Seven Marks Church Messages: Recent Episodes
Seven Marks Church
Welcome to the weekly podcast of messages from the Communicator Team at Seven Marks Church in Raleigh, NC. To learn more, visit our website at https://sevenmarkschurch.com.
Most of us are pretty good at showing kindness to the people we know, like, and understand. But what happens when someone falls outside that circle?
In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus challenges the boundaries we create around who deserves our attention, compassion, and care. Loving our neighbor means more than being nice to people like us. It means noticing the people we might normally avoid, moving toward them, and allowing love to become action.
Who have you placed outside your circle? This message invites us to take an honest look at that question and consider what it could look like to make room.
We cross paths with people every day, but how often do we actually see them?
It's easy to notice someone's behavior, opinions, or differences and assume we know their story. Jesus saw people differently. He slowed down, moved toward people others avoided, and looked beyond what was happening on the surface. Instead of judgment, He responded with compassion.
In Part 2 of Make Room, we explore what it means to really see the people around us and what we might discover when we stop assuming, pay attention, and take a longer look.
We all draw circles around the people who share our beliefs, interests, and experiences. The problem begins when we treat those outside our circles as less deserving of dignity, compassion, or connection.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of a father who runs toward a son who has made a mess of his life. His welcome is immediate and his love is not earned. This message explores what that story reveals about God and why Jesus consistently made room for people others avoided.
Who is outside your circle? Making room might begin with a meal, a conversation, or simply choosing to see the person before the label. Watch and consider one way you can create space for someone this week.
Can you follow Jesus without the church? It's a question more people are asking than ever.
In this final message of Life with the Spirit, we explore why the Holy Spirit doesn't just change individuals. He creates a community where we learn to love, forgive, serve, and become more like Jesus together. Spiritual growth was never meant to be a solo journey.
Whether you've been hurt by church, feel disconnected, or wonder if community is really necessary, this message offers a fresh perspective on why life with the Spirit is something we're meant to experience together.
Everyone is being shaped by something.
Our culture tells us we're defined by our success, our failures, our relationships, our past, or what other people think about us. But what if none of those voices get the final word?
In Part 4 of Life with the Spirit, we look at Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and discover how the Holy Spirit continually reminds us who the Father says we are. When we know our identity, we're able to resist lies, trust God in difficult seasons, and walk with confidence instead of fear.
If you've ever struggled with insecurity, shame, comparison, or feeling like you have to prove yourself, this message is for you. We'd love for you to watch, reflect, and join us as we learn what it means to experience God's presence every day.
Everyone faces temptation. Whether it's anger, anxiety, addiction, comparison, or the feeling that something else will satisfy us more than God, the struggle is real.
In this message, Chad Bader, missionary in Guatemala and longtime Seven Marks partner, explores why temptation isn't a sign of failure, why sin always promises more than it delivers, and how the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live differently. This isn't about trying harder. It's about learning to walk with God one decision at a time.
If you've ever wondered why you keep fighting the same battles, this message offers hope and practical steps for moving forward.
What if the biggest battle you're facing isn't around you, but inside your own mind?
We all wrestle with anxious thoughts, insecurity, comparison, fear, and the stories we tell ourselves. In this message from our Life with the Spirit series, we discover that real transformation doesn't happen by trying harder. It happens as the Holy Spirit renews the way we think and leads us into greater freedom, peace, and hope.
Whether you've been following Jesus for years or you're simply exploring faith, this message offers practical encouragement for anyone who wants to break free from unhealthy thought patterns and experience God's presence in everyday life.
Most of us know what it's like to want change but keep ending up in the same place.
We make promises to ourselves. We try harder. We rely on more discipline, more effort, and more willpower. Yet the habits, struggles, and patterns we want to leave behind often find their way back into our lives.
In this first message of Life with the Spirit, we explore why real transformation isn't found in trying harder. It's found in learning to walk with God's Spirit. The Christian life was never meant to be powered by self-improvement. It's a daily invitation to experience God's presence, find freedom from old patterns, and become the person He created you to be.
Most people spend their lives asking questions like: What am I good at? Why am I here? Does what I do actually matter?
In this final message of The Familiar Stranger, we explore how the Holy Spirit uniquely gifts ordinary people and invites them into something bigger than themselves. The Bible teaches that every follower of Jesus has a role to play, not for personal recognition, but to help others flourish and to reflect God's heart to the world.
Whether you're trying to discover your purpose, wondering how God might want to use your life, or simply curious about the Holy Spirit, this message offers a practical and hopeful vision for life with God.
Most of us know the gap between who we are and who we want to be. We want more patience, more peace, more self-control, more courage, and a deeper sense of purpose. So why do we often feel stuck?
In this message, we explore one of the most important promises Jesus made about the Holy Spirit. If God's power is available to us, what keeps us from experiencing it? And what does it actually mean to live a life empowered by the Spirit?
Whether you're new to faith, skeptical of church, or have followed Jesus for years, this conversation invites you to consider what it might look like to move from simply wishing for change to becoming the person God created you to be.
Life is full of decisions. Some are small. Some change the direction of your future. Most of us wish God would simply tell us exactly what to do, but that's not always how following Him works.
In this message, we explore what it means to keep in step with the Holy Spirit when life feels uncertain. Looking at the early church and the example of Jesus, we discover how God leads His people through discernment, wisdom, and trust rather than guarantees and perfect clarity.
Whether you're facing a major crossroads or simply trying to follow God in everyday life, this message offers a practical framework for recognizing His voice and responding with confidence.
Most of us want change. We want to be more patient, more disciplined, less anxious, more at peace. But what if the answer isn't trying harder?
In Part 3 of The Familiar Stranger, we look at Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus and discover one of the Holy Spirit's most important roles: bringing new life. Jesus doesn't offer a better version of our old selves. He offers transformation from the inside out through the work of God's Spirit.
If you've ever felt stuck, exhausted, or frustrated by your inability to change, this message explores why real transformation begins with surrender, not self-improvement.
For a lot of people, the Holy Spirit feels confusing, distant, or difficult to explain. Maybe you've heard about Him your whole life but never really understood who He is or why He matters.
In week two of The Familiar Stranger, we explore how the Holy Spirit is not a strange force or vague feeling, but the personal presence of God with us and in us. Jesus described the Holy Spirit as a helper, comforter, guide, and advocate who walks with us through everyday life.
If you've ever felt spiritually disconnected, uncertain, or just curious about what it actually means to experience God personally, this message explores how the Spirit of God meets us in ordinary moments and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him.
For a lot of people, the Holy Spirit feels confusing, distant, or hard to explain. Maybe you've heard people talk about "feeling God" or being "led by the Spirit," but honestly, it still feels unfamiliar. This message explores why that disconnect exists and what Scripture actually says about the Spirit of God.
In week one of The Familiar Stranger, we look at the Holy Spirit not as a strange force in the background, but as the active presence of God throughout creation, throughout history, and even in our everyday lives. From Genesis to Jesus, the Bible paints a picture of a God who is closer and more involved than many of us realize.
Whether you've followed Jesus for years or you're still figuring out what you believe, this message is an invitation to slow down, rethink what you've assumed about the Holy Spirit, and become more aware of God's presence in your life.
Life doesn't magically get easier just because you believe in something bigger. Even after Easter, even after hope, we still face pain, confusion, and seasons that feel like we're just trying to survive.
This message explores what it means to live in the "wilderness" — that space between where we are and where we want to be. Through real stories and the life of Elijah, we see that struggle isn't failure. It's often where formation happens, where God meets us in quiet, unexpected ways, not always in big moments but in a whisper.
If you've ever wondered why life still feels heavy, or where God is in the middle of it, this is for you. There's a way to keep going, even here.
Life doesn't magically get easier just because you believe in something bigger. Even after Easter, even after hope, we still face pain, confusion, and seasons that feel like we're just trying to survive.
This message explores what it means to live in the "wilderness" — that space between where we are and where we want to be. Through real stories and the life of Elijah, we see that struggle isn't failure. It's often where formation happens, where God meets us in quiet, unexpected ways, not always in big moments but in a whisper.
If you've ever wondered why life still feels heavy, or where God is in the middle of it, this is for you. There's a way to keep going, even here.
What really happens around a table?
For most of us, it's where conversations happen, relationships grow, and people start to feel like family. But what if there's more going on than we realize?
On the night before His death, Jesus gathered His closest friends around a table. What looked like a simple meal became something much deeper. It was about belonging, identity, and being part of something bigger than yourself.
In this message, we explore why that moment still matters today. And how what happens around a table might actually shape who you're becoming.
