Church in Rochester IN where our mission is to build real life disciples of Jesus. Our desire is that this podcast will encourage you in your journey of faith and connection with God.
According to Jesus, his followers would look and act much differently than the world around them. To a group of people who had no standing in their world, he described as salt and light, two incredibly valued commodities. Why do we attempt to be extravagantly generous? Because we believe Jesus has purposefully placed us and what we do matters!
No one wants to be remembered as a greedy or selfish person. So, what do you do to live a more generous life? Jesus tells a shocking parable that shows us exactly what God expects when it comes to generosity, and the message is surprisingly liberating. Jesus calls you to start with what you have, not with what you don’t have.
Our culture spins a clear picture of what you should do with your money: spend it (whether you have it or not). Not only does this lead to stress, debt and being overwhelmed, it also leads to unhappiness. God wants something FOR you far more than he wants something FROM you. So what's the path to freedom?
Maybe you find it hard to talk about money. Most of us do. Maybe your parents never talked about money, or fought over it. Besides, what you do with your personal resources is nobody’s business, right? Jesus wasn’t so sure. He often spoke about money in a deeply challenging way, as was the case with a wealthy young influencer. What he said to that rich young ruler can change your life too.
Now it's personal. Jesus says to those who follow him, “Rejoice and be glad when you are persecuted for my sake.” This one gives us no wiggle room for debate but instead confronts us with the serious consequence of following Jesus in the world: it will be hard. But as we do what's hard, there is a wonderful reward.
An essential characteristic of someone living in the kingdom of God is that they are seeking peace. The kingdom of God cannot be at war within itself. And as such, we must continually work for true peace among people. It's not enough to avoid conflict or ignore hard conversations but are called to actively pursue peace.
This world offers us many options for our hearts and wills to follow and embrace. Our faith might be important to us in certain crowds and moments. But change the crowd and then change the mask. Jesus says the way of his Kingdom is purity of heart, which means an undivided heart. Does Jesus have all of mine?
The idea of mercy is not celebrated as a characteristic of strength in our world. The heroes of pop culture are frequently either told to show “no mercy” or depicted doing so. Mercy is seen as an action of the weak, and in our society, we celebrate those who are strong. Once again, Jesus flips the script and shares that the citizens of his kingdom will be different.
In the Bible, the term righteousness has multiple different applications. It can describe our right standing before God and a life that is lived in a way that reflects God’s righteousness in the world. It can also describe what Jesus addresses in the Beatitudes, which is a social righteousness, a righteous justice. Jesus wants us to know that it is good for us to work for the good of others!
The desires of this world revolve around power and authority and strength. Jesus turns these values upside down in the description of his kingdom and those who would be a part of it. Instead of power, Jesus says there is a promise for the meek. Who would want to be meek? That's just weak. But maybe it's so much more.
While most life experiences will differ greatly from person to person, even growing up in the same family, there are a few common shared experiences. One of those is pain. We know what it's like to feel pain. The pain of loss, defeat, broken relationships and more. What do we do with the pain? In his kingdom, Jesus says finding joy requires facing our grief.
The hope of the follower of Jesus is the hope of an eternal kingdom, yet it can be so easy to become enamored with the kingdoms of this world. Jesus flipped the script when speaking of his kingdom's values and its citizen's character. It is not until we recognize our complete dependence upon God that we realize the blessings that he brings.
This month's Real Life podcast welcomes the one and only Makenna Grace Beall for a special dad-daughter conversation just before Makenna starts her junior year at Indiana Wesleyan University. The conversation dives into a look at the life of a student-athlete, social media, the opportunity to travel to Kenya and the impact of seeing God work through the lives of some very special children. Makenna has a lot to share and we hope you enjoy this time together.
What we believe matters because belief translates to action. But what's the "right" way to believe? There are so many "brands" of Christianity, what are the true non-negotiables? Thankfully, the historical church gives us a wonderful tool that reflects the light of Scripture.
If God is my perfect heavenly Father who is all-loving, all-good, all-knowing, and all-powerful, why does he allow bad things to happen to me? Why doesn’t he remove those bad things when I ask him to in prayer? May we consider how our faith can grow when we remain steadfast to God’s will during difficult times.
I know the Bible says Jesus forgives me, but am I really forgiven if I can’t forgive my enemy? Harboring unforgiveness in our hearts can adversely affect our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Offering forgiveness to someone who has hurt us is a choice we make to let go of our resentment and the desire to enact revenge because of the forgiveness we have received from God.
If the church is supposed to be a place of love, trust, and acceptance, why don’t I feel comfortable sharing my struggles or asking others in the church for help? Why can church people be so judgmental?
It is helpful to admit we are limited in our understanding of God and his ways and will never have all the answers. Rather than deconstruct, I can embrace the mystery of a great God who loves me with confidence in him rather than my understanding. This is faith.
Loving community is a crucial part of our reconstruction process. A strong community will be built if we can create space in our lives and our churches to truly understand and connect with one another. It is this sort of authenticity that can sustain us through our wanderings, doubts, and hurts.
Struggling with doubt is a part of the human existence. But maybe we grew up in systems where a struggle with doubt was considered un-Christian. What do we do with them? God is the one who began the work in us and the one who brings it to completion. My relationship with Jesus is secure even when I am struggling.
Those who find themselves in a deconstruction journey have rarely begun it flippantly. Most have been faced with difficulties that would rattle the strongest of foundations. Too often our faith has been built on something other than the solid rock of God's truth. When the storms come, how will it hold up?
Our pursuit of Jesus can get entangled with man-made systems that do not reflect the gospel or hope of Christ. A life in Christ is not meant to be lived within man-made parameters. We follow God, not systems of belief. If the life of Christ is in opposition to cultural or religious systems, we abandon the systems, not God.
While the current generation of young people are the most tech savvy, at the center of social interaction for them we are finding an incredibly staggering sense of loneliness. It's becoming more and more apparent that while online contacts have never been more accessible, there is a distinct lack of connection.
To help our students who are facing peer pressure more pervasively than ever, older generations are to live out a life of faithful discipleship themselves and, through their example, equip this new generation with what they need to make the right call.
Kids and young adults today are unique in history as the first generation to never have been alive without the internet. The entirety of their identity, philosophy, and societal expectations have been shaped by exposure to and experiences within the internet, especially in various avenues of social media. There can be an enormous pressure to perform or else face the consequences of being "cancelled".
Kids these days are facing unique challenges in a complex world. How can the adults in their lives help them navigate those challenges with a greater sense of empathy and support and lead them in the way of Jesus? Before we consider kids these days, what about adults these days?
Our witness is not just private or individual but also corporate and communal. As the church, we give witness to Christ in the world. But it's not just words or teaching or our wisdom and strength. Jesus said it would be by our love for God and for one another. So how can we be a good witness in the community together?
Sharing the story and being a witness can be a struggle. The idea of witnessing can be viewed as an awkward sales pitch for Jesus. Or worse, the pushy street preacher that does nothing more than turn people off. If Jesus says we are to be his witness, how should we approach sharing the good news?
Followers of Jesus have the great privilege to share the message of hope and change with our world. Before we even consider going to the "ends of the earth" let us start with those who are closest to us. How can we make Jesus accessible to the ones we have the greatest chance to impress?
Most of us love a good story. As a follower of Jesus, we know that there is an incredible message to share and brand to represent. It's a powerful picture of how God's love and grace intersected with our brokenness and disobedience. So who's going to tell that story?
Our status as a new creation of Christ is not only for our own salvation but to help others receive the same gift. Paul’s words of imploring others communicates that this requires intentionality and work. We must be proactive in making appeals to others. To be Christ’s ambassadors, we are to act, think, talk, respond, and welcome like Christ.
