The Valley: Recent Episodes
Boulder Valley Online
Weekly messages, conversations, and thoughts from Boulder Valley Online. For more discussion, join our online community at https://community.bvchristian.org/c/podcast/
Listen as Matt gives his message in the final week of the Love Your Neighbor Series. There is also a Q&R session with everyone who gave a message in this series.
Listen as Jeremy Leads us in this this weeks message in our " Love Your Neighbor" Series.
Listen as Tyler leads is in the this weeks message on the Holy Spirit in our "Love Your Neighbor" Series
Listen as Matt delivers his message in our Life By The Spirit Series.
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Listen as Matt interviews a panel of people who contribute inside and outside of Boulder Valley
Listen as Paul leads us in our new series "Wholehearted" as he walks us through the story or Martha and Mary.
We are Good News People, taking off the old self and putting on the new self. Because of this, we can lean into interpersonal conflict and see it as an opportunity to build an authentic community.
The family of God is the only community where we are all equal, but it takes intentionality.
When we approach scripture, we’re trying to gain a perspective. That perspective being God’s heartbeat applied to our current situation.
Do we allow scripture to bring awareness and call out the places that are not producing life in us? What is God asking us to do?
We don't get to pick how God intersects with our story, but when God does, something happens, and it changes who we are.
So often, humanity feels alone, but God longs for everyone to be in a relationship with Him. At the cross is where we experience the extent of God's love and pursuit of us.
Jesus is the ultimate Passover lamb. God is calling us to lay down a life of distinctions, classes, and individualism to pick up the family of God. To be a new community where we are equal brothers and sisters.
Jesus was betrayed, but not offended. He shows us that God's love is not easily offended and can reconcile relationships.
God is a rescuing God. He did it once at Passover and He is going to do it again on the cross. And a third time at His second coming!
Jesus' healings might be breadcrumbs for what is to come, but it is also the reality of God who wants to intervene.
From the love of the Father, we have become friends of Jesus, as we do what he commands us, which is to love one another.
God gives of Himself sacrificially, is a first responder on the front lines, and cares about us.
Stewardship is one of the primary ways that Jesus calls us to live our lives. To steward is to manage something on someone else’s behalf. God calls us to steward everything about our life to honor him and to help others.
God is compassionate towards everyone and desires us to have the same amount of compassion for everyone.
We are created to contribute, not as a means to earn right standing from God, but because we have been given right standing with Him.
God’s deepest desire, above all else, is to connect with us and be in communion with us as individuals and as a people. We can connect with God in many different ways, but usually, it’s when we set time aside in some way, enter into His presence / become aware of His presence, and then be intentional in connecting with him. The good news is that God seeks after us because he wants to connect with us – it’s not just “up to us.” Our job is to cooperate with his work to connect with us.
In this week's message, we got to catch up with Tyler Adams after his summer-long sabbatical. We got to hear all about his great adventures, inspiring stories, puppies, sharks, and so much more. More importantly, we got to hear an honest testimony about the God who is here, able, and good.
In this week's message, Pastor Matt shares the "why" behind Boulder Valley's mission statement: "building authentic relationships with God and one another" and explores a few of Jesus' mission statements from the Bible.
In this first message from our annual Boulder Valley DNA series, Pastor Matt shares out of the book of Ezra (Ezra 3:10-13) and the book of John (John 12:24-36) to give us a biblical perspective on transitions. How do we mourn what is lost and celebrate what is gained (Ezra)? How do we lay down what was in order to gain what is next (John)?
In the final installment from the "Discipleship Pathway" series, elder Jeff Benson asks us to consider the "grand adventure" to which we've been called.
In this week's message, Pastor Matt talks about what it looks like to grow and mature in your Christian faith. What does that look like in the day-to-day life of Boulder Valley?
"We sing to remember and remind; we sing to unite; and we sing because our God is worthy of our worship - the kind of worship that takes more from us." This past Sunday, Pastor Drew closed out the "One Another" series with a challenging message that looks at the importance of worshipping together and the importance of who we worship.
Any discussion on love in today’s world is almost certain to divide us…love is probably the most used and most abused term in the English language today. If you missed last week’s message from guest speaker, Jeremy Harke, then you missed a good one. In our latest podcast episode, Jeremy walks us through what it really looks like to love one another.
In this week's message, Michelle Holmberg challenges us to live with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience for one another. What would happen to the culture of the kingdom if we actually did this?
In this special episode, we revisit a message from June of 2020 given by Michelle Holmberg as she explores division v. unity. And be sure to join us in person or online (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZaPNbYm0wkWxA5zNhh0dQ) this Sunday as Michelle gives a follow up message on the topic of bearing with and forgiving one another.
