Christ Street Fellowship: Recent Episodes
Gary Beasley
This week, Pastor Gary continues the Still They Speak series by looking at the unnamed Shunammite woman from 2 Kings 4. In a culture marked by spiritual compromise, her life still speaks a powerful message to the church today. We explore three aspects of an overcoming faith: spiritual discernment, generous living, and bringing every burden to God in prayer. Most importantly, we see how Jesus is the true and better fulfillment of her story, empowering us to stand firm and faithfully follow Him in an increasingly post-Christian world.
In this week's Still They Speak message, we looked at the remarkable life of young King Josiah and the witness of a heart that sought God. Even though he inherited a nation consumed by idolatry and came from a deeply broken family legacy, Josiah's life reminds us that God is both willing and able to use anyone who sincerely seeks after him. Together we heard Josiah speak 4 enduring truths through his witness of faith: God always keeps His promises, the greatest works begin by seeking God, our identity is found in Christ rather than our past, and we must tear down anything that competes with God for the throne of our hearts. Above all, as we have done each week in this series, we saw how Josiah points us to Jesus, who is the truer and better Josiah because he perfectly fulfilled God's promises, sought the Father's will, gives us a new identity, and frees us from the idols of our hearts.
In this week's Still They Speak message, we listen to the enduring witness of Jael and Benaiah, two lesser-known Old Testament witnesses whose lives point us to Jesus. Through Jael, we see that God often brings victory in the most unexpected ways, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's triumph at the cross. Through Benaiah, we learn to trust God enough to step into the battles He calls us to fight, remain faithful in every season, and leave recognition and promotion in God's hands. Their lives remind us that true courage is rooted in faith, and that every faithful witness ultimately directs our eyes to Jesus.
In this episode, Pastor Gary continues the Still They Speak series by exploring the life of Mephibosheth. Through David's remarkable kindness to this seemingly forgotten and undeserving man, we catch a glimpse of God's overwhelming mercy toward us in Christ. We discover that we are Mephibosheth, crippled by the fall and living in a land of desolation, while Jesus is the truer and better David who welcomes us to His table, not because of what we've done, but because of His own sacrifice and grace.
In this week’s message from our Still They Speak series, we listened to the witness of two fathers: one from the Old Testament and one from our own day. Through the life of Elkanah, the father of Samuel, we saw the example of a man who remained faithful to God in a spiritually corrupt generation. His life reminds us not to let the faithlessness of others determine our own faithfulness to the Lord and that our families will likely follow what we consistently prioritize.
We also heard from Jamie, a current father whose faith has been refined through deep suffering. After losing his first wife, the birth mother of his two daughters, to cancer, Jamie came face-to-face with the reality that he could not father his girls in his own strength. Through that loss, he learned to depend completely upon his Heavenly Father for wisdom, strength, and guidance as he raised his daughters. His testimony was a powerful reminder that God’s grace is sufficient even in our greatest trials and that we may not be perfect earthly fathers, but by God's Spirit we can be good fathers who lead our families to Christ.
Both witnesses ultimately point us to Jesus, the truer and better Elkanah, who remained perfectly faithful to His Father and made God's will His highest priority in every area of life. As Christ’s followers, we are called to shine faithfully in a faithless world, lead our families toward God, and rely daily on our Heavenly Father’s strength rather than our own.
In this week’s message from our Still They Speak series, we listen to the witness of Miriam, the young girl who courageously watched over her baby brother Moses during one of Israel’s darkest moments. Though she was only a child, God used her faith, courage, and wisdom to help preserve the future deliverer of His people.
As we listen to the witness of her faith, Miriam still speaks to us today, calling us to remain watchful over those God has entrusted to our care, speak up for the vulnerable, and respond with discernment in every situation. Yet her life points beyond itself to Jesus, the truer and better Miriam, who perfectly watches over His people, advocates for those in need, and embodies perfect wisdom.
Join us as we discover how God uses ordinary acts of faithfulness to accomplish His purposes and how the witness of one young girl continues to encourage believers to live lives of courageous faith today.
In this message from our Still They Speak series, Pastor Gary explores the remarkable story of Ittai the Gittite (2 Samuel 15). At the lowest point of David’s life, when many abandoned him, Ittai chose to stay. His unwavering commitment provides a powerful picture of faithfulness in a culture that often values convenience over covenant.
Together we discover how Ittai’s example points us to Jesus, who is the perfectly loyal Friend and Savior, and challenges us to remain faithful to Christ, devoted to our families, and committed to our church family.
A timely message about loyalty, friendship, faithfulness, and the God who never abandons His people.
In this final message from Galatians, Pastor Nate explored what it means to "ive by the Spirit." Paul reminds us that the Spirit-led life is not mystical or abstract, but practical and visible in everyday relationships. Those who are spiritual restore others with gentleness, bear one another’s burdens, support the work of the gospel, and persevere in doing good. Throughout the chapter, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit and calls believers to reject pride, comparison, and self-reliance.
Paul closes the letter by returning to its central theme: our justification is not found through religious works, law-keeping, or outward rituals, but through the grace of God received by faith in Jesus Christ. The only thing worth boasting in is the cross of Christ, through which we have been made a new creation. As we conclude our study of Galatians, we are reminded to stand firm in the true gospel of grace, walk in step with the Spirit, and rest confidently in the fact that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ which transforms, and keeps us to the very end.
In this week’s message from Galatians 5, we explored Paul’s powerful call to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us. Paul warns the Galatians not to return to the slavery of trying to earn salvation through obedience to the law, but instead to continue walking by faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The sermon contrasted the burden of the law with the freedom found in grace, showing that true transformation does not come through human effort but through the Spirit of God changing us from the inside out. We also examined Paul’s warnings about false teaching, the danger of legalism, and the difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit produced by the Spirit.
Ultimately, this message reminded us that the Christian life begins and continues by grace through faith in Christ. Through the Spirit, God not only gives us the desire to obey Him, but also the power to live for His glory.
This week’s episode from Galatians 5:22–26 focuses on the Fruit of the Spirit and the truth that real spiritual transformation comes not through human effort, but through the work of the Holy Spirit in those who belong to Christ.
Using the imagery of trees and fruit, we saw that good fruit is the result of being made a “new creation” in Christ and then remaining close in relationship with Him by faith. Rather than trying harder in our own strength, believers are called to keep in step with the Spirit through our relationship with Him, which can be developed through Hearing God’s Word with faith, Spending Time with God, Fellowshipping with the Saints, Sharing the gospel with the lost.
We also explored how the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives for the glory of God and the blessing of others.
This episode is Sunday’s teaching from Galatians 4. It explores Paul’s powerful contrast between the slavery of the Law and the freedom of the Gospel. Using illustrations like the household servant charged with disciplining the children, Roman adoption, and the story of Hagar and Sarah, we see that the Law was never meant to save us, but only to lead us to Christ. Through Jesus, we are no longer slaves living under fear and performance, but sons and daughters adopted into a direct relationship with the Father through the Holy Spirit. Paul passionately warned the Galatians not to return to the bondage of legalism after experiencing the freedom of grace, reminding us that salvation and transformation come through faith in Christ alone, not through law keeping.
In this message from Galatians 3, we confront a vital question: Did we begin by the Spirit, only to try to grow by the flesh? Paul reminds us that both our salvation and our transformation are entirely the work of God’s Spirit—not by us doing works of the law.
Through Abraham, we see that righteousness has always come by hearing with faith, while obedience simply reveals that faith is real. The law, which cannot save, in turn exposes our need for the grace of God through faith in Christ, who fulfilled the righteous demands of the law on our behalf.
God's invitation to us is clear: stop striving to earn what God has already given. Rest in Christ, walk by the Spirit by hearing God's Word with faith, and let your life then reflect that faith!
In this week’s message from Galatians 2, we explored the unshakable foundation of the gospel message: we are justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works of the law.
Paul boldly defends this truth, showing that his message came directly from Christ and is in full agreement with the other apostles. Yet even in the early church, false teachers were pressuring believers to add religious works to faith. Paul refuses to compromise in order to preserve the integrity of the true gospel.
The tension becomes personal when Paul confronts Peter for withdrawing from Gentile believers out of a fear of man. His actions sent the message that faith in Christ wasn’t enough. It’s a sobering reminder that even faithful leaders can drift, and that the truth of the gospel must be guarded with courage and clarity.
At the center of it all is this defining truth: we are made right with God through faith in Christ alone. This kind of faith isn’t just any kind of belief. It is: receiving Him, trusting Him, and resting fully in Him as our greatest treasure.
Because we have been crucified with Christ, our old life is gone, and Christ now lives in us. To return to works of the law as a means of salvation would be to nullify grace, and we do not nullify the grace of Christ!
In this episode, Pastor Nate continues our “Galatians - In Christ Alone” series with a look at chapter 1 verses 11-24. These verses reveal Paul’s powerful transformation: from a persecutor of the gospel and Christ’s church to a bold preacher of the very message he once tried to destroy. Paul points to his changed life as evidence that the Gospel he proclaims came directly as a revelation from Jesus, not from man.
These passages remind us that the true gospel doesn’t just inform us, it transforms us. Paul’s story also shows that no one is beyond God’s grace, and that salvation happens according to God’s perfect timing and purpose.
The result? A life changed by the gospel becomes a testimony that leads others to glorify God.
In this opening message from Galatians, we are reminded that the true Gospel, salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, is not just a doctrine to understand, but a true display of God’s glory. Paul confronts the Galatians’ drift toward a “different gospel,” warning that adding works of the law to Christ’s finished work doesn’t just mislead people, it attempts to rob God of the glory due His name. With both urgency and authority, Paul calls the church back to the unchanging truth: Christ gave Himself for our sins to deliver us, and faith in Him alone is sufficient to save. This message challenges us to examine what we believe as those saved by grace, to stand firm in the true Gospel, and live for the glory of God above all else!
In this Easter message, we walked through Gospel of Mark 16 and were reminded that experiencing the glory of Jesus changes everything. The women came to the tomb expecting death, not resurrection, but God moved anyway, proving that His power is not limited by our expectations. Then, when all the other disciples encountered the risen Christ, they were transformed from fearful and confused to bold and convicted witnesses of the gospel. The same invitation stands for us today: don’t just hear about Jesus, experience Him, trust Him, and be changed by the reality that He is alive!
In this sermon from Mark 15, we walk through the final hours of Jesus including His unjust trial before Pilate to His crucifixion, death, and burial. What unfolds is not only the failure of human justice, but the fulfillment of God’s perfect plan, as Jesus willingly endures suffering as the true Passover Lamb.
At the cross, we see the heart of the gospel: Jesus becomes sin (2 Cor. 5:21) and bears the full weight of God’s judgment in our place. The darkness over the land, His cry of abandonment, and the tearing of the temple curtain reveal that through His sacrifice, the way to God has been opened, and Jesus is the way!
This message calls us to respond. No one stands neutral before Jesus—will we reject Him like the crowd, or confess Him as the Son of God like the centurion? Praise God that Good Friday is not the end… Sunday is coming!
In this episode, Pastor Gary walks us through Mark 14 and the final hours before the cross. We will move from the intimacy of the Passover table, to the anguish of Gethsemane, the injustice of Jesus’ arrest and trial, and Peter’s heartbreaking denial. We see Jesus redefine Passover, not as a memory of deliverance from Egypt, but as the moment pointing to Himself: the true Lamb whose body and blood secure a new covenant.
As the story unfolds, we witness both the depth of Christ’s obedience and the weakness of His followers. Jesus willingly embraces the cup of suffering (a suffering which we will never fully understand) while His disciples falter in their faith by sleeping, scattering, and even denying knowing Him. Yet even in human failure, grace is already at work, reminding us that our hope is not in our faithfulness, but in His.
