Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church
Welcome to the weekly podcast for Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Thomasville, NC. To learn more, visit https://mtzionwesleyan.com.
Discover one of the great themes of Scripture: the call for every generation to reach the next with the good news of Jesus. This week, Pastor Stephen Tolan explores the responsibility of the older generation to intentionally pass on their faith, highlighting that parents can only pass on what they truly believe and value.
"Romans" Series / Week 5: Most believers agree that coming to Christ through faith is the only way to experience genuine salvation. However, many believers struggle with how to maintain that same faith in their relationship with Jesus after being saved. As followers of Christ, how do our actions for the Lord align with the faith we are meant to receive from Him?
"Romans" Series / Week 4: God has called us to be fully aware of our sinfulness and His grace. Acknowledging these two realities guards us against self-righteousness and enables us to step into the life God has for us.
Even in isolation and abandonment, Hagar's encounter with God reveals that when we feel unseen, God sees us and transforms our trials into testimonies of His enduring goodness.
"Romans" Series / Week 3: God designed us to live a certain way, but gives us a choice to follow it. When we prioritize our desires over His plan, we miss out on the life he invites us to.
"Romans" Series / Week 2: Understanding the world from God's perspective is crucial for the growth of every believer. God experiences a range of emotions beyond love, including righteousness, grace, mercy, anger and judgment. This week, we explore the connection between God's righteousness and why understanding His anger is important.
"Romans" Series / Week 1: Paul opens his letter to the church in Rome by reminding them that the Gospel is God's way to save us, giving us the strength and right-standing to live out our true calling through faith.
While our personal preferences have a place within the Body, they shouldn't be the driving force behind why we gather as believers. The gathering of the Church is much more about ministering to the Presence of God than it is about whether our personal preferences are being met.
This Easter, we invite you to reflect on the call of Ephesians 5:14 - "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." We invite you to join us in embracing the hope that Jesus offers, transforming our experiences of rejection into opportunities for redemption.
"Lessons from the Cross" Series / Week 6: Are we prepared to follow Christ not only in moments of joyful worship but also through trials, controversies, and challenges to our beliefs? Are we ready to walk with Him through both celebration and sorrow, embracing His teachings fully, even when they lead us into difficult places?
"Lessons from the Cross" Series / Week 5: One of the biggest struggles believers face is dealing with the “inner voice.” Jesus’ sacrifice invites us into a journey of living a life set apart for Him, and learning how to hear Him clearly.
"Lessons from the Cross" Series / Week 4: When we feel forsaken by God in moments of silence, it's important to remember that His presence and love endure even in the midst of our darkest doubts. Trust in His unwavering love and hold onto the promise that He is always close, even when we feel most alone.
"Lessons from the Cross" Series / Week 3: In Luke 23, Jesus, from the cross, promises a repentant criminal entry into paradise, displaying God's grace, which is given freely to those who turn to Him.
"Lessons from the Cross" Series / Week 2: Forgiving others doesn't mean we have to minimize what's been done to us or the hurt we've experienced. Unforgiveness is keeping us imprisoned.
"Lessons from the Cross" Series / Week 1: The Cross offers us an insightful understanding of freedom. To embrace the liberating power of the Cross, we must allow ourselves to be offended by its message. In doing so, we align ourselves with the wisdom and power that comes from the Cross, which leads us to true freedom.
"Abundant Life" Series / Week 6: Join us for this week's message as we're challenged to being disciples who are learning and growing, striving to gain gifts and characteristics in the future we don't have today.
"Abundant Life" Series / Week 5: God's desire has always been to be in an unhindered relationship with His Creation. In the book of Exodus, the plans and furnishings of the Tabernacle provide us with a foreshadowing of God's design to restore community with His People, and a template for how to walk in deeper intimacy with Him.
"Abundant Life" Series / Week 4: Walking in an abundant life with Jesus is so much more than church attendance or prayer before a meal. It means inviting Him into every space, circumstance and thought process. This week, we dive into what it means to live in the depths of God's presence in us.
"Abundant Life" Series / Week 3: Join us as Pastor Luke challenges us to deepen our understanding of the vine and the branches.
"Abundant Life" Series / Week 2: As followers of Christ, we're called to not only plant the seeds of God's Word in others but also to nurture and protect them so it can take root.