In this message, Pastor Matt provides a recap/check-in as we are now halfway through our "One Another" message series.
In this week's voicemail, Michelle is joined by her husband, Paul, and together they share a story about an unexpected encounter with the Gospel at Red Rocks.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25
For this podcast discussion, we asked Pastor Drew and her husband, Ben, to share more about their story of an unplanned and unexpected pregnancy. Together, they paint a picture of what it looks like when God, and a community, comes around you in a moment of great difficulty.
This week's voicemail comes to us from Michelle Holmberg and her reflections on Isaiah 61.
John 13:34 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
This past Sunday, Paul Holmberg kicks off the "One Another" message series by sharing what the Bible says about the value of one another.
In this podcast, Michelle, Bobby, and Emmy recap the "Authentic Gospel" series and highlight some memorable moments from the past 7 weeks.
In this last message from our "Authentic Gospel" series, Jeff Benson shares with us about what it means to be adopted into God's family.
When Boulder Valley decided to give all the proceeds from the second phase of our Kingdom Assignment to Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center, we had no idea that the topics of unplanned or unexpected pregnancies and abortion would land in the national spotlight. So, in the spirit of our mission to build authentic relationships with God and one another, we wanted to have an honest conversation with someone who is in the middle of this topic every day.
In this conversation with Connie from the Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center, we not only got to hear the personal and powerful testimony of her own life, but we also got to hear how God is using the people of Boulder Valley to walk alongside those who are in their loneliest moments to provide them with compassionate help, professional care, and accurate information.
In this message, Paul Holmberg teaches us what a covenant is (which is rooted in Eastern mentality and is so foreign to our Western mentality) and how God’s primary method of relating to us from the foundations of the earth has been through covenant!
In this voicemail, Michelle adds some thoughts and ideas to her message from May 15, 2022.
In this voicemail message, Michelle gives us an addendum to her message from this past Sunday - to watch the video Michelle references in her voicemail, please go to https://www.u2.com/media/player/232/190
This week, Michelle Holmberg shares her message of the Incarnational Gospel as a part of our "Authentic Gospel: Until Everyone Belongs" message series.
In this Conversation from the Valley, Michelle and Emmy are joined by Nicole Day - a Bioengineering PhD student at CU - to discuss what the intersection of faith and science looks like. Are they mutually exclusive? How does one discipline inform the other? What are some misconceptions about each discipline?
In this voicemail devo, Michelle reflects on Matt's message introducing Kingdom Assignment #2.
In this special episode, Michelle and Emmy sit down and talk with Lorenzo and Jacob from Samaritan's Purse to discuss the recovery efforts happening in Louisville and Superior. If you'd like to volunteer with Samaritan's Purse here in Boulder County, please visit: https://spvolunteer.org/project-response/544 - note: sifting efforts will end on March 1st (Feb 28th is the last day to volunteer), so if you've been waiting to volunteer, time is almost up.
We are excited to be back after an extended hiatus. A little more than a month ago, a wildfire destroyed over 1,000 homes in our community. We've been working through that trauma and also trying to help our neighbors get back on their feet. Today, Michelle Holmberg reflects a little on what the past 30+ days have been like and walks us through a practice called "Lectio Divina."
Today, Drew Noffsinger shares her advent reflection - a reminder that God is with us in all things, all the time.
Discussion/Activity:
Where in your life can you see that God is with you? What about the places you struggle to see God?
In today's devotional, Nicole Day talks about the gift of Jesus - God's demonstration of His love for us - and challenges us to reciprocate by keeping his commands.
Discussion/Activity:
In what ways, during this season or any other, are you demonstrating your obedience to God? How can we respond to God's great act of love to us with our own loving obedience?
Michelle Holmberg shares with us another advent devotional and reflects on the shepherds' role in the Christmas story.
Discussion/Activity:
How are we faithful in the midst of not seeing what we wanted to see? Do you have an example from your life?
In this message, Tyler Adams challenges us, in these times of loneliness and isolation, to love one another in the name of Jesus through hospitality.
For today's Advent devotional, Paul Williams shares his thoughts on the topic of Peace.
Discussion/Activity: Over the next 24 hours, notice the peace in your life. Peace with God. Peace with others. Peace in difficult circumstances. Peace that you can't even explain. Tell Jesus: thank you for bringing me this peace.
For today's Advent devotional, Gwen Ross shares her thoughts on the topic of Joy.
Discussion/Activity: What is your favorite part of the Christmas season? What brings you the most joy?