This message calls us to move from distance to devotion and to not merely observe the table, but to receive Christ by faith, walk closely with Him, and find restoration even when we fall.
In this episode, we continue through Gospel of Mark as Jesus teaches about the destruction of Jerusalem, coming deception, persecution, tribulation, and His promised return in glory. His repeated command to His disciples, and to us, is both simple and urgent: watch and be alert, not trying to predict the day, but living with faith, endurance, and discernment.
We also reflect on Second Timothy 4:7-9 and the contrast between Paul and Demas, along with Mary and Judas in Mark 14, seeing that those who love Christ’s appearing live differently from those who love the present world. The episode closes with a personal question: Are we watching for Jesus, or are we spiritually asleep? Listen in!
In this episode, we continue our Jesus Glorified series from the Gospel of Mark in chapter 12 following Jesus through a series of powerful encounters in the temple. From the parable of the vineyard, where Jesus warned the religious leaders about rejecting God’s messengers and ultimately His Son, to His response about taxes, resurrection, and the greatest commandment, each moment revealed both His authority and His glory.
The chapter closes with the striking contrast between proud religious leaders who loved money and took advantage of the vulnerable in society, particularly the widows, and a poor widow who quietly gave all she had out of love and devotion to God in spite of the systemic injustice she was experiencing by the very ones commanded to care for her. Together, these passages challenge us to examine whether our faith is merely outward appearance or wholehearted devotion, calling us again to give to God what already belongs to Him, our very lives.
In this episode, Pastor Nate continues the Jesus Glorified series with Mark 10:46-11:33 following Jesus on the road to Jerusalem as His glory is revealed and hearts are exposed. The central theme we see in this teaching is the contrast between religious appearance and genuine faith.
Mark 10:46 begins with a blind man named Bartimaeus in Jericho, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and cried out for mercy. Though others tried to silence him, Jesus stopped, healed him, and declared that his faith had saved him. Bartimaeus then followed Jesus on the road, being an example of true, responsive faith.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, He intentionally fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy from 9:9, declaring publicly his identity. Crowds shouted “Hosanna,” welcoming Him as King, quoting from Psalm 118, yet many would soon reject Him when He did not meet their expectations, thus fulfilling the prophecy found in that same Psalm verse :22.
Through the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple, Jesus revealed God’s judgment on empty religion: outward religious activity without fruit. This theme is further addressed by Jesus when His authority was questioned by the religious leaders. Their refusal to answer a questions posed by Jesus honestly exposed their heart which was more concerned with religious appearance than true faith and repentance.
In this week’s message from our Jesus Glorified: Transfiguration to Resurrection series, we continued through Mark 10, where Jesus reshapes how we understand salvation, greatness, and the culture of God’s kingdom.
In this chapter, starting at verse 13, Jesus welcomes and blesses little children. In a culture that measured spiritual worth by knowledge and obedience of God’s Law, Jesus declared that the kingdom of God belongs to those who can do nothing to earn it. Like infants, we are saved by grace alone—eternal life is received as a gift from God, not achieved by our hard work.
That truth is then contrasted with a rich young ruler, who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Though outwardly obedient, he was unable to surrender what he valued most: his wealth. Jesus’ loving challenge exposed the deeper question for each of us: Is Jesus enough?
Then, as they journeyed toward Jerusalem, Jesus again predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection. Immediately afterward, just as we saw last week, the disciples argued over positions of greatness, prompting Jesus to address once again the truth about God's kingdom leadership. In God’s upside-down kingdom, greatness is found not in power, but in humility.
We finish up the message with Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” By using the word “ransom” Jesus’ purpose for dying was clear: His substitutionary sacrifice would free us from our slavery to sin and death. His life for our freedom.
This episodes marks the beginning of our series in the Gospel of Mark by exploring the difference between believing facts about Jesus and truly understanding who he is. In chapter 8, Peter correctly confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, yet he could not grasp what that meant: that the Son of God would suffer and die. That gap between belief and understanding leads chapter 9 and the Transfiguration, where the disciples experience the unveiled glory of Christ and begin to see him more clearly.
The message reminds us that information alone does not transform us. Real change happens when we encounter the glory of God in Jesus personally. Like the father who cried, “I believe; help my unbelief,” we are invited into an honest, dependent faith that moves from knowledge to experience. The central question remains: not just what we say we believe about Jesus, but whether we truly know him in a way that reshapes our lives.
In this episode, Pastor Nate teaches the final message of The Church Imagined series. He explores Paul’s picture of the church in 1 Corinthians 3 as God’s field. Speaking to a divided and spiritually immature church, Paul reminds believers that real growth doesn’t come from elevating leaders or choosing sides, but from learning to live in Christlike love. We also see that spiritual maturity is not measured by knowledge alone, but by how deeply we love one another.
Using the image of a field, the sermon highlights that the church is God’s primary place for spiritual growth. Just as crops thrive in good soil, believers grow best in committed community. Every member has a role: planting seeds by sharing God’s Word, watering through encouragement and practicing the “one another” commands, and trusting God for the miracle of growth. We are coworkers in God’s work, but only He gives life.
We are reminded that we don’t own the field, and we don’t produce the harvest, only God does. Our responsibility is to serve diligently, refuse division, and give Him all the glory as He grows His people.
In this message by Pastor Gary from our The Church Imagined series, we explore Paul’s powerful picture of the church as the Body of Christ from 1 Corinthians 12. Jesus never designed believers to follow Him alone. We find spiritual strength and purpose in loving unity. Like parts of a human body working together, every member of the church is connected, necessary, and valuable.
This sermon highlights five key truths: we belong to one another, every member matters, no one is greater than another, we share each other’s suffering and joy, and the health of the church depends on staying responsive to Jesus, the Head of the body. In a culture that celebrates independence, this message calls us back to interdependence: serving, forgiving, praying for, and caring for one another.
When the church lives in this kind of unity under Christ’s leadership, it becomes a healthy and visible reflection of Jesus to the world.
This episode is the fourth teaching in our series “The Church Imagined” and it challenges us to further understand our identity as the church through one of Scripture’s most enduring images: The Flock of God. Psalm 23 and John 10 (along with many other passages of scripture) make it clear that we are the sheep, and Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Like real sheep, we are created to live in dependence, relationship, and community, not self-sufficiency.
The message centers on three relationships shaped by this identity:
Our relationship with God.
Jesus, our Great Shepherd, calls, leads, feeds, and protects His sheep to the point of laying down His life for us. Our role in the relationship is to listen to and follow His voice, learning to hear Him through Scripture, submission, and steadfastness.
Our relationship with one another.
Sheep are not meant to live alone. Scripture reminds us that isolation brings vulnerability, while life in the flock brings strength and growth (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42). God also appoints leaders as undershepherds to care for His people under the authority of Christ, the Great Shepherd.
Our relationship with the world.
Jesus warns that as sheep, we live among predators. Spiritual and human threats are real, but we are not called to respond like wolves. Instead, we stay true to our identity as sheep and in doing so remain alert, united, and prayerful, faithfully trusting in our Shepherd’s care.
As the Church, we are the flock of God, the sheep of His pasture. When we embrace this identity, we learn how to walk closely with God, care deeply for one another, and live wisely in the world.
In week three of The Church Imagined series, we explored another identity-shaping image of the church in the New Testament: the Royal Priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that the church is not a building or an organization, but a holy people chosen by God, called out of darkness, and set apart to proclaim His praises.
By looking back the role of the Jewish priesthood in the Old Testament, we saw how Jesus fulfilled the priestly system once and for all as our Great High Priest. Because of His death, resurrection, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God has now made the church itself His royal and holy priesthood.
The sermon focused on three key aspects of this calling: priestly clothing, priestly duties, and priestly portion. From Colossians 3, we were challenged to “put on” spiritual clothing such as compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love. We were also reminded that just as the priests of old had duties, we too as a royal priesthood have responsibilities today: praying and interceding for others, caring for God’s temple by loving one another and using our spiritual gifts, and teaching the Word of Christ through both instruction and example. Finally, we reflected on our greatest inheritance as God’s priests: the Lord Himself, our portion now and for eternity.
As Christ’s church, we are a royal priesthood so that we may proclaim the praises of the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. May this truth shape how we live and serve together!
In this episode, Pastor Nate gives the second teaching from The Church Imagined series. This series explores the various facets of church as it is described through various illustrations in the New Testament. This week, we explore one of those powerful images of the Church: the Temple of the Living God. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3, Ephesians 2, and 1 Peter 2, the sermon reminds us that the holy temple of God is not a building or a place, but a people in whom God’s very presence now dwells through the Holy Spirit.
By tracing the purpose of the Old Testament temple (God’s desire to dwell with His people) we see how Jesus fulfills everything the temple pointed toward. Through the work of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God now makes His home in and among His people. Together, we are being built by God himself into a holy dwelling place for His glory.
The teaching then calls the church to live out this identity with purpose: holiness, as a people set apart for God; worship, not just through songs but through lives offered as living sacrifices; and hospitality, as a house of prayer for all peoples, welcoming the world without compromising the truth of the gospel.
This teaching invites us to see ourselves and one another with fresh eyes as the Holy Temple of the Living God, called to reflect His presence, His purity, and His love to the world.
What is the church and how does Jesus and the New Testament writers define it? In this opening message of the new teaching series, The Church Imagined, we are reminded that the Church is neither a business nor a social institution, rather the ekklesia or the people of God who have been called out by Christ and set apart for His purposes.
This sermon series will explore the New Testament’s rich images and illustrations of the church, which help us imagine what Jesus intended when He said, “I will build MY church” (Matthew 16:18). Beginning with the foundational picture of the church as the “called-out ones,” we see that the church belongs to Christ and is both built and empowered by Him through the Holy Spirit.
As the called out ones, followers of Christ are called to live distinct from the world without compromise, grounded in truth, unity, and holiness, as we learn to be the church Jesus is forming for His glory and the world’s good.
In this episode, Pastor Gary teaches the final Sunday of Advent on love and how genuine love for God always leads to worship. Through the stories of the Magi and Simeon, we saw that Jesus is not merely someone to admire, but the King who calls for our obedience, surrender, and adoration.
The Magi responded to Jesus with costly worship, traveling far and offering their very best. In contrast, King Herod responded with fear and self-preservation, reminding us that encountering Jesus always reveals what is in our hearts. Simeon, after a lifetime of faithful waiting, responded with praise and peace when he finally held the promised Savior, declaring Jesus as God’s salvation.
Pastor Gary challenged us to examine our own response to Jesus. True worship is never passive: it involves offering our time, resources, obedience, and lives to Him. As we are reaching the end of Advent, we are invited to move beyond admiration and respond to Christ with wholehearted worship, recognizing Him not just as a Savior, but as my Savior and my Lord!
In this third week of Advent, Pastor Nate explores the theme of joy through the powerful moment when God reveals His glory and the message of Christ's birth; Not to kings or religious elites, but to ordinary shepherds in the fields. Drawing from Luke 2:8–20 and 1 Corinthians 1:27–29, we were reminded that God delights in using the overlooked and the humble so that He alone will be glorified and no one can boast in their own merit.
We also reflect on how an encounter with God’s glory produces lasting joy. This joy then overflows into witness, even in suffering, as seen in the life of Betsie ten Boom. True joy is not tied to circumstances but rooted in Christ, and it shines as a powerful testimony to the world.
Never underestimate what God can do through a surrendered, ordinary life, and to ask Him to fill us anew with the joy that comes from encountering His glory. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:14–16, we are called to let that light and joy shine to everyone around us!