"Abundant Life" Series / Week 1: The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus has come that we may have life and have it to the full.
Jesus calls us to leave everything in pursuit of Him. As we approach the new year, what things do you need to let go of in order to full pursue Christ?
Join us for a special Christmas Eve message as we prepare to celebrate the newborn King!
"Hark!" Series / Week 4: Even when doubt leaves us speechless, God remains faithful. When we encounter God, we can overcome doubt and find the courage to step into the life God has for us.
"Hark!" Series / Week 3: For Mary & Elizabeth, the future was a bit shaky, uncertain and confusing. But God had quite literally placed the promise of new life within them, a promise to do great things! His love is from generation to generation. He will never let His people down. As you trust Jesus by faith, He also places within you the promise of new life and deep joy!
"Hark!" Series / Week 2: The ministry of John the Baptist was controversial, against the grain, filled with the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Word of God to permeate our everyday decisions, like John, the result is a life orinted around the Kingdom of God instead of our comfort.
"Hark!" Series / Week 1: The essence of Christmas is captured in the phrase "God with us." When God became incarnate - He demonstrated what it means to be fully present & experience life as we do.
In every life, grief is inevitable. Yet, as Christians, we find peace in knowing that an empathetic God and walks with us through these trying times. As you navigate grief, find comfort in Christ and the unwavering love within Christian community.
"The Way" Series / Week 28: When Peter went back to fishing that morning, he wasn’t really looking for fish. He was looking for true love, for identity, for real meaning and purpose. He was looking for a fresh start…and that is exactly what Jesus came to give him. The good news is that a fresh start is also available to you through Jesus today!
"The Way" Series / Week 27: By looking at the creation story through the lens of Jesus' resurrection, we see that God continues to bring hope and life to those who believe.
"The Way" Series / Week 26: Jesus is the eternal King and through His death, He has provided us with eternal hope.
"The Way" Series / Week 25: This week, we delve into John 18, where we explore the joy that comes when we learn to relinquish control and wholeheartedly trust in Jesus' guiding presence in every aspect of our lives.
"The Way" Series / Week 24: What would happen if the Church could truly represent Christ in the world, like the way God exists within the Trinity? How might this unique way of living attract others to follow Christ?
"The Way" Series / Week 23: The Holy Spirit serves as God's guiding presence within His people, often appearing unexpectedly in various situations. When individuals wholeheartedly follow His guidance, remarkable things unfold.
"The Way" Series / Week 22: Jesus didn't just come to offer us salvation. That's only the beginning for a believer. His promise to us is to live a life in the Presence of God, refined through every circumstance we encounter.
"The Way" Series / Week 21: The statement made by Jesus as He was looking toward His Resurrection was one of the most pivotal in all His earthly ministry. In John 14, we look at what the Disciples would have heard and why it was so significant.
"The Way" Series / Week 20: The heart of a Gospel Community lies in genuinely helping others by carrying their burdens, regardless of circumstance, and using our gifts for the greater good rather than personal gain.
"The Way" Series / Week 19: When we encounter crises, we find ourselves at a crossroads much like Jesus experienced in John 12. In these moments, we must decide whether to prioritize our comfort and safety, or to glorify God, regardless of the sacrifices involved.
"The Way" Series / Week 18: Though we may suffer under oppressive powers, our faith calls us to withstand the impulse to retaliate and instead, go to God with our complaints, all the while maintaining our trust in Him.
"The Way" Series / Week 17: We turn to John 11 as we answer the age old question “How could a loving God allow pain and suffering among the people He loves?” Join us as we shift our focus from the “problem of pain” to the “promise in pain."
"The Way" Series / Week 16: In John 10, Jesus unveils his well-known analogy of the Good Shepherd and the Thief. Contrary to common belief, the Thief's genuine identity and characteristics may hold a deeper connection with humanity than the commonly perceived Satan himself.
"The Way" Series / Week 14: Jesus healing the blind man in John 9 is so much more than a man receiving his natural eyesight. Through this account, Jesus is challenging religious pride and how it affects the way we see the world.