In this Advent devotional, Theresa Warbritton shares about God's long-term plan to bring Jesus into this world.
Questions: In Theresa's devotional, she talks about some of the ironies of Jesus. Example: Jesus is the Word of God, but as a baby, he couldn't speak. What other examples of this type of irony can you think of when it comes to Jesus. What does this say to you about the character of God?
To join the discussion, please visit https://community.bvchristian.org
To kick off Advent week 2 (the week of prophecy and preparation), Jeff Benson talks about the first and second coming of Christ and what it tells us about our King.
Discussion/Activity: Listen to Jeff's devotional and reflect on Jesus as a humble baby and Jesus as a triumphant king. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Join the discussion on our community site: https://community.bvchristian.org
In this message, Michelle Holmberg shares a little bit of what the Christmas story looked like from Mary's perspective.
A few weeks ago, Michelle Holmberg talked about Judaism's 18 benedictions. In this devotional, Michelle leads us through each one of them.
Discussion/Activity: pray these prayers and share about your experience. What did you hear? What did you feel?
To join the discussion, please visit: https://community.bvchristian.org/c/advent-devotionals/
In this Advent devotional, Emmy Helmuth shares her thoughts on Biblical hope (as opposed to optimism).
Discussion Question: Read Psalm 130. What do those verses say to you about the character of God?
Join us at https://community.bvchristian.org/c/advent-devotionals/ to join the conversation.
Clark Griswold? As a topic for an Advent devotional? Yes, we went there (or at least tried).
Discussion question: what imagery/activity from this time of year reminds you most of the "reason for the season?"
You can join the conversation at https://community.bvchristian.org/c/advent-devotionals/
This week on our discussion Emmy Helmuth, Michelle Holmberg, Otto Luhrs, and Paul Holmberg sit down to talk about the first message in the "A Way in a Manger" series.
In the first message from the "A Way in a Manger" series, Paul Holmberg speaks to the planning and preparation that went into bringing about the birth of Jesus.
In this voicemail devotional, Michelle shares some thoughts on temptation and prayer that she did not get to include in her message from 11.21.2021. To join the discussion, please visit https://community.bvchristian.org
In this voicemail, Emmy Helmuth shares her thoughts on gratefulness as a spiritual practice.
In this voicemail, Amy Taylor shares the concept of "spiraling up" as a way to increase your capacity for gratitude. As we enter the part of the year where thankfulness and appreciation are top of mind, what do you find yourself most grateful for? To join the discussion, please go to https://community.bvchristian.org
Michelle Holmberg, Emmy Helmuth, and Bobby Taylor sit down to discuss the last message from the "Teach Us to Pray" series. Thanks for listening - if you're interested in continuing the discussion, please visit https://community.bvchristian.org
In the final message from the "Teach Us to Pray" series, Michelle Holmberg walks us through the final verse of the Lord's Prayer. Join the discussion at https://community.bvchristian.org
Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat. - Psalm 78:23-25
If you'd like to leave us a note about today's voicemail, you can join the conversation here: https://community.bvchristian.org/c/podcast/
In this voicemail, Michelle challenges us to examine if we are freely giving what we have freely received? What has been given to you and what have you given away?
Join the conversation here: https://community.bvchristian.org/c/podcast/
In this discussion, Michelle Holmberg, Matt Carlson, Emmy Helmuth, and Bobby Taylor review the second message in the "Teach us to Pray" series. A big focus of this conversation was forgiveness, both giving and receiving. Discussion questions: What's the most impactful thing you've had to ask forgiveness for? What about giving forgiveness?
In this message, Pastor Matt Carlson teaches from Matthew 6:11-12: "Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." Discussion question: what does daily bread look like for you? And what does it mean to rely on God for that daily? Share your thoughts on our community page: https://community.bvchristian.org/c/podcast/
For this discussion, we welcome special guest Dave Powers (https://www.worshipandtheword.com/). Dave and Matt co-led our service on Nov 7, 2021 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEhT9pCCHo4), and introduced us to the new message series, "Teach Us to Pray."
There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” - Exodus 3:2-3
Many waters cannot quench your love, rivers cannot overwhelm it. Oceans of fear cannot conceal your love for me.
Andy Park. Lyrics to "Holy Love."
In this episode, Michelle Holmberg, Emmy Helmuth, and Bobby Taylor continue the discussion from the final message in the "Boulder Valley DNA" series.