This week’s Advent message focused on how peace and courage are woven together in the Christmas story. Looking at Mary and Joseph, we saw that God’s call often arrives with uncertainty, risk, and fear. However, peace grows when we choose obedience over self-protection.
Pastor Nate begins by defining courage as the conviction that something matters more than fear, sharing a personal story of responding to God’s call to missionary work in Juarez. That same tension shows up in Luke 1 when Mary, an ordinary young woman, is suddenly called to an extraordinary task, and then Joseph is blindsided by Mary’s pregnancy until God intervened. Both had many reasons to hesitate, yet both said yes.
This teaching emphasizes that following God does not guarantee smooth paths, but it does open the way to His peace. In contrast, Jonah’s refusal to obey God's call led him into turmoil and inner conflict. Through his example, we learn that disobedience will steal peace far more than difficult circumstances do.
The message closes with a simple Advent practice: signing your name at the bottom of a blank page—symbolizing a willingness to trust God without needing all the details. Peace comes not from certainty in our situation, rather certainty in the one who calls us and surrender to his will. When we say “yes” to God, like Mary and Joseph, we step into the very peace we long for this season.
In this episode, Pastor Nate teaches on the first Sunday of Advent and the launch of our Christmas series, “Christmas: The Whole Story.” Our focus was hope rooted in God’s promises and His perfect timing.
We look back to the prophecies of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2, 6), written centuries before Christ’s birth, and noted how God’s people waited through generations and even 400 years of silence after Malachi's final words concerning a prophet who would come to prepare the way of the Messiah. Yet in the apparent silence, God was working behind the scenes the entire time.
The silence finally broke in Luke 1 with the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth, showing again that God answers prayers at the right moment. Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story reminds us that God is sovereign and we can trust that he hears us when we pray.
Our teaching closes by reflecting on our own seasons of waiting. Advent teaches us to trust that:
- God keeps His Word.
- God is always present.
- God works even when we can’t see it.
As we continue through Advent, we hold onto the same hope Israel held: the God who fulfilled His promises then is still faithful today!
In this teaching, Pastor Gary closes our journey through the Songs of Ascent by looking at the final two psalms the ancient pilgrims sang as they entered Jerusalem. Psalm 133 celebrates the beauty of unity—brothers and sisters walking the same path toward God. Unity isn’t easy, but it grows when we see each other as God’s anointed people, and when the Holy Spirit softens our hearts through pouring out new life. Where unity exists, God commands blessing.
Psalm 134 is the pilgrims’ final response: “Bless the Lord.” Having arrived at the temple, they lift their hands in worship. We do the same today—praising God for saving us, sustaining us, and leading us on. The Songs of Ascent begin with “Woe is me” and end with “Bless the Lord.” That is the path of every Christian pilgrim: from struggle to worship, from journey to joy!
This week we explored Psalm 132, the first psalm in the final triad of the Songs of Ascent. While earlier psalms focused on the hardships of the journey, these last three were sung inside Jerusalem—reminding us that even now we are spiritually seated with Christ, yet still on pilgrimage toward our eternal home.
In this psalm we learn that We ascend through a passion for God’s presence and an expectation of His reward.
Psalm 132 opens with a bold request: “Lord, remember David.” Scripture doesn’t shy away from the idea of reward—God strengthens His people by reminding us that faithfulness matters and that He will repay each person according to their works (Revelation 22:12). Reward isn’t our focus, but it is a biblical encouragement along the way.
The heart of the psalm is David’s passion for God’s presence. He refused to rest until the Ark—the symbol of God’s holiness, power, and mercy—was brought to the center of Israel’s life. His passion was born out of love, not ambition, and it inspired the people to seek God with the same desire. Today, through Jesus and the indwelling Spirit, we are God’s temple—so the question becomes: Are we cultivating that same longing for His presence?
Finally, Psalm 132 shows that God’s plans exceed even our best intentions. David wanted to build God a house, but God promised instead to build him an eternal one—a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom has no end.
Passion for God’s presence leads us upward, and confidence in God’s promises keeps us moving forward. Trust Him—His plans will always surpass your expectations.
In this week’s message from our Ascent: Walking up the Pilgrims’ Pathway series, Pastor Nate takes us deep into the heart of two of the most intimate Songs of Ascent, Psalm 130 and Psalm 131 , to show us how we ascend in our pilgrimage through waiting for God’s mercy with quiet trust.
Psalm 130 begins “Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord,” painting a picture of the pit of sin—a place of helplessness where no one can save themselves. But there, in the darkness, we find the beauty of God’s character: forgiveness, steadfast love (hesed), and plentiful redemption. Through the cross of Christ, these are not abstract ideas, they’re living realities. Like Hosea’s faithful love for Gomer, God’s hesed runs deeper than our failures and stronger than our rebellion.
We are called to pray and wait. Waiting isn’t passive, it’s an act of hope and longing that just as the watchman waits for dawn, the light of God’s mercy will rise. We hope on His Word—trusting His promises—and we hope for His Word—expecting His Spirit to speak and lead. Psalm 131 moves from crying out to calming down, from desperation to quiet trust. David models humility before God, resisting Satan’s attacks on the heart, eyes, and mind. Instead of arrogance, pride, and restless speculation, he quiets his soul “like a weaned child with its mother.” Pastor Nate contrasts childish faith, which demands and fears, with childlike faith, which rests and trusts.
As pilgrims, we can be sure of this: The Lord Himself will redeem us from all our iniquities. So, we keep praying, keep waiting, and keep trusting, until we see His mercy rise like the morning light.
This week at Christ Street Fellowship, Pastor Nate continued our fall series Ascent: Walking up the Pilgrims’ Pathway, by exploring Psalms 128 and 129 and showing how we can ascend through the fear of God, even in times of persecution.
Psalm 128 reminds us that true blessing flows from a holy fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord, although not definable in a single, short definition, is about awe, reverence, honor, obedience, and intimacy with a God who is both powerful and good. We will learn that the fear of God doesn’t drive us away, it draws us closer. We also learn that nearness to God is a place of safety, not danger. From Isaiah’s trembling vision of the throne room to Jesus’ delight in the fear of the Lord, Scripture shows that reverent awe leads to deeper friendship, wisdom, and blessing.
Then, turning to Psalm 129, as pilgrims we are reminded that affliction will come, but it will not prevail. “The plowers plowed upon my back,” the psalmist writes, yet the Lord “cut the cords of the wicked.” We see parallels to Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4 and Peter’s encouragement in 1 Peter 5: though we suffer for a season, the God of all grace will restore, strengthen, and establish us.
In this week’s message from our Ascent series, Pastor Nate leads us through Psalms 126 and 127, showing that we ascend through a healthy vision of God’s will.
In Psalm 126, we’re reminded that when despair clouds our hearts, a clear vision gives strength for the pilgrimage. It teaches us to look back with gratitude at God’s past restoration, to see the present with honesty about our captivity or struggles, and to face the future with faith in His promises.
Psalm 127 then calls us to trust God’s sovereignty in everything we do. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Whether in work, family, or rest, only what’s done in alignment with God’s will endures. Solomon reminds us that our calling is not self-reliance, but surrendered obedience in which we pray as Jesus taught his disciples: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”
This message encourages every pilgrim on the journey: remember God’s faithfulness, face your current reality with humility, and walk forward in faith—knowing that every step, every seed sown, and every act of obedience in the Lord is never in vain.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side…”? In this week’s message, Pastor Nate takes us into Psalms 124 and 125 — two pilgrim songs that celebrate God’s rescue and the unshakable security of those who trust in Him.
In Psalm 124, we see that God isn’t just with His people, He’s for them. David declares that Israel’s survival was not due to their strength or strategy, but to the Lord’s saving power. In the same way, our own deliverance from sin, fear, and the spiritual forces that oppose us is entirely because of God’s faithful hand.
Then in Psalm 125, we ascend higher to the place of steadfast trust. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds His people forever. Even when the world feels unstable and evil seems to prevail, God’s people can stand firm on Christ, the immovable Rock!
This week, Pastor Nate continues our fall spiritual growth campaign through the Songs of Ascent with Psalms 122 and 123, reminding us that the Christian life is a pilgrimage that has a pattern we see repeated in these Psalms: Desperation, Dependence, Delight. Desperation because of the sin that permeates this earth, dependence on an all-sufficient God, and delight when we arrive home in His presence!
In Psalm 122, King David rejoices to go to the house of the Lord, teaching us that worship is both our destination and our purpose along the way. Worship isn’t based on feelings but on truth the truth of who God is. We were created for worship, and every action we take should be a living sacrifice of praise.
Then, in Psalm 123, we find ourselves back at the beginning of our pilgrimage, crying out for God’s mercy. Like servants looking to their master’s hand, we lift our eyes in humility to the Lord. We will see that prayer is not about demanding our way but submitting to His will and trusting His justice.
Whether in joy or in trial, the journey continues: from desperation to dependence to delight. So keep walking, and remember, "Further up and further in!"
This week, Pastor Gary continues our Ascent series, reminding us that following Jesus is a pilgrimage of the heart—a steady climb toward Christ and our true home in heaven.
Drawing from the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–121), Pastor Gary shows that the journey isn’t easy. It’s the narrow way Jesus spoke of, but the journey is worth it! Like the psalmist of Psalm 120, we must reach a point of wanting to leave the lies of the world and journey to a better place with God. On that pilgrimage, we are reminded by Psalm 121 that our help comes from the Lord, who never sleeps and keeps our steps steady.
Even when the path feels steep or lonely, God uses it to reveal His faithfulness and bring us peace that “surpasses understanding.” So keep walking—the Lord is your Keeper, now and forevermore.
This episode kicks off our Fall Spiritual Growth Campaign titled Ascent: Walking up the Pilgrims’ Pathway. As followers of Christ, we’re pilgrims, journeying from this earth to our true heavenly city, built by God Himself (Hebrews 11:16). Families, kids included, let’s take this journey together!
For the next two months, we’re diving into the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134), sung by Jewish pilgrims trekking to Jerusalem for feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16). These songs lifted their spirits, gave comfort in tough times, and kept their eyes on God’s presence. This teaching unpacks three truths:
- The Journey’s Got Direction: Christ is our goal, now and in heaven (Philippians 3:13–14). Like C.S. Lewis says, it’s “further up and further in,” where every step toward Jesus brings more joy!
- It’s Hostile Terrain: The world’s not our friend (John 15:18–19), but these psalms will strengthen us. We’ll fast from music that doesn’t glorify God to stay focused.
- Jesus Leads the Way: He walked this path first and empowers us with His Spirit (Hebrews 12:2, Matthew 28:20).
If you would like to join us on this pilgrimage, we are asking you commit to 1. Worship and learn each Sunday, 2. Memorize a weekly verse (starting with Hebrews 11:16a), 3. Journal your walk (reflect: How’s my journey, and what am I hoping for with Christ?), 4. Incorporate a weekly psalm-based worship song, 5. Fast from secular tunes.
Are you ready to go up with us this fall?
In the final message of our Failure to Thrive series, Pastor Nate unpacks how relationships are vital to our spiritual growth. Just as children cannot thrive physically without love and care, we cannot thrive spiritually without healthy relationships. Where there is sin, conflict is inevitable—but healing comes through apology and forgiveness.
This message explores the five apology languages from "the 5 Apology Languages" by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas—expressing regret, accepting responsibility, making restitution, planning change, and requesting forgiveness—and how each one helps restore broken relationships. It then turns to forgiveness, showing three biblical responses: true forgiveness when there is repentance and apology, loving our enemies when no apology is offered, and bearing with one another in daily grace. Together, these practices allow us to reflect the heart of Christ and move toward the abundant life He promised.