Being in Christ allows us the opportunity to experience God's work to make us new creations. We can be made new because of Christ's work to reconcile us to God. With that comes responsibility - Jesus entrusts the message of reconciliation to us. How well do we share that message?
Join us this month as Chris and Kim welcome Kyle and Jessica Clauson to the Real Life podcast. The Clauson’s share their impactful story of living out the love of Jesus through foster care. Despite the challenges and difficulties that come with it, Kyle and Jessica take a step of faith to help kids and in the end, discover just how deep God’s love is for them. We hope you'll be inspired by their story!
The depth of Jesus' love for us is powerfully illustrated in his death. He loves us so much that he was willing to take our sin on himself. His death allows us to be made into a new creation and being made new in Christ is seen in a movement of attitudes from serving ourselves to serving others.
To attempt to be a more spiritual person allows us many options. Which way is the best? Is there more than one way to God? When we come to Easter, we have to consider Jesus. His ministry, his message and most of all his resurrection point, not to religion but relationship. Jesus truly is like no other!
We dive into all things Easter on this month's podcast. You can't have a conversation about Easter without considering the best candy. And an empty tomb? That IS the foundation of our faith. But let's be honest, sometimes we have our doubts and questions. As we approach the event that changes everything, be encouraged and challenged to hold firm to our great faith!
Palm Sunday, the final Sunday of Lent, marks the penultimate celebration of the greater season, Easter. We have the joy of celebrating Jesus for who he is, for what he has done, and for what it means for us. Our King and Savior has come. Let us share the good news!
The death of Jesus showed us the love of God is not mere sentiment but robust action—action that revealed once and for all who he is. May we find ourselves in this place with God, looking directly at the suffering our sin caused Christ, accepting the great benefit we receive and yet the great evil that stains our hands. But because of Christ, and only Christ, we find ourselves welcomed home again.
Being real with our sinful disobedience can be overwhelming and even counter-intuitive. Why not just ignore or run from it? But it's in our truthful mourning that we can discover real joy. Through the example of King David, we discover that God's desire is always restoration and in that process we can discover joy.
The season of Lent is not just giving something up. It is also a season of intentional placement of Christ as the focus of our lives once again. Have we allowed something else to captivate our attention? Let us find ourselves focusing on Christ, letting all else fall to the wayside. For we who seek first the kingdom of God are promised to find everything in Christ.
Caring for foster children can be difficult, frustrating and even devastating. They often live on the fringes of our lives and maybe we would be more comfortable if they would just stay there. But the love of Jesus pushes us to do more, to be more. Join us for a special conversation around this important topic and the ways God is challenging the Creek to do more.
We remember the Lord’s mercy to two ends: first, that we might be aware of how it should shape our relationship with him, and second, that we might be aware of how it should shape our relationships with others. If we experience the grace of God and remain unchanged, we have missed the point entirely. As vessels of His forgiveness, that change should carryover into our personal relationships.
For believers, Lent can allow us to return to the state of heart and mind that we were in when we first approached Christ, aware of our need for him. The further we depart from this awareness, the less we are able to be who God has called us to be. Yes, God is merciful. So, let us make our hearts tender toward that mercy by handling it with gentle hands, rather than approaching God with demanding, closed fists.
The amazing story of God's love for broken people can be hard to comprehend but change our lives once we embrace it. God loves you and wants you to tell others about his love. What has God’s love compelled you to go out into the world and do?
The story of the criminals crucified with Jesus is unique in that it doesn’t line up with a lot of neat theological systems. Being rewarded with a promise of paradise doesn’t fit into any sort of procedure or process. He isn’t baptized; he doesn’t say the “sinner’s prayer”; he doesn’t publicly confess any creed. But for Jesus, his simple statement of reliance is sufficient.
We welcome Scott Sterk to this month's podcast as he shares a personal journey of loss, discouragement, the joy of adoption and all the ups and downs of trying to hold onto faith in God through it all. No matter how quiet God might be, doing life together can keep us encouraged and hopeful that God still cares.
It is possible to grow up in the church and attend every Sunday but never feel welcome or at home there. Or to be in the church and understand grace only from a business perspective, like the older brother, and not see and apply it like the father. Being lost isn’t about where you are or what you have done but about who you know: Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Trying to understand the unconditional love of God is not easy. It sounds good but it's not for me. I'm too far from God, I've done too much. Yet Jesus shares amazing stories that describe his Father's love. No matter what you have done or left undone, the Father is ready to welcome you home.
Many of us deeply regret our harmful past behavior and our missed opportunities. But by holding onto these regrets, we limit the healing God desires to do in us and the purpose he yearns to perform through us. As we acknowledge our regrets and let go of the pain we have caused those we loved, we can receive grace and forgiveness with the help of God and others.
Each new year brings the opportunity for a fresh start—a chance to let go of the old and welcome in the new. Yet, of all the changes we can make this year, the most important of all is becoming a new creation through a relationship with Jesus! In order to receive the new of Jesus, we have to let go of some old.
Kim is back on the podcast! The end of the year is always a great time to look back at what God has done and celebrate his goodness. It's an opportunity to look ahead and explore where God might be taking us. Join us for a wonderful time giving thanks for God's faithfulness.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for joining us on this special night as we celebrate together. Grab a candle, enjoy some familiar carols and rejoice in the arrival of Hope.
We prepare our house for when company comes over—especially for special guests or family members. We work hard to get things ready for them to feel welcome. How are we preparing our hearts, minds, homes, and communities for Jesus? The call to proclaim and prepare didn’t end with John the Baptizer. We too have a responsibility to declare and prepare for Jesus.
The songs say - it is the most joyous time of the year! When we were kids, nothing could compare to the joy and excitement for Christmas morning and the gifts that were awaiting us under the tree. But we must discover that real joy comes not from gifts or parties, but is the gift of God brought to the world through Jesus.
When we are comforted, we feel and experience peace. When we got hurt as children, we likely found comfort and peace in the arms of our parents. Peace is powerful. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. That is one reason why peace is proclaimed during the Christmas season: Jesus has brought peace.
We are joined by the one and only Kim Beall on this special podcast as the Beall's get ready to celebrate 25 years of marriage. They share some great insights on Hallmark, parenting, finances and all the in-betweens of doing life together for 25 years.
We describe the Christmas season as being full of comfort and joy—and Isaiah 40:1–5 has a lot to say about that. Let us be reminded that God through Jesus has brought comfort in our pain and joy through salvation. Not only proclaimed in the book of Isaiah, these truths are often sung unthinkingly in popular Christmas songs. This is a season that celebrates God’s peaceful, joyful redemption.
It seems easy to be thankful for the good things in life, but it’s difficult to be thankful for harder events, pain, or loss. Perhaps part of the gratitude that we can have through seasons of pain is to realize that God is with us; he is still good; his love endures forever. Giving thanks in everything is different from giving thanks for everything.
Being grateful is an endearing quality. How do we grow in the habit of gratitude, where does it come from? Are some people just born more thankful than others? In this season, may we slow down and realize how to be more thankful.
Once there is a proper understanding of money's place in life, what's next? Jesus challenges people that how they spend their money is the defining trait of what is important to them. Accepting and living this reality in relation to the kingdom of God will change many things about our approach to money. It can help us understand that there is more to life than this life.
Amy Eckrote, director of the Macy Food Pantry joins us for part two of the October podcast. Amy's passion and drive comes through loud and clear as she talks about the pantry and the often overlooked or just unknown, food insecurity that exists in our area.
Once we discover that our relationship with money is not all it's cracked up to be, how do we break up? And once we do, what's next? If I'm saying no to the lure of money, there is a better way I can yes to, and that better way brings me closer to heart of Jesus.
Jackie Johnson is the director of the Fulton County Pack-a-Backpack program that helps hundreds of local kids throughout the year with new supplies and backpacks. Hear the story of why this program is so important to Jackie and the opportunity we have to partner with her.