"The Way" Series / Week 14:Are you tired of feeling chained by life's challenges, caught in the grip of sin's snare, or suffocated by seemingly unbreakable circumstances? Step into a world of limitless possibilities as Jesus extends his hand to guide you toward unparalleled freedom!
"The Way" Series / Week 13:What posture and position do you take when responding to someone else's sin? Do you hand out judgment and condemnation, or do you extend mercy and grace?
"The Way" Series / Week 12:We are honored this week to have with us special guest, Pastor Zach Coffin. Join us as Zach unpacks John 7 and imparts to us a timely challenge for what this generation needs from the Church.
"The Way" Series / Week 11: The feeding of the multitude is not so much about feeding, but about access. Jesus didn’t come to help people get what they want…He came to BE what they need by entering into relationship with them. When your soul is fed and filled by Jesus, you will still go through seasons of illness, unemployment, loneliness and difficulty, but one thing you will never be is empty!
"The Way" Series / Week 10: We all have moments in life where we need the Lord to show up. Although it may not be on our time table, Jesus promises to meet us at our place of belief for breakthrough. God’s invitation in these moments isn’t simply for an encounter…it’s an opportunity for greater intimacy.
"The Way" Series / Week 9: Faith is a journey of continuous growth, not a destination. Do not settle for a little faith that only provides temporary fixes. Believe in God's limitless power to transform your faith into something greater than you can imagine.
"The Way" Series / Week 8: This week, Pastor Brent Bennett continues our series on the book of John as Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well. Through this story, we are reminded that God wants to use our own testimonies, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to transform a community for Him.
"The Way" Series / Week 7: Humility is a quiet, simple way but it is certainly not an easy one. It is often a tough, difficult path. But as we understand and embrace this truth of Jesus, it will change the way we do life from day to day.
"The Way" Series / Week 6:Nicodemus put his status and position on the line to pursue Jesus. What are you willing to risk to be fully obedient to what Jesus calls you to do?
"The Way" Series / Week 5:Pastor Brent Bennett unpacks the last half of John 2, where Jesus cleanses the Temple in Jerusalem. This week, we look at what Jesus saw when He arrived at the temple for Passover and why it was so offensive. Becoming a follower of Jesus means a purifying must take place corporately and individually, for God Himself to dwell in the temple of our bodies.
"The Way" Series / Week 4:We usually think of miracles as something from the past, but miracles can happen in our lives today too. In this week's message, we look at Jesus' miracle at the wedding in Cana and how we can believe again in the miracle of transformation.
"The Way" Series / Week 3:Being a disciple of Jesus means growing in His likeness and inviting others to join us on the journey.
"The Way" Series / Week 2:Jesus is the Lamb of God, our Redeemer. Because of His sacrifice, we are inspired to humbly use our voice to share His message of salvation.
"The Way" Series / Week 1:It's the kick-off a new teaching series, "The Way," where we will journey through the Book of John. This week, Pastor Luke discusses how through Jesus, we can know God, become His children, and receive eternal life.
Jesus didn’t just come to set us free for eternity’s sake. Through the Scriptures, He has taught us how to apply His Victory to our lives and stay free on a daily basis. As believers, Jesus is calling us to engage in the war for our purity as we prepare for His return.
Shifting our perspective to an eternal mindset requires us to move from human desire to being consumed with what pleases Jesus Christ, our King.
This Easter, we revisit the importance of the empty tomb, a more significant event than commonly perceived.
Join us as Pastor Brent Bennett challenges us to remember and reflect on the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for our redemption.
"Same God" Series / Week 5:God reveals Himself to us so we can be sent out for His Glory.
"Same God" Series / Week 4:Matthew 4 reminds us of the power of God's Word in overcoming temptation and resisting the schemes of the enemy. Join us as Pastor Luke explores how to seek and rely on God's Word in times of trial.
"Same God" Series / Week 3: Hearing from God requires more than just asking for His voice to speak our language. It's about learning to speak the language that God uses, which can often be found in moments of silence.
"Same God" Series / Week 2: This week, we discuss the covenant God made with his chosen people on Mt. Sinai, and how it was an invitation to freedom while protecting them from bondage.
"Same God" Series / Week 1: Many grow up believing THAT God can do something, but have yet to believe IN Him to do it. Have you placed your faith fully in Jesus? Or have you not yet trusted that He wants to bless you and bring about the best in your life?