In this week’s message, Pastor Nate continues our Failure to Thrive series with a focus on “Proper Exercise.” Just as our bodies weaken without movement, our spirits grow apathetic without servanthood. From Philippians 2:5–7, we see that following Christ’s example as a servant prevents apathy, builds perseverance, requires sacrifice, strengthens the church, and deepens our integrity. Servanthood isn’t easy, but it’s the workout that keeps our faith strong and helps us thrive in the abundant life Jesus promised.
In this week’s message from our Failure to Thrive series, Pastor Gary explores why so many of us struggle to live with the joy God intended for His children. Just as physical growth can stall when a child experiences “failure to thrive,” our spiritual growth can falter when we lack proper emotional health.
Jesus said in John 16:24, “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” The normal Christian life is meant to be one filled with joy, peace, and growth in the fruit of the Spirit. But what happens when sadness or discouragement becomes our constant state?
Pastor Gary helps us see that God is daily inviting us into a life of joy—through simple moments, His creation, and His promises. Drawing on stories, Scripture, and even the playful “Di Da Day” dance of a child, we are reminded that joy is not something we stumble into but something we train for under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In this message from our Failure to Thrive series, Pastor Nate unpacks the importance of a proper spiritual diet. Just as our bodies cannot thrive without food, our spirit cannot flourish without God’s Word. We explore two key practices for spiritual nourishment: Scripture Engagement—feeding daily on God’s Word, receiving weekly teaching, and rejecting spiritual junk food—and Fasting—learning to let go of distractions in order to draw closer to God.
Discover how to move from spiritual malnourishment to thriving in Christ, living the full life Jesus promised in John 10:10.
This week, we launched a new series called “Failure to Thrive.” In it, we are taking a look at why some of us aren’t growing spiritually the way God intended. Jesus came to give us life to the full (John 10:10), but many believers feel stuck, exhausted, or spiritually dry.
In this first message, we explored the importance of Proper Rest, beginning with the truth that Jesus is our Sabbath Rest (Hebrews 4:9-11). True rest isn’t about escapism or laziness. It’s about trusting in Christ’s finished work, slowing down to sit at His feet like Mary, and rooting our identity in who we are in Him.
We rest by:
- Letting go of self-righteous striving (Philippians 3:7–9),
- Slowing our pace to enjoy God’s presence,
- Standing firm in our God-given identity (Colossians 3:3).
If you're feeling spiritually depleted, don’t just try harder, learn to rest better. Sabbath Rest is where healing begins, and where thriving becomes possible.
Next week: Proper Diet—how to nourish your soul. Don’t miss it!
Welcome back to the Christ Street Fellowship podcast. This week wraps up our summer series, Get Smart!—a deep dive into the wisdom of Proverbs. In this final message, Pastor Nate unpacks the incredible power of our words.
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” And throughout the message, we see how words can either wound deeply or bring healing and hope.
We explored three key areas of wisdom when it comes to speech:
- Understanding vs. Ignorance – Are our words grounded in knowledge and humility, or are we just venting opinions?
- Restraint vs. Venting – Are we speaking to be heard, or listening with self-control and grace?
- Timeliness – Are we learning to speak the right words at the right time, led by the Spirit and godly counsel?
The message also called us to be peacemakers with our words, just as God made peace with us through The Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. Using the acronym P.E.A.C.E., Pastor Nate gave practical tools for de-escalating conflict and speaking life into hard situations.
In this message from our Get Smart series, Pastor Nate explores the path of humility through the wisdom of Proverbs. Pride is a subtle but totally pervasive and destructive force—often hiding in insecurity, self-righteousness, and even our faith. But humility, rightly understood, is living in reality: God is God, and we are not. With Scripture, real-life examples, and practical steps, this episode shows how choosing the low place leads to joy, freedom, and wisdom.
Key Passage: Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Keeping your "family car" running smoothly
When you come to Christ, you don’t just get saved—you become a vessel, a vehicle God uses to accomplish His will. And that includes your family, both your natural family and your spiritual family in the Church.
God designed families to be like cars: built to move His mission forward, generation to generation. Parents are called to train their children, and spiritual leaders to shepherd the next generation in truth and grace. But let’s be honest, family life often breaks down. Sin, stress, and misalignment can leave us stranded.
Thankfully, God gave us an Owner’s Manual. Proverbs, and all of Scripture, offers wisdom to keep our relationships running smoothly. This Sunday, we’ll lift the hood and explore what it takes to get your “family car” tuned up and back on mission.
Is your family running at peak performance—or are there warning lights you’ve been ignoring? Join us as we dig into God’s Word and discover His roadmap for a thriving home.
In this teaching, Pastor Nate continues the "Get Smart" teaching series from the book of Proverbs with a focus on the topic of sex. What is the biblical view of sex? Why is sex so powerful? What can I do if I struggle in this area of my life? These are just a few of questions he answers while looking at both the book of Proverbs and the Song of Solomon.
In this week’s message, we continued our summer series "Get Smart" through the book of Proverbs by turning our focus to God’s wisdom for marriage. Whether you’re married, single, dating, or hoping to be married one day, this teaching offered timeless truths for every heart. Pastor Nate discusses 5 truths that we see in Proverbs concerning marriage:
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A spouse is a blessing and gift from God
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Our character greatly affects our marriage
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Faithfulness, romance and sex are vital to the health of a marriage
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An argumentative spirit can harm the marriage, so we need to learn to fight fair,
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Marriages need support from other married friends.
In this episode of our Get Smart sermon series through the book of Proverbs, we explore one of the most influential—and often neglected—aspects of godly living: Friendship. Proverbs is rich with wisdom on how to build, choose, and maintain friendships that are life-giving and Christ-centered!
Benefits of friendship, which Proverbs outlines clearly:
*Support in Hard Times (Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4:12)
*Counsel and Joy (Proverbs 27:9, 27:17)
*Becoming Like Family (Proverbs 18:24)
We then walked through how Proverbs teaches us to choose friends wisely:
*Walk with the wise (Proverbs 13:20)
*Avoid angry, foolish, or violent people (Proverbs 22:24–25; 14:7)
*Look for character, not just chemistry (Proverbs 18:24b)
But starting friendship isn’t enough—we need to maintain it:
*Speak truth with love (Proverbs 27:6; Ephesians 4:29)
*Be trustworthy (Proverbs 11:13, 16:28)
*Don’t abandon them (Proverbs 27:10)
In this episode, Pastor Nate invites us to see our daily work not as a burden, but as a calling. Through Proverbs and other Scripture, we’re reminded that God not only values effort and commands us to rest, and but our work is actually a reflection of Him and His love.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 1–3, Proverbs 10:4, 16:3, 24:30–34, Colossians 3:23, Luke 19:26, Ephesians 4:28
Big idea: Work is not about what we do—it’s about Who we reflect.
So whether you're flipping burgers, building homes, raising kids, crunching numbers, or leading a team, you’re working for the glory of God!
This week, Pastor Nate continues our journey through the book of Proverbs by exploring the theme of self-control—a powerful, protective, and essential virtue for godly living.
We start by reflecting on Proverbs 25:28, which compares a person without self-control to a city with broken-down walls—vulnerable and defenseless. Without self-control, we open ourselves to temptation, attack, and despair. But by applying the wisdom of Proverbs, we can begin rebuilding those protective walls.
We focus on three key areas where self-control matters most:
- Guarding Our Words
Proverbs teaches us to restrain our lips and think before we speak—not everything on our mind needs to be said. Wisdom comes when we acknowledge that we don't know it all and choose our words carefully, asking: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? - Practicing Patience
Proverbs 16:32 tells us that patience is more powerful than physical strength. We saw this modeled in the lives of Jackie Robinson, MLK Jr., and Joseph, who all overcame injustice through patient endurance. We, too, must fix our eyes on the reward, trusting God’s timing. - Delaying Gratification
From time and money to food and technology, Proverbs urges us to store up wisely and avoid overindulgence. Lack of self-control in these areas leads to regret, unpreparedness, and bondage. Small, daily decisions in stewardship and restraint lead to long-term peace and freedom.
Lastly, we look at self-control as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). This isn’t just about willpower or Stoic philosophy. True self-control comes from walking with the Spirit, surrendering our fleshly desires to God, and letting His power work in us. It's not behavior modification—it's spiritual transformation.
In today's episode, Pastor Nate dives into what the Book of Proverbs has to say about happiness. Spoiler alert: it’s not about chasing feelings — it’s about living wisely while pursuing Christ. Proverbs shows us that true happiness comes from a life rooted in wisdom, righteousness, and trust in God.
We explore verses like Proverbs 3:13 — “Happy is the one who finds wisdom and who gets understanding” which remind us that happiness isn’t found in quick fixes or external success, but in the choices we make daily to meditate on God's Word and live in humility, and generosity.
We finish up with a picture given to us in Psalm 1 by King David about a person who finds his/her happiness in pursuing God. That person is like a tree planted by the rivers of water! Tune in for practical takeaways and spiritual encouragement as we unpack biblical wisdom for a happy life.
In this episode, Pastor Gary kicks off our summer teaching series from the book of Proverbs titled "Get Smart!" Each sermon will focus on a different area of our life addressed by Proverbs. This first teaching gives an overview of the book and explores the subject of Wisdom: What is it, Why is it important, and How do we get it?
In this episode, Pastor Nate finishes up the teaching series on the book of Ephesians. In his sermon, he covers from Ephesians 5:21 through the end of chapter 6. He focuses on the importance of the church submitting to each other in order to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Then, Pastor Nate takes each of the pieces of armor mentioned by Paul and how those look practically in our life.
In this episode, Pastor Nate continues the teaching series of the book of Ephesians with a look at chapter 4. Paul mentions that we who are in Christ are called to a calling and that we should walk worthy of that calling. Pastor Nate takes a look at what it means to be called, how God defines our calling, and it looks like to walk worthy of our calling.
In this episode, Pastor Gary teaches on the third chapter of Ephesians at Christ Street Fellowship. It is in this chapter that Paul the Apostle speaks of his commission to preach and teach about a mystery that was not known in ages past but that was now being revealed to Paul and the other Apostles. Pastor Gary talks about the nature of this mystery and how it has such significance in our lives today.
In this episode, Pastor Nate continues the teaching series from the book of Ephesians at Christ Street Fellowship. In Chapter 2, the Holy Spirit teaches us an important truth: we were all dead in our trespasses, but are now made alive in Christ by the grace of God. Paul makes it clear that it is by grace we have been saved, and it is a gift from God so that no one can brag or boast. Chapter 2 also discusses the importance of being one in Christ. Both Jews and Gentiles are now citizens together in the kingdom of God. We are one family, one body, and one temple of the Spirit of God in Jesus Christ.
In this episode, Pastor Nate begins a 6 week series on the book of the Ephesians. Chapter one focuses on blessedness of God the Father and the his blessings for those who are in Christ, His Beloved. Paul's prays in the last 9 verses that the church would understand the truth of those blessings by God opening the eyes of their heart. Indeed Lord, open the eyes of our heart!
In this episode, Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary teach part 3 of the Chosen sermon series during the Easter Sunday service at Christ Street. This teaching focuses on God turning grieving to rejoicing, based on Jesus's words during the last supper in John 16:20, "Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy."
In this teaching, Pastor Nate continues with part 2 of our 3-part Easter series, "The Chosen: The Last Supper." This sermon starts with Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem with the crowds shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" Pastor Nate discusses the kind of king Israel was expecting, dating all the way back to the time of Samuel the judge and prophet. He then describes how every earthly king will eventually fail, no matter who it is. There is only one King who can truly save and bring everlasting peace: Jesus the Messiah! The question is: What kind of king are we expecting Jesus to be in our life?
