Magnify Church - Northview Campus: Recent Episodes
Magnify Church
Welcome to the weekly podcast from the Northview Campus at Magnify Church! We want to help you take your next step in your relationship with God. Check us out at bhbconline.org
Who is Jesus to you? Is He your Lord and Savior or just a legend with no real impact on your life? Don Pearson continues our series in Luke and invites us to see who Jesus really is, as well as the power He has over sin and darkness.
When life gets tough, where do you turn? Do you rely on your own abilities or knack to solve problems? Or do you turn to Christ? Don Pearson continues our Storyteller Series in Luke and reminds us that we can trust Jesus, knowing that He will either calm the storm or sit with us in the boat as life crashes around us.
Those who have ears, let them hear! Sounds easy enough, right? Yet there are so many things in our lives that can keep us from hearing or seeing the good news God has for us. Don Pearson relaunches our Storyteller series in Luke with a teaching on the parable of the soils, and helps us open our hearts to receive God’s gifts.
How many of us looked at the calendar and gave a little sigh of relief knowing that we have Monday off? Yet God’s plan for work is crucial in how He created, calls, and provides for us. Don Pearson opens the book of Colossians and explores the ways we can bring glory and honor to God through our work.
The world screams for our attention every day and according to a recent study, 90% of what it is screaming though the media is negative. It’s so easy to get down or depressed if we keep our eyes on the world. Instead, Steve High encourages us in our summer series to stay focused on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
When the anxieties and trials of life come, where do you turn? Don Pearson shares a lesson from Paul as we close out our summer series, A Cross Shaped Life, and looks at the invitation we have to not be anxious, but take everything to God in prayer and find peace in Christ Jesus.
What is the “good life” and how do you know if you are living it? The world’s answer looks a lot different than what Paul calls us to in Philippians 3. Don Pearson unpacks what it looks like to leave everything behind, for the sake of knowing Christ!
Any famous athlete or musician can tell you that talent can only take you so far. You have to invest, day after day, into becoming great. Tim Blazer continues our summer series and shows us that the Christian life is not so different. You are saved the moment you accept Christ as your Savior, but it takes diligent discipline to transform our old lives into ones that look more like the greatest of all time, Jesus.
What comes to mind when you think about humility? Is it a person in your life who showed you grace when you wronged them, a boss who shared credit for a new product, or maybe a famous athlete who gave glory to God for their success? Don Pearson continues our summer series in Philippians and points us to the greatest example of humility ever known, Jesus Christ.
What does it look like to allow the gospel to shape your life? What if your life doesn’t look like you expected? Trevor Hunt kicks off our summer series, A Cross Shaped Life in the book of Philippians to help us rest, refocus, and examine how Christ is calling us to live.
Sometimes the last thing we want to do during a trial or difficult time is praise God. Tim Blazer shows us how praising through the Psalms reorients our hearts under God’s authority and gives us a biblical framework for understanding ourselves as we live in this world created by our loving God.
When is the last time that you felt strong, overwhelming emotion over God’s gracious, undeserved, and life-altering love for you? Stu Quackenbush continues our Storyteller’s series in Luke and points us to how understanding the depth of mercy we have received, supercharges our passion for Christ and energizes our worship of Him in all that we do.
We all struggle from time to time with doubt. Life’s circumstances can really throw us for a loop and cause us to question God. We aren’t alone. Even those who saw Jesus’ miracles firsthand, questioned Him when things didn’t go the way they expected. Don Pearson shares the grace Jesus offers, even when we stumble and doubt.
We all struggle from time to time with doubt. Life’s circumstances can really throw us for a loop and cause us to question God. We aren’t alone. Even those who saw Jesus’ miracles firsthand, questioned Him when things didn’t go the way they expected. Don Pearson shares the grace Jesus offers, even when we stumble and doubt.
Has someone in your life shown you compassion? Maybe a kind word or deed when you were hurting? Don Pearson invites us to follow Jesus’ example from Luke 7 and be a light in this dark world by sharing the words and love of Jesus to those around us in need of a Savior.
What is faith and how do you know if you have it? How do you choose to trust, even in the midst of the storms of life? Ben Phebus continues our series in Luke with a story about someone unexpected, who had enough faith to cause Jesus to marvel!
The storms of life are coming. If you aren’t in the midst of one now, just wait. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world.” Don Pearson continues our Storyteller’s series in Luke and challenges us to dig deep and build our lives on the only solid foundation, Jesus Christ.
How do we live the Christian Life in the midst of so much hate? How can we say we love Jesus, but not hold to His teaching to love our enemies? Our guest teacher, Elie Haddad who is the President of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut Lebanon, shares a unique perspective on the way to find joy and peace in the midst of conflict.
We are rescued people, saved from condemnation through the blood of Jesus Christ. Yet in this broken fallen world, it can be hard to remember the forgiveness we’ve received and extend it to others. Don Pearson offers encouragement from Luke 6 as we seek to love the way Jesus loves.
It's easy to love those who love you, but what about those who don't? What about people in your life who intentionally do harm to you? Don Pearson continues in the Storyteller Series with one of the hardest teachings of Jesus on what it means to truly love those who hate you and hurt you.
What motivates your decisions and whose advice means the most to you? Don Pearson unpacks Jesus’s teaching on the blessings and woes in Luke and helps us understand what lies behind our anxieties, jealousies, fantasies, and resentments.
If Jesus prayed all night before choosing His disciples, how much more should we pray before making decisions or dealing with challenges in our lives? Don Pearson continues our Storytellers series and shows us how to stay connected to God as we follow Jesus’ pattern for life and ministry.
When you think about the Sabbath, what comes to mind? Did you know that the word Sabbath means “rest?” Don Pearson uses a passage from Luke to remind us that God created us and knows what we need. He longs for us to find rest from this crazy chaotic world. But not just rest from work–He wants us to find our rest in Him!
Have you ever wanted something so desperately that you went to extraordinary lengths to make it happen? Don Pearson jumps back into our Storytellers series in Luke and teaches about a group that wanted to be near Jesus enough to bust through a roof. Would you?
Have you ever felt like an outcast, unloved, or alone? Don Pearson invites us deeper into the healing of the Leper in our Storytellers series to understand the depth of Jesus’ heart for us. Just like the leper, Jesus wants to touch us and make us whole.
He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection changed everything. Because of His great love for us and sacrifice on the cross, we are free from the chains of sin and death. We’re excited to worship, learn, and celebrate with you this Resurrection Sunday!
Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Can you hear the cheering crowd as Jesus entered Jerusalem? How quickly those cheers turned to jeers and shouts for His crucification! As we look ahead to Easter, let’s take time to reflect on the suffering savior, Jesus Christ, and what led Him to the cross.
It can be scary to share our faith, especially if we feel unworthy, unequipped, or unsure of what to say. Yet many around us are lost and in desperate need of hope. Trent Heaton encourages us to pray, act, and speak to others about the saving grace we have in Jesus.
When Jesus called His disciples it was radical and required them to leave everything they knew to follow Him. What have you given up to follow Christ? Don Pearson explores the cost of following Jesus with your whole life as he continues in the Storyteller series.