It’s rare to love money and only money. So, we must ask ourselves, what is it that we’re really chasing after? What most people love are the results of money. However, it's an empty promise, it never satisfies. Rather than trust in riches, we must learn to trust in Him who richly provides!
On its own, money can be a very positive thing. It is a tool. Tools are only as good or evil as the purpose for which they are used. So what’s the problem with money? Money attracts strong desire—sometimes it can be so strong as to completely derail the trajectory of our lives, even damaging our faith.
The Christian life is often described as a journey and the author of Hebrews likens it to a race. How well are we running that race? Like any distance event, the race of life can be difficult but Jesus has given us the tools to run well!
Praise and thanksgiving together form the capstone of soul care. They take our focus off our failings, our disappointments, our hurts, and ourselves, redirecting our attention to the Lord who loves and cares for us—even when we’re at our worst. Practicing gratitude even when reality doesn’t live up to our expectations is vital to our daily soul care.
Confession and repentance restore our spirits to a right-standing relationship with God. This practice also prevents the enemy from using shame and grief to hold us hostage to our past. We practice soul care by inviting the Lord to open our eyes to our sin so that we can restore relationships, receive forgiveness, and move forward in freedom.
Thank you for joining the Real Life podcast of the Mill Creek Church. In this first episode, we dive deeper into the idea of lament and discover how in the midst of pain, we can still find hope.
How do we handle grief and pain? A habit seen in the Bible that is not very intuitive for us but can hugely helpful is lament. Lament is more than just feeling grief-stricken or sorrowful after we experience loss or are confronted by our mistakes; it’s a recognition of a wrong that’s been experienced or committed. It can be an opportunity for us to draw close to the Lord and seek his healing and restoration in our lives.
In light of the rise of self-care and our culture’s heightened awareness of the physical and nutritional practices needed to care for the body and the mind, we are also invited to embrace “soul care.” Soul care isn’t a knock against self-care, but it is a challenge for us to make caring for our inner life a higher priority.
It can be easy for people to label Christians as hypocrites. As followers of Jesus, we must continually remind ourselves of God’s grace. Do we truly believe it is free? If not, we can turn our faith into a competition. We’ll treat others poorly because we must find a way to “get ahead.”
Many people have trouble accepting Christianity because they find it difficult to reconcile a good God and a bad world. There is great power and encouragement knowing that God became one of us. What John tells us at the beginning of his story of Jesus is such a powerful response to all the evil in the world. That Jesus came to us, became one of us and knows us and our pain!
Why do we believe what we believe? Because that's what we were taught from an early age? Because the Bible says so? The foundation of our faith is an event - an empty tomb! We have good reasons to believe Jesus rose from the dead and can bring our doubts to church. There is nothing to hide and you are invited to come and see.
It is becoming common in today's world to see people walk away from faith. Questions. Doubts. Hurt. There are many reasons why people are "deconstructing". How do we respond and support? How can we treat our friends who have left the faith with love and respect, being eager to show them the same type of love Jesus shows to the lost?
Jealousy ruins relationships and will be like cancer, rotting us from the inside. The desire to be as good as the next guy, or better than all the others, is a very heavy piece of baggage that Christ offers to carry for us, exchanging it for his perfect peace.
Fear grows when we feel our inabilities or are anxious about the unknown, but God has promised to protect us and to walk with us through danger. In a fearful situation you are facing right now, put down the baggage of fear and trust God to be the Good Shepherd as he leads, protects, provides, and comforts you.
Pride is often the hidden sin, one that is a little more acceptable for Christians to carry around in their luggage. Pride grows because we crave independence and self-sufficiency, yet we are called to depend on God in humility. Through hard conversations and honest prayer, we can set down the baggage of pride and find freedom.
We are not meant to carry the weight of bitterness and anger, but we can trade them for freedom and peace. Jesus offers us freedom and peace in exchange for the bitterness and anger we experience. Identify a person who has hurt you, and set down the baggage of bitterness by making the decision to forgive
Once we allow Jesus to heal our brokenness, we are empowered to follow his footsteps and act as a neighbor to the broken people around us. By following Jesus, we actively choose to imitate the Good Samaritan rather than the religious leaders: we help the hurting even if they hate us.
Even in the familiar stories of Jesus, we can find new truths and applications for our lives. As God in the flesh, Jesus is like the Samaritan neighbor to broken humanity, and he cares for us until we are made well. Before we can hope to apply any lesson from the parable of the good Samaritan, we must allow Jesus to heal our brokenness.
Following the way of God is living in wisdom, it's being willing to see life differently than the world around us. It's doing relationships and finances God's way. How do we know that way? How do we find direction? It all centers around where we put our trust. Do I trust God with everything?
How we handle our money matters. There is much wisdom shared throughout Scripture about this very important personal issue, including in Proverbs. How do we become more skilled at living as it relates to money? What kinds of attitudes is God looking for from his followers?
The wise person is active, industrious, and productive. As people of wisdom, we should avoid laziness, for it may very well lead to our demise. We are called to be active followers of Jesus, both physically and spiritually. If not careful, our lives can quickly become full of weeds and disrepair.
Our friendships matter for many reasons. Good friends build us up, encourage and stay with us when life is hard. Throughout Proverbs, there are many life principles shared about our friendships. Where are you going in life and who is going with you? Wisdom is contagious and walking with wise people matters!
God has a special place in his heart for the poor and needy. As people of wisdom, we should promote justice in our society and help those who are on the outside, the hurting and broken. But how do we do that? There are so many needs! Maybe it starts with a simple question.
The feeling of being lost is uneasy and scary. How do we truly know the way in life? Our options are seemingly unlimited. Our culture's values are constantly changing. God has a way shared through the wisdom and instruction of Proverbs. It might not be easy or comfortable but it is the way that helps point our lives in the right direction.
A faith in Jesus that does not result in action is worthless. James, the brother of Jesus, seems to suggest that true faith is demonstrated by our deeds. James was not a believer until he encountered a resurrected Jesus. At that point, everything changed! Belief in Jesus is not just an intellectual endeavor; it must move to my heart and change how I live.
The early church shared a deep sense of fellowship around their belief in the risen Christ. They supported each other’s faith based on their shared love for Jesus and their commitment to living out His teachings. Being a part of God’s family helps experience all that God has for us. We are not alone. Even in our darkest hour, there are people who will walk with me.
One of the greatest obstacles to us growing in our faith journeys is the inability to fully receive the forgiveness of God. Our past mistakes, shortcomings and failures too often hold us back from all that God has for us. God invites us to live with a future focus. Rather than dwelling on the past, we live with eager anticipation for what lies ahead. Nothing that has happened in my past can hold me back from God’s grace and mercy.
Upon finding an empty tomb, the followers of Jesus had a choice - do they trust the good news or do they ignore the evidence in front of them? The resurrection of Jesus changed the lives of the disciples and by their impact, the world. We have the same choice to make. When we choose faith, we are found “in Christ” and our lives are made new.
Easter is the celebration of life and hope for the follower of Jesus. In a preview of coming attractions, Christ’s healing of Lazarus shows how he releases the chains of death from every believer. Like Lazarus, we are commanded to “Take off the old and come to life”! Thus, we are called to be people of hope and life.
Christ’s compassion and love toward his enemies prompted him to heal those who came to torment him, revealing his gracious and loving heart. Today, he can heal our angry and violent hearts and help us to better understand forgiveness. It's not an emotion or a feeling, but a decision to cancel a debt owed us.
Beyond just physical healing, Christ extends healing to the lonely, outcast, and downtrodden, offering them a place and shows his dedication to those who are isolated. In the story of the leper, Christ reveals a heart for the outsider and love for the lonely. The church now has the opportunity to reach out and love those who feel unwanted.
