Pickerington Church of Christ: Recent Episodes
Pickerington Church of Christ
Our tongue is a mighty force. It has the power to both bless and curse and will set the direction of our entire life. Learn from James about the power of the tongue and the potential it has to set our life on the right course.
Psalms starts where we all start – with us finding our happiness. We learn that happiness is a choice, but not a choice of being happy or not. Rather, it is a choice of who we will follow.
We all face enemies who war against our spiritual health. These enemies can cause fear and make us retreat or even lose the ground won for us in Christ. Learning how to defeat them in the power of God is essential to our spiritual life.
A key relationship in this life is the one parents have with their children as well as the one children have with their parents. It can be complex because we are sinners. However, when held in the light of eternity, even our shortcomings in these relationships can move from being wounds to windows into seeing […]
The marriage relationship is the living parable God has given us to understand how he longs to relate to us. Christ and the church are the model for how husbands and wives should relate. Today, we call wives to look to the church for her cues on submission.
The simplicity of God’s command to husbands is clear: love your wife regardless. The difficulty is great. Which drives men to the feet of God to ask for help.
Jesus tells a story of two brothers who had a difficult relationship with home. One wanted to get away. The other grew frustrated. And the father wanted both to come home and enjoy his fellowship.
The truth behind a celebration of Easter is that the resurrection is central. It is the foundation on which Christianity is built and is the doctrine that, once believed, changes everything.
One of the greatest accomplishments from the ministry of Jesus is his defeat of death. He willingly went into the grave for us and then rose again defeating our greatest enemy. Now we can live free because of this victory.
Storms of life have a way of revealing to us what foundation we are standing on for our life. The Bible presents to us only one foundation that is firm enough to hold us up as we live now and into eternity.
Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and our plans are forced to change. There are 4 key principles we must remember, and a couple practical steps we should take to handle this well.
What would it take to be a church that Jesus is thankful for? It is surprisingly simple – to be a collection of Christians who have faith in Jesus and love for all the saints. But how can we develop faith and love? They can’t be forced, they are born by hope of heaven. And […]
Paul said the church has its foundation on them. Peter said we can have certainty because of them. Jesus said their words are the sole power to really convert someone. Prophets and prophecy. See how they can shape your faith.
Insecurity has become a condition people regularly live with. A deep fear about who we are and what we are worth. We look to different answers to solve our insecurity, but when we look to the gospel we find the real freedom we’re looking for.
With so many things to do each day, how do we know what is most important? All of us what to do what is most important, and get frustrated when we are caught up in the meaningless. Scripture guides us on how to figure that out.
The church is made up of many parts serving in many ways. For the body to be healthy she needs every member contributing their special gifts and abilities in their own way. Paul encourages us to continue ‘more and more’ in our service to God.
Do you ever find yourself stagnant, disinterested, and cold towards God? Perhaps you’ve found yourself controlled by things of this world and forgetting who is the foundation of your life. The practice of fasting is simple, yet profound and can have an impact on your walk with Christ. Learn from Jesus not only what fasting […]
After the fact, and if things work out in our favor, we can view unanswered prayers as a blessing. However, in the midst of prayers going unanswered the experience can be heart breaking. How should we handle unanswered prayers?
The single most important question we must answer in life is, “Did Jesus raise from the dead?” If he didn’t, then Christianity is false. If he did, then he reigns over everything. The story of Mary at the tomb helps us come face to face with the resurrection and decide what we think.
Jesus the King faces his greatest challenge – enduring the cross for you and me. One may wonder, why? Couldn’t there be another way? Paul would teach us that Jesus had to go to the cross so that God could be both just (in punishing sin) and the one who justifies those who needed saved.
Sabbath is God’s gift to humanity, reminding them that they can rest in the provision and power of God. Many people in Jesus’ day took this gift and made it a burden. Jesus encounters these people and shows them how they can actually experience true rest.
Jesus encountered many different people in his time on earth. Some recognized who he was, some denied it. And then there was this one man who humbled himself before the greatness of Jesus and his authority. His faith in Jesus’ power and ability shocked our savior and became an example for us to follow.
The church is a body, composed of many parts. For the body to be healthy it needs all the parts functioning in a healthy way. Some of the parts are obvious, but some can be forgotten. There are 7 types of people needed to build up churches.