We all long for a miracle–healing for our bodies, relationships, and minds. Jesus has the power to work miracles today; yet sometimes He doesn’t. Don Pearson continues in our Storytellers series and reminds us that the miracle we need most has already happened. Salvation is available because of what Jesus did on the cross.
What holds you back from believing that Jesus is who He says He is and that He has the power to truly set you free? Trevor Hunt challenges us to overcome our doubts and fears so we can experience the life-changing joy found in the good news of the gospel.
When someone cuts you off in traffic, how do you react? Do you immediately think of them as a dearly loved son or daughter of God, created in the image of God? Kurt Dillinger from Life International reminds us that ALL human life, from the womb to the grave, is sacred. He invites us to be life-givers in all of our relationships and reflect God’s love to those around us.
We all doubt sometimes. Life is hard. Relationships are hard. We are tempted at every turn to get angry or shut down. Ben Phebus invites us to follow Christ’s example in His third temptation by speaking Scripture into our doubt and trusting God’s plan.
How do you grasp for power? Do you use aggressive or passive power to shortcut pain or roadblocks in your life? Don challenges us to instead walk in faith and submit to God’s authority in every area of our lives.
What are you tempted by? Do you struggle to keep spiritual matters a priority while spending time, energy, and resources on the material pleasures of life? Don uses Jesus’ example in Luke 4 to encourage us. We can’t do it perfectly like Jesus did, but He invites us to choose faith instead of giving power to our pleasures.
Can God use our past? The sins we hope no one ever finds out about? The hard things we are called to endure? As Don Pearson explores Jesus’ genealogy in Luke, we’ll see how God’s plan, protection, and provision gives us hope and builds our faith.
What do you hope for? The Lions to win a playoff game? Maybe it’s for a promotion or for your child to be successful? Using verses from Romans, Matt Zainea shares where our true hope can be found, and invites us to be part of sharing that hope through serving.
Is there something you hope will be different this new year? Something you’ve tried in the past to let go of, but just couldn’t? Don Pearson continues our Storytellers series in Luke and encourages us to have faith to change.
When the light pierced the darkness of that Bethlehem hillside so long ago, the Shepherds ran without hesitation to share the Good News of Jesus’ birth! What will you do with that news this Christmas? Don Pearson invites us to have faith like a Shepherd.
Do you see yourself as a competitor or a victim? Don Pearson continues our Storytellers series in Luke by using Mary’s story to help us see that the answer should be “neither.” Come hear about the better option.
If something is too good to be true, it usually is. But not with God! With Him, ALL things are possible. Don uses Zechariah’s story in Luke and invites us to be still - to listen for God’s voice and then trust His promises.
Do you need to “see it to believe it?” What about if you heard it from someone who saw it firsthand? Don Pearson kicks off a new series, Storytellers - Luke & Growing our Faith, where stories from Luke, and people in our church, increase our faith.
Do you ever read the Bible and feel like it can be confusing or even contradictory? Don Pearson uses different lenses in Scripture to help us live a life of responsibility in this broken world as we look ahead to our heavenly home.
What comes to mind when you hear “fear of the Lord”? Is it confusion, anxiety, respect, awe? In our two week mini series on wisdom, Trent Heaton reminds us that we need a deeper understanding of the fear of the Lord.
Amidst all the conflict and questions surrounding Israel have you taken the time to share the good news of salvation? Covering current events and the history of Israel, Don Pearson invites us to find lasting peace in Jesus.
Finishing our series in James, Don Pearson walks us through the difficult conversation of prayer and suffering. Instead of asking “how is your prayer life”, he invites us to consider the question “who is Jesus?”
We all love control. But what if control is just an illusion. Using text from James 4, Don Pearson challenges us to consider areas of our life where we have edged God out to claim our own authority.
Suffering is universal, but lacking joy doesn’t have to be. Don Pearson reminds us that joy comes when you enter God’s story with your story.
We all want to be loved. We all want to be respected. How do we respond when those desires are not met? Using text from James 4, Don Pearson encourages us to take internal steps towards resolving conflicts before they start.
What we say matters. Are our words bringing death to those around us or are we bringing life? Continuing in James, Don Pearson challenges us to consider the power of our words.
Is your faith on cruise control? Do you know your destination yet find yourself coasting along and missing significant moments that can bless others? Don Pearson helps us understand the direct connection between faith, gratitude, and works as we study the next section of the book of James.
How much of our lives are bent towards more, faster, more, faster? Continuing in James, Don Pearson challenges us to slow our pace and respond to the good news of Jesus.
Kicking off our series on James, Don Pearson invites us to consider that during seasons of great sorrow or pain we can find even greater joy in Christ.
What comes to your mind when you think about money? Are you stressed? Confident? Tense? Peaceful? Don Pearson points us to what Jesus has to say about wealth, treasures, greed and generosity.
Do you enjoy work? Do you work begrudgingly? Or a little of both? Using passages from Proverbs, Matt Zainea reminds us that work is essential to understanding God, ourselves and our purpose.
Have you been buried and brought back to life through faith in Jesus Christ? This Baptism Sunday, Don Pearson invites us to consider the significance of identifying with Jesus through baptism.
What comes to your mind when you think about money? Are you stressed? Confident? Tense? Peaceful? Don Pearson points us to what Jesus has to say about wealth, treasures, greed and generosity.
What are you hungry for? Continuing in Matthew, Don Pearson teaches that the spiritual practice of fasting reveals the true hunger of our hearts.
Forgiveness is at the heart of following Jesus. What happens when we won't forgive? Don Pearson unpacks what Jesus says about true forgiveness and how to forgive when it seems impossible.
Have you ever been so sad or angry that you didn’t know how to pray? Continuing in our SEEK series, Brian Webster helps us understand the Psalms and shows us how to pray in a way that moves us from lament to wisdom and then to praise.
When we pray do we come to God with an open hand or a closed fist? Continuing in Matthew 6, Andrew Bauer points us to the importance of surrender through the Lord’s Prayer.
Is there a connection between our generosity and our hearts? Kicking off our series on Matthew 6, Steve Welch invites us to reflect on our motivation when we do good things for the Kingdom.
What is the most significant moment in all of human history? Concluding our series in 1st Corinthians 15, Don Pearson shows us the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Does God care about how we worship? Continuing the conversation on spiritual gifts and worship, Don Pearson unpacks 1 Corinthians 14.
Is it possible to do the right things in the name of love and still miss the point? Don Pearson unpacks what true love looks like in 1 Corinthians 13.
Our culture is characterized by divisiveness, but Jesus offers a better way. From 1 Corinthians 12, Don Pearson reminds us that unity among followers of Christ is the greatest gift.
No one desires suffering. Yet, to remain faithful through adversity is to identify with Jesus. Using text from 1 Corinthians 11, Don Pearson explores the connection between suffering and communion.
All Scripture is relevant to our life, even when it doesn’t feel relevant. Using the topic of headcoverings, Don Pearson explores the importance of orderly worship in 1 Corinthians 11.