We all spend our lives trying to figure out who we are. Our background, our success, our failures, even what others think about us all start to shape our identity. But what if we've been looking in the wrong place the whole time?
In this message, we explore how our search for identity often leaves us restless and why the resurrection of Jesus speaks directly into that struggle. Through the story of Exodus and the picture of baptism, we see that identity isn't something we build from the outside in. It's something we receive.
If you've ever wrestled with who you are or wondered if there's more to your story, this message invites you to see yourself in a completely new way.
Easter changes everything… but what happens next?
For Jesus' first followers, the resurrection wasn't the end of the story—it was the beginning of a completely new way of living. In the days that followed, they moved from confusion and fear to confidence and purpose as they began to understand what it actually meant to follow a risen King.
The same question sits in front of us today:
If Jesus is alive, does it really change how we live?
In Part 1 of It Matters, we explore how the resurrection doesn't just give us hope for the future—it reshapes our present. We're invited into something bigger than belief alone: a new identity, a new purpose, and a new way of life.
Because if it's true… it doesn't just matter someday.
It matters right now.
All of us have experienced moments when we feel trapped—stuck in a situation, searching for answers, or trying to find a way out of the mess life can become. On the first Easter, people were asking the same question. After the crucifixion of Jesus, confusion and grief filled the hearts of His followers. But what they didn't yet realize was that God had been revealing the answer all along.
In this Easter message, we explore how the entire story of Scripture—from the earliest pages of the Bible through the prophets—points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's rescue plan. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made a way out of sin, shame, and separation from God, offering forgiveness, freedom, and new life to all who trust in Him. Easter isn't just a holiday or religious tradition—it's the moment history changed and the invitation to discover the only way out.
We all have a picture of how life is supposed to go. The outcomes we want. The timing we expect. The plan we believe should work.
But what happens when it doesn't?
This message walks through a pivotal moment in the story of Scripture—when expectations collided with reality. What looked like everything falling apart was actually something far bigger unfolding.
At the center of it all is a rescue story. But not the kind most people were expecting.
A rescue that came with a cost. A cost that changed everything.
If you've ever wrestled with trusting God when life doesn't make sense… If you've ever wondered if there's purpose in the pain… This message is an invitation to see the bigger story—and find hope in it.
We all know what it feels like to be lost—disconnected, unsure of direction, searching for something we can't quite name. The story of the Bible is full of people trying to find their way… and failing over and over again.
But what if the answer isn't trying harder to find your way?
In this message, we look at the picture of the Good Shepherd—the one who sees the lost, moves toward them with compassion, and leads them back home. This isn't just an ancient story—it's an invitation. Whether you feel far from God or just unsure where you're headed, this message is a reminder: you're not alone, and you don't have to find your way on your own.
For generations, God's people were caught in a cycle—rescued, formed, wandering, and failing again. The story of the Exodus revealed both God's faithfulness and humanity's repeated inability to remain faithful in return.
In this opening message of The Final Exodus, we step into Hebrews 3 and discover how the author of Hebrews reframes Israel's story. By comparing Moses and the wilderness generation with what has now come, the author redirects our attention to someone greater—one who succeeds where Israel failed and who finally breaks the cycle. The invitation is not to try harder, but to trust, to guard our hearts in the wilderness seasons of life, and to encourage one another as we follow the better way out.
The story of Israel doesn't end when they reach the Promised Land. Instead, a troubling pattern emerges—God rescues His people, they drift from Him, and they find themselves back in exile once again.
In this final message from our Between Rescue and Rest series, we look at the cycle that unfolds in the book of Judges and what it reveals about the human heart. Even when God rescues, forms, dwells with, and sends His people, we still wander.
But the story doesn't end there.
Through the story of Israel, we see the seriousness of holiness and the loving guardrails God gives His children for their protection and provision. We also discover why we were never meant to follow Jesus alone—and how community helps us pursue the life God calls us to.
If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of failure, wandering, or spiritual drift, this message reminds us that God is still calling His people back to Himself.
After rescue comes formation. After formation comes a decision.
In Part 3 of our Between Rescue and Rest series, we arrive at "The Way In." Moses is gone. A new generation stands at the edge of the Jordan River. The promise of God is in front of them — but so is a flood-stage river.
God's words to Joshua are clear:
"Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
This moment isn't just about geography. It's about identity.
For forty years, God had been forming His people in the wilderness. Now it was time to step into who they were called to be — a chosen people, a holy nation, a blessing to the world.
The same is true for us.
God does not form us simply so we can be informed Christians.
He forms us so we can live as courageous, obedient, holy people in a world that desperately needs Him.
In this message, we explore:
- Why God anchors His invitation in who He is
- How courage flows from identity, not self-confidence
- What it means to live from acceptance, not for it
- Why stepping into obedience always requires strength and trust
The promise is secure.
The presence of God is guaranteed.
The mission is clear.
The question is whether we will step into it.
If you're standing at the edge of your own "Jordan" — facing uncertainty, leadership, calling, or obedience — this message is an invitation to move forward with strength, courage, and holiness.
Freedom is only the beginning.
In Exodus 19–34, God brings Israel to Mount Sinai—not just to rescue them, but to form them. In the wilderness, He reveals who He is, gives them His covenant, and teaches them how to live as His people.
But formation takes time.
When Moses stays on the mountain longer than expected, impatience and fear surface. The golden calf reveals what's still living in Israel's heart. Even after rescue, Egypt is still in them.
In Part 2 of Between Rescue and Rest, Pastor Justin shows us that the wilderness is not punishment—it's preparation. God uses waiting seasons to reshape our desires, reorder our habits, and deepen our trust.
Our commitment can't outperform our formation.
And how we wait matters.
If you are in a season where growth feels slow, answers feel delayed, or obedience feels costly, this message will help you see that God is still at work. He is not just getting you out of something—He is forming you into someone.
Salvation gets us out.
Formation takes us through.
Have you ever felt trapped — like there's no clear way forward and no safe way back?
In Exodus 14, the Israelites stand at the edge of the Red Sea with an army behind them and impossible waters in front of them. Panic sets in. Fear rises. Control slips away.
And into that chaos, God speaks.
In Week 1 of Between Rescue and Rest, we explore "The Way Out" — and what God does when His people don't know what to do next. Through Moses' leadership and Israel's fear, we discover four movements that carry us from panic to worship:
Do not be afraid.
Stand firm.
Be still.
Move forward.
This message is for anyone battling anxiety, facing uncertainty, walking through illness, relational strain, addiction, confusion, or simply feeling stuck.
The same God who made a way through the waters still makes a way today.
When you don't know what to do, you don't need more control — you need deeper trust.
Life doesn't always unfold the way we expect. Sometimes obedience feels costly, waiting feels endless, and the story we thought God was writing seems to fall apart.
In this final message of Finding the Way Home, Pastor Caleb walks through the story of Joseph—a story filled with betrayal, silence, suffering, and long seasons of waiting. From the pit to the prison to the palace, Joseph's life shows us that God is still at work even when the story feels upside down.
This message is for anyone who feels stuck, forgotten, or unsure where God is in the middle of their circumstances. It reminds us that God never wastes the waiting. What looks like loss may actually be preparation. What feels like exile may be the very place God is forming us for something greater.
Joseph's story isn't just a personal story of perseverance—it's the final bridge between Genesis and Exodus, revealing the pattern of how God works:
God rescues. God forms. God dwells. God sends.
And ultimately, Joseph's life points us to Jesus—the One who entered suffering, endured betrayal, and brought life through resurrection.
If you're in a hard season, this message invites you to trust that God is still writing your story—even when it doesn't make sense yet.
What does it look like to follow God when the future is unclear, the promise feels delayed, and your own failures threaten to derail the story?
In Part 4 of Finding the Way Home, Pastor Paul walks through the story of Abram—later Abraham—to show how God begins His rescue of humanity not through ideal people, but through deeply flawed ones. Called out of exile after the scattering of Babel, Abraham is invited into a new story shaped not by control or self-made security, but by trust, surrender, and obedience.
Yet Abraham's journey is anything but clean. He drifts. He takes control. He compromises. And still, God remains faithful—reaffirming His promise, reshaping Abraham's identity, and patiently forming him over time. Through Abraham's story, we see that God's work of rescue is often slow, relational, and marked by grace rather than perfection.
This message invites us to see ourselves in Abraham's story—to recognize our own moments of surrender and drift—and to trust that God is still at work, calling us forward, reminding us who we are, and leading us step by step toward home.
What if the reason we feel restless, anxious, or disconnected isn't just our circumstances—but the story we believe we're living in?