Crowds gather and Jesus immediately teaches with one of his most well known parables, the sower and the soils. The parable is all about what kind of listeners we really are. If we’re going to follow Jesus, we must be serious about really hearing Jesus and he shows us how to know.
Jesus steps in and solves a rather embarrassing social problem. But underneath this seemingly simple event is a much more profound purpose. A sign of his glory. In this wedding miracle Jesus tells us what he came to do and who he came to be.
Mark begins his gospel by telling us story after story of Jesus serving people. He wants us to know that Jesus serves at any time, in any place, to anyone. We must learn not only that He serves but how He serves so we might draw close to Him.
Those around John wanted to put their eyes on him. From his strange clothes to obscure methods, he stood out. Even further, he preached with a fire that garnered attention. But when all eyes were on him he simply told people, “You need to see Jesus.” Look at his life and learn why.
Did you know you are in the Bible? You are! God has said much about us in His word. He tells us reality about ourselves and tells us wonderful promises He is going to do for us. Journey through the Scriptures and see.
Part 3 of our series “Fixing our eyes on Jesus” brings us to the story of Joseph and Mary forgetting Jesus in Jerusalem. Why would Luke include this story in the gospel? Because forgetting Jesus can happen to anyone. How we forget him, how we find him, and what we find with him is all […]
Why does Matthew begin his gospel with the ancestry of Jesus? He wants to set the reader up to know who Jesus really is. It is true that Jesus came from a family lineage, that is a real person who came to earth for the very same kind of people he came from.
One in five Americans will deal with difficulty in their mental health. The church has been called to be a place of refuge for the hurting and a place of healing for those who come to Christ. We must be willing to suffer with, support, and help all people on their journey with Christ.
Prayer is often about expressing our desire to God. Failure to pray is often about not expressing our desires to God. James teaches us that there is a battle going on inside us and that we can unlock and powerful prayer life if we learn, by God’s grace, to get our desires aligned with His.
Faithful praying leads to faithful action. In between those things is faithful planning. We learn from Nehemiah that as God’s people we must pray with great anticipation and plan with great preparation to be ready to walk faithfully with our Lord.
People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. If we are going to be effective at sharing the good news of Jesus we must be people who invest in others, care for them, and be ready to share the gospel.
At the core Christians are known as people who call upon the name of the Lord. Knowing what it means to call and practicing this opens up a new world of relationship to God. A world of deeper dependency and intimacy awaits.
God has offered us not only the avenue of prayer but also assistance in prayer. Learning to pray in the Spirit is key to unlocking a powerful and effective prayer life.
Our salvation should bring us so much joy that we long to shout it from the roof top. Here the psalmist shows us what kind of joy we should have.
Throughout the Bible God calls his people to be persistent in their prayers. The disposition of persistence draws us near to God and prepares us for powerful prayer.
There is a false belief that prayer is supposed to be easy, simple, and casual. The reality is, prayer is difficult. It requires diligence, effort, and wrestling. We will commit to a life of laboring in prayer when we know laboring is common and believe prayer has purpose.
Baptism is the most sacred moment in the life of a believer. It’s no wonder that the doctrine and experience of baptism comes under serious attack from Satan. A common question from Christians is “Should I be baptized again?” This question requires careful attention to ensure we are both practicing biblical baptism as well as […]
A main focus for many in prayer is to know God’s will for their life. We desire to know which steps to take, to have God help us with decisions, and hope to do the right things. The Bible teaches us about how to discern God’s will for our lives, but the main question the […]
To help his disciples learn how to pray Jesus turns to every day encounters. In that he shows us that prayer requires persistence more than mechanics and we as humans are already familiar with the practice of prayer – we just need to learn how to pray to God. We begin to do this when […]
The disciples of Jesus saw him pray, and pray a lot. Prayer was the central force in Jesus’ life and his disciples wanted to know how to do that. So when they asked how Jesus began by teaching them, not mechanics but substance. He gave them his word to pray. Learning to pray the Word […]
Often what stops us from moving in to the fullness of life God has promised is not external obstacles but internal ones. Before Israel could enter the promised land God had to remove the reproach of their past. Once removed, they were free to live in the promises of God.
Jesus used parables to teach his disciples about Kingdom life. At the same time he issued warnings to those who assumed they were in the Kingdom, but their life would show otherwise. The only difference between the wheat and the weeds is one produces fruit and one does not.
