Marysville Nazarene: Recent Episodes
marysvillenazarene
This podcast contains our church's weekly sermons and regular updates from youth and children's ministry.
Judi shares her story of how God used His Word, His creation, His people, and music to reveal the truth--that He is good even when circumstances are not good--and bring about healing in her life. To God be the glory for what He has done!
Living Proof concludes by reminding us that mature faith is sustained through patience, prayer, authenticity and restoration. Living proof faith depends on God in all of life’s ups and downs, and pursues those who have wandered leading to the ultimate evidence--a sinner turning back to Jesus.
James reminds us that our lives, our plans, and our stuff are temporary gifts that should be surrendered to God's purposes rather than used for our own security. A faith that leaves evidence holds everything with open hands. Living proof trusts God's provision enough to obey even it doesn’t make sense, to plan with humility, and to live generously.
According to James, there are two types of wisdom: earthly wisdom and wisdom from above. How do we know which type we have? James 3:13-4:10 suggests that the evidence is in the way we live our lives. Perhaps it's time for an honest evaluation of the type of wisdom we have?
Our words have immense power--for evil or good--based on their source. Do they come from ourselves and our own efforts? Or from the Holy Spirit and His power? Our daily response reflects in eternity.
James reminds us that we are the hands and feet of Jesus, branches that bear fruit, saved for Christ. Actions that others can see, can witness. This compliments Paul’s teaching that we are saved by grace through the blood of Jesus. He is the root, and we are saved in Christ. Root, branches, fruit--grace producing living proof for others to follow.
The good news leaves no room for favoritism, because every person bears God's image. Living proof faith believes there are no lost causes and every believer reflects the heart of Jesus by showing mercy, honoring the overlooked, and making room at the table for everyone.
God's Word was never intended to stop at our ears; it was meant to take root in our hearts. A life that bears fruit moves beyond listening to Jesus and lives like Jesus through obedience, compassion, and purity, leaving behind living proof of a life transformed by grace and truth.
Life has no shortage of trials and struggles. We are often under pressure as we navigate the unexpected and the heavy moments of life. James reminds us that faith is our response to God’s greatest opportunities, revealing who we truly trust. God uses every challenge as an opportunity to mature our faith and make us living proof of His transforming grace.
Jesus promised power through the Holy Spirit to help us become witnesses--stewards of His story of grace. The Holy Spirit gives us power to live a shared life, taking our personal faith public!
Holiness is not self-produced behavorial perfection—it is the transforming work of God’s grace through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity reveals three expressions of grace that call, redeem, and empower believers to live intentionally, purposefully, and on mission!
Celebrating those beginning new chapters as well as the call we all have to live a spirit-empowered life.
Featured Music:
"Deliberate Thought" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Purpose is not something we create for ourselves—it's something we discover as we respond to God’s calling and live as sent people. God has uniquely gifted and positioned each of us to serve, showing the world the love and mission of Christ through our everyday lives.
Stewardship is not about ownership but trusting in covenant. A generous life gives evidence to a heart that is devoted to God. God provides not just for consumption, but for participation in His mission
Devoted believers share truth, life, and disciplines centered on Christ. As we move from simply attending to truly belonging to a covenant community, God shapes us together into a people who reflect His love and mission.
As prayer is our response to a covenantal relationship with God, Scripture is God’s voice that forms His people through teaching, correction, and training. As we consistently engage and respond to His Word, we become rooted, transformed to live out His covenant purposes as disciples of Jesus.
Jesus teaches his disciples that prayer is not a vending machine or a checklist of requests, but rather a response to our covenantal relationship with God, rooted in identity, trust, and alignment with His will. The Lord’s Prayer is an invitation to live as God’s people, shaped by our dependence on his leading, provision, and grace.
Guest speaker, Dr. David Mabry from Encompass Ministries, explores the biblical framework for building healthy, Christ-centered relationships by focusing on the New Testament's "one another" commands.
By breaking down our relational calling into five actionable steps, we can move beyond simply existing near people and into intentional engagement, bringing Jesus' heart into our daily interactions.
On the first Easter morning in Luke 24, the women arrive at the tomb expecting death--but in the Upside Down Kingdom, graves give birth to life! The stone is rolled away, He is not there, and the greatest flip in history is revealed--Jesus is ALIVE! What looked like the end was actually just the beginning, and God is still turning our stories right-side up today.
In this message, we look at Jesus' "cleansing" of the temple through a different lens. Rather than just an act of anger, we see Jesus clearing out the "business as usual" to make room for those on the margins. We often think the way of Christ is "upside down," but when we see that life comes through death--just like pruning a tree for new growth--we realize it's actually the only way to live right-side up. What needs to be cleared out of your life to make room for what God wants to do?
In the Upside Down Kingdom of Jesus, humility and confidence find common ground in the light of God’s mercy. Luke 18:9-14 will help us check our posture, revealing whether we are performing for OR relating to God.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. But the stories are less about lost things and more about the heart of God who searches for those who are far from Him. The Upside Down Kingdom reminds us that while people may focus on the what or who went wrong, heaven celebrates those who are found.
In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus never calls the Samaritan “good,” yet his compassion crosses cultural and religious boundaries and reveals what true goodness looks like in the Upside Down Kingdom. In a story filled with questions, we are left with one that matters most to Jesus; “Will I become a neighbor who shows mercy?”
In Luke 8, a storm reveals the disciples’ fear, but it also shows the power of Jesus’ presence. In the Upside Down Kingdom, faith is not the absence of fear—it is learning to trust the One who is in the boat with us.
In the upside-down Jesus notices and restores people the world overlooks—a sick servant, a grieving widow. He crosses boundaries of power, purity, and social status to show us that in God’s kingdom no one is invisible, and faith is revealed in our response to the unnamed.
Jesus confronts an upside-down view of Sabbath by showing that God’s rest is meant to restore life, not restrict it. True Sabbath invites us to trust God enough to stop and be made whole, creating space for God to work IN and THROUGH us.
In our culture today, we often see those who resist God’s voice find security in their circumstances, while those who follow do so out of humility, obedience, and trust. In Luke 4 and 5, Jesus reveals that being called is not about being ready or feeling qualified, but about responding to His mission--even when it challenges our comfort and expectations. This is the upside-down kingdom of Jesus.
Jesus reveals an upside-down kingdom by seeking out Zacchaeus, a man written off by society, and offering grace before demanding change. Luke 19:10 captures the heart of Jesus’ mission—to seek and to save the lost, even when it creates tension with our religious expectations and what cultural considers normal.
From three, wise, gift-bearing kings to a power-mongering king, to a tiny baby born a King, the final days of the Christmas season may seem filled with drama. But, is it really a tale of We Three Kings? Is it a clash of two kings? Or will it be a promise fulfilled by the King of Kings?
The promises spoken by the prophets don’t end with a baby in a manger; they continue in the life Jesus lived. In Hebrews 2, we see Jesus as the pioneer of true humanity, revealing not only who he is, but who humans were always meant to be. This sermon invites us to look beyond Christmas morning and consider how God’s promise continues through a way of life marked by humility, service, and self-giving love.
The prophets promised that love would compel God come near —Immanuel, God with us. In Jesus, that promise is fulfilled, revealing a love that is not earned and is more than a feeling. Revealing a sacrificial, steadfast, and personal love. Advent invites us to receive this gift and allow this love to shape how we live as we prepare for Christ’s coming.
The prophets promised a joy that would not depend on circumstances but on the coming of God Himself--a joy that restores, strengthens, and transforms. That promise is fulfilled in Jesus as presence, salvation, and purpose, giving us a joy the world cannot create or take away.
The prophets remind us that God’s promise of peace was spoken long before Jesus was born. In a world filled with noise, conflict, and restlessness, the person of Christ offers the deep, restoring shalom our hearts were created to discover in the birth of the Prince of Peace.
Advent invites us to hear again the prophetic voices that pointed to Christ, reminding us that every promise of God finds its “Yes” in Him. While our human hopes begin with basic needs and grow toward deeper longings for meaning, belonging, and restoration, true fulfillment is found only in the promised Savior.
In Thanks and Giving, we celebrate how blessing leads to gratitude, and gratitude overflows into generosity expressed through faithful stewardship. As we steward our relationships, gifts, resources, and the gospel itself, we witness God’s faithfulness, join His mission, and offer our next “yes” to the work of His Kingdom.
Gratitude starts when we see our lives not through the lens of what we lack, but through the abundance of what God has already given. Thanks & Giving reveals to us the spiritual connection and natural expression between blessing, gratitude, and generosity.
We finish our journey UpStream at a holy confluence—where individual lives transformed by grace flow together in God’s purposes. As the Spirit breathes life into us, we are lifted out of the current of this world—and our stories are joined into a movement of mission, sharing the good news of the Gospel that flows through us.
The world's pattern of "me first" will always lead to more questions and confusion. God's pattern of "others first" will always reveal His will and the benefits of His comfort and peace. Paul challenges us to offer ourselves to others, daily, and in doing so, to be transformed in the goodness of the will of God.
In Romans 11, Paul reminds us that our identity in Christ isn’t something we’ve earned—it’s something we’ve been graciously grafted into. We are not replacements in God’s story, but recipients of an ever-widening invitation. Grace grafts us in, and humility is our only proper response.
In a world where it is easy to feel underwater, gasping for control, the Spirit invites us to breathe deep. In Romans 8 we discover life is found in letting the Spirit replace what once was drowning us. We stop fighting for air only when we allow God to breathe on us and in us.
Freedom in Christ isn’t the absence of struggle—it’s grace in the middle of it. Paul reminds us that the battle within doesn’t mean we’ve failed; the battle is evidence that we’re still alive in Christ. Real freedom begins when we stop fighting in our own strength and surrender daily to the Jesus who has already won.
We understand the Gospel to address our need for the forgiveness of sins, but the Gospel does not stop there. Following Christ means choosing the opposite of what culture says: dying to self-rule, living under God's reign, and being bound to Christ. What needs to die in you so that Christ can bring new life?
The Gospel is more than forgiveness—it’s the restoration of broken relationships and the invitation into God’s family. In Romans 5, we see that while we were still powerless and separated from Him, Christ moved first in love to restore what our sin had broken. True reconciliation with God transforms our lives and overflows into our relationships with others.
While sin exposes our desperate need and the bad news of separation from God, Christ’s atonement restores us into right relationship with Him. To live UpStream means embracing this countercultural truth: salvation is not earned, but freely given—and in it, we rediscover the joy of God’s salvation.
We often talk about sin as if it's about them, but in Romans 1-2, Paul makes it clear--it's about us. Sin is not just bad behavior, it's exchanging the truth of God for a lie. Let us reflect upon, lament, and confront our own brokenness.
"Evangelism" can be an uncomfortable word, but at the heart of our purpose is recognizing the transformative power of saving grace. We are called to scatter seeds. And sometimes that means redefining the way we do church and rediscovering the church God wants us to be so we can answer the questions of our culture today.
Serving "Babylon" means showing up faithfully in a place that may not cheer for us, because our loyalty is not to the crowd, but the Kingdom. We plant gardens, love our neighbors, and do good--not because Babylon deserves it, but because God has called us to it.
The heart of God, his intent and instruction, is the essence of what the prophet Jeremiah told his people in exile, and it's the essence of what we see God do through Creation and the formation of His people! When we are fruitful and increase, when we work for the "good," for peace and prosperity of the people with whom we live--especially in exile--we wade into the confluence of the sacred and secular. The physical and spiritual. And this has always been God's purpose for his people.
When we live in exile, one of our tasks is to raise "resident aliens” - to teach the next generation how to remain faithful to God in a land that is not our own. One of the most powerful tools that we have to do this effectively is our story. Consistently telling the story of God at work in and through us 1) Roots our identity, 2) Explains our rhythms, and 3) Gives hope in exile.