In Part 3 of Finding the Way Home, Pastor Tyler explores a recurring pattern in Scripture that begins just outside the gates of Eden and comes into sharp focus at the Tower of Babel. After exile, humanity doesn't simply wander—we start building. Cities. Systems. Towers. Stories meant to give us identity, security, and meaning apart from God.
From Cain settling in the land of Nod to the rise of Babylon, the biblical story reveals a deeply human impulse: trying to recreate "home" on our own terms. Again and again, people attempt to secure life from the ground up—only to find themselves more fragmented, confused, and distant from the life they were created for.
But this is not a story of condemnation. It's a story of mercy.
God intervenes at Babel not to punish humanity, but to interrupt a path that would ultimately destroy us. In the scattering, God begins something new—setting the stage for His rescue to unfold through Abraham, the Exodus, and ultimately Jesus.
This message invites us to slow down, examine the stories shaping our lives, and ask an honest question: What story am I living in—and where is it leading me? And more importantly, it invites us to hear God's gentle call into a better story—one that leads us home.
What if the reason we feel disconnected, restless, or out of place isn't random—but rooted in a story that began long before us?
In Part 2 of the Finding the Way Home series, Pastor Paul takes us back to the opening pages of Scripture to explore what the Bible calls Paradise Lost. This message traces how humanity moved from life at home with God into exile—not simply by breaking rules, but by trading a bigger, better, truer story for a smaller and false one.
Through the story of Eden, we see the fractures that still shape our lives today: trust replaced with distrust, openness replaced with shame, security replaced with fear, honesty replaced with blame, and home replaced with exile. These ancient trades continue to echo in the stories we tell ourselves and the lives we live.
But this message isn't just about what went wrong—it's about why rescue became necessary. Paradise Lost sets the stage for the Exodus story and reveals God's relentless movement toward restoration: a God who seeks, clothes, promises, and rescues.
If you've ever wondered why life feels dislocated, why longing runs so deep, or why "home" feels just out of reach, this teaching invites you to see your story inside God's larger one—and to begin finding your way back home.
We all love stories.
But whether we realize it or not, we're not just watching them—we're living inside one.
Every decision we make, every value we hold, and every direction our life takes is shaped by the story we believe we're in. The problem is, we don't always stop to ask if it's the right story.
In this opening message of Finding the Way Home, Pastor Paul invites us to step back and examine the story shaping our lives—and to consider what happens when the story we believe is quietly leading us somewhere we were never meant to go.
This message introduces a recurring pattern found throughout the Bible—often called the "Exodus way"—that helps us make sense of Scripture, our faith, and our everyday lives. More than a historical event, it's a framework that reveals how God rescues, forms, dwells with, and sends people into the world.
Whether you're exploring faith, rethinking your assumptions, or longing for a deeper sense of meaning and direction, this message invites you to locate yourself within a bigger story—and begin finding your way home.
Christmas is more than a moment—it's the declaration that God's love moved toward us.
In the final message of our In the Fullness of Time series, Pastor Paul invites us to slow down on Christmas Eve and behold the relentless love of God revealed in Jesus. A love that doesn't wait for us to get it right, but pursues, forgives, and restores.
Whether this season feels joyful, complicated, or heavy, this message reminds us that God sees you, knows you, and has come near to you in Christ. From the manger to the cross, Christmas tells one unchanging story: love has come for you.
What does joy look like when life feels heavy or unfinished? In this message from our In the Fullness of Time series, Pastor Paul explores biblical joy—not as forced positivity, but as a deep confidence rooted in God's presence. Joy isn't dependent on circumstances changing; it's grounded in the truth that God is good here and now. If you're feeling worn down, distracted, or running on empty, this message invites you to rediscover a joy that can endure real life.
What do you do when life doesn't turn out the way you hoped? When the situation doesn't change, where do you turn? In this message Pastor Justin explores the difference between hope "that" and hope "in." While optimism depends on circumstances, Christian hope is anchored in Jesus. If you're walking through pain, uncertainty, or a hard season, this message is a reminder that real hope can endure even when answers don't come quickly.
Life feels chaotic, unpredictable, and heavy — and many of us are desperate for peace. In this message, Pastor Paul unpacks why Jesus is called the Prince of Peace and how we can experience a deep, lasting calm that doesn't depend on our circumstances. If your soul feels unsettled, this message is for you.
In a world that constantly tells us we need "just a little more," Jesus offers something deeper and far better. Pastor Scott explores the story of the rich young ruler and shows us why contentment isn't found in possessions, circumstances, or success — but in the love of the Father. If you're exhausted by comparison, consumerism, or the ache of not feeling "enough," this message is for you.
Waiting is one of the hardest parts of life — especially when we feel stuck, uncertain, or desperate for change. In this message, Pastor Paul unpacks Psalm 130 and shows how God uses seasons of delay to form patience, deepen trust, and reshape our hearts in the fullness of His timing. If you're in a place of waiting, this message will help you see that God is working even when you can't see it yet.
In a season marked by hurry, pressure, and entitlement, Pastor Josh reminds us that true gratitude is born from truly seeing the grace of God. Looking at the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17, we explore how pursuing the Giver, practicing worshipful gratitude, and remembering His faithfulness can reshape our lives. This message invites us to slow down and recognize the grace that's been right in front of us all along.
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this message, guest teacher Ayren Nelson closes out our Habits of Grace series by helping us see that following Jesus means going where He would go—and loving who He would love.
Through the story of the road to Emmaus, we see how Jesus models what it means to walk with people, listen to their stories, feel compassion, and point them back to Himself.
Whether sharing your faith feels natural or intimidating, this message reminds us that witnessing isn't a duty—it's a grace. It's an invitation to join Jesus in what He's already doing in the lives of others.
What if the path to true greatness isn't power or recognition—but service?
In this message, Pastor Tyler challenges us to rethink what it means to be "great" in the kingdom of God. Drawing from Mark 9, he explores how Jesus redefined power, influence, and love through the posture of a servant. Whether serving feels natural or difficult ("downstream" or "upstream"), this practice shapes us into people of love who reflect the heart of Jesus.
We all feel it — that gravitational pull toward more. More stuff, more comfort, more control. But what if the way to real freedom isn't in getting more, but in giving more?
In this message, Pastor Paul wraps up our Habits of Grace series by exploring the grace habit of generosity — not as a duty or donation, but as a response to the generosity of God. Discover how returning to God a portion of what He's given you can actually open your heart, reshape your priorities, and lead you into a deeper experience of joy and freedom.
We live in a world that never stops — always moving, producing, striving. But what if God designed us for a different rhythm? In this message, Pastor Caleb unpacks the biblical habit of Sabbath — a day to stop, rest, delight, and worship.
Discover how Sabbath isn't just about taking a day off, but about reorienting your life around the presence of Jesus, the One who said, "Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest."
Whether your schedule feels overloaded or your soul feels empty, this message will help you find freedom, joy, and rest in Christ — even when life doesn't slow down.
Sometimes we come to seasons in life where the next step isn't clear. We've prayed, listened, sought counsel—and we still can't see what God is doing. In this message we continue our Habits of Grace series by exploring the practice of fasting—not as a way to manipulate God, but as a way to draw near to Him.
Fasting helps us hunger for God's presence, gain clarity in confusion, and experience His power at work in our lives. When we deny ourselves to seek Him, He meets us with grace.
We were never meant to follow Jesus alone. In this message, Pastor Paul unpacks how community is one of God’s primary means of forming us in the way of Jesus. Drawing from Mark 2, we see that spiritual growth happens when we both carry others to Jesus and allow others to carry us. Discover how intentional, grace-filled relationships can transform your walk with Christ — and how true community helps you live out your faith every day.
In a world full of noise, hurry, and constant distraction, how do we make space for God to restore our souls? In this message, Pastor Paul continues our Habits of Grace series with a look at silence and solitude—the practice Jesus Himself modeled throughout His life.
Discover why silence and solitude are not just “alone time,” but sacred rhythms that give God our full attention and renew us from the inside out. Whether you’re overwhelmed by busyness, weighed down by noise, or simply longing for deeper intimacy with God, this message will help you take practical steps toward finding rest and renewal in His presence.
Prayer is more than finding the right words—it’s about enjoying the presence of God. In this message, Pastor Josh reminds us that prayer is not a formula but an invitation: to behold God, to depend on Him daily, and to extend the forgiveness we’ve received in Christ.
As a church family, we’re learning together what it means to live out the Habits of Grace. Join us as we explore how prayer can shape us into people who reflect Jesus in every part of life.
Reading the Bible can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even intimidating. But what if it’s less about checking a box and more about connecting with Jesus? In this message, Pastor Caleb unpacks why Scripture is essential for following Jesus and how to begin building it into your daily life. Discover practical steps—whether you’re brand new to the Bible or looking to deepen your habit—that can help you hear God’s voice and be shaped by His Word.