In the story of Jesus healing a blind man in John 9, Christ reveals himself as “the light of the world,” the one to bring spiritual sight to a blind and dark world. But even if we are "right", we can still struggle with blindness. Those who are healed of spiritual blindness should exemplify compassion and hope for those still in darkness, allowing Christ’s light to shine through them.
Jesus came to earth to reveal the true nature and character of God. Throughout his work with people, including the miracles of healing people, Jesus shows that God's desire for our lives is wholeness, completeness and restoration. If we are willing to let go of our past, he is ready to make us new!
The many promises of God can give us hope, perspective, and direction in the troubling times of life. And that's a promise from Jesus - we will have troubling times! Even in a harsh message meant to call people back to God, we find the promises we need when times are dark.
Jesus invites us to pray and to pray often - consistently and persistently. He gives us the framework for how to pray like him. But what do we do when there is no answer? What's our hope when God seems to be silent?
Jesus told his followers to pray to avoid temptation. But before we can pray that with a clear conscience, there are some things we need to ask ourselves first.
The habit of prayer is a big part of being a follower of Jesus. But it's hard and frustrating and often times we don't really know how to pray. God already knows my needs, so why pray? Because the purpose of prayer is to surrender your will, not impose it.
When Jesus prayed, his followers saw something much different than what they were used to in their prayers. One of them had the courage to ask, teach us to pray! Jesus provides a model for his disciples that places prayer in the context of relationship with our heavenly Father. Can we be willing to ask Jesus - how do we pray like you?
Building habits that bring about real change starts with how we see and what we believe about ourselves - our identity. As we worship God in his fullness, the process of being transformed into the likeness of Jesus becomes even more evident because we are learning to submit to the assurance of God’s presence in our lives.
Serving others through deed and action is a natural byproduct of the internal change brought about through following Jesus. However, we should not generously help others out of a prideful, selfish desire to be seen. The natural outflow of drawing closer to Jesus and seeking to imitate him is being able to use our lives for service to others.
The rapid growth and use of technology in our lives can bring many positives but there can also be some real consequences. It is easier than ever to hide behind screens, to live in the realms of anonymity and lose the relational and social capital that matters. Jesus shows us that the simple habit of gathering around a table for a meal can be powerful and help us in a season of great division and disunity.
A new year brings a unique opportunity for change and transformation. While there are many voices trying to influence us to change certain parts of our lives, real, long-lasting change is found in the ways and disciplines of Jesus. He models for us a lifestyle that can affect every area of our lives. He knew prayer would be critical to our well-being and instructs us in the framework for a dynamic connection with God.
The beginning of a new year is a wonderful opportunity to look back and look forward. Where did we struggle? Where did we grow? Most of all, where did we see the presence of God in our lives? It's good to take time to remember what God has done as we consider the plans and concerns about this new year. God’s faithfulness in the past reminds us that we can trust him for the challenges of the future.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for joining us on this special night as we celebrate together. Grab a candle, enjoy some familiar carols and allow God's light to shine bright.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, except when it's not. The Christmas season is about joy and expectation but it can also bring about feelings of sadness and depression. In Christ, the promised Prince of Peace, we can find our peace during times of sadness. Through Him, we can find wholeness and restoration, even if the external circumstances of our lives never change.
As much as we love Christmastime, it can become exhausting. The busyness and schedule can make us fatigued. We have so many burdens, it's easy to miss the simplicity and power of this familiar story. From the beginning, the Bible emphasizes the importance of rest. But Jesus invites to something greater than just one day of rest, he invites us to partnership with him which can mean rest for our souls.
In the craziness of the Christmas season, it is important to remember to release worry and anxiety into the hands of God. Whether trying to meet our expectations of perfection or being fearful of the future, we must trust God as Mary did in her time of joy and worry. Worry adds nothing to our lives. But God is always there for us.
It is the Advent season, a time of anticipation and expectation for the arrival of Jesus. Instead of enjoying the incredible story and growing through the message of God coming to earth, we can quickly become weary with the busyness of the season. But let us not miss what is most important by carving out some empty space to stay engaged and find joy for our weary souls.
The pursuit of a meaningful, fulfilled life is a normal human endeavor. But where do we find life is that is truly life? Social media and slick marketing would seem to have answers for us but those will be dead ends. The drive for more is a constant moving target. In what might seem to be upside-down thinking, Paul says we have to give away to find true life. It is through generosity that we find wealth, and in knowing the grace of Jesus we find real life.
From the fullness of our gratitude, we can pour out generosity. As we cultivate thankful hearts for God’s goodness, provision, and presence, generosity will flow naturally from our lives. God's grace is something we do not deserve but God knows we need. It's because of the extravagant generosity that God has shown me, that I can show others the same extravagance.
We are taught to offer thanks to God not only occasionally or when wonderful things are happening; instead, we are to give thanks in all circumstances. How is that possible? How do we give thanks, even when life is hard? Once we learn to shift focus away from where we are and learn to give thanks for who God is, we can begin to discover the secret to thanks living.
Developing a practice of gratitude and thanksgiving to God can help lead us to a life of generosity. Thankfulness brings us into the presence of God and is an appropriate response to what God has done in our lives. Growing a lifestyle of thankfulness can happen by intentionally building a spiritual practice of gratitude and learning to express spontaneous appreciation throughout each day.
Wouldn’t it be great, once we believed in Jesus, we immediately became perfect? But we don’t. We want things in an instant. As soon as I do something, I get the reward or “blessing.” We desire an “instant society,” but that isn’t God’s way. We are called, not to perfection, but a willingness to grow. A willingness to take the obedient steps every day that bring us closer to God and His ways.
There are lot of ways we can handle and deal with our messy lives. Most of us become good at faking and pretending but the writer to the Hebrews tells us that God can't be faked out. Instead of being scared, Jesus knows what it is like to be fully human and can empathize with our struggles. We are not alone in the struggle. Jesus advocates on our behalf when the struggle is more than we can handle.
Life is going to be messy, even for the believer in Jesus. When we experience healthy sorrow over our sin, it leads to a closer walk with God. We do not have to feel everlasting shame for our mistakes and messy Christian walk. Jesus can remove our shame and offer us redemptive hope.
There are times we might feel like we are riding the “spiritual struggle bus”. Feelings of spiritual inadequacy can make us fearful of God but not in the healthy way. Jesus shares an impactful picture of the extravagant love of the Father with people who felt the same. The grace of God can meet us in those struggles, empowering us to change and we are not an exception to that grace!
No sin is so great, no bitterness so deep that God’s grace cannot transform the heart and rewrite the story. Sin is ugly, but God’s grace is greater than any past mistake or regret. If we realize our need for God’s grace, and submit ourselves to him, His grace will transform our lives. We can be forever changed because of His amazing grace!
God's grace goes beyond just a moment of forgiveness but is also something we are called to grow in. The process of sanctification (being set apart) following justification (salvation) is critical as we prepare for glorification (eternity). In the meantime, we are being shaped and fitted for eternity by learning to live today in light of the work that has been done in us already.
Sometimes the basic idea of grace gets convoluted because it seems to be defined in different ways. Paul’s message of grace centers on the work of Jesus as the sole source of salvation. It is offered as a gift and it is through Jesus alone that we have the opportunity to experience adoption as sons and daughters.
As we enter into the fall and a season of transition, the hurt and confusion around us is real. The Christian hope is more than mere optimism that says things will “hopefully” work out. It is a sure hope, and so we “hope fully" through every trial and test of faith. We have a firm hope that is alive, rooted in the story of an empty tomb, which can be our story and message to a struggling world.
God created us with talents and a purpose that go beyond the four walls of the church; these enrich and create beauty in a broken world. God's great love and rich grace is not meant for us to hold onto and hide from our world. Instead, we are called to employ our talents to serve others outside the church, that they may know the goodness of God as well.