Faith is confident trust in what God has said, even when it's not visible. Exile sharpens our dependency on God's promises, not culture's affirmation. When we feel displaced or pressured to conform with competing stories, our roots must go deeper into God's story, not ours.
We are part of a real-life story that is going on around us, but many of us haven't yet realized our role in God's story. To be a holy people is to be an intentional, loving people, with a purpose--to bring others to Him. We are now the place where heaven and earth intersect and from which the glory of God radiates out into the world. We are the people of God.
We may not be strangers in a strange land, but we are strangers in a strange time. As Christian influence wanes, exile helps us evaluate our lives, and, like Jonah, discover that God is up to something powerful among us. There is hope even in the belly of a fish--and God wants to use us to bless our Babylon.
We see in John 4 how a single invitation lead "many more" to become believers: the woman at the well encountered Jesus, and she HAD to share the news! Likewise, millions have heard and/or shared this same gospel invitation, but... there are millions of others who have not.
As followers of Jesus, we are commanded to take that invitation into our communities--the places that are familiar to us as well as those where we are not welcomed and do not want to go. To do so, we need to see every single person we come in contact with as "table mates" and make room for them to sit and join us.
In other words, we have to adopt the heart and passion of the woman at the well to share our relationship with Christ with everyone we encounter--even those who may have offended or hurt us. And it starts with one small conversation.
Worship is a response to what God has done and who we are in Him, and it overflows from a real encounter with Jesus that changes the way we live. God doesn't want to be part of our lives--He wants us to leave behind empty passions that reflect our misplaced devotion and surrender all of ourselves to Him. When we live with such passion--such worship--we can't keep it to ourselves. What are you excited to share?
Ripples moving in the same direction grow into waes. Transformation is a process, and every step is precious to God. He can multiply its impact in ways we can't imagine! What is your next "yes"?
Jesus doesn't see people the way the religious see people. But we're not called to be religious--we're called to follow His example. Everyone is created in the image of God and is loved by Him no matter what... therefore, we as a church believe there are no lost causes. No one should be defined by their failures, issues, or conditions. We are known, seen, heard--and worthy of redemption!
It can be uncomfortable walking in ankle deep, knee deep, or even waist deep waters, but God is calling us to something deeper! "Where the river flows, everything will live..."
Earthquakes don't end with the first rumble. The aftershocks continue long after, shifting the ground beneath us, and Pentecost is one of the most powerful aftershocks of Christ's resurrection. We are created to host the holiness of God! To be holy is not a command, it's an identity. It's not about behavior modification, it's about transformation! Real holiness is magnetic. Are you ready to allow the aftershocks of the resurrection to reverberate through your life? Because the world is starving for real people filled with real love from a real God.
Just like the aftershocks that follow an earthquake, Jesus' resurrecction and ascension were shocking, powerful, world-changing moments that continue to shape our faith and mission today. We live, we believe, and we serve in the tension between Christ's ascension and his return, but we are meant to be living aftershocks--carrying the power of the resurrection--into Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth! How are you living in the in-between?
Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus model, lead, teach, inspire, convict, and instruct his followers. This instruction--the command to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind; and to love our neighbor as ourselves--comes before The Great Commission.
A commission is a formal, written warrant, granting the power to perform various acts or duties. It's the authorization to act in a prescribed manner. And those who've been commissioned have been given a charge to serve.
So what are our "marching orders"? Go. Make. Baptize. Teach.
Failure identifies a gap between where we are and where we can be. But just as He did with Peter, Jesus fills that gap! The aftershock of Christ's death and resurrection made a difference in Peter's life, and His love inspires us to respond as well.
When the road ahead is heavy with doubt and the pieces of our faith no longer seem to fit, we may be tempted to walk away. But in the breaking of bread, the risen Christ meets us—fitting the scattered pieces into a story of hope, and inviting us to keep returning to the table where clarity dawns and hearts burn anew.
No other king loves his enemies, humbles himself, heals the unclean, eats with the outcasts, washes feet, or died for us. This is not just good news... this is great news! And the truth of the Resurrection is imperishable and unfading, nor can it be spoiled by the happenings of this world.
What we do on Sundays is meaningless without the foundation of understanding both the vertical AND the horizontal nature of the Greatest Commandment--to "love the Lord your God [out of] your heart, soul, mind, and strength" and "love your neighbor as yourself."
What comes out of us reflects the king that we worship--the king of pride or the king of humility. Grace helps us reconnect the vertical (loving God) to the horizontal (loving others). Humility feeds gratitude, gratitude feeds generosity, and generosity allows us to love our neighbor. Which king are you feeding?
Mark 12 tells the Parable of the Tenants--but it's not a lesson in dollars and cents. It's not even about Rome or the image of Caesar. It's about lordship. The image we bear reflects who (or what) we worship. May our lives reveal his majesty and mercy as we humbly walk in the way of Jesus and give God what belongs to Him.
Jesus as Messiah is clear to those of us reading the gospels, but for those participating in the story, there was still confusion. Jesus didn't arrive to bring them freedom from the temple of Rome like they'd hoped, but instead engaged in a "battle" that was far more personal. He lived out Micah's lament (Micah 7), proclaiming hope that comes from the Lord and calling each of us to be trees not just full of leaves, but trees that bear fruit.
The story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10 is the story of someone who finally "gets it," unlike the rich man or James and John. And while the disciples were quick to dismiss Bartimaeus, Jesus called to him, and Bartimaeus threw off his cloak--his only possession--and ran to Jesus.
No matter where we are in our journey toward worshiping God (our ascent)--whether we're at the bottom in need of grace to begin the climb, halfway up and laboring to keep going, or at the gates of the Holy City--there is still more that God has for us. We are still climbing and God is still working in us as we confront the kings that vie for our hearts.
The story of the rich man in Mark 10 is not a story about money, but rather that of idolatry. Jesus put himself in direct competition with what the man loved most and made him choose--he could keep his "stuff" or he could follow Jesus. He couldn't do both. And the same is true for us today.
When it comes to serving God, we need not ask ourselves "what do I need to do?" but rather "what am I missing?" What might be getting in the way of following the one and only king? Because whoever loves anything more than God... is lacking.
The Gospel is unbelievable! And yet our stories, proclamations, and testimonies express our belief. May we not be guilty of being called unbelieving--a faithless generation.
The pharisees relied on oral regulations to pretct people and their relationship with God. But over time, external things became their focus, and these traditions had blinded them to who God was and what He wanted.
Corruption begins inside our hearts, not outside. The pharisees' hands were clean, but their heart had been defiled. Jesus wants holiness to be understood through mercy, grace, caring and compassion, deliverance and community. Let us not miss the invitation the way the pharisees did, and join Jesus in the mission of God.
The disciples had just seen Jesus feed 5000 people, and yet they were still surprised to see Him walking on water. How many times do we react the same way today, when our expectations don't match what God is doing? Sometimes, while we're straining at the oars of life, He is trying to get us to understand who He really is. Doubt and wonder can't coexist...
Faith matters. It is the lens through which we view wonder, drawing us closer to Christ and helping us not only see who Jesus is, but how much God loves us.
Are the questions we ask in the midst of our spiritual storms the right ones? Like the disciples facing a storm in the boat, we might recognize the authority of Jesus, but fear and panic still lurk when we don't know who Jesus is.
In the Gospel of Mark, the author focuses on how Jesus was received and the reaction of the people. Jesus taught differently because He was different. He taught with authority because he was the authority! The world and the Law hadn't changed, but His heart, intent, and motive were different. When we drift from the truth, from His authority, the wonder fades.
After the Israelites passed through the waters, they were tempted and failed to live in obedience to God. But Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days and lived in obedience and fidelity to the Father. The very tempations that Satan presented to Jesus attacked his sonship and his obedience, but Jesus proved to be the true Son of God--a sort of redo for the destiny of Israel. But, practically speaking, what does it look like to live a life of obedience to the Father? "Let me who you how it's done."
The Magi traveled with eagerness to worship Jesus, the newborn King of the Jews, though they had limited knowledge of who He was or why His birth had been foretold. These men of satus, position, and means were among the first to worship the Messiah... but no one followed them to Bethlehem. Why not?
Culturally, Christmas has come and gone, but for those who understand the history of the Church, Christmas is just beginning! The twelve days between Christmas Day and the Epiphany of the Magi (on January 6) are for us to revel in the wonder of the incarnation of Jesus--Emmanuel, God with us.
When we share the Messiah with others, there is power in that testimony because of the Christmas Story itself. WE are the reason for the season! The shephers recognized the angels had brought them good news of great joy: God is not dead, nor does He sleep.
When we consider Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus within the Christmas story, we know the least about Joseph--he only appears twice in the Bible and doesn't speak in either appearance. But Joseph was provided, by God, to shepherd and guide Jesus on His mission as Emmanuel--the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world.
Jesus is God's gift to the world. Joseph was God's gift to Jesus. Both were given with the all-encompassing love of our Heavenly Father.
Through the story of Mary's visit from the angel, we learn key ingredients to finding everlasting peace in our lives.
There are lot of situations in our world that make us feel hopeless at times, which causes us, like Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25), to pour out our hearts over and over to God just looking for a little bit of hope. We also struggle to keep silent--we've got lots of words and lots of outlets through which to say them. In this day and age, it's almost an expectation! But... what if God is inviting us to be quiet for a bit?
Out of the silence, God speaks. And the word God speaks is Jesus. Emmanuel. God with us, embodying hope and bringing about redemption that’s available for all people.
May this Advent season be one where we slow down, remove some of the "noise" in our lives, and practice silence so that when we do speak, our words bring life, peace, and good will to men.
Thanksgiving isn't just a Thursday in November. It's an attitude. And at the heart of thanksgiving is God. Jesus... grace... JOY! As the Church, we are called to distribute what we have been given and what He has blessed and multiplied. There is enough for ALL to have their fill.
Praying with passion isn't about words, or years in church, or even theological understanding. It's praying for God's glory--seeking His face before His hand. All prayer leads us to God. Hallowed be His name!
Intercession is an essential testimony of a vibrant, united faith family. When we learn to pray specifically for others--to stand in the gap--we position ourselves to pray for the things important to us, our passions, and our own Spirit-sourced desires. Practicing intercession prepares us to recognize God's ordained intersections and to depend on His leading and the Holy Spirit's prompting.
The core of sin is birthed out of selfishness, but Jesus invites us to something better, something more--relationship with both God and others. We need only repent and respond! For when we seek redemption and acknowledge our separation from God, we gain intimacy, relationship, and closeness with Him. And the heart of the kingdom of God begins with forgiveness.
The progressive nature of prayer is important. Each part prepares and leads us into the next. First we must refocus on God, then realign our will to His, then release our needs... the order matters! And in those moments when we don't know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit steps in. When we lead with God, our needs and requests change.
We pray to be reminded of who He is, what He has promised, and of His faithfulness. Prayer gives attention to our covenant relationship with God, prioritizing our time and aligning our hearts with His, and our prayer life is a reflection of who we believe God to be.
We often approach prayer as words or thoughts we express TO God, or maybe ABOUT God. But if prayer is not a conversation WITH God, then we never really understand or experience all that God has for us. Especially when we presume that prayer begins when we speak first.
Reflecting on the message from a couple of children's movies regarding who we are and WHOSE we are.
The act of worship is a significant part of who we are as a church. We experience worship in community with others. We discover worship in our growing. We express worship through compassion and generosity. Worship is all over our values! And we worship best when we are poured out. It's what we strive toward--what we are compelled to DO in response to who God IS.