Worn out, beat down, ready to give up. Maybe you’ve felt that way – Elijah, the prophet of God, certainly did. In this story we see a man who gave his all, faced serious disappointment, and found renewal in the strangest place and in the strangest way.
Christ, through the church, is leading each of us to a collective future. One where we are unified around Jesus, maturing in our faith, and growing up to become just like Him.
The practice of baptism is a beautiful portrait of salvation. Putting on full display the work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. At the same time it is the moment when a person unites themselves to Christ’s saving work, having their sins washed away and raised to walk in a new life.
Faith has become an intensely private matter, yet Scripture speaks to faith being bigger than the individual. There is one faith, shared by many. This can strengthen us, unite us, and motivate us to journey towards our eternal home.
The Lordship of Jesus is a universal reality. It is first difficult for us to come to terms with, but once we submit, His lordship becomes delightful.
The unity of the church is built upon the reality that all believers now share one Spirit. The Spirit of God at work in His people leads us to truth, in sanctification, and ultimately to receive the love of Christ. We are sure that we, as God’s children, have the Spirit working in us because […]
There is an eternal truth regarding the body of Jesus Christ, the church – There is only one. The failing of mankind to obey this truth doesn’t diminish its reality. We are called to be one body, under one head. This takes clarity on the doctrine as well as commitment to the practice.
Christian unity is first a gift we receive from our Father and then it is a goal we seek to attain. This demands we understand both our responsibility to God and to each other in pursuit of Christ honoring unity.
In the final moments of Jesus life He prays to His Father for his deepest hope – that all of His disciples would be one. Christian unity is deep and difficult, but Jesus has made a way for us. See the purpose and glory of unity from Christ alone.
The seal of genuine transformation is our gratitude towards our Savior. Desperation makes us aware of our need. Faith makes us cry out for help. Gratitude turns us in to worshipers. See this happen in the story of the 10 lepers.
We love to cherish our children while they are young, but we would be very concerned if they did not grow up. The same principle holds true with us as Christians. We need to grow up in to maturity in Jesus Christ and the way we do that is through connection and contribution to the […]
There is something in us that drives us to greatness. Wanting to give our best, be our best, become the best is an inner drive that is natural. Like all things, sin has twisted what true greatness really is. Jesus resets our understanding of greatness and lays before us the cost of becoming great. Jesus […]
A key element in any healthy church is a group of people who labor in prayer. Calling upon God to visit them, bless them, care for them, and stimulate them to growth is crucial to a local body. Finding people willing to do this is difficult because faithful prayer is a labor of love. It […]
As a servant of the master, He has entrusted to us his most prized possession – opportunities to put his interests first. Faced with that decision, we must choose if we will serve ourselves or Him. If we are faithful to him in what he has given us, he promises great rewards. If we choose […]
Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know Him is the primary responsibility for the church. Does this mean that only a select few are involved? Only those who preach or take mission trips? Certainly not. It takes an entire body of believers, working together, to make missions happen. Learn […]
One of the highest designations as a Christian is to be called a servant of God. This term was a common phrase used to describe a lowly slave who was sold into service. Jesus borrowed this title, gave it to His followers to teach them how to relate to Him. He is our master, we […]
Bringing yourself before God to serve Him is essential for someone to become close to the heart of God. God has called for every part of us to be available to Him in His service. To do this our self-direction must die and be open to the plan of God. In doing so we become […]
The body was designed to function at peak level. When it does it is a beautiful thing. The local church is the body of Christ and designed to function at peak level. One of the ailments that prevents the body from functioning properly is when some members believe other members are unnecessary and the body […]
The body of Christ is made up of many members, but it is just one body. For the body to be healthy and strong every member must do their part. One thing that harms the local body is when members feel useless to the cause. Overcoming this false belief is key to the local church […]
The transparency of God can be overwhelming. He holds nothing back in telling us the clear truth. Isaiah 65 is a revelation of the mind and mission of God. What He thinks about sin, sinners, and what He plans to do about it.
God is always seeking to guide us, shape up, and make us in to the people He wants us to be. Sometimes He uses blessings, and sometimes it takes challenges. He is always calling us to follow Him and He’ll never leave us, even in our most difficult moments.
Christians are called to live distinct lives. To be a light to the world and a city on a hill. We all must check to see how our lives are being lived and ask ourselves: “are we fit for the kingdom of God?”
