Island Christian Podcast: Recent Episodes
None
In a world that’s all about physical fitness and outward appearances, we often miss what truly matters— the health of our souls and the strength of our faith. While culture pushes us to achieve the “ideal” body, Jesus calls us to build up our spiritual lives, shaping a church that’s resilient, vibrant, and full of purpose.We will dive into Jesus’ words to the Church of Philadelphia from Revelation 3, a powerful model of a thriving, spiritually fit church. We’ll explore what it means to focus our faith, embrace opportunities, and live for a purpose beyond today. Whether you’re curious, just starting your faith journey, or have been following Jesus for years, this next segment of Seven – A Study in the Book of Revelation is just for you! Join us as we train together in building up our faith, strengthening our purpose, and shaping lives that “lift up” the Gospel of Jesus to a world in desperate need of it.
Do you know someone who is into classic cars? If they are only mildly interested, they will work on their car so it looks great on the outside. A true aficionado, however, will seek to restore their car to be perfect on the outside and the inside, too! No detail will be too small as they seek to make the car original and beautiful.We will study the Book of Revelation, specifically the church at Sardis. This church looked great on the outside, but they had some real work to do on the inside! Jesus has some critical words to refocus them on what matters, and these words are very relevant to our church today.
We all know how selective hearing works: it’s that special skill where we “conveniently” tune out what we don’t want to hear. You’ve seen it in kids, dads, and even dogs! But what happens when we use selective hearing with God? Spoiler alert: it’s not great. In fact, the church in Thyatira made this mistake, and Jesus had some pretty serious words for them.Join us as we dive into Revelation 2:18-29 for a message called "Selective Hearing". We will explore how we sometimes sacrifice what we need to hear for what we want to hear. It’s a message about resisting spiritual compromise and staying true to the uncomfortable—but necessary—truths that help us grow in our faith. So bring your ears (both of them!) and your sense of humor. We will see how this ancient lesson is still incredibly relevant today!
Today, we're exploring Revelation 2:12-17, the letter to the church in Pergamum. This passage gives us insight into how the church should respond as the world drifts from God's ways.Most of us don't like to stick out. But what happens when blending in is spiritually harmful? What do we do when mainstream culture pulls us away from Jesus?As we study this letter, we'll confront one of the biggest threats to the church today: compromise. We'll learn how to remain true to our convictions while living in a world that often opposes God's values.Join us as we unpack this powerful message and discover how to stand firm in our faith, even when it means standing out from the crowd.
My Friends! Pain and suffering are harsh realities we all face. For many, these struggles can seem like barriers to trusting in a good and loving God. The question arises: how could a loving God allow so much hardship and heartbreak in the world, day after day, for centuries? This is not just a question for the unbelieving world, but also for believers wrestling with the trials of life.Yet, there is hope! In Revelation 2, Jesus speaks directly to the church in Smyrna, a community enduring intense suffering on all fronts. In His message, He doesn’t just acknowledge their pain but offers a powerful solution to it. His words provide comfort, strength, and an unshakable hope. Join us as we continue our sermon series, Seven – A Study in the Book of Revelation. Together, we will unpack this short but powerful passage and discover how Jesus offers the same personal encouragement to us today, no matter what challenges we face.
Have you looked around the world lately and thought, “Things are getting weird?” The world seems to be going a little crazy. In the Bible, the book of the Revelation talks about the end of days. It is typically associated with doomsday or the end of the world, leaving us feeling confused.This book also talks about how to be ready for tough times! Early in the book, the Apostle John writes to 7 churches. These letters are a powerful and inspiring look at the early Christian communities and their faith journeys. Found in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, each of these churches received a personal message from Jesus through the apostle John. Filled with encouragement, correction, and hope, these letters remind us of Christ’s deep love for His church and His desire for us to thrive spiritually.Join us for this 7-week study as we dive into each church's unique challenges and victories, discovering how their stories still speak to us today. These letters inspire renewed passion, perseverance, and bold faith, challenging us to grow and become the mission-focused church Christ calls us to be.
Have you ever been in a situation where there is some sort of a VIP attendance, but some people are wasting their time? Usually when that happens, the staff or handlers of the VIP will whisk the “wrong” people away so the right people can see the VIP. We are going to see a situation in the Bible where the exact opposite happened, and it really shocked everyone!On week 2 of our Wooden Spoon Survivors parenting series, we will be investing in parents and families and see the way Jesus valued children and the call we have, to do the same.