Jesus invites us out of whatever state of "emptiness" we find ourselves, and doesn't ask us to do anything He hasn't already done. Therefore, we find life in community, in growth, in compassion, and in generosity. We are FILLED UP to be POURED OUT.
It's easy to discuss generosity in terms of money, thinking of it as only what we "give." But while giving is an important expression of generosity, a much broader understanding of what it means to be generous involves sharing all that we are and all that we have.
Discipleship requires us to be generous with our service, talents and gifts, resources, assets, and money... but also our with our story--our witness--and with the Gospel of hope.
Giving might be what we do, but generous is who we are. We are filled up to be poured out!
Compassion captures the motivation and result of discipleship, and is an essential value for us as The Well Church of the Nazarene. But to say we care and not act is to not care at all.
Caring is not just a feeling--there has to be a response. True compassion demands action... even when it interrupts our schedule, our plans. It's the fuel behind God-glorifying moments in our everyday lives, the link between loving and serving one another. Don't miss out on divine opportunities to truly care for others... and for God to care for you!
We are commissioned to be disciple-makers. Jesus intentionally multiplied Himself by loving, inspiring, teaching, and training His disciples to do what He did. We do the same by equipping and empowering one another to follow Jesus, allowing ourselves to be changed by Him, and by joining Him in what He is doing in the world. As disciples who make discples, we are intentionally multiplying. So... where do we grow from here?
We want to cultivate a church others want to be a part of, not just go to. It's not our programs or personalities that matter, but rather what God is doing IN us, TO us, and THROUGH us. Our mission extends beyond ourselves, and because He first loved us, we are to love one another. Together, we are a faith family--adopted children of God. This is us... and you have a place here!
Recognizing where we've been as a church as we celebrate where God is taking us as we officially begin a new chapter as The Well Church of the Nazarene.
When we take the transformation that has happened within us and try to bring about the Kingdom of God in a way that Jesus describes throughout the Sermon on the Mount, we're bound to face persecution from those who think we're doing it wrong.
But having encountered Christ, and experienced His righteousness and resulting transformation in our life, we are called to take that message into messy places even though we risk our "nice, neat" way of doing Church. And when that happens, Jesus says you're living the good life! His way is a better way.
To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to be obedient to God in submitting your will to Him and then allowing Him to mold and shape you into who He wants you to be. God alone can remove our character defects, but it's a process. And we don't have to have successfully completed the transaction of righteousness to be blessed. Instead, it's a "long, slow obedience in the same direction.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals to us what we truly need to be in relationship with him--to walk with him, to be who he created us to be. The blessing of a pure heart is that we SEE God. We understand grace. And we SEE because we get what God is calling us toward and willingly let go of what blinds us. "Seeing God" is evidence of the change grace makes in our lives--what a pure heart leads to.
Happy (or blessed) are those who have surrendered themselves to Christ’s care and control, for they are living the good life. And as difficult as this concept of committing and surrendering our life and will to Christ is, it’s been the call of Christ since the very beginning. Have you accepted that you are accepted? Are you ready to relinquish control?
Mourning was a constant theme for those in exile, yet God promises to comfort those who mourn--replacing their mourning with joy. But what is the source of mourning that leads to being blessed in this way?
Our world is filled with competing voices and value systems that seek to guide our lives, and these messages often prioritize our control, comfort, safety, and convenience. But Jesus gives us a different reason for living--a new direction through life's detours and delays. Because of Him, we have the ability to know who we are (and whose we are) and that our lives have purpose and meaning.
The calling of the prophet Isaiah is quite dramatic, to say the least. But in the midst of this strange story, there is actually a pattern of an encounter with God that leads to a calling. And that pattern can be quite helpful for all of us as we determine what it is that God is calling us to.
Some of Jesus' last words to the disciples were, "Go and make disciples of all nations, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...but, first, wait." He wanted them to wait to receive the gift and power of the Holy Spirit who, in turn, gave them the ability and boldness to make those disciples in ways they never could have imagined.
Just as the fire of the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples, that gift is meant for us, too, if we have surrendered all of ourselves to His will and way. Are you willing to allow that fire to forge the relationship with the Spirit that transforms your story into His story?
It took Elijah three years to be shaped and prepared in the "forge." It required obedience, and listening--the most important component to prayer.
Trial by fire is necessary for many, but we often miss out on glorifying God because we can't take the heat! We bow down. Conform. And what we fail to see is that God uses those fiery experiences of life to purge and purify us. The fire doesn't destroy--it burns out the impurities. It refines us. And when you're in the fire for His sake, you'll discover that you're never alone in the flame.
Spiritual formation is about God moving us, improving us, making us stronger, giving us purpose, and showing us what love looks like.
When we become comfortable, we put ourselves at risk without realizing it. But Jesus models for us what it looks like to be sharpened, and it's not for position, authority, or title. We are sharpened to serve! Let's stop striving under our own efforts and begin thriving in the purpose to which our refiner has created us!
We were created for community, and faith leads us into a relational process of formation where God uses our failures, struggles, and experiences to shape us until we find our place and purpose within our faith community. It's also in our gatherings that we are shaped. Our shared worship, in our accountability to one another, and within the safe spaces where we can be honest, vulnerable, and transparent... all of it resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Belief leads to transformation. What informs us about God, Jesus, grace, hope, and love is more than knowledge. These pieces of faith equip us for purpose and ministry, resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Relationship with God requires growth, nurturing, and development. This growth shows itself as we move from reaching others to making disciples, and our character is forged over time--often through fiery trials. But allowing God to purify us is the first step toward transformation, and only when the Refiner sees a clear reflection of himself is the process complete.
Christ forgives, redeems, and is still making old things new. Bring your empty jar, everything you have been, and claim who you are in Christ! For God has renamed you, there is a spring of water inside you, and He is doing a new thing!
We often carry baggage as a consequence of our own actions, but sometimes we have baggage thanks to the actions of others. The gap between the best of what we want for ourselves and our everyday reality creates a burden we're not meant to carry. When we look for things or for people to fulfill our lives, we're bound to wake up next to Leah--in desperate need of a savior.
If you're still searching for something, remember that our journeys all lead to the same place: Redemption. Grace. The Lion of Judah, the Child of Promise from the line of Leah. So keep loosening that grip on your baggage and lift up your hands in praise.
Each of us faces moments where we are confronted with who we are apart from God--our sin, our pretending, our masquerade--and we're forced to be honest with who we are (and/or what we've become) and make a decision. Grace is offered to us all, but the choice to receive it comes with the realization that we're not deceiving God...just ourselves.
Through the life of Jacob we see the difference between religion and relationship. In his dream, Jacob didn't climb a "stairway to heaven" to get to God, God descended the ladder to get to him--to us. Whereas the goal of religion is heaven, there's a significant shift in our lives when our goal becomes relationship through Jesus, by His grace.
Our words have the power to build up or to tear down. Every word that has been spoken to us and that we speak to others puts into motion actions that impact our lives--whether that's words of praise and affirmation or those that are discouraging and condemning. The need for blessing is found in each of us. We were created for relationship with God and to live in his favor. We need what we don't deserve--grace!
Baggage--we all have it and we all carry it. The baggage we carry weighs down our relationships with others--family and friends, co-workers and neighbors. Our baggage gets in the way of an honest walk with God, ruins marriages, and ends friendships. BUT…there is good news for those who are weary of carrying their baggage everywhere they go.
Through the life of Jacob we will learn how God uses our baggage to help us know Him, and then invites us to give Him all that weighs us down. In Jacob’s baggage we find redemption, reconciliation, purpose, and value. Life does not have to be heavy. We are invited to travel light. Baggage will teach us let go.
This week we will open up the bag of family relationships and sibling rivalry, revealing the impact Jacob and Esau's relationship still has on our world today.
To be holy as God is holy is a call to heart purity that is best exemplified in how we love others--not in the checklists, the do's and don'ts, and the "dips."
Allowing ourselves to dwell in Him leads to a stronger presence of God in our life that brings about genuine worship--a move of God that leads us to seek that which we may be lacking. Or as Rich Villodas puts it, to ask ourselves... "Do I worship God or do I worship the experience of God?"
Last week, six of our teenagers attended Nazarene Youth Conference in Tampa Bay. Over the course of their time there, they had an opportunity to drink the water of life--to taste and and be filled to overflowing, to hear the ways God is calling them toward His purpose! There's something stirring in our young people, and as a result, in our congregation as well.
Water was made to move. When it sits still, it gets nasty. Our teens have living water that is ready to move, and it will move with or without us. So our challenge is this--how can we, as a church, facilitate the flow of that water?
We strive to live Godly lives and to act in Godly ways, but do we actively seek to understand what God wants for us and the people in our sphere of influence? Do we want what God wants? Do we will His will in our lives?v
In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Paul charges Christians to spread "the fragrance of the knowledge of [Jesus Christ] everywhere." For we are the "aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
Unfortunately, not everyone likes the scent of his truth. While our witness always spreads the fragrance of Christ, it's not always received the same way. Regardless, our testimonies produce a powerful fragrance that God delights in, for nothing pleases Him more than to see his Son glorified in our lives.
We were given the power of the Holy Spirit to USE it for the fulfillment of God's purpose in our lives. Have you put your holiness into action?
The call to holiness begins with (and is about) our relationship with God--a vertical atonement in which God draws near to us and we draw near to Him, and then its horizontal application to our everday lives.
Whatever is inside of us is what comes out of us. If we have discontent, bitterness, hurt... that's what we'll give others. If we're drifting off course or allowing the world to fill us, that's all we'll be able to offer, because our horizontal relationship is an expression of our vertical relationship. If the vertical is out of whack, so is our witness to the world.
We like the idea of being in the presence of the Holy Spirit, but often draw the line at wanting His presence in us. But the filling of the Holy Spirit that takes place in Acts 2:3-4 is a complete and total permeation and saturation of the Spirit--there was fire in the house and in those waiting in the upper room! And just like it is with smoked meat, where the evidence of a fire (smoke) is soaked up by the meat and not just on the surface like it is with imitation smoke, you can't cover up the real thing!
Are you wanting God to simply fill the room? Or to fill YOU? The difference is critical... and a fire is burning for those who would seek it.
With our pastoral staff in Indianapolis attending the 30th General Assembly of the global Nazarene church, we'd like to thank Mike Griffith and Steve Brown for leading the music this morning, and Todd Gates for sharing the message!
In Psalm 8, David ascribes glory and awe and wonder to the Creator for his majestic works, but then asks... who do we think we are that God would be mindful of us--and the answer? We are the most significant representation of God's glory!
Despite how small and insignificant you might be in the universe, YOU are a masterpiece. An image-bearer. Beloved. And regardless of what stage of life you're in--graduating high school or somewhere either before or after--your purpose is to bring glory to the Creator.
Being God's chosen people is not about separation, but rather invitation. The burn within us compels us to send smoke signals to a world that needs to hear the message, but it's not just looking the part, saying the right words, or doing the right things when others are watching. We are called to be the real thing. When you examine your faith, what fruit is your life producing?
Christ commands us to let our light shine before men, to use whatever means we have at our disposal to relieve the suffering of others and drive out the darkness that shrouds the lives of so many. When we are yoked to Jesus, we become light! Time to get our hands dirty...
We all fall somewhere on a temperature scale of 1 (cold) to 10 (hot) when it comes to evangelism, and yet God calls us the salt of the earth--we bring flavor! Are we living a life that creates a thirst in others that can only be filled by the Living Water? In our ever-evolving--or devolving--society, preservation of the "salty" life we're called to live is more important than ever! So what can we do this week to yoke ourselves to Jesus and raise our outreach temperature by one degree?
Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. And grace is getting what we don't deserve. Love is the doorway to grace, and though often misunderstood, grace is an incredible, indescribable, amazing gift of God.
Our love for God shapes our heart. The more we love God, the more we see the world as Jesus sees it. And as we see others as Jesus does, love moves us to follow Him into the fields! Love prepares the soil for ministry, service, and outreach. And this "dirty work" is what opens us up to share life with those others may not see, or seek to avoid.
When we stop praising, fulfilling our purpose becomes less of a priority. When we stop fulfilling our purpose we tend to be less concerned with God’s nature. And when we stop pursuing the nature of God and participating in the divine nature, we allow the sin from which God and Christ saved us back into our lives.
When we lose sight of our WHY, we eventually lose our WAY. But praise be to God--hallelujah--for He came that we might find our way through Him. Jesus himself will drink from the fourth cup, The Cup of Praise, with us, and heaven will be filled with the praises of His people. For God's greatest promises are discovered when we accept His invitation to the party.
We have been studying how the Old Testament promises reflected in the Passover find fulfillment in Jesus Christ in the New Testament. And because the stone was rolled away, the tomb still empty, we can live our lives from a position of victory! God keeps his promises!
But whether we recognize it or not, we spend much of our time fighting, or reliving battles that have already been decided, living outside of those promises. Drink of the fourth cup--the cup of praise! For death has been defeated. Jesus is ALIVE!
The second cup, the Cup of Deliverance, helps us deal with the issues (of body, of mind, and of spirit) that keep us from participating in the divine nature of Christ. But where the first cup, the Cup of Salvation, was instant, this second cup takes work. And 87% of those who profess to be Christians get stuck somewhere between the first cup and the second. They've been taken out "of Egypt," but the "Egypt" has not yet been taken out of them.
Our understanding of the four cups of the Passover changes how we approach and receive communion. We were created to participate in the divine.
The Biblical word for promise literally translates: "to make a future guarantee." God's promises have a purpose! And just as He brought the Israelites out from under the yoke of the Egyptians, we too have been promised salvation. We are His people--set apart. Therefore, drink from the first cup, believe and be saved!
We have talked about the gods of succcess, pleasure, entertainment, love, self... but perhaps the most dangerous idol of all is that of religion, or the church. Our strongholds become walls, walls become fences, and we become gatekeepers instead of greeters. Let us tear down the altars in our lives, the idols we serve, and let God out of the box!
Daniel 4 is one of the most unique chapters in the entire Bible. Written using "reverse chronology," we're shown the end of the story first, with the author (King Nebuchadnezzar) praising God before we get into the story and see his transformation from self-worshiper to worshiping the one true God unfold. And, if a king like Nebuchadnezzar can receive grace, we too can remove ourselves from the throne of our heart and turn our eyes toward heaven.
Luke 18:18-30 shares the Parable of the Rich Ruler, who was faced with a choice--he could serve God or money, and he could not choose both. We often look to money to do the very things for us that God wants to do. Money itself isn't the problem. It's the love of money--the god of success--that is the problem. It's become our source of satisfaction, our measure of worth, our security, and we find ourselves resting our hope in money or success instead of God. What are you holding on to that you need to let go of?
The gods of pleasure often begin as good gifts from the Lord God--food, entertainment, sex, relaxation, etc. These are good things God gave us out of his love, but too often we find ourselves living for these pleasures. They become what motivates us to get out of bed in the morning and go to work. They're what our relationships, our time, and our money often revolve around.
Without even realizing it, we find that we're worshiping the gods of pleasure instead of the God who has given us such gifts. Instead of having a throne in our hearts where God reigns, we often have a loveseat, where God is expected to share the space with something--or someone--else.
The gods of pleasure are a cheap imitation for what the Lord God has for us. They are at war within us, taking everything and giving nothing.
Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
We come together every week weary, tired, frustrated, discouraged, alone, wounded, and we search for answers to our symptoms believing they're the real issues we're facing. But over the next 7 weeks, we're going to look past the symptoms and get right to the disease, engaging the gods at war within our lives.
The beauty in this conversation is not about guilt, but about recognition. When we realize the war--the battles, the gods--we become aware of the separation between us and the one in whose image we are created, and can begin turning our hearts back to the ONE GOD who loves us unconditionally.
From our series, "The Blessed Life."
It is at the Lord's table that we find the true source of thanksgiving. The eucharist, the sharing of communion, is the center of our attitude toward thanksgiving. Being thankful down to the core, and with complete disregard to self, can only be found in the center of our communion with Christ.
From our series, "The Blessed Life."
While God works in the pluses and minuses of life, He is a God of Multiplication. When we trust Him with our offerings (both financial and otherwise), by letting go and giving them back to Him, God multiplies those offerings and uses them to bless others. What is He asking you to let go of, to give, to be, or to do?
From our series, "The Blessed Life."
"Everything comes into order when God is first. When God is not first, life falls out of order." -- Pastor Robert Morris, The Principle of First
The Book of James is a letter written to the Church, and we see in Chapter 4 an unflattering portrait of some things taking place... some of which are still happening today. No matter where you are in your faith journey, everyone faces temptation, every day. These temptations come from our own desires--the pleasures of this world that we're often drawn toward--and feeding them leads us away from God.
When was the last time your mourned the separation between you and God? Perhaps it's time to take that first humble step in allowing Him to draw you close so you might walk in the light as He is in the light.
Today's culture is heavily influenced by voices that are earthly, unspiritual, disordered, and evil. But "wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere."
The tongue is mentioned in all five chapters of James. Words matter! What we say has the power to build up or to tear down, to bring death or to bring life. Once something leaves your mouth, it's both uncontainable and uncontrollable, so choose your words carefully.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress AND to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Ours is a hands-on faith--it is not enough to simply give, no matter how much, or to send someone else, no matter how well intentioned. WE are to go to others in the midst of their desperation and JUST DO SOMETHING about it. Grace moves us toward compassion...and then compels us toward purity. For faith, absent of action, is dead.
The conclusion of our "Hand Crafted" series on spiritual formation.
We are molded, fired, and filled for a reason--to be poured out! And the deepest love poured out comes from the most complete sacrifice. Love that heals. Forgives. Welcomes. And prepares a seat at God's table. So the question is not WILL your life be poured out, because it inevitably will. Instead, the question is on WHAT will you have it poured out?
From the "Hand Crafted" series on spiritual formation.
The Potter takes a prepared, shaped, and fired vessel and fills it... to fulfill its intended purpose. For us, as living vessels, this filling occurs from the inside out, as we empty out ourselves and are permeated and saturated--filled--by the Holy Spirit. What would happen if we looked at our lives with this in mind? How should this change our approach to life, ministry, and worship?
From our "Hand Crafted" series on spiritual formation. Even though clay has been prepared, molded, and shaped on the wheel, it's not yet ready to be used. There are still important steps it must go through before it (we) can bring ever-increasing glory to God. Fire is necessary for others to see our transformation from mud to something useful, but we often miss out on glorifying God because we can't take the heat.
When we choose to be clay in the Potter’s hand, we accept that there will be times we're exposed to the fire in order for God to finish in us what He's started. If we are not fired, we won't be capable of being filled, of being poured out, of being useful. And these fiery-furnace moments require us to lean upon GRACE, upon our faith, and to trust as we have never trusted before.
Scripture Reference: Daniel 1-3
From the series, "Hand Crafted."
God is intimately involved in our formation, having created us in His image from the inside out. We are a marred clay that God is shaping into something beautiful, but when we allow ourselves to be transformed from within, the process is often uncomfortable. The Father has his hands on us! In us. Are we willing to be molded to reflect Him? To be emptied, open and surrendered to the Potter?
Scripture is filled with examples of God doing extraordinary things through ordinary people, but we don't always see every detail of their lives. Such is the case of Joseph in the New Testament. An average guy whose life changed after encountering Jesus!
Is there anyone more ordinary than Peter?
Jesus invited Peter--the same way he's inviting us--to go into deeper water, cast a wide net, and search for BIGGER fish. Again. And again. So often we miss the miracle because we don't obey--we're tired, caught up, distracted, overwhelmed, and chained to whatever it is we're fishing for. But even in our weariness, God can do more.
Though part of one of the most familiar accounts in scripture, today's focus is on a character that is unnamed. He was an ordinary boy with an ordinary lunch who was willing to give everything he had to an extraordinary God. It's the only miracle included in all four gospels, and it started with surrender. Jesus can do anything with whatever we have...but first we have to let it go.
As a Church of the Nazarene, we believe in sanctification and holiness. But sanctification is meaningless apart from mercy and grace, and holiness is impossible apart from forgiveness and reconciliation.
As we see in the story of Joseph, mercy and grace (sanctification) are best exemplified through forgiveness and reconciliation (holiness). If we are not reconciled with each other, in time we will not be reconciled with God.
It's time to let go...
Noah walked in step with God and out of step with the culture around him. Faithfully, he completed his work, fully understanding what was to come. This act of faith, of choosing to obey God, was motivated by his love for God and influenced by how closely he walked with Him. So the question for us today is, "Who are we in step with?" Are we surrounded by the people we need when the rains come and the waters rise?
What you pray for reflects what you believe about God. Selfish prayers reflect the belief that God exists for us. Small prayers reflect our lack of faith in a big God. And if we rarely pray, it's most likely because we don't believe God answers prayer.
As God is stitching us together, it's important to remember that our kingdom impact is directly linked to how many and how often we pray together. So let us not hesitate to pray big prayers, together, with both expectation and power. And may we grow in a faith that understands when the answer reflects His will over ours.
Compassion interrupts. Compassion costs. Compassion also changes lives.
True, Christ-like compassion demands action. To say that we care and not act is to not care at all. Caring draws us closer to Christ, which increases our capacity to care. What matters to him, matters to us. Are you looking for opportunities to show compassion? Can you see the possibilities?
The mission (and commission) of every Christian church is the same... we are called to make disciples. How do we do this? By following the example of Christ.
As God has, and continues, to "stitch" us together into a beautiful tapestry that He has designed for us, He's calling us toward compassion, generosity, and discipleship. Do you desire to love one another the way Jesus has loved us?
From our "Stitches" series.
As seen through the example of Eli, Hophni, and Phinehas, we either bring God glory...or we don't. God is glorified through the faithful hearts of his people. We are ONE BODY, stitched together to glorify Him. Are you--intentionally or unintentionally--a glory-taker? Or a glory-giver?
Ref: 1 Samuel 4:12-22
From our "Stitches" series w/ Pastor Brian Richardson.
The Church is a patchwork of different preferences, styles, and personalities. Each patch, or pattern, or block, is stitched together by God into this body, but apart from Christ, we are unable to see the beauty in what God brings together. The good news is, our quilt is not yet finished, as God takes our offerings and stitches a tapestry of ministry and mission together.
The trinity points us to the idea of the unity and community of God, as seen in Romans 5:1-5. But what does that mean for a congregation? Unity and Community.
The hope of the glory of God--justification by faith, grace--is the great equalizer that allows us to live into the image of the trinitarian God.
Pentecost is an invitation to leave our comfort zones and to find our new congregations.
We conclude our series on letting go of "dead things" with this: Unfulfilled expectations leave us lost and angry, while Jesus invites us to find a new focus and a new vision.
This morning we honor our high school graduates, celebrating their achievements and the next season in front of them. At the same time, we take a look at what it means to let go of--or to loosen our grip on--our plans in exchange for what God has in store for us.
Our past experiences can serve as a reference for future decision-making, but can equally cast doubt and bind us in the present. God's desire is for us to lean into His way of seeing our past for the food of our present and future.