What is consuming your thought life? Your time? Your energy? Your money? Don Pearson encourages us to ask these questions and identify if idolatry has replaced the one, true God in our lives.
Who do you imitate? Who imitates you? This Vision Sunday, Matt Zainea reminds us that through the power of the Holy Spirit the kingdom of Jesus Christ spreads from generation to generation through willing people.
Everyone loves to be right. But does that hinder our ability to represent Jesus? Don Pearson challenges us to put aside pride and surrender our rights to advance the good news of Jesus Christ.
Do your words, actions and habits point those around you to Jesus Christ? Continuing in Corinthians, Trent Heaton helps us navigate the challenges of discernment when Scripture isn't perfectly clear.
What distractions keep you from serving Christ? Whether married or single, we are called to the same mission. Continuing in Corinthians, Don Pearson calls us to lay aside distractions and shift our priorities.
Should Christ followers care about sexual purity? Should their lives be marked by countercultural beliefs and practices? Using Corinthians 6 -7, Don Pearson challenges us to flee sexual sin and to cling to our union with Christ.
What do you love? We naturally can’t help but talk about what we love. Using text from Luke 15, Don Pearson encourages us to consider what Jesus Christ has done and to share this wonderful, good news with those around us.
Why do we look for life among pursuits and pleasures that lead to death? This Resurrection Sunday, Don Pearson challenges us to ask this question and points us to abundant life that can only be found in the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ.
With great intensity and affection, Jesus Christ willingly went to the cross on behalf of sinners. As we begin Passion week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, Don Pearson walks us through Jesus’ journey to the cross and invites us to reflect and repent.
What is the role of the church in settling conflict between Christ followers? Continuing in Corinthians, Don Pearson helps answer that question and challenges us to always seek reconciliation.
What should the church do when blatant sin causes division? Don Pearson walks us through the challenge of guarding holiness while maintaining a disposition of grace and peace.
Are you ruled by self-deception? Is your life characterized by self-importance and superiority? Don Pearson gives a gentle warning and reminds us that we can only be merciful through the living power of God.
Do you only see what you want to see? When it comes to our own sin we often refuse to see the truth. Using text from Corinthians 3, Don Pearson challenges us to face our sin and see the goodness of Christ’s mercy.
Are you acting like a child? Is pride keeping you spiritually immature? Don Pearson discusses how humility and Jesus Christ are the foundation for growth and the role God plays in it.
We all have that “natural” friend; organic produce, non-toxic products, and home cooked meals. Corinthians has a lot to say about the natural person and it’s not what you think. Using text from Corinthians, Don Pearson makes the distinction between the natural person and the spiritual person.
The message of the cross seems foolish to some, but to others it is the ultimate display of God’s wisdom and power. Trevor Hunt encourages us to consider that godly wisdom, humility, and repentance stand in stark contrast to the wisdom our world has to offer.
Are you a person of peace or a person of discord? Using 1 Corinthians, Trent Heaton reminds us that dealing with division may be hard work but as followers of Jesus we are called to actively pursue unity.
The Word of God is clear, followers of Jesus must bring life and light into darkness. As we celebrate Sanctity of Life Sunday, Matt Zainea and Colleen Geisel will show us how to put love into action.
What do the ancient Corinthian church and you have in common? More than you think. Kicking off our new series on 1 Corinthians, Isaac Bronkema offers insight into Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and why it still matters today.
Do you long for refreshment in your life? Using text from Acts, Don Pearson shares what God says about repentance and the gift that can be for your flourishing.
Have you vowed to eat better or exercise more in the New Year? Using text from Act 2, Don Pearson invites us to consider a different kind of resolution, one of life-changing transformation through Jesus Christ.
What is Christmas for? What is its ultimate purpose? Concluding our series in John, Don Pearson explains how Jesus’ final conversation with Peter gives us the answer.
Jesus Christ, God in flesh, came to dwell among us. This Christmas, Don Pearson points us to the amazing reality that the birth of Jesus is cause for celebration everyday of the year.
Are you a Jesus follower? Following the story of Jesus’ disciples after the resurrection in John 19 & 20, Don Pearson challenges us to evaluate our lives and be drawn into the resurrected life that Jesus offers.
Jesus' final words before His death on the cross deliver a powerful message about His mission and His great love for us. Using text from John 19, Ray Sabon invites us to consider how these powerful words still speak to us today.
John 18 is not just about Jesus and Pilate, it is about all of us. Using this text, Don Pearson explains the difference between worldly power and Godly authority and why it matters.
What is truth? This age-old question is one everybody must wrestle with. Continuing in John 18, Don Pearson points us to the place all truth is found, in Jesus Christ.
Is your religious behavior hiding the reality that your life is centered around you? Examining the story of Peter in John 18, Don Pearson challenges us to place Jesus at the center and have our actions be shaped by our love for Him.
How is Jesus glorified in His people? The answer is simple, through obedience. Continuing in John 17, Don Pearson encourages us to move towards obedience and to see Jesus’ mission as our own mission.
Have we traded the glory of God for disobedience? For folly? Envy or strife? Using passages from the Old Testament and John 17, Ray Sabon explores the connection between God's glory, Jesus’ mission, and obedience.
Do we reduce our relationship with God to a simple checklist? Do this or don’t do that. Using text from the gospel of Luke, Don Pearson invites us to examine our motivation for giving and challenges us to give out of a deep love and gratitude for Christ.
Can sorrow be replaced with rejoicing? Continuing the conversation from John 16, Don Pearson examines how prayer will increase our joy and points us to the place true joy is found, in Jesus Christ alone.
During Jesus’ final meal with his disciples, He promised that the gift of the Spirit would be even greater than His physical presence. Returning to our series on the gospel of John, Don Pearson invites us to consider the power of the Spirit in us.
The world wants us to believe that children are a burden. But scripture is clear, children are a blessing. In his final sermon from the series It’s Personal, Ray Sabon encourages parents to see children as the gifts they are and to pass vitality and life from this generation to the next.
Marriage can be a lot of things; exciting, boring, fun, complicated, amazing, challenging, rewarding. But marriage is also a living, breathing metaphor of Christ and the church. Building on Scripture from Genesis, Don Pearson uses Ephesians 5 to point us towards life-giving relationships.
Do controversial cultural trends leave you feeling worried and confused? Amidst the chaos of our world’s sexual brokenness, God’s Word bring truth, grace, clarity, and peace. Using passages from 1 Corinthians, Don Pearson tackles some of our culture’s toughest questions.
Are your relationships chaotic? Do you face brokenness in your home or workplace? Your friendships? Your marriage? In the start of a new series, Don Pearson offers encouragement and hope. We were created in God’s image and we were made for loving relationships.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, what is your role in the world? Special guest, Pastor Hikmat Kashou, from Resurrection Church Beirut, Lebanon shares his unique perspective on being salt & light to those around us.
As followers of Christ, we are called to create what is good, true and beautiful. Do we view this responsibility as a gift? Using text from Proverbs, Matt Zainea explores how virtuous work is vital for human flourishing.
What does baptism have to do with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ? Everything! Using text from Colossians 2, Ray Sabon shares how baptism is a visible picture of the gospel.