What does it look like for your to prosper? Drawing from Jeremiah 29, Special Guest Speaker Dan Seaborn joins us as we discuss how God's definition of prosperity might look different than our own.
Dan Seaborn is the founder of Winning At Home and an engaging and powerful speaker. He has a comfortable and humorous communication style that allows him to connect easily with audiences of all ages. Through energetic and memorable presentations, Dan talks openly about family life—often through revealing his own struggles or failures.
"The Language of Love" Series / Week 7: This week, we wrap up our Language of Love series with some essential reminders for improving and sustaining your marriage. Tune in as we recall the keys to building a relationship that will last a lifetime.
"The Language of Love" Series / Week 6: Conflict is a natural and unavoidable aspect of any relationship. But when faced with conflict, we have a choice to make - will we focus on making our point heard or will we strive to make a positive difference in the relationship?
"The Language of Love" Series / Week 5: The Bible gives us the standard for satisfaction within marriage. Intimacy was created for our enjoyment, within the confines of a covenant marriage.
"The Language of Love" Series / Week 4: A contract says, “If you…then I…” A covenant says, “No matter what, I DO!”
"The Language of Love" Series / Week 3: Our sexuality was ordained by God to protect us, and it is out of His love for us that He sets this boundary. It is out of our love for Him and others that we joyfully obey.
"The Language of Love" Series / Week 2: For many of us, dating can be confusing and stressful, but the longing for intimacy still exists. This week, we explore how Song of Solomon gives us a playbook for how to date in a way that honors one another and God.
"The Language of Love" Series / Week 1: This week, we kick off "The Language of Love" by exploring the importance of Godly character in our relationships. Join us as Pastor Luke discusses what we should look for in a potential partner and the actions we should take to cultivate healthy connections.
"Advent" Series / Week 4: Throughout history, God has consistently chosen to reveal Himself and give us the greatest gift of all, the promise of His unending Presence with us.
"Advent" Series / Week 3: No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, walking in continual Joy is the promise God offers us through the victory found in the perfect example of Jesus.
"Advent" Series / Week 2: To live in darkness is a terrible thing. When we begin to see the world through the eyes of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, it will change the way we treat our enemies, how we respond to difficulties and the way we live our lives.
"Advent" Series / Week 1: All the promises of the prophets were carried on the shoulders of the One to be born in Bethlehem, and Jesus fulfilled them all. As we reflect on Week 1 of Advent, we are reminded that in our waiting, we are not without hope.
"Anchored" Series / Week 3: 2 Peter draws a stark contrast between the inspired, inerrant Word of God and false teachings. Are you prepared to spot the differences?
Special Guest Pastor Ken Klein is with us this today discussing what it means to receive a fresh touch from the Holy Spirit.
"Anchored" Series / Week 2: The Word is the foundation of our faith, because it is the literal Word of God. To experience God's work, we must embrace God’s Word.
"Anchored" Series / Week 1: God’s power has given you everything you need to accomplish all that He has called you to.
"Stories" Series / Week 6: As followers of Jesus, we are called to provide for the needs of children in their times of distress. Today's message features a powerful story and a practical challenge that everyone can respond to as we love the most vulnerable among us with the heart of Jesus.
"Stories" Series / Week 5: When our souls feel empty, instead of pursuing temporary distractions, we can reach for God's presence. His love never runs out, never rejects, never lets down, never disappoints.
"Stories" Series / Week 4: How do we handle the hard or impossible things in life? While suffering is universal, we can find supernatural healing in Jesus.
Special Guest, Pastor Graham Simmons, challenges us to to love and serve those around us out of the overflow that Christ has given us.
"Stories" Series / Week 3: Is God's calling only reserved for a special few, or does He call each of us to respond where we are? What does it look like to be called, and how should you respond?
"Stories" Series / Week 2: Community is at the heart of what Jesus calls us into. Surrounding yourself with people who encourage, challenge and lift you up is vital to stepping into the life God has for you.
"Stories" Series / Week 1: At the core of our story is a mission and at the core of that mission is the pursuit of Christ. Every disciple and every Church will ultimately be measured by their pursuit of Him.