In this final message from the "Boulder Valley DNA" series, Matt Carlson and Tyler Adams paint a picture of what was and what is to come for Boulder Valley Christian Church - a story that God has been revealing for 60+ years.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. - Matthew 13:44-46
"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.'" - Isaiah 30:15
Emmy Helmuth, Michelle Holmberg, and Bobby Taylor sit to discuss Michelle's message from Oct 10, 2021.
Michelle Holmberg shares a message from the "Boulder Valley DNA" series detailing our third core value: Connect to God
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. - Ephesians 2: 1-2
In this post-message discussion, Drew Noffsinger, Matt Carlson, Bobby Taylor, and Michelle Holmberg continue on the topic of "Choosing to Contribute."
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. - Psalm 139: 23-24
In this follow-up discussion, Paul Holmberg, Michelle Holmberg, Emmy Helmuth, and Bobby Taylor talk about some examples of community and the role it plays in our mission.
In this third message from the "Boulder Valley DNA" series, Paul Holmberg shares about the first of our three core values: community.
More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ - Phillippians 3:8
Matt Carlson, Emmy Helmuth, Michelle Holmberg, and Bobby Taylor share some additional thoughts on the "Why We Exist" message from 9.19.2021
Just as individuals represent the different parts of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4–31), we also believe that Boulder Valley has a specific calling. We are a family on mission, and in this message from the "Boulder Valley DNA" series, Pastor Matt Carlson shares why we exist and what we are here to do.
Michelle shares with us a different way to look at gratitude – it's not just a "nice" thing to do, but a powerful act of faithfulness
Michelle shares some thoughts on remembering our inheritance as children of God even in the midst of things being hard.
In this post-message discussion, Emmy Helmuth, Drew Noffsinger, Matt Carlson, and Bobby Taylor recap the first message from the "Boulder Valley DNA" series.
In this message, Pastor Matt Carlson shares about where we've been as a church and what it means to take time to remember the things God has done.
In this follow up discussion from Michelle's message on 8.29.2021, Bill Stark, Emmy Helmuth, Michelle Holmberg and Bobby Taylor continue the conversation about persecution in the early church.
In this message, Michelle Holmberg shares stories of persecution in the early church from the Book of Acts.
…and let it begin with me. Are we able to change the world without being willing to change ourselves?
Matt, Michelle, Emmy, and Bobby continue the discussion from the 8.22.2021 message about community in the early church and community today.
In this message, Matt Carlson walks us through what community looked like in the early church and what it could look like for us today.
Michelle challenges us to be a kind of people the trust God in the midst of really hard and messy things.
Michelle looks closer at Psalm 103 to talk about how the mercy we receive far eclipses the justice we deserve.
Paul, Michelle, Emmy and Bobby continue the conversation from the "Justice & Grace" message from Aug 15, 2021.
In this message from our series in the Book of Acts, Paul Holmberg discusses the balance of justice and grace in our lives.
Michelle examines the story of Thomas in this devotional - what was he saved from? What was he saved for?
We will often end a prayer with the phrase, "in the name of Jesus, amen." But do we really realize the power of the name of we are invoking?
In this devotional, Michelle presents us with a challenge to love God in whole, not in parts.
In this follow up to the message from August 8, we continue the discussion on what we are being saved from and what we are being saved for. We also talk about what it looks like to mature and grow in your faith.
Is salvation just fire insurance? A one-time act to punch our ticket to heaven? Or is it something else? As we continue through the Book of Acts, Pastor Matt Carlson shares what our salvation through Jesus means - what we are saved from and what we are saved for.
It's easy to be grateful for the good things, right? What about the things that aren't so good? Michelle Holmberg shares a devotional thought on expressing gratitude in all things.
What comes out of you when life gets hard or when something doesn’t go your way? How can we respond in a way that lines up with the power that the Holy Spirit provides us?
In this message, Jeff Benson shares from Acts 3 and 4 on how the Holy Spirit gives power.
Michelle Holmberg shares thoughts on the meaning of first fruits and harvest as it relates to Acts 2.
Pastor Paul Holmberg shares the second message in our series: Acts - The Story Continues. In this message, Paul shares the story of Pentecost and what it means for us when the Holy Spirit truly enters in.
In a discussion following the message on Acts 1:1-11, Senior Pastor Matt Carlson, Michelle Holmberg, Emmy Helmuth, and Bobby Taylor sat down and recorded follow up discussion to the message where we discussed highly theological topics such as "Did Jesus floss his teeth?"
Let us know what you think? Did you have any insights or applications? Did you learn something new?
Welcome to our first message in our series on Acts. Today, Lead Pastor Matt Carlson shares from Acts 1:1-11 and gives us encouragement in a season of waiting and patience.