Is our love for Jesus expressed out loud? Are we quick to boldly speak of His grace? Wrapping up our Worthy of Worship series, Ray Sabon encourages us to meditate on God’s unsearchable greatness and proclaim it loudly.
How can a God who is remarkably great and beyond comprehension also be near to His people? Trent Heaton continues our Worthy of Worship series, offering wisdom and clarity to this profound question.
Do you believe God sees you? Do you believe He cares about your troubles? Using text from Psalm 145, Isaac examines how God meets our needs and steps into our suffering with unmatched kindness.
All of creation is called to proclaim the glory and power of God’s kingdom. If we don’t, the very rocks will cry out! Join us as Don Pearson uses Psalm 145 and Isaiah 60 to teach us more about being God’s church and living for His kingdom.
Do you see God’s grace, compassion, and mercy in your daily life? Do you feel His presence when things get tough? Come and be encouraged as Tate Radaz contemplates the characteristics of God described in Psalm 145:8-9.
Where did you first hear the Gospel of Jesus? Was it from a family member, a friend, a mentor? Don Pearson continues our summer series Worthy of Worship with a wonderful challenge to speak about the wondrous works of God, and be a part of sharing the gospel to the next generation.
In a culture overwhelmed by accomplishment and distraction, take a moment to be overwhelmed by the wonder of who God is. Ray Sabon kicks off a series called Worthy of Worship in Psalm 145.
The world seems full of anger and hate. When Jesus was on earth He was also hated. What does it mean to courageously follow Jesus when faith and the world collide? Don Pearson will help us understand this tension from John 15.
Did you know that Jesus wants to spend time with YOU? Don Pearson continues in our Grace Upon Grace series in John 15 and talks about the deeply personal and tender concept of what it means to truly abide with Jesus.
Don Pearson talks about fatherhood and using verses from John to discuss the unique relationship of Jesus and His Father.
Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be given to them, and is also offered to all believers. How we choose to interact with the Spirit is determined by the nature of our relationship with Him. Don Pearson unpacks some of these promises from John 14.
In John 14, Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life. Learn what that means for us today, as Don Pearson unpacks how we might allow who Jesus is to impact our lives and those around us.
What does it mean to love like Jesus? By exploring the words of Jesus in John 13, Don Pearson talks about the example of Christ, and the differences between how Judas and Peter treat Jesus.
What does it mean to be a servant leader? In John 13 Jesus showed his disciples by washing their feet, and Don Pearson discusses how we might follow the example of Jesus within the roles God has given us.
Jesus brings life, even through death. From John 12, Don Pearson explores the necessary deaths we must experience in hopeful anticipation of life in Christ, and to bear fruit for His glory.
What are the characteristics of someone who worships Jesus? From John 12, Ray Sabon looks at the ways Mary and Judas interact with Jesus and calls us to examine what our worship looks like.
After Jesus raised a dead man to life, the Pharisees began to scheme and plot to kill Jesus. From John 11, Don Pearson calls us to exchange the brokenness of our thoughts with the abundant life and freedom that Jesus offers.
What does the phrase ‘God Loves You’ really mean? By celebrating Christ’s Resurrection, Don Pearson explores how Jesus’s words, death and resurrection stand as a permanent example of His love. Christ is risen!
As we look at the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection from the gospel of John, Don Pearson reminds us of the gift of grace made available to us by the passion and love of Christ.
When has the brokenness of life caused you to ask big questions about faith and Jesus? Don Pearson examines the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and the significance of what this means for those who believe Jesus is Lord.
Do you believe there is a Sovereign, Creator God who cares about you? Don Pearson explores Jesus’ words from John 10 to discover more about the Good Shepherd.
How can we grow in awareness of our spiritual blindness? Don Pearson explores the story of Jesus healing the blind man from John 9 by examining the realities of sin and the grace of knowing who Jesus is.
Whether we know it or not, we are part of a lineage of either serving sin or serving Christ. Don Pearson explores the words of Jesus in John 8, and calls us to choose to which family we will belong.
We long to be free, and Jesus longs to give us that freedom that can only be found in Him. Don Pearson explores John 8 in which Jesus says He is the light of the world, the one who gives freedom from darkness.
Have you ever been caught in the act? Jesus interacts with a woman who was publicly shamed for being caught in sin, and His life-giving response of forgiveness to her is the same forgiveness He extends to us. Don Pearson unpacks this story from John 8 in an interactive way.
Do you ever feel confused about who Jesus is? Don Pearson explores division among the people about Jesus from John 7, and the invitation from Jesus that remains for us today.
Have you ever felt like walking away from the faith? The teaching of Jesus from John 6:51-71 is difficult to grasp, and many of His disciples walked away from Him afterward. Don Pearson explores the truth that only Jesus can satisfy our deepest needs.
What consumes you? Through John 6:22-51 Don Pearson invites us to remember that Christ is the bread of life and is able to satisfy all of our needs, and that even when we forget, His sovereign grace is enough.
Do you find it hard to experience the joy of knowing Jesus? If there was something blocking your joy would you like to know? Ray Sabon will unpack the words of Jesus in Luke 18:9-14 and help us discover the true joy of brokenness.
Is your cup half empty or half full? Ray Sabon uses the miracles of Jesus from John 6 to explore living your life with God’s provision in view, and how that might affect the fullness of your cup.
Who is Jesus, and what is His relationship to God the Father? Don Pearson discusses Jesus’ words from John 5 by examining how Jesus brings life and the authority by which He works.
The miracles of Jesus in the gospel of John are for those who were healed, but also have a message for us today. Don Pearson explores two back-to-back miracles of Jesus early in His ministry and invites us to consider our deepest needs.
Jesus’ loving and compassionate pursuit is demonstrated through the story of the woman at the well. Don Pearson explores this passage in John 4 to help us learn what it means to worship in spirit and truth.
Magnify’s Christmas service to contemplate grace as we experience the joy of our Savior’s birth.
When Jesus turned water to wine at a wedding, it marked the beginning of His ministry. Don Pearson discusses the significance of why John started with this story, what it means, and what it means for us today.
What does it mean to be called by God? By looking at when Jesus called His disciples in the book of John, Don Pearson explores calling as both a vocation and as a part of Christ’s church.
What do we do when we encounter confusion or doubt on our faith journey? From John 1 Don Pearson explores the life of John the Baptist and what the Bible has to say about times of confidence and times of confusion.
What does grace upon grace mean? From John 1 Don Pearson explores the incredible gifts God has given to us, and how focusing on God's grace might impact the ways we live.
What does it mean to be children of God? Don Pearson uses texts from John and other New Testament books to explore the benefits of grace and the responsibility of being in God’s family.
Does it ever seem like darkness is winning? By looking at who the Bible says Jesus is and at His amazing creation, Don Pearson shares from John 1 that Jesus is the Light, and that the Light will not be overcome by darkness.
Who is Jesus to you? In this new series on the book of John, Don Pearson asks us to consider how we try to make Jesus fit into our ideas of who He is instead of who the Bible says He is.