In this teaching, the first of a three part series, pastor Nate looks at the last supper and the statement made by Jesus that one of his own disciples would betray him. One of the things we know about Judas is that he was a thief who, as treasurer, would help himself to the money that was meant for the ministry of Jesus and his disciples. Through that behavior, we see that Judas had a hunger for the bread of this world as opposed to the Bread of Life. Listen in as we explore the concept of Jesus as the Bread of Life and how through him alone do we find true food and drink that leads to everlasting life.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp finishes the "What Jesus Taught About" series with a look at Jesus's words concerning the kingdom of God. In it, he describes the mystery of the kingdom that was revealed by Jesus through parables, like those found in Matthew chapter 13.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues the Christ Street Fellowship teaching series, "What Jesus Taught About" In his sermon, Pastor Gary discusses the topic of heaven and hell from the perspective given by Jesus himself.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the "What Jesus Taught About Series" at Christ Street Fellowship, focusing on what Jesus taught about salvation.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches on "What Jesus Taught About Sin." Jesus taught that sin is deeply rooted in our heart and has destructive consequences for our life and our world. However, he taught that He is the answer to the problem of sin!
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp starts a new series titled, "What Jesus Taught About." This teaching series will last 5 weeks and focus on the words of Jesus while he was physically on the earth. Today's teaching was on "What Jesus Taught About Himself" and discusses the 7 metaphorical "I am" statements from the Gospel of John.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp presents the final teaching of the "Let's Be the Church" series with a focus on the importance of being family as Christ's church.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues the "Let's Be the Church" teaching series with a sermon on "Be Servants." As followers of Christ, we are all called to serve God and we do this by serving others, following the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the "Let's Be the Church" series with a teaching on "Be Generous." We are all called as followers of Jesus Christ to be the light of the world. Let us be that light and live in such a way that brings glory to our God and Father.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp tells the story of his family's time as missionaries in Juarez, Mexico and the call that God has placed on His people to be a light to all nations.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues the teaching series "Let's Be the Church" by focusing on our call to be witnesses of Christ in this world. Listen in as he shines a unique and fun light on evangelism by using an analogy based on baseball!
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp finishes up the first topic of the teaching series "Let's Be the Church" with a talk on "Be People of Prayer, part 3." As we pursue Christ through prayer, there are various types of prayer that we can offer up to the Lord. Some of the types of prayer include: praise, waiting on God, confession, Scripture Praying, watching, intercession, petition, thanksgiving, singing, meditation, and listening!
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the teaching series, "Let's Be The Church" with the second part of "Be People of Prayer." This sermon dives into segments 4-7 of the prayer wheel developed by Dick Eastman in his book "The Hour That Changes the World." The four types of prayer discussed in this teaching are: Scripture Praying, Watching, Intercession, and Petition.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley begins the new year at Christ Street Fellowship with a teaching series titled "Let's Be the Church." This is a 9-week series, with the first three weeks focused on "Be People of Prayer." The first three sermons are based on the book "The Hour that Changes the World" by Dick Eastman, which outlines a scriptural plan for prayer in 12, 5 minute segments: Praise, Waiting, Confession, Scripture Praying, Watching, Intercession, Petition, Thanksgiving, Song, Meditation, Listening, and Praise.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp gives the final teaching in the Advent series: "The Cast of Christmas" with a focus on the Magi.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches on the next members of the Cast of Christmas: the shepherds. He speaks on how God's choice for both the place and the people to receive His great announcement concerning the Messiah can bring us joy this Christmas season!
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the Advent series "The Cast of Christmas" with a look at the angels and the peace they proclaimed to the shepherds.
In this episode, Pastor Jay Earl Krebs from Good Shepherd Bible Church introduces our 4 week Advent series at Christ Street titled "The Cast of Christmas." This teaching focuses on the hope given through the words of the prophets concerning the coming of the Messiah.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley finishes up the fall spiritual growth campaign series "Faith Is" with a teaching from Hebrews 12:5-11. He explores the importance of God's discipline in our relationship with him as Father/child. He also discusses the difference between God's discipline and the other possible reasons we suffer in this life.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the 9-week "Faith Is" series with a teaching from Hebrews 12:1-4. This is the second to last sermon in the series. He explores the importance of stewarding our faith well and how faith enables us to run the race that God has marked out for us.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues the "Faith Is" fall spiritual growth campaign series at Christ Street Fellowship with a teaching from Hebrews 11:30-40.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp gives the 6th teaching in the "Faith Is" fall series. It focuses on Hebrews 11:27-29 and the life of Moses and the Israelites as they escape from slavery in Egypt to freedom in a new land. Through their life, we see that faith is not fearing man, not disobeying God, and not stopping when the way seems impossible.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the "Faith Is" teaching series with a focus on Hebrews 11:22-27 and the lives of Joseph, Moses's parents, and Moses. Through their lives we learn that faith is speaking about the promises of God to others, seeing the truth through our spiritual eyesight, and refusing the fleeting pleasures of sin.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches from Hebrews 11:17-21 on faith as seen in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through their example, we see that faith is trusting God even when His commands seem unreasonable, speaking blessing over those we know and love, and worshiping God because we see him for who he is. This is the 4th sermon the 9 week series, "Faith Is" at Christ Street Fellowship.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues the "Faith Is" series with a look at Hebrews 11:8-16 and the life of Abraham and Sarah. Pastor Gary points out that even when we don't know the What, Where, When, Why, and How in life, we can know the Who, and that is all we need to act in faith.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the fall spiritual growth campaign, "Faith Is," at Christ Street Fellowship with a look at Hebrews 11:4-7. He teaches on the first 3 people mentioned in Hebrews 11 described as having faith: Abel, Enoch, and Noah.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp kicks off the fall spiritual growth campaign at Christ Street Fellowship with a series titled "Faith Is." This teaching series, which is 9 weeks, is based out of Hebrews chapter 11. In this first teaching, Pastor Nate focuses on the first 3 verses of Hebrews 11.
In this episode, Pastor Gus Gill continues the Transformed series with a teaching on the spiritual discipline of Serving!
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the "Transformed" series with a teaching on "sharing" focusing on 2nd Corinthians 8.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the "Transformed" series with a focus on the spiritual discipline of simplicity!
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues our 5-week "Transformed" series with a teaching on the spiritual disciple of slowing down.
In this episode, Pastor Nate introduces a new teachings series titled "Transformed" based on Romans 12:1-2 and John Ortberg's book, The Life You've Always Wanted. This series will last 5 weeks and will focus on various spiritual disciplines that can help us in our journey to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp finishes up the "Small Books, Big Message" series with a teaching from Philemon. The focus of this week's teaching is learning to forgive and seek reconciliation in the relationships that have suffered some type of hurt in our life.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the Small Books, Big Message series with a teaching from Malachi 4. The focus of this chapter is the day of the Lord, which is coming soon. Are we ready for that day?
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues our summer teaching series "Small Books, Big Message" with Malachi 3.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the summer teaching series at Christ Street Fellowship, "Small Books, Big Message" with Malachi chapter 2:10-3:5.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the summer teaching series, "Small Books, Big Message" with the book of Malachi. This sermon covers Malachi 1:1-2:9 and focuses on God's people honoring Him as Father.
This is a recording from our combined worship service with Good Shepherd Bible Church! In this sermon, Pastor Nate Schrimp and Pastor Jay Earl Krebs teach on the power of freedom and unity when experienced together through God's Spirit.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp finishes up the book of 2nd Peter with a teaching from chapter 3. Chapter 3 focuses on developing wholesome thinking in the believer by reminding us that Jesus is indeed going to return to this earth. In light of that truth, Peter asks the question, "What kind of lives ought you live?" Listen in as Pastor Nate explores that question and other concepts presented by the Holy Spirit in this chapter.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the Christ Street Fellowship summer teaching series: Small Books, Big Message with a sermon on 2nd Peter Chapter 2. He discusses false teachers, God's judgment on those teachers, and how to determine whether teachers are good or false.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues our summer series at Christ Street Fellowship called Small Books, Big Message as he teaches on the first chapter of 2nd Peter.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the teaching series "Small Books, Big Message" with a sermon out of Haggai chapter 2. In this chapter, Haggai encourages the people to keep building the temple and to trust God to fulfill His promises to them. He also addresses the issue of sin that is permeating everything they do and how they need God to take that sin in order to build the temple in with clean hands.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp begins a new teaching series titled, "Small books, Big Message." This first sermon cover Haggai chapter one and focuses on the big message of: Get your priorities straight - prioritize the will of God!
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp finishes the teaching series, Questions God Asks, with the question "Do you want to be healed?" Jesus posed this question to a man who had been sick and unable to walk for 38 years! Listen in as Pastor Nate discusses the connection of this question to the Israelites wandering in the desert and its importance to us today!
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the teaching series, "Questions God Asks" with a look at the question, "What do you have in your hand?" This was asked by God to Moses when He calls him for the first time to lead his people to freedom. We find this question relevant to us today as God has called each of us to serve in his kingdom, using what he has given us for his glory.
In this teaching from Pastor Gary Beasley, he continues the message series Questions God Asks by focusing in on a question asked by Jesus Himself in Mark chapter 3 "Who is my mother and my brothers?" After asking this rhetorical question, Jesus answered it immediately. "And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, 'Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.'" Mark 3:34-35 NKJV
Listen in as Pastor Gary expounds on this special teaching for Mother's Day at ChristStreet.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp explores the question asked by Jesus to his first followers, "What are you seeking?" This is a continuation of the series "Questions God Asks" as Christ Street Fellowship.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the series “Questions God Asks” with the question, “What are you doing here?” God asks this to the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19 after Elijah runs in fear to Mt. Sinai and spends the night in a cave. As we have seen in previous teachings in this series, God asks questions that help us examine our heart, leading us into a greater understanding of who He is and His will for us!
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues the Questions God Asks series by looking at the story of the Jacob wrestling with God and God asking him, "What is your name?" This story is found in Genesis 32 verses 22-31.
The scriptures call Jesus “Wonderful, Counselor” in Isaiah 9:6. A wonderful counselor asks probing questions. The Godhead does just that over 300 times in scripture. In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues the "Questions God Asks" series at Christ Street by looking at the question God asked Cain after he murdered his own brother- “Where is your brother?”
This is the first message in a series of 9 focusing on some of the questions God asks throughout scripture. In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches on the question God asks Adam, "Where are you?" after he and Eve sin by eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This question is relevant to us today as God calls out to each of us, "Where are you?" Will we come out of hiding and answer his call?
There are no words which can truly allow us understand the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just like each of the disciples learned in the account of the gospels, His resurrection is something we must experience in order to understand it. Listen in as Pastor Nate teaches on Easter Sunday about the difference between hearing and experiencing, particularly as it relates to the power of the miracle of Easter.
This is final teaching in a 10 week series on the book of Acts. In this sermon, Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches on chapters 10 and 11, covering Peter's vision of a sheet from heaven with clean and unclean foods, as well as the the incredible event in which God pours out His Spirit onto the Gentiles at the home of Cornelius the centurion.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues a 10 week series on the book of Acts with a teaching over chapter 9 and the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches on Acts chapters 6, 7 and 8. He starts with chapter 6 and an introduction to Stephen and the reason for his arrest. Then, in chapter 7, he describes Stephen's defense against false accusations being brought against him. In this section, Stephen turns the tables on the Jewish leaders and accuses them of being the ones who are truly rejecting God and His Spirit. After he is martyred, we are introduced to man named Saul and a great persecution against the early church forces the believers to scatter to surrounding areas of Judea and Samaria. Pastor Nate finishes the teaching by pointing out that what the enemy intended for evil, God used for good and the result was the spreading of the good news about Jesus to the whole earth.