We belong to God and to other believers which means we do not have to live in fear and can discover a better way than selfishness. In those relationships, we discover God has uniquely shaped us and given us talents that serve the body of Christ. As we discover our "fit" we will have a better understanding of the God-given purpose for our lives.
Christians don’t just belong to God—they also belong in a community of other believers. We discover the early church was more than just a group of people—it was a close-knit family. They didn’t just see each other for an hour once a week or on social media; they met together. They lived together. Even though some of the practices might change, you need the church community every bit as much as it needs you.
Throughout the Bible, God reminds his people that they belong to him in a loving relationship. Even though we might struggle to fit in or belong with the cliques and norms of this world, we can always be sure of one thing: we belong to God. Even when we are physically alone, God is always with us.
The idea and theology of sin is uncomfortable and easier to ignore or downplay. Most would rather label themselves "mistakers" versus "sinners". However Jesus always used the word sin and in fact, raised the bar. Knowing what it would cost to pay the price of sin, Jesus teaches a provocative message to be extreme in our handling of sin.
We can probably remember incredibly vividly the last mean name someone called us. We can also probably easily remember the last time someone called us something kind or uplifting. The names we are called—good or bad—have great effect on us because they are personal, powerful, and identity-shaping. Jesus not only uses some harsh language against the Pharisees, but he also uses some intense names for them. We must get the big picture—understand God’s heart for his creation and his people—and make those priorities our priorities.
We know the phrase - "A picture is worth a thousand words". There are iconic images that need no explanation. As soon as it's shown, we know exactly what's going on. In a moment of strange words and actions, Jesus creates an impactful picture that would drive home his passion for real faith from his followers. A faith that was not built on institutions or religious tradition but a relationship with the Father.
We can be so familiar with the stories about Jesus we miss (or skip right over) some of the strangest, most shocking, and often controversial things that Jesus says. But Jesus always spoke with purpose, revealing important truths in strange places. In one of those hard teachings, we are to love Christ above all else, rather than allowing lower loves and loyalties to take priority.
God has called us to live a great life that is full of freedom and hope. He has also called us to share that news with others. In what ways do you proclaim the gospel and disciple others in your sphere of influence? But maybe more importantly, what are some ways we have turned people off in our divided culture of politics and winning?
Labels can sometimes get us in trouble. They can give us a false sense of identity and purpose. Jesus was very clear in the label he attached to his followers and the call that came with that label. This new series brings better understanding about what it means to be a disciple and follower of Christ. We are called to a very meaningful purpose, will we embrace that call?
What kind of difference do you make? In your workplace, your home, your school, your church? Would people say you’re a positive influence or a bad influence? Being any kind of leader can be a terrifying feeling. A follower of Jesus, however, no matter their status in life, is called to be a spiritual leader in the lives of the next generation. We are called to leave a legacy of faith.
Why should we read the Bible? Bible study can be misunderstood as personal comfort and an intellectual pursuit. It can also be discouraging because it can be hard to understand or difficult to align with our cultural practices. But we must allow the Bible to read us and train us in God’s ways. We should allow God to breathe his life and truth into us through His word.
It can be tempting to do good with a desire to get credit for it. Whether social media, scholarship applications or just general affirmation, we can give selfishly. God is a giving Father who teaches us not to be self-centered in our giving. Following Jesus requires us to walk a path like him - give to others for their sake and because we love God, not for what we can get out of it.
In life we want a return on the things we do. If we are going to invest large amounts of time and money on a college education, we want to know there will be a positive return. But in our relationship with God, this can lead to spiritual disciplines being treated as transactional. We should seek God not to check off a task on a list but to experience knowing him.
Following Jesus is a journey. It has its ups and downs, victories and failures. It would be easy to get discouraged, believing that Jesus might be done with our failures. We might be passionate and sincere in our faith but still trying to call the shots, rather than submit to God's plan. Through the examination of the lives of Peter and Paul, we discover some encouraging truths about a journey of faith with Jesus.
Because you last forever, everything you do to change, grow, and become more like Jesus will go on forever. Because the people around you are eternal, every time you touch someone’s life, that impact will go on and on and on. If the story of the empty tomb is true, then we have a powerful story to tell of grace, hope and life.
There is a real battle in our culture for truth. Who speaks truth? Where do we find it? If the tomb was empty, how do we handle the words and claims of the man who predicted his own death and resurrection? It won't be enough just to hear his words, we need to follow and act on what Jesus teaches.
After the followers of Jesus found an empty tomb and interacted with him again, the scared, scattered group began to share the message and gather together in community. Jesus predicted that the church would be born and nothing could stop it. While some of the practices and structures of church has changed, the value has not. We need the church and the church needs you!
The celebration of an empty tomb is the foundation of the Christian faith. Everything rises and falls on the resurrection of Jesus. As hard as it might be to set aside our doubts, there is great evidence that the events that build our foundation are true. And if it is true, the resurrection allows the broken parts of our lives to be made whole again.
Before Jesus spoke some very purposeful and focused final words, he did something amazing for his disciples. In a moment when the King had the power to do anything he chose, he took on the role of lowliest of servants to serve the ones he loved. In this action, he shares an example of what love might require of us.
If we knew our final moments, our choice of words and who we would speak them to would be very important to us. We would choose those words carefully and speak with focus and purpose. When Jesus took his final moments to speak into the lives of the disciples, he spoke words of great significance. Jesus makes a bold statement and we must listen, we cannot just ignore the claim he makes about himself.
The areas of life we’ve unpacked in this series—wealth, comfort, power—all stem from one theme: control. We struggle to give up control and often are willing to trade Jesus for it. Even though we try, we cannot control everything. These past few years have taught us some hard lessons but peace in our lives comes in embracing God’s ultimate control of our individual lives as we honor him through obedience.
Jesus made some incredible claims of himself, for the Jewish and Roman officials, arguably none bigger than the claim he was King. But his kingdom is not one of public or political power but of sacrifice. Believers are called to elevate the powerless, not hoard power for themselves or their comfort.
Following Jesus will be uncomfortable at times. What else should we expect as those focused on the kingdom of God rather than the kingdom of man? We can live with the tension of the uncomfortable growth as disciples and the wholehearted goodness of living in God’s love.
We’d all like to think we’re nothing like Judas the betrayer, who traded Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. An honest look at our hearts reveals, however, that we all have things we trade for Christ every day. Reflecting on this truth can help us deepen our understanding of our Judas tendencies and rejoice in the overwhelming gift of God’s redemptive grace in our lives.
Jesus cuts through a great deal of religious confusion and complexity to focus our lives on two all-encompassing truths that are meant to work together: love God and love others. The greatest commandment means that the believer’s love of God ought to overflow to loving others in a genuine way. Good theology leads to loving action, and loving action is rooted in good theology.
Because of what Christ has done, believers walk faithfully in their calling to live in obedience and pursue unity with other people. By making an effort for unity and living with a spirit of humility, we can unleash the indispensable power of the local church to grow and change us into more Christlike people through godly community.
When you ask someone what they think about the church, be prepared for any response. What they say may inspire feelings of anger, sadness, joy, or hope, depending on what they have experienced in their dealings with believers. We discover God has some key values that should define our relationships with those inside and outside the church. One is a compassionate love for others that calls us to share his truth with the world.
The gospel shows us that God’s plan for us has always been reconciliation. When we accept the gospel as truth, we can be freed to begin healing the hurts, mistakes, and regrets of our past. The message of Jesus renews and refreshes us through God’s healing touch. His compassion for broken people is like nothing this world has ever seen.
Humanity was built for love. We long for it. We spend lifetimes seeking it. Unfortunately, for as much as we obsess over love, we don’t always have the clearest picture of what it is or looks like. In the gospel, we see that love—true love—transforms. It brings hope, it frees prisoners, and it restores weary souls.