We are a blessed people. But to what end or purpose are we blessed? God blesses us so that we might be a blessing to all people, everywhere.
As God's creation, we are called to mirror His nature - stepping into a life marked with joy.
The gospel is not only practical; it is beautiful and soul-satisfying. Jesus offers us more than a religious belief system. He invites us on a journey to experience daily the life that God has for us.
The Lord tells us that He will rescue those who love Him and protect those who trust in His name. Do you need to call out to God today for rescue, protection or salvation?
Throughout Scripture, we see that there is power unleashed when the people of God sing - the power to remember and to be comforted, to connect our heart and mind, and to have freedom over oppression.
The path to joy amidst personal guilt comes through the process of repentance. Repentance comes through confessing sin and thanking God for his forgiveness through Christ as we are transformed by the Holy Spirit.
In the Bible, we read of people who longed for freedom and paid any price to know God deeply. Why don’t we? Why are we so content? What does a life of longing look like, and how do we faithfully step into it?
In seasons of trouble, we often ask, "Why is this happening?" However, what we often discover on the other side of trouble is that God was preparing us to be sent out on mission to the world around us.
Take back your faith from your circumstances and condition, and place your faith in the hands of a good Father. He is for you, He is with you, and He is a very present help in trouble.
Of all the parents in the entire world, God chose you to raise your kids. Are you raising God-worshipping, fully-devoted followers of Jesus or culturally compliant citizens? There is an invitation to a life that God has for your child and you are a guide.
Our sin can leave us feeling burdened & broken. When we confess that brokenness to Jesus, He forgives us & mends us in those broken places, freeing us to step into the Life God has for us.
Many men today feel insignificant as masculinity is under attack in our culture. Psalm 128 dispels the lie that our culture tells us - that there is no need for men. As we take a look at the story of Joseph, we are given a picture of the type of father we've always wanted to be.
Psalm 23 is one of the most comforting and familiar of the psalms. However, it was written as an invitation to step into the life that God has for you. It reminds the weary that no matter the road ahead, the darkness around, or the enemy nearby, God is near!
The Psalmist, whose conditions and circumstances were often more dire than our own, found a way to conquer fear by finding God. What has fear kept you from doing? What would you do, or attempt, if you knew you would not fail?
Through the Psalms, we learn that thanksgiving and praise are more than just words. They are rhythms meant to transform us from the inside out.
The writer of Psalm 145 challenges us to live lives that praise and proclaim God's great works despite our circumstance or situation.
True happiness is experienced when a person delights in the Word of God. Psalm 1 is an invitation to step into a life of worship which leads us to the root of obedience.
Remembering who God is will remind us who we are to God. Our true identity is found in Him alone.
Following the biggest day of the church year, Easter Sunday, the question for all of us now becomes...what's next? Where do we go from here?
When the truth of Easter occurs to you, it changes everything. Jesus came to give us life, not just for us to exist, but to truly live.
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 10: When you're walking through a difficult season, do you know Jesus is walking beside you?
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 9: Through the story of the rich young ruler, Jesus reminds us to value things other than earthly treasures.
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 8: As followers of Jesus, we like to think we already believe. But often, we find ourselves somewhere belief and unbelief. So what does it really mean to believe?
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 7: The Kingdom advances at the speed of our announcing it. It's time for the Church to believe the Good News again. But what is the Good News? And what does it mean to believe it?
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 6: How is Kingdom justice different from what we call "social justice" today, and how do we pursue it in our families and communities?
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 5: As followers of Jesus, we should have the same demeanor, values and attitude of our King. And He is all about celebrating new life, transformation, and freedom from bondage.
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 4: The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of priests. But what do priests do and what does it look like to make this a reality for your own life here and now?
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 3: When it comes to the Kingdom of God, there is but one law: that we love one another!
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 2: To experience the Kingdom of God, we must first enter into it. This week, we take a look at what Jesus has to say about entering the Kingdom of God.
"Kingdom Come" Series / Week 1: Jesus came preaching that the Kingdom of God has come. But what is it? And how does it answer the longing we see in our society today?
"Never Stop Praying" Series / Week 3: Anxiety is a complex reality for many people. But what does Jesus have to say about it? This week, we take a look at an incredibly difficult moment in Jesus' life and the practice He utilized to cope.