You may have heard this story yourself once or twice. One of the kids is walking through the kitchen, and a comment is made. Yes, that comment. After that…let’s just say Mom had one less wooden spoon to stir the sauce with! So, whether you dodged it, faced it, or still flinch at the sight of it — you’re officially a Wooden Spoon Survivor!Many of us are now on the other side of it, realizing that parenting is no joke! Kids face new challenges every day that seem to get harder and harder. On top of it all, parents are working longer hours and have even less in the tank when they get home to deal with it all. How are we going to make it?God brings hope and joy to parenting! In this series, we will take a fun, fresh look at parenting in the 21st century and how to be more than just a survivor.Join us for the first of three weeks of laughter, reflection, and healing as we explore how the discipline we received (or narrowly escaped) shapes who we are today. Don't worry, no actual wooden spoons will be harmed in the making of this series!
This week, we will return to the book of Ephesians and look at one of the most powerful statements in the whole Bible: God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. I have a pretty big imagination, so it’s quite a challenge to know that God can do infinitely more than anything I could ever come up with! What are you asking God to do in your life? Where are you asking Him to show up and give you victory, supply endurance, or meet your needs? Come join us as we learn to pray with great faith and see what God can do.
This week, we are thrilled to bring you a powerful sermon by Pastor Danny Rivera, a close friend of Pastor Chris and a dedicated leader from Huntington Assembly of God. Pastor Danny delivers an inspiring message titled "Everyday Missionaries", urging each of us to embrace our roles as ambassadors of Christ in our daily lives. He emphasizes that regardless of our past or present circumstances, the gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope and transformation for everyone. Join us as we explore how to become everyday missionaries, spreading the love and truth of Jesus in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and beyond. Get ready to be inspired and challenged to live out your faith boldly and authentically.
Whether we’re aware of it or not, the Christian journey is a radical process. So much more than simply trying harder, making educated decisions, or learning to be a good religious person. It includes recognizing the most devastating news to reach all humanity, while also embracing the best gift in all of history. It’s marked by Divine interventions every step of the way, from conversion to the culmination of life itself. We see this so clearly not just in Ephesians 2, but throughout the entire Bible.This Sunday we will look at the four main stages of development that describe the spiritual journey that all believers of Jesus Christ take through this life on our way to heaven. If you are a believer, all four of these things should happen. Unfortunately, too many stop with the first two and never successfully engage the last two. Join us as we continue our series, “From Death To Life” through the book of Ephesians, where we will investigate each stage and evaluate how to live our lives to the fullest potential in Christ.
It was on June 12, 1987, that President Ronald Reagan said those famous words, “Mr Gorbechev, tear down this wall!” At that time, Berlin was a divided city, with the Berlin Wall separating Communist East Berlin from Democratic West Berlin. The Wall was not just a physical barrier, but also a symbol of the Cold War division between communist Eastern Europe and democratic Western nations.Although the Berlin Wall is now in the past, it seems like we have more walls than ever these days. Discord, disunity, and division are always in the news. The constant negative messaging can leave us disheartened, believing that we are in constant threat of violence or oppression. Others deny there are any issues and believe all division is in the past. Who is right, and where can we find hope? Join us as we continue our series, From Death to Life. We will look at Ephesians 2:11-22, where the apostle Paul teaches us the only way to experience true reconciliation and freedom.
Do you ever wonder how those hookups on tall buildings that look like fire hydrants work? They're called standpipes, and they're crucial for fire safety. If they're not connected properly, disaster can strike.Just like a building needs a reliable water supply for its standpipes to function, we need to be deeply connected to Christ for our spiritual life to thrive. Join us to explore Ephesians 1:15-23, where Paul prays that we tap into the tremendous power, hope, and inheritance available to us through Christ. Come and learn how to connect deeply with your faith and live out the incredible blessings God has for you.