Sacrifice, grace, open invitation are all the foundation of Christianity. But what happens after that? What does God call us to be after we believe and obey His perfect plan for our salvation? His grace paves the way for us to live a whole new life.
In response to God’s savior and His marvelous grace God openly invites all to come. This invitation is for the thirsty, the broke, and even the misguided. This invitation is for everything you need or ever wanted. But you must come with humility and respond with hope to receive his offer.
God has made a remarkable provision for all wandering sheep to return to Him through His servant, Jesus Christ. This incredible act of grace, once understood, has major impact on a person’s life. Isaiah 54 is the exposition of the power of that grace.
The fundamental problem that stands between God and man is the sinfulness of mankind. We have gone our own way, done our own thing, and sought to live without God. This sin causes separation and the only pathway back is for God to justly punish sin. To ensure sin can be punished and sinners be […]
God is a saving God. He solves the problems that we cannot solve. Isaiah 42 gives us a glimpse into the servant God will provide to be the Savior we need.
There is a stark difference between the gospel and legalism, yet it can easily be confused. We must be serious about protecting the gospel in our lives. Paul leads us in to how we do this.
In the midst of suffering, turmoil, and crisis we find ourselves in desperate need for comfort. Whether our crisis is collective or individual, external or internal – our soul is in need of comfort. God offers us comfort that is based on reality and has life changing effect.
The affirmation that God is good is a warm sentiment when life is going right. But when we hit hard times, experience disappointment, and face moments of uncertainty we can be left with the question – is God good? Surveying key points in Scripture allow us to see that even in our most difficult moments, […]
Wait upon the Lord is a familiar phrase of Scripture. Likewise, it can be a frustrating phrase to humans. We are prone to trust our plans and our power and forget to live in expectant hope of God’s plans and power. Learning to wait upon the Lord is key to relating to Him properly. Isaiah […]
It is essential that we have a firm foundation under our feet as we journey in life. There is no other foundation able to handle our life than the foundation of God’s faithfulness to us. We must examine our foundation to see what we are building our life on and make the necessary correction to […]
God’s deepest hope for each of us is not just a simple, happy life. Nor is it limited to just making it to heaven. His deepest hope is your transformation into the kind of person fit for heaven, who then can truly live with real joy and peace. This can only happen when we have […]
Isaiah lives in light of the tension of what is to come and what is currently going on. In Chapters 2-4 he bookends this passage with a vision of what the world will be once God makes all things right. In the middle, however, he reminds us of the harsh reality of where we currently […]
Self-awareness is crucial to transformation. While it is often painful, it is the initial step to making any meaningful change. God, through Isaiah, lays the foundation of self-awareness we need to recognize our true condition. We are sinful, rebellious, self-interested, impure, and even our best effort to worship God – if we are sinful – […]
The prophet Isaiah was a man commissioned by God to bring His people a vision. A clear, singular vision of reality about life from God’s perspective. This reality is hard at first, because it tells us the truth about our situation – that we are ungrateful rebels against our Creator. But if you stick with […]
Most people know the basic story of Easter. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. Less people believe this story to be true. Even less live in the power of the resurrection reality. The resurrection of Jesus is the central, foundational message of Christianity. On it Christianity either stands or falls. It is the most […]
The life of Abraham was marked by faithfulness and trust in the promises of God, which was “imputed to him as righteousness.” In the gospel, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to those whose lives are marked by faithfulness. Salvation is not found in stellar law-keeping, but rests in simple Abrahamic faith in, and obedience to, […]
We long to have a blessed life, a good life. We seek for this in our accomplishments, relationships, comforts, and experiences. All the while the answer is right under our nose. Learning to be a giver, based on how gracious God has been to us, is the liberation we need to the most blessed life.
The lingering fear behind our lack of giving is the concern that we wont have enough. Often our hearts long to give more, because we were designed to give, but our sinful minds whisper lies about scarcity. Forced to ask ourselves if we really trust God, giving pushes us to discover the continual generosity of […]
Becoming a giver is a matter of discipline. Upon evaluating our income, along with our necessities, God asks us to decide how much we want to give and then make a commitment to follow through. Giving must become a discipline based on commitment, not a reaction to ups and downs.