In this episode Pastor Gary Beasley shares why the early church faced persecution and the need for every Christian to live ready to face persecution in thier own lives.
What is the purpose of signs and wonders as seen so often occurring throughout the book of Acts? In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches on the various miracles and manifestations of the Holy Spirit found in the first 10 chapters of Acts.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues a 10-week series with a teaching on Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-37. He focuses on one of the greatest callings we have as a church: to be completely united in our heart and soul. That, along with the love we have for one another, is our most powerful witness of the change that has occurred through our faith and salvation in Jesus.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley teaches on Peter's sermon found in Acts 2:14-40. This is the 4th sermon of a 10-week series on the first 10 chapters of Acts.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp continues a 10-week series on the book of Acts with a teaching from Acts 2:1-13. He discusses the background of the day Pentecost, also known as the "Feast of Weeks," as described in Leviticus 23, and shows how God ordained various aspects of this feast to be fulfilled on this day in scripture. Pastor Nate also teaches on the importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and how His arrival starts a movement that happening even to this day!
This is the second sermon in a 10-week series on the book of Acts. Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches on chapter 1 verses 12-26. Among other points, he will discuss the church's habit of constant prayer, the importance of the Holy Spirit in revealing God's word, and the choosing of the 12th Apostle to replace Judas Iscariot.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp begins a 10 week series on the book of Acts. He teaches on verse 1-11 and discusses the important role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples, as recorded in the Gospel of John, that it would be better for them if Jesus were to leave the world in order that the Holy Spirit might come into the world and fill his followers. In these first 11 verses, we see Jesus remind the disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit and to become his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
This is a recording of the installation service for Pastor Nate Schrimp as the new senior pastor at Christ Street Fellowship. Pastor Gary Beasley oversaw the installation service as his last duty as senior pastor before assuming his new role as associate pastor focusing on the areas of spiritual formation and discipleship.
This episode is a recording of Christ Street Fellowship's 10th anniversary service. In it, Pastor Gary Beasley shares a brief overview of the history of Christ Street. He also teaches on the various characteristics of a healthy church and how Christ Street has lived out each of these characteristics. In this episode there are also a few of the testimonies that were shared during the service!
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp focuses on the long awaited outcome of the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ. He will explore the peace that is offered in Jesus that is different from the peace the world offers. This peace can help us face the troubles of the world without fear. It is all about the prophetic promise of peace that was fulfilled through the birth of our Savior.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley discusses how Jesus came into the world in the most humble and unexpected manner. He focuses on the significance of God taking on human form as a vulnerable baby, emphasizing His humanity and sacrificial love. This sermon highlights how Jesus’ birth foreshadows His sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate show of love.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley teaches on the joy experienced by three of the people in the Christmas story and learn from them about the ways God wants to bring joy into our lives this Christmas.
At Christ Street Fellowship, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is dedicated as Missions Sunday. During this worship service, funds are raised for the missionaries supported by the church. In this teaching, Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches on the scriptural basis for and the importance of missions for the followers of Christ. In the second part of the sermon, he touches on the topic of hope in light of the first day of Advent.
In this podcast Pastor Gary Beasley shares four guidelines that help to properly interpret the Bible.
In this episode, Pastor Gary Beasley continues our fall spiritual growth campaign with a teaching on why and how we should read our Bibles.
In this episode, Pastor Nate discusses how we the New Testament canon was formed, how the English translation came about and the groupings of the three current groups of English translations.
In this episode, Pastor Gary discusses the process for determining which books met the requirements of being in the Bible and recognized as the inspired Word of God. Part one focuses on the canon of the Old Testament.
In this episode, Pastor Nate finishes up the 15 evidences for the Bible being the inspired Word of God. The 5 evidences in this discussion are: The Self-Witness of Scripture, The Sacrifice of Millions, The Transforming Power of the Bible, The Testimony of Jesus, and the Resurrection of Jesus.
In this episode, Pastor Gary shares the next 5 evidences showing that the Bible is indeed the inspired Word of God.
In this episode, Pastor Gary teaches part 1 of a 3 part series on 15 evidences showing that the Bible is indeed the inspired Word of God.
This episode is the first of an 8 week series entitled: Your Bible and You. Pastor Nate teaches on the Bible being the only divinely inspired Word of God. Join us for the next 8 weeks to strengthen your faith in God's Word, in its divine authority, and also learn how we can study it more effectively.
In this episode, Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches from the last chapter of Paul's second letter to Timothy. This is an expository teaching from what is believed to be the last letter of the Apostle Paul.
In this section of 2 Timothy Paul the Apostle instructs Timothy how to handle false teachers by keeping the main thing the main thing. Paul also encourages Timothy to continue to rightly divide the Word of Truth and be patient, trusting the God's Word and His Church will ultimately triumph.
In this episode, Pastor Gary begins a new teaching series on the book of 2nd Timothy. This is considered by many to be the Apostle Paul's last letter before his death. Listen in as we discover what God has to teach us through the words and life of this incredible apostle.
Life can be very difficult as we experience trials and affliction. What does the Bible tell us about the nature of suffering, why we experience it, and what we can do about it? Listen in as Pastor Nate explores this topic as the final message of our summer series, What the Bible Says About....
"Generous living is not random, or sporadic, or something we occasionally do. It is a life centered on generosity." Listen in to this week's message as Pastor Gary teaches on the joy and fullness of life that comes with living generously.
Listen in as Pastor Gary continues our summer series, "What the Bible Says About..." and teaches about managing money God's way!
In this episode, Pastor Nate continues the series "What the Bible Says About..." by discussing replacing bad habits with good habits.
What is the difference between Christianity and other world religions? Do all roads lead to the same God no matter the religion? Are some "Christian" groups cults and how do we know? As we continue our series on "What the Bible Says About...," Pastor Gary focuses this week on what the Bible says about these questions and others as he addresses world religions and so-called "Christian" cults.
Listen in as Pastor Gary discusses what the Bible says about being single and being married.
The Bible speaks at length about human sexuality, revealing God's plan for "the urge to merge." The Bible is also clear about God's parameters for sexual activity and further warns us about the dangers that come with perversions of God's plan for sex.
Jesus, in Luke 17, told his disciples that offenses would come in this life. This statement was true then and is still a reality we see each day. Even though we may not be able control the offenses that come, we can control the way we respond. Listen in as Pastor Nate discusses what the Bible teaches us about navigating through life's offenses and how we can actually bring glory to God through our response!
The Bible warns us about drifting away from faith, illustrates the negative consequences of doing so, and powerfully paints a way back for all who have drifted.
In this podcast Pastor Nate Schrimp examines what the Bible says about temptation with a focus on both the source behind it and the power to overcome it.
God wants us to know His will for us because He loves us and His will is best for us. In this podcast Pastor Gary Beasley teaches about the most common ways God reveals His will to us and how we can discern His voice when He speaks.
In these verses Paul has much to say about how we as Christ followers ought to live out our new identity as children of God in the home, the workplace, and with unbelievers.
Paul declared to the Colossians that Jesus was the fullness of God, and because of that truth, they should reject the false teachings of legalism, mysticism and asceticism.
Paul's message to the Colossians is vitally relevant and important for the church of today. Join Pastor Gary Beasley as he shares the background of the letter to the Colossians and teaches from chapter one.
Listen in as Joanna Beasley shares an inspirational message about the life and testimony of Elisabeth Elliot. Elizabeth was a missionary with her husband and young child in Ecuador in the mid 1900's. After her husband, Jim Elliot, was murdered along with 4 other men by the tribe to whom they were witnessing, Elisabeth returned to that very same tribe a couple years later to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ!
Despite struggling with illnesses throughout his lifetime, William Wilberforce was the driving influence in ending slavery in the British Empire. His life serves as a witness to us today of the impact each of us can make on the world through the power of the Spirit of God.
The Witness of George Muller inspires us to trust God for the power to change, the grace to endure and the faith to believe.
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we begin running a race that lasts until we are united with our God in heaven. This race is a metaphor for us doing the will of God in our life. In order to be able to run this race well, we must first throw off whatever is weighing us down or entangling our feet. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to do this by considering the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us. Over the next 4 weeks, we will be studying the lives of various witnesses that will help encourage us in our faith, starting with the witnesses found in Hebrews 11. Listen in as Pastor Nate opens this new series, "The Cloud of Witnesses." Then, join us for three more teachings in the upcoming weeks that will focus on the lives of George Müller, William Wilberforce, and Elizabeth Elliot!
Pastor Gary Beasley combines all four of the Gospel accounts to share the story of the Resurrection.
Combining the four Gospels accounts, Pastor Gary Beasley shares the dramatic story of Good Friday.
Both on Wednesday in Bethany and on Thursday in Jerusalem, the events leading to the Cross continue to unfold for Jesus and the Disciples.
The Tuesday of Holy Week started out with the Disciples marveling that the fig tree had died so quickly and ended with them learning that the city of Jerusalem would also be destroyed in a few short decades.
Jesus was angry with what He saw on the Temple on the Monday of His last week before going to the Cross. He was angry, and He did something about it. Join Pastor Nate Schrimp as he unpacks the events of that fateful Monday and explains the difference between sinful anger and godly anger.
The last week of Jesus began on a Sunday with a triumphal entry into Jerusalem filled with cheers, jeers and tears.
God is the owner of everything and has given us the honor and responsibility. of managing what belongs to Him Join Pastor Gary Beasley as he teaches what the Bible says about how we can be good and faithful managers for God.
What does it mean to be "created to do good works?" and why is it so important to God that we do them?
God created us to be like Jesus. In this episode Pastor Gary Beasley explores the process by which we are being transformed into the image of God's Son and our role in cooperating with the Holy Spirit in the process.
We have been created to be a part of God's spiritual family and until we find true fellowship (in the Greek Kononia) we are missing out on this important purpose of our lives.
We have been created to worship! Following the story of the three wiseman, Pastor Gary Beasley teaches about important elements of true worship.
Have you struggled with knowing what your purpose is here on earth? Are you walking in faith knowing that you are accomplishing God's will for your life? In Jeremiah, God makes it clear that He is the Potter and we are the clay. Just as a potter has a purpose for his creations, God has a clear purpose for us! The psalmist in Psalm 139:14 states, "I will praise You, for I am Fearfully and Wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works and that my soul know very well." All of God's works are marvelous, and each has its purpose in His great plan. We were each given this life for a reason, and God tells us clearly in His word what that reason is. There is no mystery about what we were created to do if we simply look for the answers in the scriptures. In this teaching, Pastor Nate dives into God's word to outline our purpose in this new series, Created!
Genesis chapter 1 tells us that God was the one who created everything in the heavens and on earth. We have a Maker and we are His masterpiece. Atheist scientists have tried for many years to convince us that our existence can be explained through natural causes without a creator. However, the more science discovers about the complexity of life, the more evidence there is for a creator and intelligent design. Listen in as Pastor Nate reviews the evidence found in nature and in God's word that we were indeed created On purpose by a loving and powerful God!
The gift of Love came right on time to address our greatest need. Listen in as Pastor Gary describes how God's love brings us into a family and is meant to be shared with others.
Christmas can bring us such a variety of feelings: happiness, love, hope, or disappointed, loneliness, and loss. However, no matter the circumstances and regardless of the feelings we are experiencing, the Word of God teaches us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 that we should be joyful always. Listen in as Pastor Nate discusses the Heart of Christmas and why Jesus coming to earth gives us a Joy that can never be taken away.