We are kicking off the summer in the best way possible – with a new sermon series in the book of Ephesians, titled “From Death To Life”. Written to Christians navigating a culture known for its wealth, diversity, and rampant idol worship, Paul's letter showcases the life-giving power of the Gospel. This power not only affects us for eternity but also empowers us to live purposefully and with conviction as we grow deeper in our faith.We will start by diving into the longest sentence in the Bible, filled with incredible truths from the Apostle Paul, who was bursting with excitement about the wealth we can have as we follow Jesus Christ. It’s here we see the full scope of God’s love, the incredible blessings He has for us, and the impact it has on our relationships at home, in the church, and beyond. Join us as we consider what God has made us to be, do, and have in Christ, and how we can display this wealth to the world.
We are tackling a big, important topic for this week's service. What would you say if I told you there is one element of Christianity that, if you were to prove it false, would render the entire faith to be useless? It may sound dramatic, but Christianity is all about one thing. If that one thing is false, the rest really doesn't matter! Come listen to the final message of our Spring series, Like No Other, with an Ending Like No Other.
When you visit a doctor's office, you're often asked, "So, what brings you here?" The reasons can range from a simple sore throat to more serious concerns. The same applies to coming to church to worship - not everyone comes for the same reasons. Some motives are more pure than others and simply being present isn’t always what matters most.In this message we're going to dive into an unforgettable Passover in Jerusalem, where Jesus encountered four different groups coming to the temple, each with their own reasons for being there. He responded to each according to God's heart on the matter. Join us as we continue our series “Like No Other” in the Gospel of Mark. We’re going to explore these encounters, reflect on our own motivations, and respond to the life-altering invitation put before us.
Have you ever thought about who God’s VIPs might be? We might assume it’s people with a lot of talent or a big following, but Jesus said something completely different. Here we will study Mark 10 and learn why Jesus thinks children should get front-row seats and why a rich man might need more than a budgeting app to enter heaven. In short, God’s kingdom flips our values upside down! We must learn to let go of something we want at the moment to achieve something we genuinely dream about.
In this episode, we will explore an incredible moment in Mark 8 when the Disciples realized that Jesus was indeed "the" Christ. After that realization, Jesus taught them what it truly means to be the Christ. His response to their declaration surprised the Disciples, and it just might surprise you, too!As we continue our sermon series, "Like No Other," in the Gospel of Mark, we will see how this revelation is key to understanding all of Jesus' teachings. It reveals the human heart and its response to God's powerful truth.Join us as we dive into this profound moment, reflect on our own understanding, and respond to the life-altering invitation Jesus puts before us.
Take a moment and think about a time when you were really in a hurry. When you had one of those days when your issue, need, or concern was so essential that you had to jump to the front of the line to ensure it happened. How do we feel if it doesn't work out in those moments?With this message, we will learn about a man named Jairus. He came to see Jesus with an incredibly pressing need, perhaps the most urgent need that could ever exist. Jesus promised to help, but then he was delayed, and what happened next truly shocked the world! Be sure to listen so we can talk about it as our series about Jesus called Like No Other continues!
Everyone is drawn to a captivating story. From the classics of Homer and Aesop to the modern tales of Disney and Twain, storytelling has shaped our perceptions of life and the world around us. Yet, amidst these great narrators that can capture attention, only one Storyteller has the power to change lives and affect them for eternity.We’re going to dive into one of the timeless stories told by the greatest Storyteller of all time—Jesus Himself. With one-third of His teachings delivered through parables, Jesus masterfully wove practical stories with heavenly truths. As we continue our sermon series “Like No Other” in the Gospel of Mark, we will see how this particular parable is the key to understanding all the others as it reveals the human heart and its response to God’s powerful truth.
Have you ever encountered someone who defied all labels? Or maybe that person is you!We're diving into Mark 3 and exploring why so many people struggled to understand Jesus, from Pharisees to His own family. Despite their differing perspectives, one truth remains: Jesus transcends human expectations and ideologies. Discover why "Jesus + nothing = everything" and unlock new perspectives on faith and hope.
Have you ever thought about the way people reacted to Jesus’ ministry? When Jesus taught, healed people, and performed miracles, the crowds and leaders saw things they had never seen before! As you might expect, they had some questions.Today, we are going to study Mark 2:13 to 3:6. We will see four unusual moments in which people had questions. When we see how Jesus answers these questions, we will understand the power of following Jesus' ways with authenticity and sincerity, discovering how to find joy and fulfillment in the complexities of daily life.