Why did God give us children? Ray Sabon uses Ephesians 6:1-4 to discuss the challenges and joys of parenting, and uses a Biblical lens to encourage parents in their important, God-given role.
From Matthew 28:16-20, Pastor Alton Hardy from Urban Hope Community Church in Alabama wraps up the Home [Work] series on relationships and communication with a look at the Great Commission.
God designed our relationships to be life-giving, but because of the fall, they are broken. Don Pearson uses Ephesians 5 to describe how we can grow in our awareness of sinful tendencies as we also grow in pursuit of what God wants for us.
How do pride and fear affect our communication with those around us? Using text from Proverbs, Don Pearson explores how we might move with humility by listening and loving well.
Our relationships are broken, and often our words contribute to the mess. In the start of this new series, Don Pearson uses Proverbs 18:20-21 to discuss how we can restore our relationships through reflection, repentance, and the help of the Spirit.
The short book of Jude delivers a powerful message about our desires and our beliefs. Don Pearson talks us through how we can keep ourselves in the love of God in the midst of a culture where being ruled by our desires can be paramount.
How does a biblical understanding of work contribute to life for yourself and those around you? Using text from 2 Thessalonians, Matt Zainea examines the importance of the work we do and how we do it.
What does it mean to be baptized, and why do we believe in it? Don Pearson explores the mysteries of baptism from Romans 6, and call us to celebrate what Christ has done for us.
How can God’s love for us motivate our desire to know more about Him? From the book of 2 John, Don Pearson discusses our call to be watchful of what is false while striving to love God and love others.
What does it mean to experience the love of God? Don Pearson uses texts from 1 John to highlight how high and long and wide and deep God’s love is for us.
What kind of attitude does the Bible say we should have regarding our salvation? From the book of 1 John, Ray Sabon discusses the words of the disciple who walked with Jesus and what it means to walk in the light.
From 2 Peter 1:3-11, Ray Sabon discusses what it means to become partakers of the divine nature, and how this understanding can influence our daily lives.
What is the role of Christ-followers in relation to the government? Matt Zainea uses the book of 1 Peter and the example of Jesus to discuss what living within the truth looks like.
In the second week of this series, Don Pearson explores Peter's writings on disunity, and how the church of today must include unity as an essential ingredient to our testimony and witness to those around us.
The smaller New Testament letters deal with big issues. Through the book of Philemon, Don Pearson explores how we are called to not just forgive as God has forgiven us, but also work toward reconciliation in our relationships.
Through the prophet Malachi, God speaks to the people of Israel about their giving and faithfulness. Don Pearson discusses how we can apply these messages to our lives as we wait for Christ to return.
Don Pearson uses passages from Ezekiel to help us understand the depth of our sin. Yet there is hope. God promises that if we seek Him, He will replace our hard hearts with soft hearts to love Him and others better.
What does faith look like when life doesn’t make sense? Don Pearson uses texts from the prophet Habakkuk to discuss the mysteries of suffering and the promises of an all-knowing God.
In times of uncertainty it can be difficult to know how to move. Don Pearson shares how the message of the prophet Jeremiah and the words of Jesus help us seek the good, true and beautiful even during hard times.
The prophet Isaiah was sent to four different kings, and each of them had a different posture towards God. Looking through the lens of these four kings, Don Pearson discusses what the book of Isaiah says about our worship.
Through His word, God has given promises to people of the Bible and to us today. Using texts from Genesis to Revelation, Matt Zainea casts a vision for movement as individuals and as the church when we truly believe God’s promises.
Have you felt discouraged by circumstances in your life being less than what you hoped? From Haggai 1:1-11, Steve High shares God’s invitation to consider His loving pursuit and His provision of a hopeful future when we seek Him first.
What if instead of being focused on what’s next in purchases or achievements, we focused on who’s next and how we might care for others? Don Pearson shares the vision from Amos 5:21-24 on how this shift in focus impacts justice and mercy in our communities.
From Micah 6:8 we are told to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.” Don Pearson explores the themes of the book of Micah and shares what biblical justice looks like for today.
From 2 Kings 6:24-7:9, Don Pearson shares the story of the good news received by a group of unlikely recipients and talks about an exciting way to share the good news we’ve received within our various circles.
From the story of Elisha and the Syrian General Naaman in 2 Kings 5, Don Pearson discusses what it looks like to live by faith in the day-to-day.
Through the story of the prophet in Jonah 1:1-10, Don Pearson discusses how anger can block us from showing mercy. We can look to Jesus as an example of how to be motivated by mercy when interacting with others.
What does it take to become a disciple of Jesus? With examples from Jesus’ ministry, Don Pearson shows how celebrating the Resurrection and celebrating people work together.
Stories in the Bible and our own lives provide plenty of examples of choosing paths that seem right, but in the end lead to death (Proverbs 14:12). Don Pearson shares how repentance can lead us back to the path of life.
How can you choose to obey God in your worship, relationships and giving? From 1 Kings 17:1-7 Don Pearson discusses the question of Elijah to the people of God, and the relevance of Elijah’s question for us today.
Within the context of a divided kingdom of Israel enter the prophets, calling the people back to God. Using text from Hosea 1:1-11 Don Pearson shares how we need the message of the prophets today just as much as the people of Israel did then.
How do we grasp for control in our lives? Taking examples from the beginning of the divided kingdom in 1 Kings 11:41-43, Gary Heim discusses a life-giving alternative to a power-hungry worldview.
If a wise man like Solomon can fall from wisdom, how can we keep from falling into idolatry, especially in the areas of our sexuality? From 1 Kings 11:1-8 Trevor Hunt shows what it can look like to flourish in God’s design and grace.
What happens when we encounter futility in life? Using Ecclesiastes 1, Ray Sabon discusses how Jesus, who is making all things new, gives hope in a world where nothing is new under the sun.
Is it possible to cut through the noise of everyday life to acquire wisdom? By looking at Proverbs 1:1-7 Ray explores what it can look like to pursue godly wisdom with passion.
From 1 Kings 1:1-18, Don Pearson shares about the beginning of Solomon’s reign, how his throne is established in wisdom and how we can apply wisdom in our daily lives.
Using texts from 2 Samuel, Don Pearson explores David’s indebtedness to God and how that affects his worship, even when David’s life and family unravel into chaos.
After David’s affair with Bathsheba, he wrote Psalm 51. Don Pearson explores David’s prayer for a clean heart and explains how we too can use the Psalms to both express and renew our hearts in prayer with our Father.
What does it look like to bring life to those around us? Don Pearson uses 2 Samuel 11-12 to discuss how we can act responsibly to create, protect and advance life in all settings.
Being a disciple is what we are all about. Matt Zainea uses the example of Jesus from John 13:12-17 along with our 6 values to discuss what being a disciple looks like.
What is the importance of friendship, and what does the Bible say about what it means to be a good friend? Don Pearson uses 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and other texts to discuss loneliness, relationships and the power of faithfulness.
At the start of King David’s reign, examples of honor and dishonor show how David's kingdom was established. Using 2 Samuel 1:17-27, Don Pearson shows how honoring God and honoring people allows us to participate in God’s kingdom work.