Jesus came to Earth to give us peace... peace with God, peace with ourselves and peace with others. In this podcast Pastor Gary Beasley talks about the key to appropriating the gift of internal peace and peace with others.
In this podcast Pastor Nate Schrimp interviews two young missionaries (Antonio and Sharon) working at the Tree of Life Children's Home in Juarez, Mexico and talks about the why and how of Missions today.
The Holy Spirit provides the Fruit needed for every Christian to become more like Christ. Join Pastor Gary Beasley as he discusses the need to both war against the flesh and walk in the Spirit in order to live a life filled with the Fruit of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives Christians Gifts, Special Abilities, to use for the benefit of Christ's Body. In this Podcast Pastor Gary examines the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Spiritual Gifts from I Corinthians 12.
Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches about the different ways the Holy Spirit leads and challenges Christ Followers to make sure they are willing to obey the Spirit's promptings.
Jesus has gone to prepare a home for us - and we are to prepare a home for Him right now, in our hearts. Based on the booklet "My Heart - Christ's Home" Pastor Gary shares on the blessing of opening up every "room" of our hearts to the Lordship of Jesus.
What makes ours a "great salvation" (Hebrews 3) is the greatness of what we were saved from, the greatness of the One who saved us, and the greatness of the price that was paid for our salvation.
Join Pastor Nate Schrimp as he explores what the Scriptures mean when they say that God is Holy and then teaches from I Peter 1:13-25 about how we should respond to God's holiness.
This fall we are going Deeper into our understanding of God and our relationship with him. Over the past few weeks we have looked at the Trinitarian nature of God and last week Pastor Gary taught us about the heart of God as our Father. This week Pastor Nate focuses on God the Father and His Sovereignty over all of creation. Life can often seem out of control and random, but we know that we have a Father God who has complete authority to accomplish his will not only for us, but for all of creation. Listen in and grow deeper in your understanding of the sovereignty of God. Then, may we all rest in the knowledge that our God is in control and our lives are safe in His hands.
We have an amazing Heavenly Father who knows each of us intimately and desires for us to know Him! Listen in as this week Pastor Gary leads us through the scriptures to discover more about the heart of God as our Father.
Join Pastor Gary Bealey as he explores how the Trinitarian nature of God impacts our lives.
The mystery of the Trinity is hinted at in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament through the Resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Paul the Apostle's life teaches us the importance and power of the Gospel and inspires us to tell it to all who will listen.
How do we gain wisdom? Can we lose it? Discover the answers from the life of Solomon in this podcast by Pastor Nate Schrimp,
Envy can destroy love and steal fulfillment and joy out of our lives. In this podcast we will learn from Jonathan the son of Saul four steps to turn envy into love.
An event in the life of Samuel teaches us what to do when someone you love makes a destructive choice.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, still speaks to us today about the importance of holiness, grace and unity.
In this episode of "Lessons Learned" Joanna Beasley unpacks the story of Ruth to reveal God's Hand at work behind the story of Ruth and behind our stories today.
Pastor Nate Schrimp shares important life lessons from the life of Joshua for each of us who wish to follow Jesus today.
When called to do a great work for God, Moses responded with five excuses as to why he could not. Is it possible we are missing out on following God's adventure for us by using the same excuses today?
Through the story of these two men we learn powerful lessons about loyalty and friendship to apply to our lives today.
The life of Isaac teaches us the importance of trust in a family, the significance of letting God choose your spouse, and the power of choosing God's will over your own.
Abraham was told by God to go "all in." All in to living in a new land and serving a new God. Abraham's journey to follow God wholeheartedly took several sidetracks as he first went half way, then when he reached Canaan he wandered away, and then he chose to go another way. His journey to the land of "All In" hold many lessons for us today who desire to follow Jesus with all our hearts.
The events in Peter's life surrounding the crucifixion teach each of us a lesson in what to do when the unthinkable happens to us today.
Joanna Beasley, Teresa Hall and Denise Carbajal explore the life of a famous Old Testament mom, Sarah, to find life lessons for Christ followers today.
Pastor Nate Schrimp takes us deep into the story of Job to discover life lessons for us today.
Pastor Gary Beasley shares important life lessons each of us can learn from the life of Noah.
From the cross Jesus said "it is finished" and not "I am finished." The Saviour of the world completing His Father's mission and was preparing to make the greatest comeback in history.
The blood sacrifices in the Old Testament pointed to the once for all sacrifice of Jesus.
For a brief moment in the Book of Genesis a priest/king named Melchizedek steps on the pages of Scripture to serve as a type of the Saviour who was to come.
Jesus said that the sign of Jonah would be proof that He was the Messiah. In this episode Pastor Gary Beasley explains what it was about Jonah that clearly pointed to Jesus being the Son of God.
God used a rock in the wilderness to provide water to the people of Israel as a type of the One who was to come and provide living water to all who thirst.
Free to all, hidden by the dew, this mysterious food from Heaven supplied every physical need God's people had. The Manna also had a second purpose, and that was to provide a picture of Him who was the Bread of Heaven who would later come to save the world spiritually.
I Cor. 5:7 calls Christ our "Passover Lamb." In this podcast Pastor Nate Schrimp shares how the Passover Lamb of the Old Testament and the Saviour of the world are connected and talks about the profound implications of that connection for us today.
In this podcast Pastor Gary Beasley will explore the huge ramifications of either being "In Christ" or "in Adam". I Cor. 15:22
When God's children love one another it brings great joy to his heart. In this podcast Pastor Gary shares what loving one another in the family of God truly looks like.
We bring great joy to God when we serve Him by serving others. In this podcast Pastor Gary Beasley shares the reasons why serving brings God joy and the 3 main obstacles that prevent us from serving.
Being thankful strengthens our relationship with God and improves our lives. Join Pastor Gary Beasley as he teaches how we can grow in living a life of thankfulness.
All Christians know they should obey God yet struggles sometimes doing so. Join Pastor Gary Beasley as he looks at the life of King Saul for the reasons why obedience can be so hard, and shares what steps each of us need to make in order to make God smile by obeying HIm.
God smiles when we trust Him for two major reasons. First, trust is essential to any love relationship and we can't grow in our relationship with God without growing in trust. Second, God knows what is best for us, and the more we trust His Word and His Spirit the more He can lead us into blessings.
Pastor Nate Schrimp teaches on the reality of change and the ways God wants us to handle the changes in our lives.
God smiles when we love Him passionately. Our love for Him grows through using the five love languages to express our love for God and receive His love for us.
What are the odds that one man could show up on the scene and fulfill the ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah?
The Magi, King Herod and the people of Jerusalem responded to the news that the King of the Jews had been born in three very different ways.
Joseph and Mary were remarkable people of faith, and how they handled the challenges surrounding the conception of Jesus speak volumes to us as we live our lives of faith.
Jesus, the King of grace, was descended from a lineage who had received grace in their own lifetimes. In this podcast Pastor Gary highlights four examples of those who found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and how their story connects with ours.
The Church was created by Jesus and is His Body, His Bride and His People. In this podcast Pastor Gary speaks about the wonder that is the Church by focusing in on four New Testament words that describe it.
Telling others the Good News is our great privilege as Christians. In this podcast Joanna Beasley shares five ways we can all share the gospel with those we love.
Many of us wish we could have a second chance to live life again. The reality is that we only get one life here on earth. We can't change our past, but by God's grace we can make the most out of the rest of our lives.
The Bible tells us that there is an evil spiritual being whose great desire is to steal, kill and destroy. It also encourages us that we can overcome his evil plans and gives us insight into how we can resist evil.
As we follow the guidance of God He leads us to do the good works He has prepared for us to do and creates a masterpiece in our lives. This teaching talks about the ways God chooses to guide us.
The Bible is the most popular book in the world. Pastor Daniel Coffey explains why it is also the most precious and the most powerful as well.
This session of the ALPHA Course answers two important questions: "How can I have faith?" and "How can I be sure of my faith?'
What does the historical evidence say about Jesus? Does it indicate that he was more than just a good man or a religious teacher?
What at the "first order" questions of life and why do we rarely find time to think about them?
Luke finishes his history of the first 30 years of the Church with the journey of Paul to Rome and Paul's imprisonment there. Though the Book ends after chapter 28, the story of the Church continues to be written today.
Paul makes his defense before King Agrippa and Bernice. In doing so he gives us a model of how to share our "faith story" with others today.
In his trial before Governor Felix Paul plead "not guilty" to insurrection. He then plead "guilty" to being a follower of the Way - a Christian. Paul then went on to admit to three pieces of evidence that he was indeed a Christian. Join Pastor Gary and he examines these three pieces of evidence in Paul's life and challenges us to make sure they are present in our lives as Christ followers today.
Paul the Apostle, answering the call of the Holy Spirit, goes to Jerusalem where "chains and tribulations" await him. From the story of Paul in Chapters 21 and 22, Pastor Gary examines four keys to discerning and following the Holy Spirit's direction even when it seems illogical and difficult.
Guest Pastor Daniel Coffey highlights the power found in the name of Jesus in Chapter 19 of the Book of Acts.
Pastor Nate Schrimp dives deep into the important Church Council in Jerusalem described in Acts 15 and how what was decided has a profound impact on every Christian today.
Paul's Second Missionary journey is filled with Spirit-Led adventures highlighted by his sermon on Mars Hill in Athens. Join Pastor Gary in discovering how what Paul said the Athenians can serve as a model as we communicate the Gospel today.
Peter tells the other Apostles why he baptized some Gentiles into the Church, and they all affirm that this is the will of God. James is killed by Herod but Peter is rescued by an angel. Herod receives God's judgement and the church keeps growing! In this teaching Pastor Gary gives insights into each of these events and on the story these chapters tell about Barnabas. From the life of Barnabas we can learn how to be a "son of encouragement' today.
These chapters contain two historic and transformational events - The conversion of Saul of Tarsus and the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles through Peter.
Saul of Tarsus leads the persecution of the Church in Jerusalem. The Gospel is finally going to Samaria and then begins its way on to the uttermost parts of the world. Phillip the Deacon becomes Phillip the Evangelist.
The early Church wisely handles the thorny issue of perceived partiality and continues to grow.
Having protected His new Church from outside threats, Jesus now moves swiftly and forcefully to protect it from deception within.
The early church was filled with miracles and power. It was also filled with relationships, community and fellowship. In Romans 16 Paul sends his personal greetings to over two dozen people, including one woman he viewed as his spiritual mother.
Peter and John set a precedent for the Church when it comes to obeying God rather than earthly rulers.
Pastor Gary Beasley gives the background to the Book of Acts and shares insights behind the story recorded in Chapter One.
Two disciples on the Road to Emmaus encountered a man they did not recognize, felt their hearts warmed within them and then later, at a meal, had their eyes opened to the fact that this man was the Resurrected Jesus.
The Corinthians were "yoked together" with the unbelievers of Corinth in such a way that they were being influenced by them rather than the other way around. This section of Paul's letter reminds us of the need to live a holy life and of the need to avoid the extremes of imitation or isolation from the larger culture.
Paul challenged the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving. These verses tell us three thing God would say to each of us when it comes to generosity: Begin, Become Excellent, and be Blessed.
In 2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:18 Paul covers three important topics that have importance for us today. First he tells of the glory and power of the New Covenant. Second he tells us why some people can't see and understand the Gospel. Lastly, Paul writes about why sharing the Gospel is never easy.
Pastor Gary Beasley gives special attention to these five sections in chapters 1:21 -3:11
"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."
" Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. .. in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."
"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? "
"Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant- — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. "
"For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!"