In a world where negativity dominates headlines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. News outlets strategically know that bad news often captures our attention. But amidst this barrage of negativity, there’s a message of hope that has the potential to powerfully and personally transform the human heart.This Sunday we will closely examine the opening words of Mark’s Gospel in our series, “Like No Other.” Mark wastes no time in headlining how the person and purpose of Jesus Christ is the greatest news this world has ever seen. Through an uncommon messenger and an unforgettable interaction, we’re introduced to this hope at an event we’re all familiar with but may not fully understand. The inauguration of Jesus’ ministry invites us to shift our focus from the bombardment of bad news and embrace the greatest news of all time. You won’t want to miss it!
Looking through history, you will see many great leaders, each leaving a unique legacy. From political giants to artists, military strategists to great humanitarians, their contributions have shaped civilizations. Yet, amidst this diverse tapestry of leadership, one figure transcends them all: Jesus Christ.This Easter, we are diving into the Gospel of Mark, where we will discover together how Jesus is LIKE NO OTHER. Though Mark may be the shortest gospel, it is here that we join the fast-paced, action-packed narrative of Jesus’ life as He reveals who He is, what He is about, and how He is LIKE NO OTHER. The prophets promised Jesus would come, and when He did, it truly changed the world.
We are kicking off one of the most revered weeks of the entire year! With all the reflecting and celebrating ahead of us, it’s so important to look at how the event that changed history began. What took place during the Triumphal Entry started a chain reaction that ignited into our hope being forever secured as the ultimate sacrifice was made on a cross. It’s such a pivotal moment that all 4 Gospel writers include it in each of their accounts of Jesus’ last week on earth.During our Palm Sunday message, we'll explore John's portrayal of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, focusing on the significant differences between mere religious practice and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Join us as we uncover the timeless essence of Palm Sunday and its relevance to our lives today. You won’t want to miss it!
This week is the finale of our series, True to Your Word, where we’ve been studying Psalm 23 and it’s connections to the life and ministry of Jesus. This week, we will talk about the goodness and mercy of Psalm 23:6. Both of these concepts are deep and rich in the Biblical text. You will be encouraged and strengthened to see how God sees you and pursues you. Don’t miss the end of the series, we’ve been building to this point for weeks!
Join us as we continue our winter series, "True To Your Word," journeying through Psalm 23. Throughout this series, we've explored striking landscapes, genuine experiences, and profound provisions from Jesus, our Shepherd. Last week, we witnessed David's transition from speaking about God to conversing directly with Him, in the midst of a valley. This week, anticipate another significant shift in David's memoir of faith.You won’t want to miss our time together, as we delve into a change of setting that I’m praying will leave a lasting impact on a life that faithfully follows Jesus Christ. The hospitality depicted in this verse not only influences our personal walk with Christ, but overflows into our relationships with others.
As we have slowed down these last couple weeks to soak in the first half of Psalm 23, I’m so excited for the next segment of our winter series, True to Your Word! We will dive deep into the most memorable verse of this most memorable Psalm. You may already be familiar with these words, encountering them in various places within popular media or in contexts related to funerals. There’s a beautiful sense of comfort and care here. However, I believe there's much more to uncover in this 'hinge' of David’s poem.Join us as we unravel the subtle hints David left for us, guiding us towards the profound discoveries he made in following the Lord as his Shepherd. I’m praying that these insights will both transform our understanding and enrich our journey through life's diverse landscapes. You won't want to miss it!
Have you ever seen a master at work? Maybe it’s a concert stage, an art gallery, or a ballfield; there is something so exciting when we see a true expert doing what they do best. It is even more impressive when we see those results over and over throughout a long career! How can you and I follow these examples of mastery as we learn to follow Jesus?Join us at Island Christian for week 3 of our winter series, True to Your Word. During this series, we are studying one verse each week from Psalm 23 and finding the fulfillment of that verse in the life and teaching of Jesus. This week marks the halfway point already!
Do you like to look inside of things? To peek under the hood to see how things run or to find deeper connections and relationships between things? Then you may love our current series, True to Your Word. We are studying one of the most famous chapters in the Bible, Psalm 23, and seeing how it connects and relates to the life and ministry of Jesus. Today we dive deep into Psalm 23, verse 2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” Does anyone want to lie down in a green meadow or be led to drink from still, clean water? When we look at the connection to Jesus’ ministry, we will see how Jesus calls us into that life of rest and meaning. But it doesn’t stop there! Jesus also empowers his followers to lead others to do the same!