We often wonder how much we really should give. The story of the poor widow and her two mites is a great passage to see the warning God has for us in giving, the value He sees in all giving, and the source from which He truly wants us to give from. When we get […]
It is common to believe that we give our time, money, and energy to the things our heart is most connected to. Jesus alerts us to the reality that our heart actually follows where we invest, rather than our investments following our heart. Get your investments right and your heart will follow.
Accumulation of things dominates our consumer driven culture. Comfort and convenience are now regarded as necessity. The problem with possessions is not that we have things, but so often those things have us. We become the ones possessed. Jesus wants us free from the power of our possessions so we can use them for the […]
We often think we’ll become better givers the moment we have more. A little extra in the bank, more space in the schedule. The reality is, we only become givers when we fully appreciate how much we ourselves have been given.
Living the mission God has given every believer demands a deep motivation to sustain the effort. The call to love God with all your being as well as loving your neighbor as yourself is overwhelming without lasting motivation. God’s love for you, found in Jesus Christ, is a motivation that gives you eternal motivation. 2 […]
Many people seeking Jesus feel like an outsider. And many times their life has made them an outsider with God. The problem for the disciple making mission is when people treat outsiders like they don’t belong. Every person is first in the company of sinners, in need of God’s grace, which means we all are […]
The search for fulfillment can take us many place and to many things. King Solomon was a man who had wealth, power, and access to anything he wanted. He used that to search for fulfillment and concluded that all of life finds itself within the glory and greatness of God, our Father. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Jesus’ heart is for those who are wandering away from Him. Those who once walked close and have strayed away. We see Him display His mission to the wayward when He went to restore Peter after His resurrection. We learn from Jesus just how to take this disciple making mission to those who have fallen […]
For us to actually live the mission of disciple making we must think right about the opportunity. Jesus both taught us and showed us how to view the opportunity to make disciples and if we share His mindset we’ll partake in the mission with Him. Matthew 9:35-38
Everything in life has a cost. Living a life on mission with Jesus Christ comes with a cost and disciples of Jesus Christ must decide if they are willing to sacrifice. Doing so will demand endurance and come with incredible reward. Matthew 9:9-13
To live a life dedicated to our mission we must have a sense of urgency. Urgency is formed when the stakes are high and things matter. What is at stake in the disciple making mission is eternity. Staying grounded by this reality will move us to have urgency in our mission, just like Jesus. Mark […]
Knowing we have a mission is key, but knowing exactly what to do releases us to work. Jesus has been explicit in describing for us what He has called us to do. Go – Make – Disciples. This mission involves change, investment, and a life-long process of becoming like Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:16-20
The most powerful mission anyone can engage in is one that is given to them by someone they respect and adore. We, as created beings, were designed by our Creator with a mission from the very beginning – to bring glory to Him in all things. Our life finds its purpose when we receive our […]
As humans we were designed to be in community. In the right community the best version of us comes alive. For us to have victory over Satan and fight this battle well, we will need to do this together. No soldier heads off in to battle alone, and no Christian should fight their spiritual battles […]
For the solider of God to wear the armor well they must remain in constant contact with their leader. Prayer is the avenue by which we find our strength to continue fighting and find our victory. Ephesians 6:18-20
We were made by community and for community. This is why all people seek to find some kind of connection. Our ultimate connection is with our Creator. Once that is right, all else can become right. If we seek to fill our connection need with others before Christ we will form fellowship based on circumstances […]
Looking closely at the weapon of choice for the Roman soldier, Paul immediately declares that the Christian’s weapon is God’s Word. Its purpose is to kill the work of the Devil. His lies and deception designed to lure you away from Christ. Its power is found when believers are trained how to use it specifically […]
The helmet of the soldier was a beautiful piece of armor. It displayed the confidence the soldier should have in battle. Likewise, it was powerful and could withstand anything the enemy tried to do to destroy the solider’s head. Christians, in battle with Satan can put on the helmet of salvation to enjoy complete confidence […]
The enemy attacks in many different ways. One deadly way is with his flaming arrows. These come out of nowhere, unexpected, and cause serious harm to our position in Christ. We must have and use our shield of faith to be fully protected against these dangerous weapons. AM Sermon: Anthony Rex (Ephesians 6:10-16)
God’s grace was designed to permeate all aspects of your life. It was meant to draw you, forgive you, and ultimately be the agent that transforms you. One way it changes you is helping you deal with your weaknesses from a God-centered worldview and not a man-centered one.