We are all being shaped—by culture, family, technology, and the people around us. But what if the deepest change in your life could come from grace? In this opening message of Habits of Grace, Pastor Paul invites us to consider what it means to be truly formed by Jesus and how simple habits can open the door to transformation.
Even when life gets messy and community feels hard, Jesus reminds us: You’re Still Welcome.
In this final message of our Made to Belong series, Pastor Khayyam, of Restoration Church, shows how true belonging isn’t a one-time decision but a continual “yes” to community, grace, and forgiveness. Drawing from Romans 15, we’re reminded that Christ welcomed us fully—brokenness and all—and calls us to extend that same welcome to one another.
If you’ve ever wrestled with staying connected, navigating conflict, or wondering if you really belong, this message is for you. Discover how the crucible of community refines us, deepens our roots, and helps us become more like Jesus.
In this week’s message, Pastor Tyler reminds us that true belonging is more than being welcomed—it’s choosing to sacrifice for one another. When we give of ourselves, we not only reflect the heart of Jesus, we also create a community where everyone has a place and a purpose.
Belonging doesn’t just happen. It’s forged through love, service, and the everyday sacrifices that say to others: you’re needed here.
Discover how your presence, your gifts, and even your willingness to give something up can help build the kind of family God designed us for.
We all long to belong—but belonging is about more than just being connected. It’s about living with purpose. In Part 3 of our Made to Belong series, Pastor Paul reminds us that God has designed us not only to find belonging in His family but also to step into the purpose He’s called us to.
Discover how being part of the church means more than showing up on Sundays—it’s about locking arms together, serving one another, and living out the mission of Jesus as a family.
In Week 2 of our Made to Belong series, Pastor Paul reminds us that we were never meant to do life alone — and that real belonging happens when we choose to be vulnerable with one another. Being “safe to be real” doesn’t come naturally, but it’s part of God’s design for His people.
From 1 Thessalonians, we see how the Apostle Paul modeled authentic, truth-filled relationships that draw us closer to God and each other. This message will encourage you to step out of hiding, overcome insecurity, and create spaces where others can belong.
Whether you’re new to Seven Marks or have been here for years, this is an invitation to be known, loved, and accepted — just as you are — and to extend that same grace to others.
You were made for belonging.
In a world filled with followers, friends, and fleeting connections, many of us still feel alone and unseen. In this opening message of our Made to Belong series, Pastor Caleb reminds us that belonging always begins with an invitation—first from God, and then from one another.
Drawing from Genesis, social media culture, and our deepest longings, this message confronts the false connection cycle we often get trapped in and invites us into something better: real, messy, face-to-face community.
Whether you’re new to faith, searching for meaning, or just tired of shallow connection, this message is for you. There’s a seat at the table—and you’re invited.
How do we live with wisdom in our relationships—especially inside the church?
In the final message of The Way of Wisdom series, Pastor Paul challenges us to move beyond self-centered faith and embrace the kind of Spirit-empowered wisdom that leads to peace, humility, mercy, and unity within the body of Christ. Drawing from James 3, this message is a call to reject bitterness, jealousy, and selfish ambition—and instead pursue the character of Christ in every interaction.
Whether you've been part of a church your whole life or you're new to faith, this message offers practical insight for navigating community with love, grace, and purpose.
Your words carry more power than you realize. They can heal or harm, bless or break, build up or tear down. In this message from our “Way of Wisdom” series, Pastor Josh explores Proverbs 18:21 and shows how our speech reflects the condition of our hearts. But it doesn’t stop at conviction—he also shows us how, by the grace of God, our words can become life-giving streams in a world filled with noise, lies, and hostility. If you've ever wrestled with gossip, harshness, or regret over what you've said—or if you're longing to speak encouragement, truth, and grace more consistently—this message is for you.
Are you searching for God’s will in your life? What if it’s not as hidden as you think? In this message, Pastor Paul unpacks how wisdom isn’t just knowing the right things—it's becoming the right kind of person. Drawing from Proverbs and Ephesians, he shows that God’s will isn’t a secret to uncover but a life to step into—one marked by light, humility, and Spirit-led living. If you’ve ever wondered how to make wise decisions, this message will give you clarity, encouragement, and direction for the road ahead.
Have you ever felt stuck in a place you couldn’t climb out of on your own? In this message from Psalm 40, Pastor Rick shares a powerful testimony of God’s redeeming grace—how He lifts us out of the pit, sets our feet on solid ground, and gives us a new song to sing. This isn’t just David’s story—it can be yours too.
Discover how godly wisdom isn’t just about better decisions—it’s about a transformed life rooted in Jesus. Whether you’re far from God, brand new to faith, or somewhere in between, this message is for you.
What do you do when you’ve done everything “right” and life still falls apart? In Part 5 of The Way of Wisdom, Pastor Tyler unpacks the raw and honest reflections of Ecclesiastes to reveal the limits of wisdom—and why that’s not the end of the story. If you’ve ever felt like your best efforts still leave you empty, this message is for you. Learn how Jesus steps into the futility of life “under the sun” and offers a deeper, lasting hope beyond what we can see.
What does it really mean to honor God with your money? In this message Pastor Paul unpacks Proverbs 3:9-10 and challenges us to rethink our view of wealth, generosity, and gratitude. Whether you’re struggling financially or simply looking for biblical principles to manage your resources wisely, this message will inspire you to build a life—before you build wealth.
What do you really want out of life? Happiness? Health? Peace? Purpose? In this message, Pastor Paul unpacks Proverbs 3 to reveal a timeless path to those deep desires—not through self-effort, but through wisdom rooted in God’s ways.
Are you walking through a dark night of the soul? In Part 2 of The Way of Wisdom, Pastor Josh opens up Psalm 42 to explore how God meets us in seasons of despair, depression, and spiritual dryness. Whether you're facing grief, anxiety, doubt, or just feel distant from God, this message offers real hope.
What if wisdom isn’t just about knowing more — but about knowing God, understanding His ways, and actually applying them? In this message, you'll discover the three pillars of biblical wisdom and why humility and a healthy fear of the Lord are essential for living a life marked by peace, purpose, and clarity.
God didn’t create us to drift through life — we were made on purpose, for a purpose. This message invites people to pause and consider what’s truly driving their lives and how aligning with God’s mission can bring deep clarity, peace, and meaning.
Have you ever ignored good advice—only to learn the hard way why it mattered? In this message, we explore how real faith isn’t just what we believe, but how we live it out, through obedience, trust, and the everyday choices that reveal what we truly believe about God.
We all long to live with purpose and peace, but how do we actually live like eternity is now in session? In this message from 2 Corinthians 5, we explore how God's love, the Spirit's presence, and a life of faith lead us from death to life—right here, right now.
Many people go through life unaware of what they’re missing — living in a fog, going through the motions, and wondering if there’s more. What if the emptiness you feel is actually a call to wake up? What if there's a new way to see, to live, to truly come alive? Following Jesus isn’t about religion — it’s about transformation, freedom, and life that actually satisfies. This is your invitation. Wake up. Come alive.
Eternity isn’t just a future destination—it’s a present reality. In this kickoff to our new series Eternity is Now in Session, we explore how the resurrection of Jesus invites us to live in the power and presence of God today, not just someday.
Easter reminds us that we all have a need only Jesus can meet. Through the story of the rich man and Lazarus, we’re invited to examine the posture of our hearts and remember that the Cross and Resurrection declare one unshakable truth—God loves you.
What if the best thing you could ever have isn't something...but someone? This week, we’re diving into two short parables where Jesus shows us just how valuable life in His Kingdom really is — and why it’s worth giving up everything to follow Him.
Jesus's parables weren’t just clever stories; they were paradigm-shifting invitations to see the Kingdom of God differently. In this message from Matthew 13, we explore how God's Kingdom grows slowly, quietly, and powerfully, even when surrounded by weeds.
We all love stories—they captivate us, challenge us, and inspire us. But what if the greatest story ever told is actually meant for you? In this message, we explore how Jesus used simple yet powerful stories to reveal deep truths about life, faith, and the condition of our hearts. Maybe the question isn't whether you've heard His words, but how you're responding to them.
The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead teaches us that God is always at work in our turning points—both the joyful and the painful—inviting us to trust Him even when we don’t understand. Through this miracle, Jesus declares that He is the resurrection and the life, showing us that true life is found in Him, both now and for eternity.
Jesus' miracles were more than wonders—they were signposts pointing to His divine identity. Join us as we dive into John 9 and explore how Jesus, the Light of the World, brings sight to the blind and hope to those willing to believe.