"Never Stop Praying" Series / Week 2: Prayer can be a struggle for many believers; we know we are supposed to pray, but we don't know how or why. James reminds us what prayer is and how God uses it to draw near to us in seasons of doubt and frustration.
"Never Stop Praying" Series / Week 1: Mark warns us of the destructive power of evil and reminds that true freedom begins with prayer. In all things, we must begin with prayer and in all circumstances, never stop praying.
Life will hand us trials on an almost daily basis. But how do we persevere in these seasons of uncertainty, becoming people who are marked by our faithful obedience?
As you reflect on the past year, what are the things that shaped, informed and influenced you? While we take a look back at 2021, Pastor Luke offers seven lessons learned from the situations many of us faced.
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us that relationships matter more than anything. Who are the people in your life that you are investing in and that are likewise investing in you?
"Watching and Waiting" Series / Week 4: God loves you so much that He allowed His Son to be crushed so that His death would bring life to many.
"Watching and Waiting" Series / Week 3: The advent of joy gives us hope for freedom from the idols that promise what they can never deliver.
"Watching and Waiting" Series / Week 2: In Genesis, we explore how God sends a flood to destroy the earth because He is grieved by the sin of humanity. A the same time, He shows grace to humanity through Noah and saves the generations that follow for the coming of the Messiah.
"Watching and Waiting" Series / Week 1: As Daniel watched and waited, he was broken at the reality of a loving, merciful God who is approachable even when we mess up.
It was our joy to welcome Pastor Ken Klein from Christ Wesleyan Church in Greensboro back to Mt. Zion as this week’s special guest speaker.
"Daniel" Series / Week 5: Daniel remained faithful to his purpose despite the changes happening around him. This week, Pastor Stephen discusses how we can also live with purpose in a culture of compromise.
"Daniel" Series / Week 4: Confrontation can be difficult to navigate. However, when you approach a situation with humility and hope, it can lead to life-changing restoration.
"Daniel" Series / Week 3: The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego helps us to see that even though the fiery furnaces of life are inevitable, we will never have to endure them alone.
"Daniel" Series / Week 2: You have been placed where you are with a purpose. By approaching every day with a Kingdom mindset, you can reveal the goodness of God to a lost and broken world.
"Daniel" Series / Week 1: It's not easy to balance grace and truth in a culture of compromise. While God calls us to be his people, set apart, He also commands us to go into all the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ!
"Values" Series / Week 7: It's easy to say that we want the same things that Jesus wants for our lives, but really surrendering to His will often requires reprioritizing things. Real transformation will always require sacrifice.
"Values" Series / Week 6 :Knowing what we believe is important, but the goal isn't just to know, it's doing something with what we know. Is your love for others leading them into a life-changing relationship with Jesus?
"Values" Series / Week 5 : Excellence is the reflection of God in everything we do. Are you being faithful with what He has given you as you seek to share Him with others?
"Values" Series / Week 4 : Jesus was the greatest servant of all. His life revealed this truth to us: what we do with our time and talent reveals what we value. Are you making consistent time to serve others in your life?
"Values" Series / Week 3 : God sets a great example for us in being the first and most joyful giver. Have you surrendered the desires of your heart to Him?
"Values" Series / Week 2 : Because people are God's priority, people are our priority. If God so loved the world, so should we.
"Values" Series / Week 1 : Jesus is our Lord, but is He the lord of your life? Is there anything that you haven't handed over to Him completely?
As you work faithfully, remember that excellent work reflects the excellence of our Creator!
Our work matters and it's an important resource in reaching others and transforming our community.
Our work matters to God because we’re joining Him in making something incredible of this place here and now.
Jesus is still looking for people who are up a tree. Have you taken the first step by inviting Him into your life?
Jesus is for community. We are stronger together. As we face trials of many kinds, a community of believers is what helps us stand firm.
Jesus didn't only come to save us from our sins. He also came to set us free from the bondage that sin creates in our lives here on earth.
No matter what storm you may be experiencing in your life right now, Jesus has something to say to your storm today: "Quiet! Be still!"
On this Father's Day, Pastor Luke has a challenge for fathers - if you want your kids to experience Father God, let them see God in their father.