The feet of the soldier are crucial to victory. The soldier must have stability when under attack and mobility when in a dangerous position. The Christian will have ready feet when they put on the gospel that gives us peace with God. To both withstand attacks and move back to our victorious position. AM Sermon: […]
Righteousness is necessary for us to protect both our mind and our emotions. Unfortunately, our righteousness is not strong enough against the attack of Satan. By God’s grace, He has gifted to us a righteousness that is perfect – from Jesus Christ. Once we begin to wear His, we’ll finally be able to pursue living […]
Truth is the underpinning of all spiritual progress and victory over Satan. If we prefer comfort over reality or affirmation over substance we will not survive this war. The truth about God, ourselves, and Jesus Christ give us the fearlessness needed to wage war against our sin and Satan and find our ultimate victory in […]
The most courageous, valiant warriors of God are the ones who knows where they get their strength, how to use their resources, and most importantly – the position they are fighting from.
How would you live if you knew you could not lose? Jesus made two bold promises that change the way you engage in your spiritual battle. His death, burial, and resurrection sealed our victory and he wants us to fight with the confidence that, in Him, we cannot lose. AM Sermon: Anthony Rex (Matthew 16:13-18)
Knowing our enemy is vital to victory in our spiritual battle. God has provided all we need for victory, but we must know both Satan’s potential as well as his schemes. Satan works through slander and lies to trap us in temptation and accusation and keep us from the power of the gospel. AM Sermon: […]
The moment we become a Christian our heart and mind becomes a battlefield. Through false arguments and lofty opinions Satan guides us into creating mental strongholds that lead us to sin. Destroying those strongholds is the battle we’re in and the pathway to victory. AM Sermon: Anthony Rex (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
3 young men share the impact their recent mission trip had on those they served and the group who did the serving.
Walking with God through life, knowing that His steadfast love is always there is crucial to the abundant life. Psalm 118 teaches us that we must let Him deliver us out of distress and discipline us in our difficulties to know how steadfast His love is. Ultimately, for us to trust His love we have […]
Mankind is made in God’s image. Understanding what this means has major implications on your life’s worth, purpose and destiny. Genesis 1:26-27
Slander can be incredibly painful. David walks us through his private thoughts as he strives to handle slander in a godly way. His plea is for God’s glory to be clear and his pain relieved. David’s call for justice on those who slander God’s anointed would eventually be answered as God poured out His justice […]
Suffering is inevitable and no one is exempt. David teaches us out of his own suffering that we can be crafted and not crushed. But we must engage with our suffering the right way and ultimately turn to God to taste and see that He is good. AM Sermon: Anthony Rex
Thun Sermon – Matt Thomas (translated into Swiss German by Tino Guggar, member of the Thun Church) Thun Sermon – Matt Thomas (übersetzt in Schweizerdeutsch von Tino Guggar, Mitglied der Thuner Kirche)
Join us as we learn how to break down this Psalm to extract some of its depth. Hebrew poetry is rhythmic, deep, and teaches us how to communicate in the language of God.
God did not design us to be paralyzed by fear and frozen with anxieties. We were designed to be seekers. Drawing from the heart of David, Psalm 27 teaches us what the seeker’s prize, plea, problem, and place is. And when we become seekers, we find life.
On song and prayer night we discuss fighting being a complainer and cultivating a spirit of gratitude.
In this Psalm David walks us through the journey of wondering where God is in our troubles. David isa model of wrestling with God with great faithfulness and David points us to Christ who suffered alone so we would never have to be.
Acts 2:37-47 The New Testament presents portraits of the earliest believers gathering for work and worship. As we examine their lives, we gain insight into what priorities we should have and what principles we should follow. In this lesson we examine the first church in Jerusalem and connect with their mission– to go make disciples. […]
What gives a human value? Psalm 8 teaches us this answer by taking our eyes off of ourselves and turning them to the majesty of God. When we see the majesty and mindfulness of God, we begin to understand our worth as humans.