Ref: Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 12:1-2
Shame causes us to hide from God. In many ways, shame is connected to pride. We refuse to reveal and acknowledge our sins and failure. Conviction is meant to draw us to God. Confession is the way forward.
Ref: John 16:8-11, James 5:16, and Hebrews 10:19-25
Sin, shame, and self are "dead things" that separate us from what God wants for us. But as we learned last week, Lazarus was in the tomb for four days--nothing is impossible with God! If we confess, and keep confessing, forgiveness and transformation are available. May we let go of our past sins, and our propensity to sin, and grasp hold of something far greater--life.
Easter is an invitation to new life, not just life after death. Unfortunately, we sometimes cling to dead things. This 5-week series examines some of the things we hold onto that keep us from experiencing life as God intends.
This morning, we review the well-known story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus brings life in the here and now, and invites the church to help others "take off the grave clothes" (a.k.a. remove the dead things from their life.)
Ref: John 11
Sometimes we hold on to lesser things and miss God's call to grab onto something better...but Easter means we get to have life BEFORE death, through reconciliation with God and with each other.
We're excited to welcome back Dr. Doug Van Nest this morning as we wrap up the weekend's services with today's message regarding what it looks like to live a life of worship.
Welcoming Dr. Doug Van Nest as he shares a message about discipleship in the ordinary rhythms of life: friendship, conversations, Sabbath, etc.
Baptism is a declaration of the new life we find in Christ. As we witness and celebrate baptisms on New Life Sunday, we should also reflect on our personal relationships with Jesus. Does my life reflect new life?
Unity is the key concept of Ephesians 1-3, and the challenge that follows in Ephesians 4-6 is to walk like who(se) we are.
Dr. Geoff Kunselman, District Superintendent for the Northwestern Ohio Church of the Nazarene, joins us this week for a special message regarding the grace, ground, gifts, and goal of unity and what that means for us in the Church.
The conclusion of our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
Being a disciple of Jesus is more than learning about Jesus, it's leaning into the way of Jesus. Disciples look more like Jesus than their culture--we are called to be salt and light! What opportunities will you have this week to let God's light shine through you?
From our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
Discipleship is relationship. And a correct understanding and application of Biblical instruction will build relationships, not harm them. Our morals serve a purpose--are yours creating connections or barriers?
From our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
When we're proactive with God, He is proactive with us--and we see this in relationships. Matthew 7:12 says, "...do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the prophets." We can't follow this command by being inactive. Disciples ask not what they have to do. They ask, "What can I do?"
From our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
The point of discipleship is not knowing about God, it's knowing God. It's relationship! And vulnerability is essential to strong relationships with God and others. Our ability to ask is connected to our willingness to be vulnerable. What do you need to ask God today?
From our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
What does it mean to be a disciple? Relationship is the answer! But...to judge or not to judge, that is the question.
From our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
What is the priority of your life?
From our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
This week, we take a look at the "anthem" for our identity in Christ--The Lord's Prayer.
From our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
What does it mean to be a disciple? Today we're looking at our motivation.
From our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
We've been exploring what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Today, we look at Matthew 5:43-47... loving our enemies.
From our series on finding our identity in the Sermon on the Mount.
This week we explore what it means to live beyond the minimum.
If there's one thing difficulty teaches us, it's the strength of our character. And this year, like any other, there will be ups and downs. Good things and bad. Through it all, it's important to remember that God's hope for you--for us--is the way of Jesus.
In our 2021 Advent series, we're exploring LOVE, PEACE, HOPE, and JOY through the stories of Joseph, Mary, the shepherds and wise men.
True joy is expressed in what our life produces in response to Jesus.
In our 2021 Advent series, we're exploring LOVE, PEACE, HOPE, and JOY through the stories of Joseph, Mary, the shepherds and wise men.
Hope recognizes that even those others would deem unworthy (like the shepherds) are a central part of the story.
Exploring LOVE, PEACE, HOPE, and JOY through the stories of Joseph, Mary, the shepherds and wise men.
Mary teaches us that peace is not found in controlling our circumstances, but in trusting God in the midst of them.
Exploring LOVE, PEACE, HOPE, and JOY through the stories of Joseph, Mary, the shepherds and wise men.
By taking a look at the life of Joseph, we learn that LOVE is to give of ourselves in simple obedience to God.
In the church calendar, this Sunday is known as Christ the King Sunday. It’s a day dedicated to acknowledging that we have no other king than Jesus.
In the moments before Jesus is crucified, He has an interaction with Pilate centered on whether or not Jesus is a king. Jesus reveals that he is, in fact, king, but his kingdom is like no other kingdom on earth.
Rather than being a king based on power and domination, his kingship revolves around his suffering.
From our "Lost & Found" series.
Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Today, we explore his teaching from a different perspective.
From our "Lost & Found" series. The body functions when all our parts are present. In other words, Jesus is saying (Luke 15:8-10) that when people miss out on the kingdom life, they're not just missing the wholeness we enjoy. WE are missing the wholeness THEY bring. One Lord. One people. One table.
We stepped out of our "Lost & Found" series this week to share a special message from Pastor Paul.
We've been looking at revival/renewal through the lens of Josiah, but this month we're going to shift to looking at it through Jesus's perspective (in Luke 15). God is deeply interested in our relationship with him, and celebrates when we draw close!
Confession is essential to renewal. And true confession is based on how we compare to God's will, not the behavior of others. It's letting go of the bad in order to grab hold of the good.
In the life of Paul, there were a lot of things that could have stopped him in his ministry--guilt, rejection, relationship issues, failed dreams, unfair circumstances. But new life happened despite his disappointment and difficulties...and the same can happen to us, if we simply keep trusting.
New Life Sunday is a quarterly celebration surrounding baptism, baby/child dedications, and church membership. It is our joy (and privilege) to come alongside these individuals as we continue to grow and nurture the family of God!
From our "Lost & Found" series.
Renewal/Revival begins when we seek God and fully place our trust in Him--and Him alone. So the question for today is, what good thing have you made a god-thing? Are there things you trust more than God?
From our "Lost & Found" series.
Renewal starts with us seeking God. Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
If you sense that God has something more for you, that something is lost or broken, that the status quo isn't enough... ask yourself, "What am I seeking?"
The conclusion of our summer series, "Finding Our Stride."
We trust God to finish what He has started.
From our summer series, "Finding Our Stride."
We pursue daily practices that will build relationship with God and with others.
From our summer series, "Finding Our Stride."
As the family of God, we seek unity in the church in the midst of chaos.
From our summer series, "Finding Our Stride."
We seek relationship with God in the midst of uncertainty.
From our summer series, "Finding Our Stride."
The hope of Jesus' return gives us purpose in a chaotic world.
God can do extraordinary things with our ordinary life, when we submit our everyday routine to Him.
Holiness is what God wants for you, not from you. It's a relationship--we give ourselves to God, and God gives his Spirit to us. Holiness = love. God wants us to be a submitted vessel He can pour through, so that when we pour into others, He can pour into us.
We're continuing our exploration of holiness and sanctification this week as we discuss the topic of sexual immorality.
NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the first part of this service did not record. To catch this week's worship in song in its entirety, please watch via our Facebook page (starting at around the 5:37 mark.)
In the second part of our study of 1 Thessalonians (July 2021), we're diving in to chapter 4 and will discuss Holiness and Sanctification.
Holiness/Sanctification is a two-part process. At the outset, it is our commitment (sanctification) to God--we set ourselves apart for God. But sanctification is not only about what we do, but what God does. God takes our commitment, and begins the work of transformation in our lives.
Will you give God your all? If you will, God will give us His all.
Today is a day we call "New Life Sunday," during which we celebrate baptism and baby dedications as well as introduce new church members. We'll also be featuring an "All-In" Update as we prepare to wrap up the 3-year campaign that enabled significant changes and updates to our building and grounds.
Why are these things important? Because PEOPLE are the priority of the Kingdom.
From our summer series, "Finding Our Stride."
God valued the people of Thessalonica, and was the source of their transformation. Prayer reflects our dependence on God and our belief that He values other people. When we pray, we're acknowledging that God hears our prayers, He cares, and He moves.
Family takes commitment. And the church is meant to be like a family--a complex balance of love, humility, and care. People are the priority of the kingdom! A church built on this principle--the church as a family--has a lasting impact.
Do you value your church like a family? Or are you suffering from spatial disorientation, and somehow missing the mark...
Pastors Mara, Josh, and Paul talk about what it means to prioritize people the way Jesus did. If people are the priority of the Kingdom, what does that mean for us as a church when it comes to things like hospitality and justice?
From our summer series, "Finding Our Stride." True priorities drive behavior, as exemplified by Jesus. He made time for people, He listened to people, and He loved people through their imperfections.
People are the priority of the Kingdom--what are YOUR priorities?
Pastors Paul and Mara join special guest Bryan Knurek in this week's podcast discussion about the Holy Spirit. Who He is, how He helps us, and the gift that He is in our lives has been the main topic in the kids' area this past month, which also coincides with the celebration of Pentecost on the church calendar and what we've been talking about during worship services.
The day of Pentecost has passed....what does that mean for our lives?
Death is the ultimate unknown, but God invites us to face death with hope, not fear. On Memorial Day Sunday, we will remember those we have lost, and rejoice in the God who gives us hope and comfort.
We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, which gives us hope for future glory, but what does it look like to live in the right now?
Our graduates have succeeded--they've made it through high school. But there's still work to be done.
Intro/Outro music: bensound.com
In this week's discussion, Mara fields questions regarding Proverbs 31:10-31, challenges that are unique to motherhood, and joins Paul and Josh in discussing how this scripture relates to marriage, parenting, AND faith.
The word apostle means "one who was sent." Jesus identified as an apostle--He was sent by the Father. And now, in the same way, he's sending his disciples. The apostles. US.
Pastors Paul, Josh, and Mara welcome Dr. Stephen Manley to our regular podcast discussion.
It's been a pleasure having Dr. Manley with us this week for revival! Tonight we conclude his series of messages on the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew, chapters 5-7.
Dr. Manley has a passion and energy for Jesus that is unmatched. Revival continues, as tonight we explore more from Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, chapters 5-7.
It's been amazing, having Dr. Manley with us for revival this week. Tonight we continue our in-depth study of the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew, chapters 5-7.
Tonight we're continuing w/ Dr. Manley's series of revival messages centered on the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew, chapters 5-7.
Dr. Stephen Manley continues his revival series with the Sermon on the Mount: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is HERE!
Dr. Stephen Manley joins us for revival this week. This morning, we explore the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount.
On Easter, we celebrate the physical resurrection of Jesus. This changes everything, because Jesus invites us to come out of our graves and fully live. “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
What if the object of life was not to get our own way, but to find ourselves in God's way? There is simplicity in this understanding, but simple does not mean easy. Even Jesus wrestled with the Father's will in the garden.
The resurrection was only realized through the obedience of Jesus--our resurrection will come through our own willingness to join Jesus in the garden saying, "Not my will, but your will."
Our podcast is back this week, as pastors Paul, Mara, and Josh discuss weeks 4 & 5 of our Fuse Breaker series. It is our hope that these conversations will inspire you to talk about our weekly teachings outside of Sunday morning services, because dialogue and study is an important part of being a Christ-centered community.
CHALLENGE: Using these discussions as a springboard, who can you reach out to this week for a bit of intentional conversation centered around the Lord's Prayer and the topics we've covered in this series of sermons? And if that's something you're already doing, how has your growth as a Christian been impacted by instigating further dialogue like this?
It's easy for our religion to simply become phrases we use. But in the Lord's Prayer, God invites us to rely on Him for our daily bread. It's not an otherworldly practice--He is invading our day to day life! "Your Kingdom come" is the recognition that God not only offers life after death, but life before death. He wants to a part of every detail of our life--not just the holy things. He has come to make our ordinary extraordinary.