The desire for peace is something God has planted within all of our hearts, but there is much more to peace than an absence of conflict. Through the message of Jesus we learn about God’s heart for peace in his creation. God’s peace is about the complete restoration of our souls rather than the removal of all obstacles; he calls us to partner with him in it.
When we look at New Year's, we often see it as a fresh start, a time to begin anew. As the weeks wear on, however, it’s not uncommon to go from determined to deflated. We rush headlong into a challenge that we haven’t properly prepared or equipped ourselves for mentally or physically and we quickly burn out. This applies to our spiritual life as well as our physical life. The gospel shows us that in order to grow spiritually, we must first learn to listen and seek God’s wisdom.
God has given his people the joyful task of actively remembering what he has done for and through us—a chance to celebrate, give thanks, and teach our children. Many of us, in very difficult times, have been changed by God’s grace, in both challenging and joyful ways; remembering these things will empower us to move into the future.
With a new year comes anxieties and excitement but let's reinforce a central truth: while our world constantly changes, its creator does not. James’s word about God’s unchanging nature not only reassures us of our firm foundation in God but also gives us an exhilarating exhortation to share God’s goodness from that firm foundation.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, grandparent, or the fun uncle in your family, you have probably tried to "fix" a child. We've all said things like, "He has to calm down." "She has to speak up!" "Why won’t they just do what I tell them to do?" No matter the age or stage, kids are . . . hard. But understanding their wiring might change the way you look at (and speak to) every child that crosses your path from this day forward.
The Christmas story is simple, familiar and beautiful but one part can be a little disturbing. No matter how hard he tried, Herod could not halt the plans of God. Despite the difficult circumstances that come your way, know that nothing can separate you from God’s love, forgiveness, and redemption. He is “God with us.”
At Christmas, we find a contrast of those who traveled a great distance to seek out Jesus and those who were right there who ignored and missed this great moment. Just like the wise men, the presence of Christ should compel us to offer our lives as gifts to God. Jesus came to serve; will we serve too? Will we share the message of hope through our opportunities to serve?
Jesus wasn’t born into a wealthy family with powerful connections; the situation was awkward at best. His earthly parents were a teenage girl and her middle- to lower-class fiancé. In the midst of the mess, there was still a willingness to hold onto hope that God's word would never fail. Even if we don't know, with God, there is still hope and nothing is impossible!
Sometimes, it’s difficult to enjoy Christmas when we’re too busy to stop and savor the holiday. Over the next weeks, we go back to the foundation of this well-known story, revealing the joy and celebration it brings to all those who place their faith in Christ. Christmas reveals we have a God who dares to come near to us in our brokenness and suffering.
In a world full of messaging about all the things it is against, can the church bring a fresh perspective of being for people? Jesus was FOR people but being FOR people comes from changed priorities. There will have to be a reorientation of our perspective and attitude. When it comes to how you spend your day, time and resources, what are you placing first: God’s kingdom or something else?
The subject of wealth can be tricky and very personal. How we define wealth is often a moving target and it's not a characterization that most of us would claim for ourselves. However, compared to the rest of the world, most of us are doing well. The danger is the more we accumulate, the easier it is to migrate hope from God to stuff. What if instead of trusting in riches, we trusted in the One who richly provides?
We spend so much of our time chasing after careers, people, or possessions that never satisfy us in the end. When is enough, enough? We don’t have to continually seek after the latest, greatest thing; instead, we should seek Christ, and he will satisfy our desires. And in that pursuit, we find we can truly be FOR people.
Being a generous person is one of those "easier said than done" type of habits. We can say the right words but do our actions demonstrate true generosity? In a culture where it is clear all the types of people - lifestyles - political opinions - we are against, can the attitude shift to be FOR people? How do we change this mindset? It all stems from the amazing story of God’s generosity to us seen in Jesus.
Being with someone in their final moments can be powerful. Sharing our final thoughts and final words can be a precious memory. At the end of his life, one of Jesus' closest friends denied knowing him. The feelings of shame and regret were probably very real but Peter was eventually restored after his failure. It's in his story we discover that we never too far from God.
A normal reaction when life gets hard is trying to pray. But what if we grew in the habit before the trouble? Through the story of Daniel, we discover that we can face any trial when we live in gratitude toward God. May we consider ways in which our prayer life can focus on thankfulness even in the midst of turmoil.
Pain and trouble in life will come and how we navigate those moments says a great deal about our trust in God. Through the story of Joseph, we discover a belief that God works all things—even calamity—for his glory and our good. Even when it might not make sense, can we still trust Him?
Sometimes our faith journey can feel like wandering in the wilderness. We don't know where we are, where we are going or if God even cares. Has he abandoned us? Punishing us? Through the story of Moses, we discover that God hears his people and will not leave them without a rescuer. Following God does not mean we will never have doubts. Instead, it calls us to trust him rather than ourselves and to be honest about our desires in prayer.
There is a real sickness that permeates the human existence. It causes us to compare our lives with others and be unsatisfied with what we have, where we live and who we are. It destroys relationships and our hearts. In a time of great disappointment, Paul shares about the power of learning contentment and most importantly, how contentment is not contingent on our circumstances but on God’s faithfulness and provision.
Sometimes our spiritual lives feel like a series of peaks and valleys. One moment, we feel like we are soaring high; the next, we experience a crushing low. In the story of Elijah, we can discover that through our times of victory and of depression, God shows himself to be a faithful provider. Instead of just trying to fix the problem, what can we learn in the valley about ourselves and God?
We are not okay. But through Jesus, peace is available to us, regardless of our circumstances. This peace is not the cessation of hostilities from enemies, but rather the gift of calmness and confidence that comes from union with God and faith in him and his purposes. The peace that Jesus gives is grounded in God and not in circumstances. Even in our not okay, we can find peace.
The year 2020 was a worldwide struggle. Many people are still not okay—but we can all find a friend in Jesus, knowing that he had moments of not being okay too. Instead of hiding our struggle or pretending like we have it all together, we can be honest with God and trusted family and friends. God is okay with our "not okay" moments.
The idea of worship can be one of the most debated and misunderstood parts of following Jesus. Instead of rituals, locations and styles, Jesus offered a different picture. We can begin to worship God through our working and resting when we recognize that we can worship him in ALL things.
Followers of Jesus should honor the idea of Sabbath and a time to rest, even though we live in a “go, go, go” culture that demands productivity. Our main goal in understanding rest is knowing that it isn’t synonymous with laziness, but is actually a gift from God, meant for our overall health and well-being.
There is no doubt about the importance of work, rest, and worship when it comes to our lifestyles and how each affect our daily lives. We must work to eat, rest to keep going, and worship to glorify God and strengthen our relationship with him. Yet, striving to balance all these integral pieces can often feel overwhelming. But when we aim to find a rhythm in all three, we can begin to make progress.
We can become good at putting our words in God's mouth. We hear the ancient words of hope and promise of prosperity for God's people and believe we can put our plans ahead of His. While Jeremiah's message was written to a specific group of people, there is still an encouraging message for us. **There is some low buzz on this recording, we apologize for that.
Making snap judgments of people can be a bad habit most of us struggle with and it can be a not-so-great quality of Christians. If anyone has the right to judge, it's Jesus. Yet he came to save the world, not to condemn it. As we become more like Jesus, how do we learn to restore the people around us, not to destroy them?
The Bible is full of wisdom. People love to quote their favorite verses to encourage and inspire each other—but sometimes, those verses get taken out of context. If not careful, we can see the truth of God twisted and we can miss the truth that truly sets us free. As we kick off this series, Chris dives into some words of Jesus that can be discouraging if we miss the context of the real message.