Psalm 1 This psalm sets in contrast two ways to live. One way is for the blessed, or happy who finds themselves rooted and fruitful. The other is for the wicked, who find themselves tossed about with no foundation. A happy life is built by choice and patience, in light of eternity. AM Sermon
Integrity is the state or condition of being whole, meaning to be the same person in every place with all people. Samuel exemplifies the following attributes of someone who lives a life of integrity. They are: humility, surrounded by examples, reflection, remain grounded, faces fear, selfless, and leaves reaction to others. By using Samuel as our example, […]
When we decide to truly follow Christ, God changes our lives through by restoring our purpose with Him. Hebrews 13:1-21 informs us that God equips us with what we need to do His will, allowing us to witness to others through our compassion. This compassion is demonstrated through our love for God’s family, hospitality to […]
Paul compares the Christian life to a race. In Hebrews 11:39-12:3, the Hebrews writer advises us to use the example faithful people (those who have come before us) to inspire and encourage us to complete our Christian race just as they completed their Christian race. He also instructs us to look to Jesus for encouragement and empowerment. Finally, he tells us to look forward, to see the unfading joy we are promised when the race is won.
Christians should have assurance of their salvation through Christ. John describes in 1 John 2:3-6 that we can be assured with this knowledge when we keep his commandments by walking in the same manner as Christ walked. PM Sermon
Jesus is greater. Jesus is the best fulfillment to our deepest desires. If we do not seek God, God will be just and fair with the consequences. AM Sermon
AM Sermon: Anthony Rex (Acts 8:1-13) – As soon as the mission encountered persecution (Stephen) the disciples spread and took the gospel with them. The first encounter we have is with Philip, who takes the gospel to the Samaritan world.
AM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Acts 7:51-60) When fully engaged in the mission of Christ and presenting the message we will run in to those who vehemently oppose this effort. Most often the opposition comes from those who have their lives offended by the message. Being steadfast requires being anchored in reality, faith, and hope.
AM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Acts 5:1-11) The mission hits a few bumps in the road. Both from within (Ananias and Sapphira) as members become misguided, and from without, as local leaders despise the disruptions.
AM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Acts 4:1-12) The mission of Christ offers the fullness of life, however, it is an exclusive offer. It is only found through the gospel. The gospel must be presented, both as what we know and what we’ve experienced. In sharing both we find the strength of the mission.
AM Sermon: Matt Thomas (Acts 3:1-10) – In this account we first see an outcast cared for by Peter and John. This event stirs up the religious elite and paves the way for the gospel to be preached to them as well. The target of the mission is both the insider and the outsider.
PM Sermon: Anthony Rex (Romans 8:31-39) – The world can be both scary and cruel. Intimidating when we put ourselves out there, and relentless when we fail. Finding a confidence that cannot be shaken will change a life forever.
AM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Acts 2:42-47) From all walks of life people come together to share in discipleship, worship, fellowship, and radical giving of themselves because the mission makes you that kind of person.
PM Sermon: Anthony Rex (Romans 8:29-30) – People are in constant search for purpose. The things we do need to matter to us. Career, relationships, interests, religion all need purpose. Most of all – life needs purpose. Unlocking the foundational purpose of life brings meaning and value to all we do.
AM sermon – Anthony Rex (Acts 2:14-36) There is only one message this mission proclaims: the gospel (the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ). The mission hinges on what people think about Him. Proclaiming Him is the only way.
PM Sermon: Anthony Rex (Romans 8:26-28) – Everyone accepts help from someone or somewhere. Typically, help is offered with strings attached and self-serving intentions. Finding a help that is solely interested in your good is not only refreshing but also dynamic.
AM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Acts 2:1-4) The mission of Christ is bigger than anything one person or even a group of people can do on their own. We limit the mission of Christ the moment we try to do it on our own. It is by and through the power of the Holy Spirit […]
AM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Acts 1:1-11) The ascension of Jesus is the key event in setting off His mission on earth. This mission is accomplished through the church, and must be understood, believed, and fully bought in to.
PM Sermon: Anthony Rex (Romans 8:9-13) – Those we answer to hold the power in our life. There is an ultimate power that we can subject our lives to that also supplies the power we need to live. No other power in the world can offer us this.
PM Sermon: Anthony Rex (Romans 8:5-8) – The mindset determines the life. Christianity is more than behavior modification as well as being more than alteration of the mind. Christianity offers a renewal of the mind, a focus for the mind, which results in a transformation of the life.