The Church Paul planted in Corinth had gone through a number of rocky patches. Out of great love and concern for them Paul wrote this letter which by the grace of God has been preserved for us today. In this message you'll learn the background of the people of Corinth, the purpose of this letter, and the message behind the verse 20 verses of chapter one.
Jesus purchased for us on the cross the power to overcome bad habits. Sometimes He sovereignly takes them away from us. Other times He works alongside of us to overcome them through the work of the Holy Spirit and the love and support of the church. However He chooses to do it we can know for certain that He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.
Joanna Beasley shares on the factors that lead to depression and the hope that Christ brings to those who suffer from it.
Bitterness is a sin we can see clearly in others but have a hard time discerning in ourselves. It carries with it a "root" that spreads its toxicity and must be, with the help of the Holy Spirit rooted out of our lives.
Fear can be a positive emotion when the threat we feel is real and when the amount of fear we feel is proportional to the degree of the consequence that might occur. Fear that does not fit these two qualifications is tormenting, often escalates, and becomes a spirit of fear. God's answer to this kind of fear is power, love and a sound mind.
Afflictions impact everyone. They can't be avoided but they can redeemed. God can use our trials and suffering to accomplish His Glory and our good.
Jesus came to unite people with His Love. At His birth the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the Jew and the Gentile, the Angels and the shepherds all united in worship. Jesus has been uniting people with love every since.
The Biblical Christmas story about Mary and Elizabeth is filled with joy. It is a joy, like ours, that exists in the middle of discouragements. Join Pastor Gary on a journey to rediscover Joy in the Christmas of 2020.
Peace is not found in the absence of conflict but in the presence of a Person. The peace that Jesus brings is often found in the middle of storms and is always found in prayer.
Anna and Simeon kept hope alive during the dark days of Roman rule that the Messiah would come in their lifetime. This Christmas you can discover, or rediscover, the hope that Christ's coming can bring into your life.
Giving the Blessing requires a commitment to actively love others and that requires a willingness to apologize when necessary. David in Psalm 51 gives an outline of what an effective authentic apology contains. We can not demand forgiveness but we make it more likely to happen when we apologize the right way.
Your kids need the blessing at every phase of their lives. So do your parents. In this teaching Pastor Gary gives dozens of practical ways you can bless kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews along with ways you can bless your parents.
Giving the Blessing to others takes a commitment. Words and Actions of blessing need to be reinforced over many years to lodge deep into the hearts of those we love.
Science is just now confirming what the Bible revealed long ago - Appropriate, Meaningful touch is a physical and emotional blessing. From the patriarchs to Jesus to the second most repeated "one another" command in the Epistles we are encouraged to bless one another with the right kind of loving touch.
We bless others when we help them picture the special future God has for them in this life and in the one to come.
Made in the image of God every person has great value. Join Pastor Gary as he examines the importance of making sure those in our lives know just how much they are worth.
The first element of The Blessing are words of blessing. Join Pastor Gary as he explores from the Scriptures both the positive power of sharing words of blessing and the negative consequences of failing to do so.
Everyone of us needs to know that we are loved, accepted and valued. These are the ingredients that make up "the Blessing." We are called by God to give the Blessing to others, but in order to do that we need to recieve it ourselves.
John 21 records the third time Jesus appeared to the Disciples after the Resurrection. Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep and challenged Peter to follow Him even if it meant to an eventual martyrdom.
Jesus rises from the dead, appears to His disciples, and announces a blessing for those who weren't there to see Him in His resurrected body but yet believe.
John was an eyewitness to the events that took place on the day Christ died, including being an eyewitness to all that happened when Christ hung on the Cross. It was John who heard Jesus say with His last breath "It is finished."
Jesus is arrested in the Garden, tried, and then rejected by the crowds. In one sense we are all like Barabbas in that we the guilty have been set free while the innocent Son of God was condemned.
John records for us this remarkable prayer of Jesus where He prayed that we might be one. In one sense this prayer has already been answered, but in another sense we must be the answer to His prayer today.
Jesus tells His disciples that they will be put out of the synagogue and potentially killed because they follow Him. He then goes on to tell them why, despite all this, they need not be troubled or worried. His words have significant meaning for the challenges we face today.
Jesus gave an illustration to His disciples about gardening, pruning and bearing fruit that speaks to the process God uses to grow us and cause us to bear much spiritual fruit.
As chapter 13 closed the disciples were confused and frightened. Jesus told them, "let not your hearts be troubled" and then went on to give them seven truths for them (and us) to remember whenever we have a troubled heart.
Having received extravagant love in Chapter twelve, Jesus now models it, gives it and commands it under His New Covenant "love one another as I have loved you."
Martha worshipped by serving, Lazarus worshipped through fellowship, Mary worshipped though extravagant generosity and Judas said "why this waste."
Jesus declares that He is the Resurrection and the Life and then proves it by raising Lazarus from the dead.
There is more than one type of blindness! The irony in chapter nine is that by the end of it everyone involved in the story, except Jesus and the man he gave sight to, are the ones who are blind.
After refusing to condemn a woman caught in adultery Jesus declared that He was the light of the world, that God was His Father, and that He existed before Abraham lived as "I am."
At the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus proclaimed to all that He was the One who can satisfy our deepest thirst.
Jesus came from Heaven to be the Bread of Life. When Jesus spoke about our need to "eat his body and drink his blood" the crowds took His words literally and many followed Him no more. This chapter ends with Peter saying "where else can we go."
John Chapter Five tells the story of a miraculous healing beside a pool and the angry reaction to it by some religious leaders who accused Jesus of Sabbath breaking and blasphemy.
Through the remarkable encounter of Jesus with a woman of Samaria we learn five important truths about our lives today.
Through this snapshot of Jesus with Nicodemus we learn about spiritual rebirth. Jesus came to save the world and enable us to be Born Again and John 3:16 tells us how we can.
John presents two powerful snapshots of Jesus. In the first Jesus takes His Disciples to a wedding party and does His first miracle, turning water into wine. Second, He takes them to Jerusalem during the Passover and drives out the moneychangers. Both miracles were signs that pointed to the power of Christ and revealed much about his character as well.
John's Gospel shares his unique perspective about his friend Jesus. In chapter one John shares three snapshots of the life of Jesus; His beginnings, His baptism, and the gathering of His first disciples. From these we gain perspective about the uniqueness of Jesus and are challenged to pursue a life of discipleship.
The Gospel of John is best understood through the filter of John's experiences and relationship with Jesus. This first message from a series of teachings through the Gospel of John explores the life of John and presents the reasons why we can trust His biography of Jesus.
Jesus came to bring something totally new to the world. He came to bring a new covenant, a new arrangement between God and man. He had made allusions to His mission throughout His life, but now, during the last week of His life, He would make it crystal clear. He initiated the new covenant during the Last Supper and sealed it with His blood on the cross.
Jesus modeled humility and invites us to follow the example He set when He washed His disciples' feet. The Holy Spirit can produce true humility in our lives as we serve others with the right motives.
Missionary to Juarez, Mexico, Nate Schrimp teaches about the necessity of obedience if we are to see Spiritual Transformation take place in our lives.
God loves us just the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us the way we are. God wants to transform us so that we think like Jesus, feel what Jesus would feel and do the things Jesus would do. This process of Spiritual Transformation requires our cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Part one of this series outlines the need to combat "hurry sickness" if we are serious about being transformed.
The Scripture gives images of the Holy Spirit as a Dove, as anointing Oil, and as a Seal of our salvation. These images reveal a lot of what the Holy Spirit wants to do in our lives: produce peace, empower for service and provide assurance of our relationship with Christ.
To many of us the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious Person of the Trinity. Understanding how He is like the symbols used for Him in the Bible (like fire, wind and water) gives us a greater glimpse into the third Person of The Godhead.
When it comes to the Holy Spirit we often fall into one of four categories: uninformed, self-satisfied, resistant or longing. God is wanting each of us to long for more of His Spirit so we can be all that He has meant us to be.
Brandi Bissey (Worship Ministry) Barry Stevens (Children's Ministry) and Kyle Kuipers (Young Adults Ministry) each share their story of how their lives have been impacted by answering the call of God to serve in the Church.
Dave Keanini, Liz and Josh Bryant and Jason Hart share their faith building journeys toward living a life of
Jesus has been building His Church for 2,000 years. He loves His "called out ones" and wants us to love the Church like He does.
God created man differently than any other creature. He made man in His image. He breathed into his lungs the breath of life. God made us on purpose, to live a life of purpose.
Joseph discovers that his fiancée is pregnant and he knows for sure the child is not his. Does he divorce her quietly and get on with his life … or does he have the courage to stand up to the whispers of the villagers and become stepfather to the Son of God?
Mary's life was turned upside down by an Angel's declaration that she was "highly favored" of the Lord. What that meant she would soon discover. Her life in some ways was going to get worse before she discovered God's favor through His invitation to play a part in His on going story of salvation. Every Christian is likewise favored to be able to join in God's great story of redemption.
James ends his letter with a variety of important admonitions. The Lord is coming back - be patient. Don't swear an oath - be truthful. Keep praying through every situation. He ends by telling his readers that each of us are indeed our brother's keepers.
James provides five safeguards to keep us from making foolish plans. He goes in this section to speak strongly against hoarding and wasting God's resources.
In this section of his letter James has four messages for Christians everywhere: "Quit all that fighting, Choose your friends wisely, Humble yourself before the Lord, and If you can't say anything nice..."
Godly wisdom is filled with the fruit of the Spirit and birthed out of humility. Earthly wisdom springs from pride and selfish ambition. How can we know which is which? In this message Joanna Beasley and Tiffany Kuipers share keys to discerning between the two.
James tells us that the tongue is powerful, dangerous, uncontrollable, illogical, unnatural and in its own way miraculous! Keeping a healthy fear of the potential damage of our words can help prevent sparks from becoming wildfires.
James explains what authentic, saving faith looks like. It is not mere mental assent, even the demons have that. It is not faith that fails to produce good deeds. It is not faith plus works but faith that works. James lets the lives of Abraham and Rahab show us what real faith looks like.
James tells us that favoritism has no place in the life of a Christian or in the life of a Church. God used leaders like Peter to break down the favoritism in the early Church, and wants to use Christians like us today to do the same thing.
James gives us three rules that can, if followed, revolutionize our relationships - Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Later on in this section of his letter he challenges Christians to cross the line from being "hearers of the Word" into the fellowship of those who are "doers of the Word."
In Romans 8:31-39 Paul shares the powerful truth that God is for us. That life changing truth leads Paul to ask five unanswerable questions and end this portion of Scripture declaring that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Many of us have felt that our lives were falling apart. God's answer in Romans 8 is "no desperation." This section of Scripture gives us four things to remember to help us get through any of the challenges of life.
Being kind involves action as well as words. In part three of "Be Kind" Kyle Kuipers explores the example Jesus set through kind actions and outlines how you can take the "30 Day Kindness Challenge."
The Book of Romans is perhaps the most profound letter in the New Testament. Chapter 8 contains the answers to four of the self condemning statements many Christians have struggled answering. This message covers verses one through seventeen of chapter eight and discusses how these Scriptures provide the answers when we think "I'm no good" and "I'll never change."
We all have a long way to grow in the area of Kindness. To become the kind person we want to be we will need to learn to nix the negative and practice praise instead. This message discusses negative patterns we sometimes fall into and how God can use the 30 day Kindness Challenge to help us break out of these patterns.
Kindness is more powerful than you think. God's kindness led men to repentance. Our kindness can make almost any relationship better. This message introduces the subject of kindness and explores how each of us can grow as kind people.