There is more to this world than we can see. Beyond all that we are able to measure and understand is a spiritual world; a world that we can neither see nor touch, yet we feel its impact everyday. We live in a world in which an evil influence exists that deceives us and desires to ultimately lead us on a path of destruction. But we do not need to live in fear because God gives us all we need to stand strong.
In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul drew from Jesus’ use of power what is perhaps the most powerful relational teaching of all—an instruction that changes everything in family dynamics. It all comes down to asking a simple question: What can I do to help?
As God is forming his followers into his masterpiece, they are called to shine as light in the darkness. Before God, we lived and walked in darkness. But he changes everything about us. We should live wisely, rejecting what displeases the Lord and embracing what pleases him. As we do, our light shines bright!
Following Jesus changes everything for us. Put off the old and put on the new. Paul’s solution to walk in this new way? Be an imitator of God! That imitation is seen in the love and forgiveness we offer to others, even to those undeserving. How is that even possible? We remember how undeserving we are of Christ's love and forgiveness.
Being any kind of leader can be a terrifying feeling. Each Christian, however, no matter their status in life, is called to be a spiritual leader in the lives of the next generation. As we celebrate dads, we remember the kind of impact they can make.
Instead of being trapped by the old ways, old thoughts and old habits, we can experience the freedom of new because of Jesus. In order to embrace our access to a new attitude and a new way of life, we must guard our thoughts and words because they determine our heart’s attitude and, therefore, our choices.
God’s idea of saving us is to transform us from the inside out so that we continue to grow in a relationship with him. Growth is a natural part of our faith journey - just as a parent desires their children to grow and mature into responsible adults - God desires us to grow. But growth takes effort and growing together in a faith community is a major part of God's plan.
Paul explains that the turning point of history is God’s plan of redemption made evident by Jesus Christ. The mystery was built up for generations, revealed in pieces through the Law and the Prophets, and now the culmination is this, that God would send his own Son to live, die, and rise again in order to save humanity. The church is now called to make God’s glorious riches known, to show that his grace is for all people.
Divisions and relational tensions have existed among people since sin entered our world. The beginnings of the church was no different. Conflict between Jewish and Gentile believers was a real issue but Paul reminds them that God reconciles people to each other through Jesus. When we are walking in fellowship with God, we can walk in fellowship with other believers in spite of our differences.
A part of knowing God is knowing how He sees us. God makes reconciliation with Him possible by making us alive when we were dead. He is an expert at restoring broken things, especially his beloved children. God doesn’t make mistakes, and makes each of us a display of his goodness and grace.
Society’s ever-changing expectations of what ideal motherhood looks like can be exhausting—especially to a woman who might feel she’s fighting an uphill battle on her own. The Old Testament books of Ruth and 1 Samuel include two examples that show us that God’s concern and care for mothers extends to all women, not just the ones society deems “ideal.”
We begin a new series through the book of Ephesians, discovering that Paul emphasizes God’s action at work in our lives both to restore us to himself and to restore our relationships with each other. The purpose of God was to bring all things together under Christ and knowing God better allows us to experience that purpose.
Too many people are consumed with worry and anxiety about what tomorrow might hold. This fear can be paralyzing. As Christians we believe that our loving heavenly Father is always looking out for us. He takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field and that gives us confidence that he will take care of us too. There is no benefit from worry, in fact, anxiety only hurts us. We should trust God and allow him to guide our steps.
God’s great mercy became a transforming reality through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This mercy is a result of God’s love for us and this love invites us to live differently in the present. We are to be living sacrifices that no longer conform to the patterns of the world. The world around us is deceptive, selfish, angry and foolish. These cannot be the patterns we live by today. Rather, we must renew the way we think and in doing so we will discover God’s will for us in the present.
Jesus Christ demonstrated his love for humanity by sacrificially giving his life on the cross and resurrecting from the dead. Because of this incredible act of love, those who are in Christ have become new creations. Our past no longer has the last word and final say over our lives and we can have a fresh start. The heavy burden of our past no longer needs to weigh us down.
As Jesus was being crucified, the soldiers mocked him by placing a crown of thorns on his head and placing a sign over his head that read “King of the Jews.” They did not see him as the true King who rules and reigns. After Jesus’ resurrection, he revealed himself to his disciples and because of his defeat of death, he claims all authority over heaven and earth. Do you recognize Jesus as the authority of your life? Does his love reign over the way you live?
It is never too late to return to God. No matter how far someone might have wandered or how divided a heart might be, no matter how lost someone may seem, God is still calling and willing to take the wanderer back.
- Opening video originally created by Irving Bible Church.
When someone offers us a new opportunity, we have to choose to respond and accept or stay where we are. Your story might be full of missed opportunities because of the temptation to stay in the past. In the story of God's love for us, we have the same choice. Respond or stay trapped in the past.
- Opening video originally created by Irving Bible Church.
Could you love someone so unconditionally that even if they are unfaithful or not interested in you, your love for them remains? That is the depth of God’s love, and it is displayed in a way that had to be painful for Hosea. Through a story of redeeming and sacrificial love as Hosea paid to free Gomer, we remember how God made the greatest sacrifice to free us from our sin: Christ.
- Opening video originally created by Irving Bible Church.
A great parenting team should be able to show a child discipline and tenderness in tandem but it's rare we see one individual show both those traits together. Discipline is never something that we will look forward to but even in God's tough love, he shows tenderness as well. While we might be unfaithful, God's love for is always faithful.
- Opening video originally created by Irving Bible Church.
The love story of Hosea and his wife is full of pain and unfaithfulness. Through the broken marriage relationship, God reminds his people of his covenant, his commitment, with them. When the people strayed and were unfaithful, God would discipline. But this tough love wouldn't mean he would abandon them or turn his back on them. It was meant to call them back, to open their eyes to the distance between them. Is God calling you back?
- Opening video originally created by Irving Bible Church.
The story of God's love is woven throughout the history of Scripture, it's not just found in the story of Jesus. One of the most illustrative examples of God's love for people can be found in the story of the Old Testament prophet Hosea. While God's people had been unfaithful to him and broken his covenant with them, his faithful love still desired a relationship with them.
- Opening video originally created by Irving Bible Church.
Our faith must be based on a personal relationship with Jesus, but we can’t do it alone; we must pursue genuine community with other believers. Rather than attending church on a come-and-go basis, we should strive to be connected to an authentic, godly community.
The definition of church has definitely changed over the last months out of necessity. However there are values of church that will not change no matter what is happening. While writing to a church, Paul uses the illustration of one body with many parts to help followers of Jesus understand who they are and why the church exists. But it goes beyond just volunteering, every believer has been given a mission by God to share the life changing message of good news.
God’s loving relationship with his people is like a husband who never gives up on his wife. God’s love for us is redemptive and restorative, because of his faithfulness. He does not desire our forced obedience but our love and commitment. No matter how far we might be from God or how long we might have turned our attention away, he is always ready to welcome us back.
God is not bound by the cultural definitions of manhood or womanhood. Through the message of Isaiah to the Jewish people, we discover that God is transcendent, and that he has chosen to reveal the way he loves through the image of a comforting mom. And while our human mothers have limitations, there is no limit to God’s love and compassion.
The love of God is hard to fathom and understand. When Jesus attempts to explain this love to his followers, he tells a story describing the love of a father. God loves like a father. God does not ask us to earn his love; he receives us with grace. Because of our experiences, this might be hard to believe, but you are never too far or too broken to experience the love of God.
God is love. This truth permeates every aspect of our faith and our understanding of God and his relationship with his children. And God’s love is not fake or forced. The believer can embrace his perfect love, even if their experiences with other people have left them skeptical. Through the picture of a shepherd, we discover a deeper understanding of God's love for us.
As we finish out one of the most challenging years many of us have ever faced and look ahead to what might be in front, we are reminded that in the middle of all of it, we find the strength of God. Even when we feel pressure on all sides, we can still stand strong!