Magnify’s annual Candlelight Christmas Service, celebrating the birth of the Savior King.
Don Pearson uses 1 Samuel 18:1-9 and the lives of Saul, his son Jonathan and David to show us how we can choose between the path of envy or the path of peace.
What does it look like to be a person after God’s own heart? Don Pearson looks at King David from 1 Samuel 17:41-49 as an example of character desired by God and how to take every thought captive.
How does the example of Saul speak to what God desires of our giving? Using 1 Samuel 15, Ray Sabon describes how our obedience shows our love.
The sons of Eli the High Priest show us what barren worship can look like from 1 Samuel 4:10-22. Don Pearson uses these examples to challenge us to examine how we are honoring God and others.
By looking at the story of Hannah and the birth of Samuel from 1 Samuel 5:1-20, Don Pearson shows how the unfailing love of God can help us persevere through any season of barrenness.
How the Trinity relates to each other can shed light on how we can love others well, especially our spouses. Using verses from Ephesians 5, Don Pearson speaks practically on how to seek the best for the other.
How does God’s oneness apply to marriage? Don talks about the marriage relationship imaging God, and how we can work from hurt to harmony in our relationships.
Matt Zainea and Senior Research Fellow Michael Miller from the Acton Institute discuss a Christian perspective on politics, wrapping up the Light in the Darkness series.
Is it possible to be light in what can feel like the darkness of current politics? Don uses an example from the book of Mark to discuss what it means to be light in our every day lives, and the implications in the political arena.
Caring in the midst of a pandemic can be daunting. Matt Zainea has a conversation with guests Mike Post (a health care professional) and Kevin Shuneson (an elementary teacher) to show how bringing light can happen in practical, meaningful ways.
Instead of grumbling or disputing, the church is called to be a light, especially during a pandemic. Don Pearson explores how we can humbly move towards others with Christ as our example.
Instead of grumbling or complaining, the church is called to be a light. Don Pearson begins a new series by talking about how to think biblically about racism.
The unifying message of Colossians 3:11 was radical when first heard in the context of the early church. It is no less applicable today as we work through questions of justice and reconciliation in our country. Matt Zainea and special guest Alton Hardy talk together about the power of the Gospel to heal.
How are sloth and destruction related? Through Proverbs, Matt Zainea completes the Ashes to Beauty series by calling us to diligence in Loving God and those around us.
Baptism takes someone from false life through symbolic death into true life. Don Pearson shares more about what the Bible says about baptism and the joy we can experience through it.
Whether you are single, dating, engaged, married, or widowed - we all struggle with lusting for things that don’t belong to us. Don Pearson encourages us to find the power through Christ to break free from our love-affair with sin as he teaches from Proverbs 5 and Romans 13.
Does choosing patience instead of anger seem impossible? By looking at the promises in Revelation, learn how we can move into the rhythms of patience as an act of trust in God.
What’s going on inside when our anger rises to the surface? By looking at the Proverbs and the story of Peter’s denial, Don unpacks choosing patience instead of wrath.
How are envy and rotting bones related? We will be looking at verses from the books of Proverbs and Acts, and talking about how we can move from envy (what’s next) to gratitude (who’s next).
In our brokenness, much of what we do is motivated by envy. Learn how envy can rob us of the joy of gratitude by looking at a story from the book of Matthew.
How does Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan show us how to combat greed? Learn how trusting in God can move us from Greed to Charity.
What is God up to when He allows frustration and pain in our lives? Gary Heim shows us how Psalm 131 can help us find true contentment.
How do you view your life? Do you gravitate toward viewing it through a lens of scarcity? Or do you see abundance leading toward generosity? This week in part 3 of our Ashes to Beauty series, Matt Zainea talks about how charity opens our hands to give, when we take the focus off of ourselves.
What keeps us from humility? Don Pearson continues the Ashes to Beauty series by talking about how our prideful fears limit our imaginations towards Christ-like humility.
How can something as ugly as pride be changed to the beauty of humility? This series is focused on the seven deadly sins and the seven Christian virtues, and how true change can happen.
God in His great love for us invites us to be on guard against the downward spiral toward corruption.
How do you receive correction? Often the words that are hardest to hear are the words that can truly bring life and draw us closer to Jesus Christ.
Faith often defies the categories we fashion for it, and Rahab and Achan show us that it's tough to know who the insiders and outsiders are.
Teaching 27 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
When Moses died, the Israelite people found themselves at a frightening crossroads. God responded with encouragement along with a challenge: to trust Him completely.
Teaching 26 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
When Moses died, the Israelite people found themselves at a frightening crossroads. God responded with encouragement along with a challenge: to trust Him completely.
Teaching 26 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
We all want change in our lives, but it's tough to make it happen. Why?
Teaching 25 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Beautiful. Painful. Miserable. How does the Bible affirm and challenge our ideas about marriage?
Teaching 24 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Our lives are full of decisions, and often some answers are better than others. Fortunately, God has given us a guide, and desiring Him is the key to it all.
Teaching 23 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Our world is a remarkably broken place. How are we supposed to navigate all that pain and evil?
There has only ever been one story that is worthy of building the foundation of our lives on, and we need to let the whole biblical story shape our lives in the image of Christ.
Teaching 22 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The prophets are all about bringing God's wayward people back to Him, and no one tells that story like Hosea.
Teaching 21 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Life is full of brokenness and frustration. When things don't go our way, where is God and what does He want from us?
Teaching 20 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
God's Law at Mount Sinai was all about bringing life to His people and making them an example to all the surrounding peoples. Today, that call continues through Jesus.
Teaching 19 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Throughout history, God has passionately pursued and protected the most vulnerable people in society. What does that mean for foreigners and refugees?
Throughout history, God has passionately pursued and protected the most vulnerable people in society. In this time and place, He wants to do it through us.
It's easy to say "God is good" when we see His blessings, but how do we respond when life falls apart?
Teaching 18 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
What were sacrifices all about in the Old Testament, and what does it have to do with us now?
Teaching 18 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
After Israel's failure to live by The Law at Mount Sinai, how can God dwell in the midst of His peoples' sin?
Teaching 17 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Almost immediately after making a covenant with God, the Israelites rejected the way of life He gave them. How did God respond?
Teaching 17 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Bible is full of wisdom, but different parts speak in different ways. How can Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job equip us for relational difficulty?
Teaching 16 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Bible is full of wisdom, but different parts speak in different ways. What do they have to say about parenting?
Teaching 15 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Bible is full of wisdom, but different parts speak in different ways. What do they have to say about marriage?
Teaching 14 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Bible is full of wisdom, but different parts speak in different ways. How can we read them wisely?
Teaching 13 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Proverbs says "Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys." Why does this matter so much?