When the storm rages and the waves rise, Jesus meets you in your impossible moment with His steady presence. Just as He walked on water to reach the disciples, He steps into your fear, reminding you that you are never alone.
In John 6, Jesus feeds 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish—but this miracle is more than just about food. In this message, we explore how Jesus' signs point to a deeper reality, challenging us to ask: Is Jesus truly enough for us?
Jesus met a man who had been suffering for 38 years and asked him a life-changing question: 'Do you want to get well?' Join us as we dive into John 5 and discover how this miraculous healing reveals Jesus’ power to restore and transform our lives today.
In a crowd full of people seeking signs, Jesus singles out one man—a royal official—who is willing to believe without seeing. Like the Samaritans before him, his faith isn’t dependent on miracles, yet he is the one who receives a sign that strengthens his belief even more.
There’s a big difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them—and the same is true for God. Many of us can list facts about Him, but has that knowledge transformed our lives? In this message, we explore how Jesus revealed Himself through powerful "signposts"—miracles and statements that help us move from head knowledge to a deep, personal relationship with Him.
Carolina Movement is dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission by planting churches across North Carolina to reach people "here, near, and far" with the gospel. Through unified efforts, strategic church planting, and a commitment to prayer and discipleship, we seek to ensure that every person in the state has the opportunity to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Transfiguration of Jesus reveals His divine identity and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. As Jesus’ face shines like the sun and Moses and Elijah appear with Him, this moment serves as a glimpse of God’s glory, the destiny of humanity, and the ultimate purpose of creation: to dwell in the light of Christ, transformed and face-to-face with God.
Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana reveals His power to transform lack and unmet expectations into overflowing abundance, symbolizing the new covenant and the abundant life He offers. This act demonstrates that in surrendering to Jesus’ guidance, even the emptiness of human effort is filled with His joy, grace, and transformative power.
Join us as we dive into the powerful moment of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3—a pivotal revelation of God’s love, purpose, and rescue plan for humanity. Discover how this transformative event ties together the past, present, and future, and what it means for us today.
Epiphany reminds us that Jesus didn’t just come to make a brief appearance in human history; He came to change everything. The birth of Jesus wasn’t the end of the story; it was the beginning of God’s redemptive work in a broken world. And as we reflect on the journey of the Magi in Matthew 2, we see the profound truth of Epiphany unfold—God revealing Himself to those who seek Him, offering the gift of His presence to all.
Our Christmas series, Family Tree, explores the messy realities of relationships through the lens of Jesus’ earthly lineage, including stories like Joseph’s from the Old Testament. His journey from betrayal to restoration reminds us of God’s redemptive love and calls us to reflect His character by serving others, even in difficult circumstances.
Manasseh’s story reminds us that no matter how far we’ve strayed, God’s mercy and forgiveness are always within reach when we humbly turn to Him. His compassion moves Him to respond to our cries, offering redemption and restoration even in our darkest moments.
God’s loving kindness is a constant reminder of His unchanging character and faithful presence in our lives. God's faithfulness transforms tragedy into joy and calls us to embody His love in our relationships and actions.
When we chase acceptance from others, we enter an exhausting, endless quest that often leaves us anxious, unfulfilled, and blind to the impact on our relationships. Instead, finding our identity in Jesus and living from the acceptance we already have in Him transforms how we relate to God, ourselves, and others, grounding us in the truth of His unwavering love.
Patience is essential in life and relationships because waiting reminds us we are not in control, challenging us to trust God’s timing rather than our own plans. Whether waiting for resolution, growth, or understanding, love teaches us to endure with hope, mirroring God’s long-suffering patience with us.
No matter what challenges your relationships face this season, remember: God initiates love, God demonstrates love, and God empowers us to love. Through Him, we can navigate the mess with grace and bring His light into even the darkest moments.
What is it about home that makes us long for it? The answer is often found in our stressful and painful current circumstances. So it’s no surprise that this longing for home is increased in us with the turmoil surrounding elections and political change. The current cultural moment starkly contrasts with the love and peace exemplified by Jesus.
In John 1, the Gospel introduces Jesus as embodying both grace and truth—eternally present, sovereign, and deeply involved in the world He created. Through His life and teachings, Jesus calls believers to embody this same balance, especially in divisive times, uniting grace with truth to reflect His light in a dark world.
Jesus taught a countercultural vision of greatness, one not defined by power or ambition, but by serving others. In Mark 10, He emphasizes that true greatness is found in putting others first.
As followers of Jesus, we live in the tension of the "now and not yet" of God's kingdom—experiencing His reign in part now, while awaiting its fullness. It calls believers to embody kingdom values today, trusting in the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the future.
Two major threads run through the Bible: God’s love for humanity, empowering us with authority and gifts to shape the world, and the problem of sin rooted in the human heart. Jesus, whose radical kingdom and message challenged worldly politics, calls His followers to pledge allegiance to a higher kingdom and reminds them of the hope in God’s eternal plan, regardless of earthly politics.
Elijah's encounter with God in 1 Kings 19 teaches us that while God can show up in dramatic moments, as seen in Elijah's showdown with the prophets of Baal, He also reveals Himself in quiet, subtle ways. At Mt. Horeb, Elijah learned that God's presence is not always found in the loud and spectacular, but sometimes in the still, small voice—a reminder that God is always near, even in the silence.
In times of silence and solitude, we often encounter not just our true selves but also the lies of the enemy, who seeks to undermine our worth, identity, and trust in God. Through spiritual practices of and reliance on God's truth, we can dismantle the enemy's lies and live confidently in the identity and purpose God has given us.
In Exodus 33, Moses retreats to the "tent of meeting" to seek God amidst doubt and frustration after the Israelites' rebellion. His time in solitude not only brings him face-to-face with God's presence but also renews his sense of purpose and deepens his dependence on God, highlighting the transformative power of silence in gaining divine guidance and strength.
Like Jesus, we can cultivate transformative wilderness experiences in the course of our everyday lives. All you have to do is quiet the external noise of your life and environment, and quiet the internal noise of your heart and mind. Then you can finally be alone with the Father. Here, you are finally able to begin listening to your life in the presence of the Spirit.
On the dashboard of our lives, we all have gauges that let us know how we’re doing, how fast we’re going, and how much fuel we have left for the journey ahead. For many of us, the light in the middle of our dashboard is lit up and says in bright letters “Please Refuel”. We are individuals and a society that are trying to live much of our lives on empty. But what if it didn’t have to be that way?
Psalm 19 contrasts the magnificence of God's general revelation in creation with His specific revelation through His Word, which guides us toward true and lasting happiness. David emphasizes that living according to God's Word refreshes the soul, brings wisdom, joy, and clarity, and ultimately leads us to a life aligned with God's will, reflecting the deeper relationship available through Jesus Christ.
Psalm 23 offers profound comfort, particularly to those who have a relationship with Jesus, as it speaks to God's guidance and care during life's darkest valleys. This Psalm offers assurance, for believers, that God is their Shepherd, providing peace and protection.
In times of tragedy, it can seem that God is distant and silent leaving us feeling a deep soul ache. Psalm 39 is a lament where David seeks understanding and hope from God amidst feelings of distance. He encourages believers to turn to God first, gain His perspective, and humbly ask for grace and mercy in times of internal struggle.
In times of difficulty, trusting God can provide a profound sense of comfort and assurance. Even when circumstances are challenging and the future seems uncertain, faith in God's unwavering presence and promises can guide us through and strengthen our resilience.
To avoid being prone to envy, take time for worship and celebration. By shifting focus from what others have to the blessings already present in your own life, envy can be diminished and a renewed perspective can be gained.
To make the most of the time you've been given, embrace both the joyous and sorrowful moments, recognizing that each serves a unique purpose in shaping wisdom and understanding. By reflecting on past experiences, living fully in the present, and maintaining hope for the future, you can align your life's work with the enduring story of God's faithfulness and redemption.
In the midst of trials, you can praise God by reflecting on His past acts of deliverance and maintaining hope in His future provision. Psalm 30 illustrates this through David's gratitude for God's healing and restoration, emphasizing that even in times of despair, praising God can renew our sense of hope and joy.
Praise helps us. Without praise our hearts are left to be captured by the struggles of everyday life. In the moments where life may be beating us down, making the decision to praise from a surrendered heart lifts us and restores us.
Psalm 2 highlights the worthlessness of opposing God and emphasizes the importance of taking refuge in Him. The Psalmist underscores that despite the tumultuous defiance of nations and leaders, God’s sovereignty and the installation of His anointed King, Jesus, provide ultimate safety and blessing for those who seek refuge in Him.