Life is full of peaks and valleys, calm streams and roaring rapids. At times, it feels like there's nowhere to go. Though you may not know what will follow, you can know Whom to follow. Over the next several weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at one of the most popular psalms, Psalm 23. Because of its familiarity, often we just breeze through the psalm without slowing down long enough to rest in the assurance it offers and the Person Who fulfills it all. Join us as we dive deep into this 6-part series, as we are introduced to the great Shepherd, the Lord, Who lovingly promises in His Word to protect and provide for every need of His flock. Throughout this series of True To Your Word, we’re going to see that no matter what circumstances you face, when Jesus is your Shepherd, you are safe and sound.
Have you ever spontaneously prayed for someone out loud? If so, what exactly did you focus on? Before Jesus went to the cross, He took time to pray for Himself, His disciples, and His future Church in what has been called the High Priestly Prayer of John 17. Not only is it the longest recorded prayer of Jesus' in the Bible, but it goes beyond typical concerns like health, relationships, or finances. Join us for the final segment of our series, "With Christ in the School of Prayer," as we allow the profound aspects of His prayer to shape and direct how we pray for others.
Have you ever had that moment when you are about to leave on a trip, so you take a few extra minutes to talk with loved ones to pray? Jesus had that same moment in His life. He knew he was about to go to the cross, so He took time to teach His disciples and pray for them. This Sunday, we will study Jesus’ prayer recorded in John 17. We will see how Jesus prayed and what He prayed for in one of His last moments with the Disciples.
This is an important day as we talk about one of the most important issues facing our culture today, protecting the unborn. For some of you, this may be a long-settled issue in your heart one way or the other. For others of you, this may be the first time you’ve heard this topic talked about in church. You might even think this topic is totally off-limits to talk about! In any case, we hope you will join us on Sunday. Our goal is to talk about this issue in a way that brings healing, hope, and unity while providing clarity about what the Bible teaches.
When you think about it, prayer has a staggering irony. On the one hand, it’s a powerful connection with God Who commands all of creation. While on the other hand, it’s a simple conversation that a child can learn at an early age. In some ways it’s easy and effortless, while also being one of the most underutilized resources of the Christian faith. Thankfully, Jesus knew all this! Which is why He visited the subject numerous times in the greatest sermon ever preached- the Sermon on the Mount. Tomorrow, we’ll uncover the barriers we encounter when it comes to prayer and how the Gospel is the breakthrough that frees us for deeper experiences of it. You won’t want to miss it in the next segment of our sermon series, “With Christ in the School of Prayer”!
As we step into 2024, we're kicking off the year by diving into the power of prayer! Join us for an exciting series focusing on its transformative impact, serving as our steadfast anchor, intimately connecting us with God. In our exploration of God’s word, we'll uncover the profound nature of communication with our Heavenly Father, unveiling the beauty and significance of prayer in our daily lives. Prayer shapes our faith, strengthens relationships, and invites God’s power and love into our lives and those around us. Come with open hearts, prepared for a meaningful conversation with our Creator in the series "With Christ in the School of Prayer."
As we gear up for the new year, it’s also a pivotal time to take a moment and reflect on how our relationship with King Jesus is going. Just as the year comes to us in seasons- winter, spring, summer, and fall- our spiritual life can often be the same. This is especially true when we allow sin to work its way into our lives. The warm, alluring breezes of temptation can sneak up suddenly and, if acted upon, can bring the cool chill of a broken fellowship with God. None of us are immune from enticement but all of us should be informed. This week, we’ll see that play out with the last mother of Jesus in the context of King David’s greatest royal failure. You won’t want to miss it!
Throughout December, our services have centered around the inspiring women in the lineage of Jesus, exploring stories of loyalty, courage, bravery, and triumph amidst dysfunction. This morning, we will examine the Mother of Jesus, The Virgin Mary. She is one of the most iconic figures in human history. The perspectives on Mary vary widely—some celebrate and venerate her as a saint, while others view her as an ordinary person uniquely empowered by God. Which viewpoint aligns with the Bible? Join us as we dig deep into this fascinating discussion.