Many of us remember learning and memorizing The Lord's Prayer as a kid, but how has our understanding and/or application of the prayer changed as we've matured both in age and faith? This week, Pastors Josh, Mara, and Paul discuss the infamous prayer and how it pertains to forgiving the "debts" that might keep us from relational wholeness.
The Lord's Prayer is an invitation to find ourselves within the will of the Father. We seek our own forgiveness, and at the same time realize that God is calling us to forgive others. Our reconciled relationship with God moves us toward reconciliation with others instead of being weighed down by the past.
Busyness is the enemy of relationship with both God and others. Yet the entirety of The Lord's Prayer points to simplicity. It's simple in word, in length, and in trust. And it's in this simplicity that we not only find rest, but relationship. How then should we approach Lent? What can we unplug that will allow more space for relationship?
We've begun a new series entitled Fuse Breaker, and the idea behind it is that God is inviting us to unplug, to let go of things in order to leave space for relationship with both God and others. As we're using the Lord's Prayer as our reference guide for Fuse Breaker, both this scripture and Lent are the basis of today's series discussion on the balance between busyness and boredom.
Like Lent, the Lord's Prayer is an invitation to let go of what's weighing us down. It's an invitation to relationship, trust, and direction by way of self-realization--a fuse breaker to prevent an overloaded life.
It's important to recognize the distinction between unity and uniformity when we're talking about how we can be Better Together as the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul addresses some major differences between the people of the early Church. We can say the same about our culture today, right? That there are some significant differences between us?
The power of unity (in the Holy Spirit) is that, in our differences, there are strengths. But, what does that mean for those who are struggling in their faith? HINT: It's not always black and white.
In today's discussion, Pastors Mara, Josh, and Paul dissect the content of Sunday's sermon and what practical applications we can take away from reading 1 Corinthians 12-13 through the lens of koinonia, unity in diversity, and how our unique giftings make us Better Together.
Our differences provide the greatest potential for our connection and effectiveness. We are better together, because the body thrives in diversity. Are you using the unique gifts and talents God's given you for God's purposes?
Koinonia sounds like a fancy word, but pastors Paul, Mara, and Josh break it down in this week's discussion using Acts 2:42-47's depiction of the early church. When it comes to our church and community, Koinonia is important. It's a shared purpose--loving God and loving others.
But...what exactly does that look like at Marysville Nazarene? How can we as a church renew, redeem, and/or reestablish Koinonia in the midst of the culture of conflict we live in?
As we've learned over the last several weeks, community is woven into the fabric of creation--and that includes the church.
Despite its problems, and the imperfections of its people, the church is intended to be a place of deepening connection, just as it was in the days of the apostles. The early church was together--in teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer.
It's easy to say we want our community to be ever-expanding, but when you start talking about ever-deepening connections, things get hard. It takes perspective, intentionality, and as we discussed on Sunday, a level of vulnerability to build deeper, more authentic relationships.
Pastors Josh, Mara, and Paul discuss the many obstacles that keep us from vulnerability: maturity, self-worth/acceptance, past hurts, guilt and/or shame, etc. It's definitely a conversation worth hearing, and we hope you'll take what is shared around our table and continue the discussion around yours.
Deepening community requires deepening vulnerability. Relationships are worth the risk! Vulnerability is a process that begins with authenticity--the courageous willingness to open ourselves up to others and to allow them to open up to us.
Could it be that our vulnerability results in not just true connections with others, but a deeper relationship with God, our mission...all of life?
In this series, we've been taking a closer look at what we want our identity to be as a church. We know that we want the ever-expanding, ever-deepening connection God calls us to, but sometimes there are barriers to that: time and vulnerability.
If you haven't yet heard/watched Sunday's sermon, we encourage you to do so (https://youtu.be/Z3zZkmcxH54), as Paul talks about Sabbath and how critical it is that we take time to rest and worship in community with others. In this week's discussion, Josh, Mara, and Paul further peel back the tradition of Sabbath, its relevance today, and what practical observance of Sabbath looks like for each one of us.
Our series discussions are back! For the first time following a brief holiday hiatus, our pastoral staff--Josh, Mara, and Paul--gather to talk about the importance of worship, connection, and intimacy during a time when physical togetherness is a challenge.
Topics include the role creation, specifically our having been created in the image of God, plays in the call on our life, as well as what it means to live in relationship with God, with others, and with creation itself. Connection looks different for everyone, but we are all called to a level of connection that's reflective of God. What does that look like? What are the challenges? And how can we grow beyond those challenges, and in so doing, model that growth to our families and the next generation of our church?
This conversation expands on our Sunday morning teachings from "Better Together." Catch up on the sermons you've missed on our website: marysvillenazarene.org/media
(NOTE: There was no series discussion for part one of this series.)
God calls us to an ever-expanding, ever-deepening community. And intimacy and vulnerability in our relationships is a much deeper concept than just companionship alone.
The need for intimacy is not weakness--it is an essential part of our created identity. The church is intended to be a place where intimate relationships are formed and providential relationships are nurtured.
Will you be faithful to the relational opportunities in our church?
In order to understand the importance of community, we need to understand the nature of our Creator and our created identity. Community, and the deep connections/relationships within, is ingrained in the fabric of creation.
God calls us to an ever-expanding, ever-deepening community. He was intentional with creation, therefore we need to live intentionally in order to experience community as God intended.
Our Advent/Christmas series this year centers around the idea of disruptive innovation--an innovation that impacts the lives of ordinary people. Christmas is a disruptive innovation--Jesus changed everything. Life will never be the same.
Last week (in part one), we learned that we experience the Kingdom by turning to God and trusting Him, not through perfect religious performance. This week's "disruptive innovation" is the idea that God doesn't just want our best--He wants our broken.
Our Advent/Christmas series this year centers around the idea of disruptive innovation. The word "disruptive" doesn't always mean something negative. It's simply a break in our normal course. And as we've seen with computers, cell phones, and Henry Ford's assembly line, innovation can radically alter our lives.
Christmas is a disruptive innovation, changing the lives of ordinary people. Life will never be the same.
This week we're looking at the life and ministry of John the Baptist, and learning how God invites us to life change, not religious observation. We fully experience life in God's Kingdom by turning from sin and trusting Him, not through perfect religious performance. What is holding you back from starting in the right direction?
This month we've been focusing on Psalms, using them to fill in the blank: "I have a reason to sing because ______." The goal is to remember that while life may not be perfect, we have a reason to sing.
This week we're looking at Psalm 56. "I have a reason to sing because... God gives life.."
In this week's edition of The Podcast (for lack of a better name for now), Josh, Mara, and Paul expand on Sunday's sermon by discussing what it looks like to live a lifestyle of forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a common theme in the Psalms. What role did forgiveness play in David's identity as a man after God's own heart? Are there conditions to forgiveness? How important is confession in our relationship with both God and others? Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? And, how can we model this lifestyle of our forgiveness to our children?
Lots of good nuggets from this week's conversation--we hope you enjoy it!
It's easy to get lost, right? Even with a GPS. In regard to navigating life, however, how do we choose God's direction? What does that look like? And when you decide to change direction according to God's will, does that mean you have to go back and undo or fix every wrong single turn you've made in the past? No!
God's given us his Word. His direction. What we have to do is make the next right choice. Sometimes that's difficult and we like to ask ourselves why things are so hard. But maybe we should be asking why we expect doing the right thing to be so easy?
This is a great discussion to carry over and share among your family--including kids and teens!--and we encourage you to keep the conversation going at home.
This month we're focusing on Psalms, and using them to fill in the blank: "I have a reason to sing because ______." The goal is to remember that while life may not be perfect, we have a reason to sing.
This week we're looking at Psalm 119. "I have a reason to sing because... God gives us good direction."
The Psalms invite us to sing, to praise God, even when life's not perfect. This week's focus teaching centered on Psalm 23, in which we've been able to explore some of the many parallels between a shepherd and his sheep and God and his people.
Watching this discussion between Mara, Josh, and Paul, you'll learn a lot about sheep you may not already know--a lot of which we can relate to. It can be quite humbling to acknowledge that we are sheep in need of a shepherd, but it's important to note that not only do sheep thrive in community, they can learn to discern the voice of their shepherd.
What does this mean for us when we face times of discontent, or when we find ourselves "in the valley of the shadow of death," and culture is pulling us away from our faith?
This month we're going to focus on Psalms, and using them to fill in the blank: "I have a reason to sing because ______." The goal is to remember that while life may not be perfect, we have a reason to sing.
This week we're looking at Psalm 23. "I have a reason to sing because... God is with me during every period of my life."
Our praise may look different in different seasons, but nothing that we're going through--good or bad--changes who He is. We always have reason to sing.
This week, Josh, Mara, and Paul look at Psalm 139, which we talked about on Sunday along with the idea that God fully knows us and loves us anyway. This psalm isn't unique. There are all kinds of songs throughout scripture that demonstrate the different reasons we sing. But there are some intense-but-beautiful truths in this passage that we encourage you to digest and then continue the discussion with your family, because let's be honest--there are times when we don't feel like singing happy songs.
In those seasons of our lives, how can we apply this passage and continue to lift our praises regardless?
This month we're going to focus on Psalms, and using them to fill in the blank: "I have a reason to sing because ______." The goal is to remember that while life may not be perfect, we have a reason to sing.
This week we're looking at Psalm 139. "I have reason to sing because God fully knows and loves me."
This week was the conclusion of our Amazed series, where we've talked about the life of Elijah. It's important to remember that it's not necessarily Elijah himself that was particularly amazing, but what God did in and through him. Pastors Josh, Mara, and Paul recap the highlights and takeaways from this series in today's discussion.
Elijah waits, he listens, he goes, he finishes. What does a life look like that's lived well with these ideas in mind? Are you ready for whatever God asks you to do, regardless of what season you're in?
As we're going through this series, we're seeing how God works through his people in some amazing ways. One of the many things Pastors Josh, Mara, and Paul discuss this week, is how there are times we need to wait and rest in Him, and times when God's calling us to go. How do we know the difference?
God doesn't want just our strengths and your gifts. He wants our weaknesses--even our failures. How we handle failure is just as, if not more, important than how we handle success. Elijah had a defeatist perspective--he was most likely burned out and exhausted. But God took that, worked through it, and He will do the same for us.
Take a nap and eat.
God doesn't always do the expected, but He's in our midst, working through our normal, our abnormal, our good, and our bad. And we can't help but be amazed.
[Quarantine Service] We serve a God who wants to be known. The work of Elijah the prophet wasn't just to tell the future, to proclaim the truth--it was to show and share God. He wants us to go, to move with Him. In our going, in doing the right thing, we draw the attention of others toward a God who is at work. When others see how we move, they see how God moves. Can people see God in and through you?
2020 has been a difficult year. Case in point: We'd much rather be in our sanctuary this week, speaking and engaging in worship together the way we have the last several weeks. But praise the Lord--we can look for the small cloud, even when God seems quiet.
We're looking into the life of Elijah this month, a prophet God used to interact with his people in amazing ways. But a lot of times we find Elijah at the mercy of others. This week's story demonstrates God's providence in our lives, and how he gives each of us what we need, day by day. The widow in 1 Kings 17 is yet another example of an ordinary person--a Gentile, widowed woman--that God uses in unexpected, significant ways to sustain Elijah.
How does waiting develop our faith? What parallels can be drawn between Sabbath and these periods of waiting in our lives? Is it possible that God is working in YOUR waiting, preparing you for going?
In the life of Elijah, we see 4 characteristics that are important if we want God to move in amazing ways in our lives: how to wait, how to go, how to listen, and how to finish. This week, we're exploring how God invites us to wait on Him.