The Psalms, a collection of 150 poems and songs, serve as a spiritual "playlist" guiding the Israelites in worship, prayer, and understanding God's redemptive story. Psalm 1 introduces the concept of the good life, describing it as a life of joy, contentment, and blessing derived from a right relationship with God, meditating on His word, and avoiding the company of the wicked, ultimately highlighting that true fulfillment comes from living according to God's ways.
Throughout this series, we've seen that people are much better at making promises than keeping them. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, fulfilled all of the previous covenants between God and humanity and brought a new, final covenant to unite all creation with God.
In the Old Testament, Israel thought that the best answer to all their problems was going to be what everyone else in their world had: a king. They were seeking autonomy from God in what they imagined would be a better way. For a moment, an earthly king may solve a problem or two, but their rule doesn't always lead to God. God's idea of a king is one who is in reckless pursuit of Him, being His representative to the people He leads.
The Mosaic Covenant, delivered by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, includes the Ten Commandments which the Israelites must follow to receive God's blessings. This covenant invites the Israelites to find their purpose through obedience to God, thus living the life they were created for.
This week, we're exploring the story of Abraham, whom God chooses to father a new nation, establishing a covenant signified by promises of countless descendants. Despite Abraham's old age and childlessness, his belief in God's promise is deemed righteous, with God taking full responsibility for the covenant's fulfillment.
Noah, a righteous man in a sinful world, is chosen by God to build an ark and preserve a remnant through a flood, demonstrating God's justice and faithfulness. Despite human nature remaining flawed, God remains committed to His promises, hinting at the ultimate hope fulfilled in Jesus.
Humanity, as the pinnacle of God's creation, holds a unique role in God's story, symbolized by the Covenant with Creation. Despite humanity's betrayal, leading to separation from God, there remains hope in God's promise to overcome the consequences through a future Savior who will restore the covenants and defeat evil.
When two people come together and say “I promise” to each other and then make it their life’s project to fulfill those promises to each other, they can become one. And if two can become one, it gives us an even greater hope: that perhaps heaven and earth were made for each other, and still more, that human beings were made for union with God. And that’s what our brand new series, “I Promise,” is all about.
Fear is universal, manifesting differently in each individual, but pervasive nonetheless in our anxious society. From the fear of wars and terrorism to economic instability and personal uncertainties, it touches every aspect of life, including dreams, relationships, and mortality. Yet, amidst this fear, the message of Jesus to his disciples offers a profound reassurance: His presence brings peace that transcends understanding, inviting believers to embrace a life anchored in his promises of wholeness and flourishing.
Peter was committed to following Jesus to the very end, no matter what. And then…he wasn’t. On the night that Jesus was arrested and subjected to an illegal trial, Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times. Peter was not the courageous leader of the disciples he thought himself to be. Undoubtedly, Peter became overwhelmed by guilt and the inevitable shame that filled the cracks in his identity.
Doubt is an uncomfortable topic for most followers of Jesus. It challenges us to reflect on those nagging questions we have no answer to. If the resurrection changes everything, it means that Jesus doesn’t just want to show up in our moments of strength and faith. He also shows up amid our uncertainties, hurts, and doubts.
An encounter with Jesus changes everything forever. The first encounter we will be exploring in this series is that of the first person to meet the risen Jesus, Mary, at the garden tomb. Mary was there to process her grief and despair. She was there to grieve her dashed hopes, the inevitable disappointment that settles in on us when death steals our desired future. Can you imagine? Can you relate?
The final chapter of Jonah begins after the surprising revival in the great city of Nineveh. Jonah is as angry with God as he has been at any point in the story. After all that Jonah has been through, seen, and done, he seems not to have learned much at all. It turns out that there were some pretty significant disconnects between what Jonah knew about God and what Jonah wanted from God.
Despite his best efforts, Jonah now stands on the shores of the one place he never wanted to go, Nineveh. Of course, he is not the same man he was when he first tried to run from God. Jonah has changed because God has continued to pursue him. Just as God continues to pursue each of us, he is the God of second chances.
The belly of the great fish, where Jonah has been stripped of everything but hope in God, becomes the unexpected setting for Jonah’s renewal. Jonah finds a new platform to praise the living God in a place normally known only for death and despair.
When we first meet Jonah, we are told that God calls him to deliver a message to Nineveh. He is commissioned to share God’s message with the enemies of God’s people. Jonah’s commission becomes an existential crisis. The implications of God’s love leads him to hop on the first ship he can find to Tarshish, the farthest place from Nineveh he can get. But even here, God’s love cannot be outrun.
No matter where you are in your faith journey: a weathered saint, a skeptical guest, or someone in-between. God wants you to know the ultimate goal of spiritual formation is Christ-likeness. There’s nothing else. And Christlikeness is the life of love.
At this stage in the journey, you will find people who have experienced life with God long enough to live with a deep and abiding conviction that they have a role to play in God’s story. They have learned how to turn all of life into a formative advantage–drawing deeper into life with God, and love for others than they could have ever imagined when they began the critical journey.
The Wall is a word picture meant to help us understand the sense of discontinuity we sometimes experience in life with God. We will inevitably go through seasons in our lives when we feel that our story and God’s story are disconnected, or perhaps in deep conflict. Without warning, the things that used to give us life, nourish our faith, and keep us moving forward just stop working
Many people approaching this stage become aware for the first time that what got them this far won’t get them much farther. We suddenly become aware of tensions in our life with God through things like adverse circumstances, unanswered questions, or personal tragedy. Our questions force us to look at God, ourselves, our beliefs, and our community through conflicted eyes.
Those who have been created new in Christ Jesus have been given His Spirit. And one of the most important roles of the Spirit in the life of a follower of Jesus is to empower us to develop and use our unique gifts, abilities, perspectives, and experiences in the life and mission of the church. You have a role to play in God’s story.
To successfully make our way into Stage 2 of the critical journey, we need two things: to learn and to belong. We find both in the context of a community. And this community provides, among other things, a space for us to find the things everyone needs in the early years of their faith journey.
Every story has a beginning, including yours. But as individuals our story always begins in the middle of a much larger story than our own. We are born into God’s story. Unfortunately, it often takes us a long time to figure that out.
This is a series about your story. But it’s impossible to tell your story without the context of the larger story of God. So, no matter who you are or where you are in your faith journey, the invitation to all of us is to come further up and further in to experience life with God.
It had been 400 years since the Israelites had heard from any prophet concerning this Messiah. And then, Christmas came. God Himself became a man. He traded the throne of Heaven for a lowly throne in a manger. Love entered the world in a way that hadn’t happened since the beginning of creation. At that moment, everything changed.
Peace isn't a feeling you can conjure up on your own or buy in a store. You can try, but what will you find? Flawed solutions. And why is that? True peace isn't something that can be found in any other place, thing, or person other than Jesus.
Jesus was born during the time of the Roman occupation in Israel. So, it wasn’t a time of celebration, gladness, and joy. It was a time of oppression, sadness, cruelty, and grave violence. When the angels showed up to the shepherds and proclaimed, “We bring you good news of great joy…” there was a stark contrast between the message they delivered and the reality people were living in. Perhaps the angels understood that joy was not dependent upon the dark political, social, and moral landscape at the time. God was more committed to their wholeness than their happiness.
Advent means ‘arrival or coming,’ and it is the season leading up to Christmas that encompasses the four Sundays before Christmas day. This advent season, we first want to invite you to dwell on the hope we have in Him and allow that hope to move you to holiness and devotion to Him.
How do you live when you know that no one sees you? The true test of a person’s character is what they do when no one else is watching. And let’s be honest, this can be a tricky question to answer, at least when it comes to ourselves. This is undoubtedly why Jesus had much to say about who we are in secret in his famous Sermon on the Mount.
We live in a culture that has been meticulously designed to make us believe that the quality and condition of our lives can be measured by our stuff. Our time, our money, our possessions, and our resources. But it doesn't have to be this way. The practice of simplicity from the way of Jesus has helped followers of Jesus avoid the trap and cultivate an 'open handed' lifestyle.
Is anxiety an inevitable feature of our lives? Do worry and fear need to have their way in our lives regularly? Well, according to the Apostle Paul, the answer is actually ‘no.’ For Paul, it didn’t seem to matter whether he was having the worst day or the best day–every day was an opportunity to give thanks and be grateful.
In Romans 10 Paul shares that our ultimate responsibility is to know Jesus and to make Jesus known. God has gifted you and positioned you to make the name of Jesus known. People are in desperate need of the goodness and grace of Jesus. Pastor David Nelms shares how The Timothy Initiative is sharing the love of Jesus around the world.