We often seek it in matters of behavior, but ultimately it is our inner world that needs self-control.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Anger and aggression come easy for us, but how can we enter conflicts with the tenderness of Jesus instead?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
God is the ultimate model of faithfulness. How did that play out when He became a human?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
When Paul talks about "goodness", what does he even mean?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
It's tough to be kind when we feel hurt or frustrated, but that's also when it's most important.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Patience. Trust. Different, yet closely related.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
What does a peaceful person really look like, and what does it take to become one?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Good times. Bad times. How can joy be a part of both?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Love for others is meant to flow freely from our love for God.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Love is essential to our relationship with God, but it's easier said than done.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
It's easy to believe that we fail God by not trying hard enough, but what if that's not the real problem at all?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Eight of the Ten Commandments are about avoiding evil, but the two in the middle are all about clinging onto what is good.
Teaching 12 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel like Paul did: with all boldness and without hindrance. What will it take to move forward in that mission?
The first three of the Ten Commandments focus on our relationship with God, but God also has a lot to say about how we treat each other.
Teaching 11 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Ten Commandments come at the very beginning of God's law to His people, and the first three are all about our relationship with that God.
Teaching 10 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Psalms: God's prayer book for His people. They have much to teach us about thanksgiving, but also about lament, pain, and uncertainty.
Teaching 9 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Wilderness. The word evokes images of arid deserts and dense forests, and has a knack for revealing who we really are.
Teaching 8 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The LORD is a God of abounding love as well as utter holiness. How do these work together?
Teaching 7 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
As the book of Exodus opens, we are consistently confronted with a question: who is in charge?
Teaching 6 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Where have we been, where are we going, and how will we get there? Check out this special vision teaching for an update.
Genesis is full of deceivers. Why, and is there anyone who breaks the mold?
Teaching 5 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
In Genesis, humans and deceit often seem inseparable from each other. Even so, God refuses to break His promise to Abraham's family.
Teaching 4 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Noah and Abraham were both deeply flawed, but they clung to the belief that God keeps His promises.
Teaching 3 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
You can tell a lot about a story from the way it begins, so what's the beginning of Genesis about?
Teaching 1 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
What exactly is spiritual warfare, and what does the Bible mean when it talks about the flesh?
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." These words to God's people are ancient, but what do they mean?
Hurt. Anger. Bitterness. It isn't hard to find these things in our lives, but what are we supposed to do with them?
In this capstone of the Romans series, we investigate the powerful–yet often skimmed–final chapter.
31 of 31 in our Romans series.
Paul did many things during his life - good and bad. What was he proud of?
30 of 31 in our Romans series.
Are you curious about the end of the world? Judging by the number of recent movies and shows it’s evident that there is a broad allure to the topic. Amidst all the predictions, fear and confusion what is true about the end? Why does it matter and what should we do?
51 of 53 in our Matthew series.
A church divided by preferences and convictions, but united in Christ. Is this possible?
29 of 31 in our Romans series.
We are citizens of God's Kingdom first and foremost, but citizens of human nations as well. What does it mean for a Christ-follower to also be American, Chinese, German, or Roman?
28 of 31 in our Romans series.
Hard times. Good times. What does it look like to trust God and be grateful in all seasons?
Revenge is a part of us - when someone pushes, the natural thing is to push back. However, God has a better way for us. A way that is more than natural.
27 of 31 in our Romans series.
Honor. Humility. Hospitality. We all know these words, but do we really know what they mean?
26 of 31 in our Romans series.
Different, but united in Christ. That is God's desire for His people, but it is rarely the way we actually function. Fortunately, Paul was no stranger to this issue.
25 of 31 in our Romans series.
As we near the end of Romans, Paul really gets to the meat of his letter. He also gets really confusing for 21st-century people! What is a living sacrifice, anyway?
24 of 31 in our Romans series.
What goes through your head when you hear the word "tithe"? Confusion? Fear? Suspicion? Jesus spoke a lot to say about money, so maybe He can set the record straight.
Many of life's relationships can be chaotic, but none are more consuming of time and resources than children. What is a good parent, anyway, and what does it look like to thrive in this role?
God created marriage to be an unbreakable, life-giving bond that brings joy to both spouses–but that is seldom the picture we see. What went wrong, and how can we submit ourselves to God's design?
Looking for a chaotic life? Look no further than Hosea, the prophet who God told to marry an unfaithful woman. His book of the Bible brings both our waywardness and God's faithfulness into sharp focus.
Unfair circumstances. Unpredictable conflicts. Belligerent internet notifications. Our God is the master of chaos, but that doesn't mean he always gets rid of it. What does it look like to walk through life's craziness alongside the Spirit of Jesus?
On the eve of launching our 3rd campus, lead pastor Matt Zainea anticipates the exciting journey ahead. Risk and discomfort are essential if we are to move forward together.
Work. Many either avoid it at all costs or worship it as a god, but what does scripture say? Is it good? Bad? What did God make it for?
Baptism. So often misunderstood, argued about, and evaded by Christians - yet it speaks right to the heart of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. This message investigates the what, why, and how.
After Jesus rose from the dead, people of all different ethnicities and cultures began to follow Him. Finally, God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham had come true! But what about Israel? Are they not important to God anymore?
23 of 31 in our Romans series.
Humanity is broken. Got it. Every human has been affected by shame in their past. Ok. Jesus came, making a new way. What now? How do new humans process shame?
Universal, pervasive, and often undetected. This is shame, something every person struggles with, and this teaching dives into the what, why, and how. It may seem like it, but shame doesn't just come out of nowhere.
Is God really sovereign over everything, or can people mess up His plans? Can we really make choices, or is free will just an illusion? Welcome to the doctrine of election. What does the Bible really say about all this?
22 of 31 in our Romans series.
How do stars begin? Are there other planets like earth? What revolves around what, anyway? Professor Will Millar - making full use of his Ph.D. in Astrophysics - takes us through the history of the questions and updates us on the centuries-long search for answers.
Every human being is different - some even seem to have more traits in contrast than in common! How, then, can we treat each other with dignity?
Joe Jones - head of the Grand Rapids Urban League and Second Ward Commissioner on the Grand Rapids City Council - teaches us this evening.
Ever heard "but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go" and wondered, "Wait, so did Pharaoh's have a choice?" This is the teaching for you.
21 of 31 in our Romans series.
Ever heard that "all things work together for good"? This week, Ben unpacks what this promise means and how God is going to keep it.
20 of 31 in our Romans series.
Suffering. It comes in many shapes and sizes, and none of them feel good. What does it look like to suffer like a Jesus follower?
19 of 31 in our Romans series.
Contentment. Circumstances. Two words for the same thing to some, but not according to scripture.
You know that thing you struggle with. You try. You fight it. You promise to beat it but it keeps coming back. Paul knew that struggle, and he wanted the Church to know that God has something better for us.
18 of 31 in our Romans series.
Struggle to believe that God could accept you? Struggle to accept others? You’re not alone, and there's good news waiting for you.
17 of 31 in our Romans series.
What kind of man are you? It's a big question - and not a simple one - but according to Paul, there are basically two examples to choose from.
Ancient Judea was full of people stuck on the fringes of society. Some murdered, stole, or lived otherwise disreputable lives. Many, like the poor, seemed burdensome. Others just didn't fit in. Jesus treated them all with honor.
16 of 31 in our Romans series.