Wisdom is living in the right relationship with all aspects of our life. Proverbs 3:6 begins, "In all your ways, acknowledge Him..." God wants to be in the midst of our life, not separate from it. It's east to see that we need a right relationship with God, but we also need right relationships with others, with self, with our community, creation, systems, etc.
What does it mean to be wise? It's not about degrees or position. It's not even necessarily about age and maturity. Wisdom begins with God.
God gave Solomon wisdom, but he didn't fully apply it, and as a result the kingdom was split in two. Wisdom is more than knowing the right things to do. It's applied knowledge. It's right living that leads to right relationships.
Are you seeking wisdom? Are you applying wisdom? Are you building relationships?
It has been an epic summer, and today we're discussing our takeaways from the last sermon in this series (from August 30), which was more or less a continuation of the story/lesson from last week. Most of us are pretty familiar with the story of Esther, but we want to explore more of Mordecai's role as a guide in her life. After all, without Mordecai, her story may have been significantly different.
So, these are the questions we're asking: How do we identify the guides in our life? How do we know which voices we can trust? Is it fair to say that you cannot effectively guide someone else if you've not been guided--in some way--yourself?
We live in a time of separation and isolation, and there's a lot of uncertainty right now, which is understandable. But community is important--we cannot go through life alone. We need alternate perspectives, alternate voices--guides to walk with us. We are meant to experience love through others, as our relationships often mirror God's love for us. But guidance does not equal control. It implies a willingness to give and take--to listen, to be patient, and to allow yourself to be vulnerable.
Remember: vulnerability is not weakness. All of us go through seasons where we need guides, counselors.
Concluding our "EPIC" summer series with today's sermon on Mordecai, the guide.
Guides are necessary to join God's epic story. Are you serving as a guide? Modeling a right perspective and right action, inviting others to find their place in God's story? Are you listening?
In this second-to-last week of our Epic series, we've been talking about the life of Esther and more specifically, the phrase "such a time as this."
How do you view where/when/how God has placed you in the world? What if you saw every thing you do, every circumstance you face, as having been put somewhere "for such a time as this?" Are you prepared to seize your moment(s)?
Bryan, Mara, and Paul talk about what it looks like for both leaders and laity in our faith community to "bend toward God." To live authentically in our walk with Christ, knowing that everything we do--big things and small--are reflective of what's in our heart. We model what we practice. Every single moment is sacred, whether your "such a time as this" moment is one of action or just being present and listening.
God is calling us to a whole relationship with everything we encounter--God, others, self, systems/governments, creation, etc. And He guides us to respond appropriately to, and participate in each of these. How can we help you build these types relationships that inspire and encourage you toward confession, accountability, and growth...for such a time as this?
Esther is, in many ways, faced with the same issue as King David: Things aren't going as expected, and not only are the Israelites in exile, there are individuals seeking their destruction.
Esther finds herself in a position of influence. She must carefully navigate her position to protect God's people, and rely on the counsel of others. But ultimately, she must seize the opportunity she's been given. We too must recognize our own opportunities in the midst of ad lib.
Paul, Mara, and Bryan discuss last week's sermon re: Daniel in today's series discussion.
Israel is still in exile, though we're several years past the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Once again persecution comes because Daniel will not go with the flow. He refuses to worship the king, and openly worships God. He's led to the lion's den, and once again God intercedes.
The point of the story is this: whether God intercedes or not, we will worship only God.
In the sermon Sunday August 9, we talked a little about "Rack, Shack, and Benny" (a.k.a. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego), and their part in God's epic story. Today, Pastors Josh, Mara, and Paul discuss ways the time we're living in now mirrors some of this time period when the Israelites were in exile.
What does it look like to live faithfully in exile? How can we intentionally seek the welfare of the community we're living in? Is there a balance between blending in and standing out? Because the truth is, exile isn't bad--it's good. It's refining. Living in times of wilderness and/or exile forces us to determine who we're going to depend on. Who is Lord of your life? What do you choose to orient your life around? Who/what is competing for your affection or devotion?
Standing firm means there's a certain level of vulnerability that, to live like Rack, Shack, and Benny, we need to allow our neighbors to see. And sometimes that can mean withdrawing from the games our culture likes to play.
A portion of Israel is in exile, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are faced with a challenge: bow to the image of the king or get thrown into a fiery furnace. They refuse, but are unharmed by the flames, and they're joined by one who looks like the Son of God.
We learn two powerful things in this story: 1) Never worship powers other than God. Participate as God leads, but never bow down. And, 2) Never go with the flow in the ad lib. Our convictions should keep us from floating downstream.
This summer we've been tracking the Israelites in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, and seeing how they've come to rely on God throughout this epic adventure. At this point in the story, David has killed a giant, been anointed by Samuel to be the next king, and has ended up in Saul's inner circle. But despite his innocence and a history of doing right, David lands on the opposite of Saul's good side.
Time and again, David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but didn't. Meanwhile Saul pursued David, and in doing so lost his own life and that of his son. David remained true to Saul to the end and even lamented Saul's death. A man after God's own heart, David acted out God's will in a way that didn't make sense to those around him, during a time when things definitely weren't going as planned. The pressure was on him and yet he continually sought the character of God and acted accordingly.
So the question we're digging into is this... how do we make sure we're living God's way when the unexpected happens? When we're living ad lib in the midst of a pandemic?
We referenced the story of David and Goliath in our "Go" series, but here we're going to focus even more on the weapons we choose. David fought as he was gifted. God equips us as he needs us.
Imagine a cello playing picking up his instrument and trying to produce music by blowing on end end. Or a flutist, who bangs her instruments against the floor to create rhythm. Would a drum play pick up his instrument and try to play it with a bow? They could try, but the result would be unrecognizable. However, when each member of an orchestra plays their instrument as designed, in proper melody, rhythm, and expression, we have music. Play your part!
Bryan's back with us this week, Paul's returned from vacation, and in this week's series discussion, Bryan, Paul, and Mara continue our ongoing conversation regarding God's epic story. This past Sunday (July 19), we talked about the anointing of David. This afternoon, we're digging deeper into the behind-the-scenes of Samuel's decision and how we can apply what we're learning from this story to our circumstances present-day.
David was such an unlikely choice for king, no one even considered he'd be part of God's plan. He wasn't even presented to Samuel as an option! Each of Jesse's sons was rejected by God--not because of who they were, but because they weren't the right fit for the job. How can we relate this to the times we've felt rejected in our own lives? Could it be that God is redefining or redirecting our purpose and not just taking it away?
Change is the nature of life, but it can lead to conflict within ourselves and with others. Often times we think we know what God is or should be doing, but He has significantly different plans. It's possible Samuel missed David at first because he was busy seeking Saul 2.0. How many times have we missed something God may be doing because we're looking for what we think it should be and not what it could be? How do our prejudices--and our assumptions--affect the pursuit of God's will in our lives and what it means to authentically live out our faith?
God looks at the motivations of our heart, while Jesus took the time to truly listen and pay attention to people. What does this mean for us? It means we need to change the way we see people--not just with strangers, but in our closest relationships as well.
God has rejected King Saul because of his disobedience, and Samuel is called to appoint the successor. God leads him to the sons of Jesse, of which He chooses the youngest. God saw something within David--his heart.
In keeping with our musical analogy in this series, we're going to talk about another fundamental part of music--expression. Music is more than a science. It reaches into our emotions. It must be played with proper feeling. God wants his people to have the right expression, and not just go through the motions of a song. Action is important. But God sees our heart. What are your motivations?
Josh, Mara, and guest Bryan Knurek dig deeper into Gideon's story featured in week six of our Epic series (July 12). When--if ever--is it okay to put God to the test? Or rather, how do we know the will of God? Most people don't get a physical sign when seeking God's will the way Gideon did, so, practically speaking, what are some ways God affirms His will in our lives?
When we're discerning the will of God in our lives, we like to think of big decisions, big moments, and we often find ourselves looking for THE moment. The next big decision. If we then miss that moment, or don't do something exactly right within that moment, we tend to doubt ourselves and fear we're doing things wrong. But living out our every day life in pursuit of Him is not just about seeking those flash-in-the-pan moments to DO exactly what God is asking us to do--it's about being who He's asking us to BE in between those moments.
Are there times in our lives where a symbol (or memory) of one of those significant moments where we've experienced God working in us becomes more important than God working in us in and of itself? Are the big moments in your life pointing you toward seeking Him in the small moments?
*NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the last 4 minutes of this discussion were cut off. BUT... we encourage you to continue this discussion at home and let us know your thoughts!
During the time of Judges (between Joshua and King Saul), there was a familiar cycle: God blessed, the people rebelled, God sent oppression, the people cried out, God sent a deliver, God blessed. Gideon--another unlikely hero--was one of those deliverers. God called him to move--to do the impossible--and Gideon was willing to destroy the foreign idols even though he still had questions.
Will YOU allow God to conduct your life?
This summer, we're tracking the Israelites from slavery to their time in the wilderness, then their journey into the Promised Land. In June, we talked about looking at things from God's perspective, and now we're taking things a step further and discussing how God calls us to action.
Joshua was called to action in an unusual way, and we see this with the fall of Jericho. We might think our circumstances are impossible, but God often forces us to reimagine things from His perspective, to acknowledge His timing. What does it mean to be actively waiting in the Kingdom? Are there times we use waiting on God as a reason to not do something? Is God waiting for YOU to move?
If you/your kids would like to view the entire "Josh and the Big Wall" episode of The VeggieTales referenced in this discussion, visit https://youtu.be/glZZR7a5XJ4
If you just want to hear the "Keep Walking" song from said VeggieTales episode, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXM2o_Hb9Ls
In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18, and discussing the tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others while facing the battle within ourselves.
This week's focus is on prayer. Prayer begins with the Spirit--it's not just a habit, or the repeating of words. It's not just a "sometimes" thing. It's a relationship. We're all called to be prayer warriors--to be engaged in the battle, keeping our guard up.
And one final note as we conclude this series: The battle will be better fought by praying for one another.
Israel arrives at the fortified city of Jericho to find the gates are shut tight, but God delivers the city through unusual means: seven days of marching around the city.
God calls us to action. Oftentimes, it's not as we expect. We are called to forgive when it seems more natural to attack. We are called to give when we feel like holding back. We are called to rest when we feel the need to produce.
Are you moving with God's rhythm?
The Israelites finally enter into the Promised Land, not with Moses, but with Joshua--an unlikely hero in his own right. He's a freed slave who doesn't have the formal training of Moses, and yet he's the one who leads Israel home. Interestingly, the priests do not cross on dry ground, like in the crossing of the Red Sea. God requires they get their feet wet this time.
Perhaps this is a requirement of maturity. As we mature in our faith, God will not always part the water completely before us; instead, we will have to walk by faith into the water. After the Israelites cross the Jordan, Joshua stops and they place memorial stones by the river to remember. Memorial stones like these remind us of how far God has taken us.
Graduation is a memorial stone. It is not the end, but a memorial to remind yourself there is more to do. There is significance in stopping along the way to remind yourself of where you're going and how far you've come. It's not the end. We need to keep moving on the journey.
Pastors Paul, Mara, and Josh talk about what it means to be good followers and how that relates to finding our place in God's epic story. Being good followers requires good leadership, and good leaders need to be good followers. We all have a calling (and a responsibility) to lead others to Christ. How can we follow the example of the priests (leaders) who stood in the Jordan River as the people crossed?
After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they were instructed to assemble memorial stones and to use them to remind future generations of all God has done. What stories are we telling future generations? Are we using our words to speak truth into their lives?
In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18, and discussing the tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others while facing the battle within ourselves.