PM Sermon: Anthony Rex (Romans 8:3-4) – Humanity is in unanimous agreement that the world is not right. Humanity is not in agreement on how the world can be fixed. Solutions all over have one thing in common – they all start with the work of mankind. Christianity offers a solution that starts with the work […]
Anthony Rex: PM Sermon (Romans 8:1-2) – The overwhelming sense of not being accepted is universal. Condemnation haunts humanity. Freedom is promised from many places and Christianity offers a freedom unlike any other
PM Sermon – Elder Led Prayer about First Responders, Military and Government Officials (Tim Hann, Sam Collier, Nelson Kidder, Rick Gampp)
The dwelling of God in the world has always occupied the center of His people. In that center stands the house of God. And, in that house, priests serve by offering to God sacrifice and praise not only for the people of God but also for all outsiders to come and know the glory of […]
In light of external pressure to conform to a non-Christian culture the demand for obedience is central. When the difficulty rises, the temptation is to let loose of the demands concerning obedience. However, in obedience, Christians will find their safety, security, and clearest path of life. PM Sermon: Anthony Rex | 1 Peter 1:14-25
The power to endure difficult circumstances can be found by having a hope of something better to come. Cultures are defined by their shared hope, and the Christian message is one of distinctive hope. Christian hope embodies the restoration of all wrongs, the reward of all rights, the healing of all brokenness, and the joy […]
Switzerland Mission Trip AM Sermon – Ivan Vosser (German & English) From Thun, Switzerland
Switzerland Mission Trip Sermon – Matt Thomas ; Translated by Tino Gugger From Thun, Switzerland
AM Sermon – Harold Shank (President of Ohio Valley University) Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:20-25
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 16:25-33) In this epilogue, Jesus summarizes for us his ultimate goal of us being united with him – peace and victory over the world.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 16:16-24) Deep and lasting joy comes only through difficulty. Finding deep and abiding joy with Christ demands endurance when it is hard.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 16:4b-15) The work of the Holy Spirit in our life is what keeps our relationship with Christ together when the enemy comes to divide. Our relationship with Him empowers our relationship with Christ.
PM Sermon: Anthony Rex (John 15:18-16:4a) Our attachment to Christ comes with hatred from the world. Christ empowers us to face the strain and endure.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 15:1-17) To enjoy the full range of relationship with Christ we must abide. This brings both fruit, and pruning to more fruit.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 14:15-31) Healthy attachment empowers relationship to exist beyond space and time. Jesus promises us the presence of God, independent of space and time, to give us an eternal attachment.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 14:1-14) When the person you are attached to leaves, it produces separation anxiety. Jesus gives us what we need to deal with our separation anxiety.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 13:21-38) Judas and Peter both turned from Christ. Only one came back. Coming back has everything to do with being bound together.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 13:1-20) For us to have an attachment to Christ we must be washed clean by Him continually. Living in a relationship where we receive from Him will form an attachment for life.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 13:1-20) For us to have an attachment to Christ we must be washed clean by Him continually. Living in a relationship where we receive from Him will form an attachment for life.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Revelation 21:1-5) The purpose of God sending Christ was for the salvation of mankind, and through Christ restore all things to their original design.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Mark 1:14-15) When presented with Christ everyone must respond. A saving response is seen through faith and repentance, which becomes the cycle of a believers walk.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (John 7:10-43) The person and work of Jesus Christ is the foundation on which all of Christianity stands. What a person believes about Christ determines whether they have saving faith or not.
PM Sermon – Matt Thomas (Psalm 130) From the moment of the fall God has been working a redemption plan for His people through the Seed of Abraham.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Genesis 3:1-13) Genesis 3 defines for us the root cause and effect of what is wrong with the world and with each of us. Exploring the motivation and effect of sin helps us diagnose and seek the treatment we all need.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Genesis 1:1-2) The opening line of the Bible displays the opening introduction we have to God. He creates, out of nothing, the world and everything within. Knowing Who we came from clarifies Who we will return to.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Jeremiah 9:23-24) Scripture is God revealing Himself. Through His action, words, and interaction with people God displays who He is. Understanding His nature, characteristics and qualities will teach us how to know and relate to God more clearly.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) God is three distinct persons, yet one God. Digging in to the mystery of the doctrine of the Trinity will reveal the depth of who God is.
PM Sermon – Anthony Rex (Luke 6:46-49) To build a house that is unshakeable, we must dig deep and anchor into the Rock, Jesus Christ.