Because Jesus is for you, He is against any part of your life that threatens your freedom!
No matter what you’ve done, no matter where you’ve been, Jesus is for you…and we are too.
No matter your age or situation, God still considers you a necessary part of what He's doing to advance His Kingdom and accomplish His purposes here on earth!
When Elijah fearfully flees into the wilderness, God is there waiting for him. In his brokenness, fear and fatigue, God nourishes him, speaks to him and restores him.
People did not worship God because of something Elijah fabricated on his own. Rather his trust and obedience allowed them to experience the power of God authentically.
Obadiah was uniquely positioned to be the bridge between Elijah and Ahab. Whatever position God has put you in is exactly where God intends to use you.
Faith can take us to uncharted, unfamiliar and difficult territory. As we take a closer look at Elijah’s encounter with the widow, we learn that God can go anywhere, do anything and use anyone for His glory.
In order to prepare us for the next season in our lives, God often calls us to release our grasp on something, someone, or some place. It is in this separation and release, in the time of waiting and in-between, where we learn to depend on God as our provider.
Even though Elijah stands before the king, his allegiance ultimately stands for Yahweh. Do your life and your words proclaim that Yahweh is God?
Easter is about the power of Christ in our here and now and for all eternity. What is your level of belief in the unbelievable?
It’s easy to convince ourselves that justifying, repressing or ignoring our sin is the best way to get over it. But God invites us to come to Him, reveal our mess, and to stop hiding.
When in the valleys of life, our faith must become a choice to continue to place our trust in God. When our faith is tested, there are two deals on the table - despair or hope.
Could God actually have a purpose and plan for the difficult seasons of life? Today, we take a look at Elijah and how God can use our pain and suffering for our benefit and His glory.
God used Moses to purchase and release His people back from their slaveholders. Much like He paid the ransom for them, Jesus paid the ultimate price in securing our freedom so that we could be reconciled to Him.
Joseph’s circumstances parallel and foreshadow Jesus in many ways. He was betrayed by those closest to him. He was falsely accused and condemned. But God used his circumstances and gifts to bring about restoration.
Boaz redeemed Ruth & Naomi from hopeless circumstances. A woman trapped in bitterness and another trapped in hopelessness were brought into a family because of one man’s kindness.
We all have certain temptations that challenge the weakest parts of our lives. By following the example of Jesus, we can establish a realistic plan to strengthen our faith and step into the life God has for us.
We are surrounded by people with every kind of need. What are you doing with the resources God has given you to meet the needs of those around you?
Gratitude is strength, humility, hope, & love, all wrapped up in one big beautiful gift called life. Do you enjoy life or endure it? Your answer will depend on the amount of gratitude in your heart.
The gospel is not just a truth to be accepted. The gospel is an invitation to a meet the one true and living God in the person of Jesus Christ. How are people experiencing Jesus through you?
The secret to forming better habits may not be as difficult as we think. Today, Pastor Luke begins a new teaching series as we are reminded that a decision has the power to a change forever.
Three wealthy and wise men traveled a great distance to celebrate the birth of a new king born to poor parents. We learn an important lesson from these men - wise people make wise decisions.
It's been a challenging year. Amid the difficulty of navigating changes to our everyday lives, one thing has become clear - we aren't in control. But how do we respond when he have a desire to control our situations and circumstances? Today, we take a look at a familiar story from Scripture about the danger of control and the blessing of surrender.
This Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus came as the fulfillment of God's promise to us - that He loves us, He is for us, and He will always be with us.
This week, we take a closer look at the shepherds, the very real fear they felt encountering the angels, and what that means for us today.
The beauty of Christmas is that Jesus came to suffer with us. No matter what you've experienced, cling to the truth that He loves you and can relate to anything you're going through today.
Pastor Luke begins our new series, “Unwrapping Christmas,” by asking the question, “If Mary & Joseph were just like us, how does that change our typical Christmas story?”
Confused about your spiritual purpose? You're not alone. Life is overwhelming when you're not certain about your purpose. God has made you for a specific reason, and it's time to step into the life God has for you.
What kind of person sees a legitimate need that they could meet, and does all that they can to meet that need and more?
What kind of person would you be if your first response wasn't to immediately hit back when you are hit?