Thriving is what happens when the person God created us to be is reflected in the way we spend our time, energy, and resources. In other words, thriving is the result of clarifying and living our unique calling in life.
We are in Week 6 of our series, You By Design, talking about the life-long project of growing up into your identity in Christ. In the project of becoming like Jesus, we all eventually discover that we need access to a less frequently needed or easily used tool: the power of community and the beauty of deep relationships with those around us.
Ask any church what they hope to see in their people. You will often hear metrics such as consistent weekend attendance, participation in community groups, helping with a serve team, and giving regularly. These are not bad things to want. These only become a problem when doing becomes the goal instead of a means to the goal of becoming like Jesus.
We all want our future to be better than the present, that’s a given. But the tricky thing for many people is that we aren’t sure how to reach our desired future. We get caught up in the moment, and we often struggle to see our present trajectory in direct opposition to our desired future. But the invitation extended by God to those who find their identity in Christ is to trust Him with their future.
Distance running was one of Paul’s favorite analogies in Scripture for describing what it looks like to follow Jesus faithfully for a lifetime. Following Jesus requires commitment, endurance, practice, pain, setbacks, goals, and time–just like running does. The Bible offers a wealth of wisdom to those who wish to run their race faithfully for a lifetime.
One thing is true of every follower of Jesus, regardless of how you discovered Jesus or when you started following him: We all have a past. Your past is a significant factor that helps explain the person you have become and the person you are becoming. It has an invaluable role in forming your new identity in Christ.
Things go better for us in just about every area of life when we have a design to follow. To God, human beings are a masterpiece of great worth and value – including you. God created you with intention, thought, care, and, above all, love. We believe it is essential to understand that your identity is found in Christ. It is the first of the seven marks of a disciple, and it is the project that will occupy our attention for the next six weeks as a church family.
God gave His people the practice of hospitality. The word means "love of the stranger or outsider." But hospitality is more than just a disconnected act. It's a posture of the heart that helps you see, feel, and act. You have no idea what that little gesture of hospitality will do in light of eternity.
In a highly individualistic society where we can be our own person and fight for independence from the time we learn to tie our shoes until it slips away from us in our old age, we often overlook the undeniable reality that everybody needs somebodies to live.
If prayer is communion with God, then we not only need to learn how to talk to Him, we must also learn how to listen to God. Listening begins when we recognize our need, know God’s word, and approach through Jesus.
Prayer is a lifeline to life change. Unfortunately, many followers of Jesus struggle with this practice. But, as is so often the case, the practices that expose us initially are the same ones that change us eventually. You just have to keep practicing.
The church at Laodicea is typically recognized as the "lukewarm" church. Jesus had absolutely nothing good to say about them. And the crazy thing is that the church of Laodicea did not see themselves the same way Jesus saw them. Jesus was calling this church back to Him, and the same could be said about the church today. He desires His church to be effective, vibrant, and useful in expanding His kingdom.
The church of Philadelphia stands out as different because Jesus has nothing negative to say about them. Jesus wanted the church to see its position differently. Through salvation, He held the keys to the eternal kingdom, dispensing his riches, grace, and love to everyone. As a result of the open door of salvation, the church of Philadelphia had the opportunity to bring the good news of Jesus to those around them, and we still have that same opportunity today.
The issue for the church at Sardis was spiritual apathy. They were coasting off their experiences of the past and had settled into a complacent place - not moving or sinking, simply existing. And it was killing them, whether they realized it or not.
Have you ever been in a fight or conflict knowing you are at fault? You may begin to excuse, justify, or try to craft a narrative in your head that you are right. In pursuing being "right," you often don't look for information but affirmation. And this is precisely what we see happening in the church of Thyatira in Revelation. The tendency that we have every day is to look for the voices that align with our desires and bypass what Jesus says.
Compromise is when we accommodate our Christian beliefs and practices to align with or at least harmonize with whatever the culture holds dear. It might seem harmless, but compromise is a cancer that threatens Christ’s church in 2023, just as it did the church at Pergamum.
The Church at Smyrna was in the midst of much suffering in their city, and they were trying to persevere as Christ followers. Jesus was very aware of the landscape of their world and lives, just as he is aware of our current trials and hardships in our cultural context. More trials are coming, but he commands us to be faithful.
The church at Ephesus was a good church-going people who diligently did things right, but in focusing on doing the "right things," they had become people who were not loving. Truth and sound doctrine are essential, but we need to speak and live the truth from a heart of love.
Revelation is a work of art, doing what only good art can do: activating our imagination; giving us an interpretive lens through which to see the moments of life so that you can respond correctly. Revelation is a book about practicing the way of Jesus in the now and not yet.
We live in the now and not yet, which means we are not immune from the problems of the old world. But we know that one day, the not yet will overwhelm the now and flood the earth with God’s love, justice, and goodness. In other words, our confidence in God’s ultimate future should give us the resources we need to respond differently to problems we face.
One of the interesting things about living in the now and not yet is that our lives often look, at least at a surface level, very similar to that of the people all around us who don’t follow Jesus. A perfect example of this is our relationships with one another, such as marriage. For Peter, the marriage relationship becomes a way to out-narrate the culture with the story of Jesus.
From your school to your job, from your HOA to the federal government, our world is full of people with different levels of authority over your life. If you are a follower of Christ, how should you respond to the various authorities in your life in light of your identity in Christ, especially those you disagree with?
In the biblical sense, the word holy means ‘set apart for a purpose,’ ‘unique,’ or ‘divine.’ God, of course, is holy. And because God is holy, those who belong to him are called to pursue holiness as a lifestyle. After all, if there is nothing different about us, then by implication, there must not be anything different about Jesus.
We live in a ‘now’ culture, which means we struggle with the words ‘not yet.’ But, as we will discover in the weeks ahead, ‘now’ and ‘not yet’ are not competing opposites. They are truths in tension. Followers of Jesus are, in fact, the people of the now and the not yet.
Organizations, including local churches, often labor over how to communicate their values and mission. When it comes to these important statements of identity and purpose, words matter because they provide the guiding principles of that church or organization. When you hear a good mission statement, it should inspire you to chase something, to see the world a certain way. Seven Marks is no different in this regard. Our mission statement is: practicing the way of Jesus together.
The Kingdom of God is not just about a destination you go to; it’s a quality and condition of life on this earth that is available to us now. How? As we live in allegiance to King Jesus (Value #1), and love people like He did (value #2), we will discover that the Kingdom is in our midst.
Our first guiding value at Seven Marks is Jesus. He is our life, our hope, our source, direction, purpose, and highest goal. We are convinced that without Jesus we are simply without.
After Jesus' resurrection, the angels asked the women, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" The 'good news' of the resurrection of Jesus overcame all of the 'bad news' of everything that led up to it. Those ladies went from believing Jesus was dead to believing He was alive. They went from having no life in them to being full of life. They went from being absorbed with sadness within themselves to being overwhelmed by the hope of Him within them. And they had to tell others all about it.
Behind the actions of sinful individuals and institutions, unseen spiritual enemies are also gathering their strength and forces. We are caught up in this cosmic conflict and have an enemy. His name is Satan. For many of us, this spiritual dimension of reality is confusing and uncomfortable precisely because it is often beyond our awareness and understanding.
The bad news is that we are sinful as individuals caught up in a culture that sinful people have developed–intentionally or not. But as followers of Jesus and as agents of this Kingdom, one of our primary jobs is to give our sinful world tastes and glimpses of this new and better future.
So here’s the bad news: we are going to talk about sin for the next three weeks. Sin, as we will see throughout this series, is both messy and complicated. Sin is an easy subject when we are talking about your sin or their sin, but not so much when the topic is my sin. The good news is that Easter is coming. And Easter means that no matter how bad the bad news is, the good news is better.
For most of us, our work feels like a child building sand castles at low tide. It won’t last. It can’t make a difference against the power of the ocean. So what’s the point?
Have you ever wondered: “Why on earth am I here?” or “What is my purpose in life? One of the most significant ways to ensure our lives count for something is in and through our work. Our calling in life and work is to discover how God wants to use us uniquely to serve others and make a difference in His world.
Jesus changes everything. That is the fundamental truth underneath the first of our seven marks of a disciple: identity in Christ. The question is, what does my identity in Christ have to do with my lived experiences with work? According to the apostle Paul, we are the workmanship of God. He is doing something in us so that He can do something through us.
Humans were created to be God’s image bearers and partners, and then we fell under the curse of sin. But when Jesus stepped out of the grave on Easter morning, he rose victorious over sin. The curse is broken. This means new life and a new purpose for us and our work.