Welcome to Christmas Eve at Mill Creek! No matter what the circumstances of your life might be in this moment, we hope you will be encouraged that light has come. That light brings life and overcomes the darkness!
Jesus’s birth ushered in a new era that would reveal the hearts of people and affect all of humanity. Some would accept him, others would despise his truth. The birth of Christ has given us the opportunity to have transformed hearts, minds, and actions. This was always his one and only passion, to make us new.
A major theme at Christmas is the idea of peace. Peace in our world. Peace in our hearts. Though he is the Prince of Peace, Jesus’s life was wrought with challenging circumstances from the moment he was born. But even in the midst of chaos, we find hospitality and generosity that helps bring peace into our challenging world.
When we hear the word "home" at Christmas, it can bring all sorts of memories and pictures to mind. The way our childhood homes were decorated for the holiday. The special places that we traveled to like a grandparent's home or other family member. The birth of Jesus ushered in the message of a new kingdom but this wouldn't be an earthly one that most expected. It would be an everlasting kingdom, the promise of a new home for all who believe.
The Christmas season is more than just decorations or gifts, it also brings with it a whole set of songs, themes and ideas. Most of them center around creating and expecting a wonderful, perfect holiday season. But often our experience is anything but wonderful. Through the messy tension of the experience of Mary and Joseph, we find encountering Jesus gives the believer strength in difficulty—and a reason to celebrate.
Churches and pastors sometimes get the reputation that all they seem to talk about is money. But generosity is what defined the early church and it should define the church today. It's not about money, it's about understanding the generous grace that has been shown to us and how we share that grace with others.
Generosity can often be confusing because we tend to emphasize money and wealth. When Jesus offers a glimpse into his Kingdom's economy, the emphasis wasn’t on money. He focused on being faithful and generous even when it seems you shouldn’t be. It’s easy to be generous when you have it, but can we be generous even out of an apparent lack?
No one wants to be greedy, no one wakes up wanting to be more selfish. No parent wants to raise selfish children. But it’s easy to deceive ourselves that we are truly generous people. We assume a lot about ourselves that might not actually be true. It's not enough just to wish we were more generous, we need a plan.
The unity and diversity of the early church shocked and intrigued the ancient world. Ours should as well. Let’s not miss the invitation and opportunity of a lifetime. The invitation is to follow the King who reversed the order of things. Together we will make the world better, and perhaps we may leave our nation a little less divided.
Your favorite candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes this November. However, the church will win or lose based on our behavior between now and then. While we will not agree on every political talking point, we must not let politics divide us.
Loving others is not a super controversial subject, most can agree how important it is for us to be kind and loving to others. But let's be real, we don't always do real great at the implementation. Why do we struggle to love others? The answer could be as simple as what we see.
Jesus draws a very distinct connection between loving God and loving others. It's not enough to just say we love God, we show our devotion by going all in with our heart, soul, mind and strength. Equally as important is showing that love in our interaction with others. For Jesus, this was of upmost importance. Love God. Love others. This is true faith.
The greatest commandment given by Jesus tells us to love God with all of our strength—with every opportunity, capacity, and ability. Strength goes beyond just our physical abilities or mental fortitude. It's an idea that challenges us to enhance and amplify God’s desire in every capacity and opportunity that is presented to us every day.
Our minds have incredible power. The power to move our lives in a positive direction or hold us back in the lies of our world. When questioned about the greatest commandment, Jesus includes the idea of loving God with all our minds. Discover how it's possible to love God with all of our mind when we allow our thoughts to be transformed by God.
The greatest commandment, given by Jesus, tells us to love God with all of our soul—but what exactly does that mean? For many, our understanding of soul does not align well with how the ancient Jews and Jesus would view it. For them, the soul was not a non-physical immortal essence trapped in our bodies, only to be released at death. It was the entirety of our life and being.
The greatest commandment, given by Jesus, tells us to love God with all of our heart—our desires, emotions, affections, and will. Our challenge is will we be a people who love God with our emotions, our desires, our affections, and our will? Will we be all in?
The word discipline can have a negative connotation in our lives. We don't have great memories of how we were disciplined and vowed to do it differently. But what if we've misunderstood what discipline is? Discipline means “to teach,” not “to punish.” So what's the message we are conveying to our kids if we are meant to teach and not punish?
As parents, we sometimes worry that we focus too much on the physical to the detriment of the spiritual. However, we prepare our children’s whole person for success by making sure we are meeting physical and environmental needs, along with the spiritual needs.
As parents, we often guilt ourselves about whether we are spending enough time with our children and giving them the right life balance. But as believers, we can be freed to focus on presence over perfection. Like God, parents can meet many of their kids’ needs through true presence and connection, because kids have the same innate needs parents do. Both Scripture and neuroscience teach that connection disarms fear in order to teach and help children grow in every area.
The Bible encourages believers to understand parenting as a picture of the gospel. Humans were created for connection. Genesis shows us that God parented us rightly from the beginning, but every relationship—including parenting—got harder when sin and shame entered the picture.
Real faith includes both belief and action. Often times our actions are carried out in moments of great courage and boldness. What we see might not match up with what we know God is calling us to do. There is a choice in that moment, trust God or give into fear.
It can become pretty easy to distinguish the knock off brands in life. It might look like the "real" thing, but we know it's a phony. How about our faith? Hard times will quickly reveal whether our faith was real or fake. But why wait for the difficulties to discover what we have isn't real?
Even in the best of times, it can be hard to speak words of kindness, love and integrity. In the middle of some of the most difficult times we've faced? Maybe it's best to stay off social media. A follower of Jesus has a lot of labels, one of the most important is light. What kind of light are you illuminating?
All of us will go through the valley at some point. Experiencing loss and grief is a part of the human experience. The real question is how we handle grief. Most of us have not had great examples of how to process loss but God wants to be close to the broken and help us learn how to grieve with hope!
The grace of God can be experienced beyond just the powerful story of the cross and forgiveness. It is found everyday, all around and in front of us. Grace is seen in what we have and who we are. It can be easy to miss God’s grace. We have to remember to remember.
Grace is uncommon in our world. We don't see it modeled often but when we can show and give grace, we can show Jesus. It doesn't have to be difficult, it might be as simple as seeing the person right in front of us.
Grace is a gift we continually need, through our entire lives of faith. It goes beyond just the moment of realization how far we might be from God and his grace filled forgiveness of our rebellion. We need his grace daily and find his gift never runs out.
As Mill Creek begins to gather together again in worship and life, we do so in a challenging time. People are hurting, confused, frustrated and angry. They need hope. But most importantly, they need grace. It's grace that changes everything.
After eleven weeks apart Mill Creek finally is able to gather together again. In the midst of some very trying and difficult times in our world, we have a great opportunity to bring hope and love to hurting people. We probably don't have to go far or do much, just remember the greatest rule.
While we might not be able to parse the reasons for our pain and suffering, we know that Christ is with us and working to redeem our broken creation, broken hearts, and broken world. Maybe just knowing the end of the story can give us the hope we need to make it through the hard times.
There can be great inspiration in life watching the underdog persevering and showing steadfast determination to achieve their goals. When life is difficult and too hard to handle on our own, how do we keep our focus on the right things? How do we stay in the fight?
Jesus went through pain and suffering and we see him wrestling with this in the garden of Gethsemane. In our suffering, we can take heart that Christ loves us and that suffering is part of what it looks like to commune with him. Like Jesus did, take people with you into your pain. Turn your pain and hardship into honest prayers.
We’ve all heard the saying “God will only give you what you can handle.” This isn’t always true, however. Sometimes we experience moments that we can’t handle. Life isn't fair and bad things happen to good people. The problem of pain comes from humankind’s fall into sin. But, from the beginning, God’s heart has always been to redeem and rescue.