Mike Wittmer - professor at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary - speaks on a topic that seems, on one hand, irrelevant and, on the other hand, VERY relevant to our daily lives. Namely, what happens when we die? And what happens after that?!?
Does the fight for your own heart and life feel like a fierce battle? You’re not alone. In Romans 7, Paul speaks very honestly about the struggle with personal sin.
15 of 31 in our Romans series.
No doubt about it - it's hard to keep in step with God! Two kingdoms at war for the world and its people. Different goals. Different outcomes. We have a choice to make.
God’s gift of grace is more than we could ever hope for. But can grace be misused?
14 of 31 in our Romans series.
Drawing from a host of sources, Colleen Bronkema draws out the profound impact that our view of God makes on our own identity.
You no longer belong to evil. Bought at a great price you belong to God. Forgiven. Freed. Changed. So what difference does grace make in everyday life?
13 of 31 in our Romans series.
There’s plenty of bad news in Paul’s letter to the Roman church, but do you know how good the good news really is?
12 of 31 in our Romans series.
In this Sunday Night conversation, a panel of health experts gives education, clarification, and counsel about end-of-life decisions and other health care issues.
To ask a question or schedule a free conversation with a BHBC facilitator, email Carol Gates or call her at 866.9597x156
Physical pain, loss, death, chronic sickness, emotional pain... We are all too familiar with the physical suffering that is part of the human experience. Whether its personal pain or those we love our stories are full examples. Is there a purpose in our physical suffering?
11 of 31 in our Romans series.
We experience pain in our relationships. Loving others in a broken world isn't without risk and certainly isn't without disappointment, frustration or suffering. But even this kind of pain we experience is a gift.
10 of 31 in our Romans series.
Pain is a gift. Physical pain, relational pain, persecution, loneliness, discouragement: it all connects us to Jesus. We suffer...so did he, but there is purpose in brokenness. There is an upside of down, even in the midst of suffering.
9 of 31 in our Romans series.
There is hope because of the empty tomb of Jesus. Be reminded or discover fresh the power of the One who is Alive with the celebration of Resurrection Sunday 2018.
In preparation for Easter, Matt frames Psalm 22 this Sunday Night in the light of Jesus of Nazareth, a man who lived a life that was soaked in scripture even to his last moment on the cross.
As people hailed Jesus upon His entry into Jerusalem as the promised king, all the power of hell and darkness also closed in on Him. The week before Easter is commonly known as the passion week of Jesus. Take a peek into this unique gathering complete with palm branches, stones and a reminder of the passion that drove Jesus to the cross.
For the last year BHBC has been on a journey praying, risking and trusting for the sake of the Gospel. One year ago a second campus was just a dream. Today the Northview Campus is thriving. Where might God be leading us next?
Whether you are a person with strong faith of someone who struggles with doubt or discouragement, this teaching is for you.
8 of 31 in our Romans series.
We love receiving gifts, but have you ever thought of judgment as a gift? Sometimes the most unexpected—even undesired—gifts can be the best.
7 of 31 in our Romans series.
Quick to point the finger of judgment to those around you? Not so fast. It's easy to look at the failings of others, but much harder to look inside.
6 of 31 in our Romans series.
Instead of accepting God's gospel of redemption, we often turn the focus away from our own evil and onto that of others.
5 of 31 in our Romans series.
The gospel is truly good news. To fully understand why we must first understand the bad news.
4 of 31 in our Romans series.
Will living well bring me a good life? What does God want from me when I'm in pain? How can God be good when the world is so full of suffering? In this Sunday Night teaching, we learn that the Book of Job is designed to meet us in these questions, but perhaps not in the way we expect...
The gospel. A word that is used often in church, but what is it? Discover or perhaps rediscover the power of the gospel and the power of your story.
3 of 31 in our Romans series.
Colleen Geisel, Executive Director of Alpha Grand Rapids, knows that everyone has a story. As we hear some of them, she has a question for us: what does it mean to be a part of God's mercy?
Living upside down isn’t natural. It’s the result of being transformed by God. So what does a transformed community of Jesus-followers look like?
2 of 31 in our Romans series.
Paul's letter to the church in Rome is known for its thorough and rich theology. It was also written to a real church and real group of early, diverse Jesus-followers struggling to live out His teachings. Chapter 12 paints a picture of living upside down: being transformed by the Spirit, not conformed by the world. It's what Paul desired for the Roman church. It's what God desires for His church today.
1 of 31 in our Romans series.
Find out why communication with God is possible. This teaching on prayer will give you some practical ways to live a praying and guilt-free life.
At the end of Jesus' time on earth it would have been easy to think that was the end. But when Jesus left His disciples and ascended to heaven right in front of their eyes it was really just the beginning. There is work to be done and the followers of Jesus were left with a mission that is true still today.
53 of 53 in our Matthew series.
After giving an overview of Proverbs in December 3rd's Sunday Night teaching, Pastor Ben Phebus shows how it can bring life to us and those around us by discussing five of its recurring themes.
The wrong perspective about the end can cause us to look through the lens of fear or pride. But there is a better way. We can’t know when Jesus will return, but we can be certain He will. What does it mean to be ready for the end?
52 of 53 in our Matthew series.
The book of Proverbs - what is it, and what is it for? In this Sunday night teaching, pastor Ben Phebus explores this profound work of biblical literature.
Brian Webster, a professor of Old Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, approaches thanksgiving through the eyes of the Psalter during this Sunday night teaching.
Posers. Hypocrites. Pretenders. Jesus had much to say about the religious leaders of His day. They looked good, but inside was a different story. What happens when what’s inside doesn’t match the outside?
50 of 53 in our Matthew series.
No one really wants to waste their life, but it happens. Too often we miss what is most important in our everyday decision. How can you live a different kind of life?
49 of 53 in our Matthew series.
Tensions grow and the pace quickens as Jesus moves towards the cross and The End of the Beginning. Questions intended to trap Jesus are turned to one of the most profound moments in history as Jesus reveals what is most important.
48 of 53, the first teaching from our Matthew series at the Northview Campus.
How do we navigate our opinions? We all have different preference when it comes to coffee, paint colors, music, you name it... But what really matters and what are the essentials when it comes to faith and how we act as the church?
God wants to tell a story of redemption through our brokenness—in our marriages and in our singleness—and that includes through our sexuality. Sex is in the news every day and permeates our music and visual media. What does a life-giving, redemptive view of sex look like today?
A teaching and discussion on God's profoundly beautiful design for sexuality between husband and wife.
Words are powerful. Did you know they have the power of life and death? This teaching from Proverbs 18:21 is packed with practical and helpful tools for your marriage.
What does it look like to live as a life-giving spouse, and why is it so easy to do the opposite? Join us for this teaching and discussion on how we can cultivate Christlike love through every season of our marriages.
Why do we fight and quarrel? Discover not only why but how to fight in Part 2 of After Eden. A practical and honest discussion on conflict in marriage with a practical tool that will help you in your relationships.
Discover the restorative power of marriage. Whether you consider your marriage broken, thriving or somewhere in between there is hope for something even better than happily ever after.
Blythefield celebrated 50 years which is awesome. But now what? What does moving forward together look like?