Today's focus is on the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), which is both an offensive and defensive tool we can use in our spiritual battles. Unfortunately, the Bible is often used inappropriately as a weapon to judge and/or discriminate against others, when it should be used as a means of grace. It is a lifeboat, not a battleship.
So how do we guard ourselves against misuse/misunderstanding of the Bible? Answer: Context. Community. And JESUS.
Pastors David, Paul, and Mara discuss this week's passage, Joshua 2:1-15, where we learn Rahab's story, and the risks she was willing to make for a God she didn't know. Rahab became an unlikely hero in God's epic adventure.
We are called to live epic lives. If we move with Him in trust and faith, adjusting our perspective and taking risks, we can experience all God has for us. But how do we do this in a risk-averse culture that fears failure more and more?
Playing it safe runs counter to living like Jesus. How can we live with a "holy boldness" when things start to feel comfortable and we're less likely to take the kind of risks He's calling us toward?
In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18, and discussing the tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others while facing the battle within ourselves.
Today's focus is on the Helmet of Salvation. The mind can play tricks on us, sometimes making us think or worry about things that aren't true. Salvation reorients our mind, reminding us that we are saved for something more. To don the helmet of salvation is to be aware of all God has done for us, to know we are worthy. YOU MATTER. You belong.
So protect your head--your mind. Protect your thoughts, your emotions, your attitudes so you can truly understand who He is, and who you are within the body of Christ.
Israel has wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and are once again being led into the Promised Land. And once again there are spies in the land, who find shelter in the home of Rahab, a prostitute.
Rahab is an unlikely interloper in God's epic story, yet she finds a significant place in the story. She is listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews, and is included in the genealogy of Jesus. We see this over and over in the ministry of Jesus--he invites unlikely heroes.
Perhaps you feel "less than." Here's the good news: there are no "less thans" in God's kingdom. YOU have a part to play in God's epic adventure.
We're now two weeks into our Epic series, exploring the story of God interacting and moving amongst His people, and how His working in and through them was (and is) truly epic! What we're learning is that God is inviting us to be part of His adventure, His story...but playing our part requires having the right perspective.
What does it mean to have the right perspective? Because, in the circumstances of our culture today, perspective matters. It can either propel us forward or hold us back. But following Jesus means we have "skin in the game." If we want to be active participants in His story, we need to change our perspective to align with His.
It's not going to be comfortable. It's not going to be easy. But as we move forward, let's move with God.
In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18, and discussing the tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others while facing the battle within ourselves.
Today's focus is on verse 16, where Paul urges the Church to take up the Shield of Faith. We are in the midst of a spiritual battle, and we all need to be warriors against the enemy's attack, pushing our way forward toward Jesus. It is evident that we live in a broken world. When we begin to believe God is not at work because we don't see and understand what He's doing, or we resist His plan, we're headed for defeat. But even at our lowest points, in our struggles, Jesus is the fulfillment of our faith. He's holding us close.
God has Moses send out twelve spies to report on the Promised Land. Ten come back with negative reports, two spies--Joshua & Caleb--come back with positive reports. Each report was shaped by each spies' perspective.
Israel decided not to take the land because of the negative reports, so God caused them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. There is grace even in this wandering, because God stays with them and provides.
This is good news for all of us who have failed to fully follow God because of a faulty perspective. God does not give up on us. We need fresh eyes to see and follow God's kingdom. Is your perspective moving you forward in God's epic adventure, or is it holding you back?
In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18, and discussing the tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others while facing the battle within ourselves.
Today's focus is on the Gospel of Peace. Jesus talks about the good news of God's kingdom, which does not come by force or through power, but through grace, love, submission, and sacrifice.
We long to be part of something grand--something epic. The Bible draws us into God's epic story of healing humankind, and the story of the Exodus--from slavery to the Promised Land--is one of those stories.
God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and the rest of the law, including detailed plans for a tabernacle. This tabernacle would represent the presence of God to the people of Israel. It gave them direction. In following the tabernacle, Israel joined God's epic story.
We don't have a physical tabernacle, but we have been invited to follow as well. Our example is Jesus. When the Church fails to embrace the pattern of Jesus, we lead people away from God's epic story. Which story are you embracing?
If you've not yet watched or listened to any of our series discussions, this is one you don't want to miss. Josh, Paul, and Mara recap our May series, Go, in which we've studied the Great Commission and how we're called to be the Church--a people pursuing the mission of God. How can we apply what we've learned this past month to what's happening in our world today?
God has invited us to join Him in His work. When we engage ourselves in the mission, He is working in and through us. The Holy Spirit unites God's people. We are being created and reformed into the image of Jesus, and God's mission isn't asking for us to Go and make others like us. It's to Go with Him and JOIN others as we pursue holiness together. If we're praying that God's desires become ours, we can't be passive or complacent with what's going on in His kingdom.
In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18, and discussing the tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others while facing the battle within ourselves.
Today's focus is on the Breastplate of Righteousness, which protects the most vulnerable parts of us by living right with God and toward others, and doing the things we know we should do.
This is the last week in our "Go" series, where we've been studying the Early Church and the Great Commission, emphasizing an old truth: Church is not a building or a time, but a people pursuing the mission of God.
We were created to share life together; we need each other. And in light of this week's events, it is important to note that God's mission includes racial reconciliation. We are called to be part of the solution, not simply resist being part of the problem. It's not an easy call, and oftentimes we don't know where to start when it comes to the big issues of our day, but may we find our way in Him--in his Spirit, his power, his peace...and with his people.
We're picking up where we left off in the story of the Early Church, continuing our ongoing discussion about the role of Christ-followers in the Great Commission. This week the focus is on Philippians 4:4-13, and what contentment may have looked like in Paul's day, as well as today. The path to being content is not always an easy one to follow--especially in these days of social media influence. It requires focus. Intentionality. And often, community. Thankfully, we can do all things through Him, and in his strength. How can you learn to be content, and model that contentment among others?
In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18, and discussing the tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others while facing the battle within ourselves. Today's focus is on the Belt of Truth and its role in protecting us from the lies that might keep us from our mission.
Backup plans are the reality of life. Unforeseen circumstances affect our lives more so than our planning. How do we pursue God's mission when things go contrary to our plans?
Contentment is rare in our world. But in his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul urges the Church to seek contentment that's not based on circumstances, but rather a focus on better things. Contentment does not mean the absence of sorrow or pain. Contentment means that in our sorrow and pain, we will choose to focus on something good. We can lean into God. We can be content in any circumstance through God who gives us strength.
Pastor Paul chats with Lauren Woolum, a graduate of Marysville High School and Kent State University. In her college years, Lauren experienced a transition in her faith, from viewing salvation as a get-out-of-hell free card, to learning what it really means to be a follower of Jesus and pursue his mission. She teaches part-time at Kent State, dabbles in woodworking, and attends and works at a college-based church called H2O, where she first felt the call to campus ministry.
You can support Lauren by praying for her ministry at H2O and its students, or by contributing financially at reliant.org/lauren.woolum
Our scripture this week is from one of Paul's letters to the church of Ephesus, where he continues to guide and disciple them, encouraging them to keep going with The Great Commission. There are many ways you can engage in conversation around this passage, and we encourage you to take our discussion example and intentionally examine scripture and share your observations with others.
Pastors Mara, Paul, and Josh share their thoughts on Ephesians 6:10-18, with an emphasis on verses 12 and 18. This "battle" we're facing isn't against others. It's against the darkness within ourselves. But unfortunately, we often mistake our culture and understanding for what Christianity is, and when we apply those cultural, personal interpretations to scripture, it's possible to miss what the Word is actually saying.
The good news is, if we consistently pray "not my will, Your will" it shifts our perspective, and can totally change the way we approach every situation, every struggle, every battle, from its focus on what others are doing, to a focus on our own relationship with God, and seeing people the way God sees them. Choose your weapons carefully!
In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18. The weapons Paul talks about in this passage are tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others, and we'll be discussing these in depth over the next several weeks.
This week, the focus is Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood..." The "battle" we're facing is not a battle against people. If our "weapons" are used against others, we're living contrary to the mission. Our mission is people.
"Go" - Week 3: Finding our mission in His Power.
Church is not a time, but a people pursuing the mission of God. We are called to invite, include, and train others. Our mission is people. If we view others as the enemy, we're living contrary to His mission. Therefore, we need to choose the right weapons for battle--the offensive and defensive tools we need to fight darkness and accomplish this mission...together.
Pastor Paul and Jim Carsey talk about the days before and after World War II; the memory of his loving wife, Evelyn; and a history of God's unfailing provision over his life at home, in his 32 years of work for General Motors, and in his service to the church.
Josh, Paul and Mara discuss Acts 2:1-12 and the days leading up to Pentecost, when the disciples were in a waiting period between the resurrection and Christ's ascension. There are many unseen/unnamed people (men and women) who are significant in this story, which brings home the point that the Gospel is for everyone. But how do you explain the personhood, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit? How can we, as Christians, find our identity in relationship with God, as well as maturity in our faith, through the Holy Spirit?
We hope you enjoy these discussions as much as we enjoy doing them. We publish these weekly as a model for you to hold these same types of conversations outside of church, among family and friends. Scripture, and the sermons and discussions they inspire, are meant to be a kick-off/starting point for discipleship at home. What is the Holy Spirit doing in and through you that may impact others, especially those in your family? How can you share those experiences with those around you?
A journey through The Lord's Prayer - Week Six. This is our last week studying The Lord's Prayer, bringing our focus to its closing: "For Yours is the Kingdom..."
"Go" - Week 2: Finding our mission in His Spirit.
The routines of our lives have shifted because of COVID-19, which allows us the opportunity to reevaluate what is important--in our personal lives and in our church. One thing we've experienced through this pandemic is that Church is not a building or a time, but a people pursuing the mission of God. We love our gatherings, and long for the day when people are back in the building with us for worship. But the effectiveness of His mission grows exponentially when we see our goings as important as our gatherings. God meets people where they are. We fulfill the Great Commission when we allow his Spirit to flow through us in our gatherings and our goings.
In this week's Naz Chat, Mara talks quarantine life, favorite church memories, and Mother's Day with a couple of our 6th graders, Richard and Andrew.
Launching a brand new series in worship this morning. "Go" is a 5-week exploration on The Early Church. This week, we're talking the Great Commission and what "going" means for Christians--even in the midst of a global pandemic.
Mara, Paul, and Josh discuss the new series we're starting at MaryNaz this week. "Go" is a 5-week exploration of The Early Church and the mission we're called to both as individuals and as a church. (Matthew 28:16-19)
Livestream (via Facebook) service, as we wrap up our "Level Up" series with the story of two men who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-35).
Mara, Paul, and Josh discuss the fourth (and final) week in our Level Up series: two men on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-35)
Pastor Josh meets with four representatives from the Class of 2020 (Joseph, Spencer, Cambrie, and Leanne) to discuss their future plans, their favorite youth group memories (a.k.a roasting their youth pastor), COVID-related heartbreaks (missing the "lasts" of their senior year), and reflecting on the relationships built over the past 6 years.
Pastors Paul Mills (Marysville Nazarene) and Jeff Schooley (First Presbyterian Church - Marysville) discuss the Level Up, Week Three sermon at the Naz.
Livestream (via Facebook) service, as we continue to bring worship home to our congregation & community during quarantine.
Scripture: John 20:1-9-20, 24-29
Pastor Paul and Todd Gates chat about football, family, and faith in this week's edition of Naz Chats.
Pastors Paul Mills (Marysville Nazarene) and Jeff Schooley (First Presbyterian Church - Marysville) discuss the 2020 Easter sermon at the Naz via Zoom meeting.