Work is at the very core of who we are and what we were always meant to do. It is among our first and highest callings–to bear the image of God by becoming His partners, by stewarding creation for His glory and for the good of others.
Worship is surrendering all of life back to God. But what does all of this have to do with Sabbath? Well, in one sense, worship is what Sabbath is all about. We don’t just stop to stop, rest to rest, or delight to delight. We stop, rest, and delight so we can become the kind of people who can worship God with our whole being.
Over the last two weeks, we talked about ‘stop’ and ‘rest.’ This week, our focus is on ‘delight.’ The Sabbath isn’t just about what we stop doing, and it isn’t simply about what we rest from. We stop and rest so that we can become the kinds of people who can enjoy the goodness of God. For people like us–prone to be negative and vulnerable to hardships–we need a day set aside to delight in God and in creation.
‘Busy’ and ‘tired’ are the primary ways most of us answer questions like ‘How are you doing?’ or ‘how was your week?’ But, at the risk of sounding cliche and insensitive, it need not be this way. What we need is rest.
For most of us, the idea of stopping for 24 hours is uncomfortable. We spend our days on the go. We have become accustomed to living full but only sometimes fulfilling lives. If we stop for Sabbath, it will likely bring us face-to-face with two areas of our lives that make us uncomfortable: our identity and our idolatry.
What if the thing God is inviting you into this year is not more but less? If it sounds nice but impossible, attractive but unrealistic, that’s fine. All we are asking for at this stage is an open mind as we spend the next several weeks talking about the often neglected and easily misunderstood practice from the way of Jesus, known as Sabbath.
Christmas brings us to the undeniable, reckless love of the Father, where He sent His one and only Son, not only to show us a way back home to the Father but to show us the Father and how to live as His children in light of His love.
We tend to place a lot of expectations on Christmas, but what do we do when this season of family, joy, and celebration doesn’t quite meet our expectations? Navigating the reality of loving and living in the midst of messy family dynamics can be challenging. The good news is that God is with us in the mess.
Through Jesus’ perfect life, death, and resurrection, we are all offered a way home into a relationship with God. We are promised an eternal home in heaven to live with God forever. As followers of Jesus, we know that this earth is not our ultimate home, but how are we supposed to live now, on this planet, in our temporary home in light of that knowledge? How do we live life with an eternal perspective?
Christmas marks the moment where we celebrate more than the birth of Jesus; we celebrate the way home. God's desire for every person on the planet is for them to see home, to experience what He intended from the very beginning, a relationship through faith, where you are at home with Him in the place where He is, made possible through the person and work of Jesus.
The purification and guilt offerings were primarily about addressing the violation of boundaries we don’t use anymore, so what are we supposed to do with that? We may not have their boundaries, but many of us have boundaries when it comes to life with God. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be holy in all of life, at all times, because all of life is connected and it all counts.
At first glance, we may be tempted to think that the ‘peace’ offering refers to a sacrifice one makes in order to make peace. But the peace offering isn’t a sacrifice designed to make peace. It is actually an offering to celebrate peace and is meant to be shared and enjoyed by the community.
One of the great ironies of living in the most advanced civilization in human history is that we have so much to be grateful for, yet we often struggle with entitlement and privilege. Fortunately, this is not a problem unique to us 21st Century westerners. This is a human problem. And it’s a problem the grain offering, the second major offering of Leviticus, is intended to address.
On our own, we are not able to ascend the mountain. We are unable to live in the presence of God. The ascension offering was a daily ritual that symbolized the worshipers' self-sacrifice as the path to transformation, enabling them to come near to God.
Leviticus is foreign. It’s a 19,000-word document written in ancient Hebrew about events that took place 3500 years ago. Over the next few weeks, we will get familiar with Leviticus, specifically the sacrificial system outlined in the first seven chapters. We hope that by shedding fresh light on parts of the Bible that generally confuse or scandalize us, we can gain the wisdom we need to be better followers of Jesus now and in the future.
Shame and guilt are two of the most powerful emotions a human being can experience. These emotions are normally the result of something bad we have done, are doing, or even the result of bad things that have been done to us. They make us feel unworthy, unlovable, and unredeemable. The gospel, however, says that your guilt and shame are the prerequisites for receiving God's love, grace, and forgiveness.
Contempt can be defined as an emotion, often stemming from pride, that leads us to disrespect another image bearer of God. It can be a problem for all of us daily. In Psalm 123, when the Psalmist fixes His eyes on God, he discovers a fresh perspective. He finds that the respect he feels toward God, His King, becomes the antidote for the disrespect he has felt for others.
Despair is the word we use to describe our feelings around hopelessness. As we’ve seen in each week of this series, the Psalms meet us where we need it most regarding negative emotions. The various writers of the Psalms were well acquainted with despair. A prayer like Psalm 88 provides us with the necessary guardrails to despair well before God–to appropriately take our worst moments and thoughts to Him in prayer.
Envy is wanting what you think other people have because you think it will make you happy. Our constant striving–for more, for bigger, for better–betrays the fact that there is a deep longing in the soul of every human being that we do not know how to satisfy. In Psalm 73, the story of Asaph’s struggle with envy was finally resolved when He got his heart and his eyes focused back on the God of the universe.
Fear is “that sense of uneasiness or uncertainty that we experience in the face of perceived danger.” Fear meets us in countless ways, but not all in the same ways. Over and over again, the Psalms encourage us not to be fear-free, but to fear the Lord. People who fear the Lord above all are able to put all of their other fears in perspective.
Anger, in some form or another, is part of our lives. Some of us spend a lot of time angry at the world and others. Others of us spend most of our time being angry at ourselves. And some people have been so angry for so long that they aren’t even sure what they are angry about anymore. In Scripture, there are examples of those who pursued what we call righteous anger. These people get angry like the rest of us when they witness or experience perceived injustice, but they do something different with that anger.
Emotions are powerful. Our emotions profoundly impact the quality and condition of our lives and our relationships. Learning how to understand, process, and express our emotions is an important part of practicing the way of Jesus together. This is perhaps never more clearly revealed than in the book of Psalms. The gift of the Psalms is that they give us all language to process our emotions before the throne of heaven–revealing us to ourselves and revealing where we are in our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Most of us would say that we love God and want to become more like Jesus. What we need, then, is to build structures of behavior for the moments when our love falters, when we are too busy, or when our lives unravel. We are all better followers of Jesus when we are committed to growing together.
Mark #4, that we practice at Seven Marks, is being in Biblical Community. In Acts 2, we read and see a beautiful picture of this: the "one another's" of scripture, dividing walls being broken down, and much more. But modern-day community seems so messy and ordinary. Yet, we would argue that an "ordinary" community can significantly impact your life.
Jesus ends the Beatitudes with, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. " The disciples faced persecution for following Jesus. They could have run from it, but they chose to embrace it. We can do the same thing by choosing allegiance to Jesus over the things of this world, giving Him all of the glory.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Being a peacemaker is being concerned more about living out the calling God has placed on your life as a child of God. To become peacemakers, we must first see the need for peace and where peace comes from. In other words, to give something away, we first have to possess it.
When you trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior and surrender your life to Him, He places a new heart inside you. He replaces your "heart of stone" with a "living heart," and who you are and what you do is fueled by the condition of your heart.
God demonstrates His mercy toward us while wronging Him and others, not holding it against us. Every day we have the opportunity to extend that same mercy to the world around us. When we walk around absorbed in ourselves, we dismiss the mercy God showed us. But when we adopt the lifestyle of our Savior, we won’t be able to deny showing mercy to others.
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Jesus was aware that the people sitting in front of him then and us today are searching for the things that will satisfy our souls. We can not find it in power, possessions, or popularity. We find it when we are in right relationship with God and others.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek! You're going to inherit the earth." The posture of the meek may not come naturally, but it's something any of us can learn, not by looking around at the world and trying to be more like them, but by looking at Jesus and training to become more like Him.
In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, how could he say that blessed or happy are those who are going through tough times or are in a place of mourning? We are blessed in the deepest darkest of valleys because God is with us and comforting us.
In the current day age of the selfie, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 runs contrary to the values of the world. The world says, “Blessed are those who believe in themselves,” but Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are poor in spirit.” Jesus says that the poor in spirit are blessed because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The place they find ultimate value is not in the temporal things of the world that are passing away but in the Kingdom of God.
When you hear of someone that is "blessed," what do you think? Is it that things are going well for them, whether financially, health, family, or all of the above? Would it shock you to know that God wants things to work out for you to the point where you will experience ultimate satisfaction in life? At the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, he explained to his followers what it looks like to live a "blessed" life, and you might be surprised that it looks very different than we would imagine.