One of the most used (if not overused) terms of our culture is the term dysfunctional. It has become the popular descriptor of flawed and broken people, especially in speaking about families. Too often this expression is used as an excuse to justify bad behaviors in other people. In tomorrow’s service, we will see one of the most dysfunctional families in the Bible, as we continue our Christmas Series, The Mothers of Jesus. But this story of Judah and Tamar yields so much insight into our own behavior, God’s intervention, and a whole new way to view the Christmas season.
Have you ever felt like the world was against you and nobody was on your side? Sometimes life can feel like everything is going against you and you’re isolated and alone.. but don’t lose hope!In tomorrow’s service, we will study the story of an amazing woman named Rahab. She was a Canaanite woman who lived in the Promised Land. She knew God’s people were going to take her land, but she didn’t give up! She aligned herself with God’s purposes and as a result, played an incredible role in the history of God’s people! Join us this Sunday for the second week of our Christmas Series, The Mothers of Jesus.
If you take a minute to read the family tree of Jesus, you will see some surprising stories! In this intriguing world, you will find some extraordinary women who left an indelible mark: Mary, Ruth, Tamar, Rahab, and Bathsheba. Their lives exemplified loyalty, devotion, love, courage, and resilience in tragedy as they established a lasting legacy of faith. As we study their lives, we will experience the miracles that shaped their journeys, draw inspiration from their unwavering belief, and uncover the depths of their perseverance and resolve. If God can use these women, He can use any of us for His purposes! Don't miss this opportunity to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ as we study the Mothers of Jesus.
This Sunday is the finale of our Jonah series, so don’t miss it! When we left off, Jonah had gone to Nineveh and preached precisely what God told him to say and saw incredible results. Now, we will see that Jonah had a strange reaction to seeing Nineveh saved: he was ticked! God then brings a few peculiar things into Jonah’s life to teach him more about His goodness and justice.
This Sunday is one of the most exciting days of the year: Vision Sunday! We will study the book of Acts, chapters 3 and 4. Peter and John went to the Temple expecting to pray. Instead, they were part of a life-changing moment for a man that ended with thousands of people hearing about the Good News of Jesus! As part of this message, we will celebrate what God has done at Island Christian over the past year. We will also set some goals for next year and establish some strong vision principles we will hold to as we JUMP into 2024.
Have you ever felt that call to be a world-changer? We can be fired up to make a difference, but after a while, we turn around, and every now and then we get a bit lonely, like change is never coming around. Discouragement and even cynicism can sneak into our hearts and dim a light that once burned bright. You may find yourself just trying to make it through the day instead of changing the world.Sunday, we are going to talk about how God used the prophet Jonah to change the city of Nineveh. It took Jonah a while, but God told Jonah to “turn around, bright eyes,” and he did it! When Jonah got to Nineveh, God did something incredible. The people of Nineveh confessed to God that every now and then, they fall apart. God forgave their city, and the people told God we need you more than ever! Join us on Sunday as we unpack the whole story from Jonah 3 in a message called “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
It has truly been a “whale of a tale” so far in our series through the book of Jonah. Not only has this prophet ran from God’s very presence, but we’ve watched God continue to relentlessly show up in amazing and unexpected ways. Last we saw Jonah, he was hurled overboard into the sea… and into the waiting mouth of the divinely appointed fish. This week, we have front row seats to see how this salty prophet responds to such an act of grace.Oftentimes, when someone speaks impulsively, we say that it was a "gut reaction". The prayer that we’ll uncover in chapter 2 was also a "gut reaction," although in this case Jonah was reacting to the whale's gut rather than his own. But thankfully, this guy is finally talking to God! Not only that, but he's learned a few lessons along the way, lessons that you and I won’t want to miss either.
Join us as we explore the story of Jonah in the second half of chapter 1, where the stage is set with a relentless storm, and a reluctant prophet. Last week, we talked about Jonah's decision to run from God's plan, leading him on a downward spiral. Now, we're right there on the boat with Jonah, embarking on a cruise to nowhere.We will discover how a crew of sailors respond to a tempestuous sea and a God they've never known. Their journey towards repentance is a fascinating twist in this ancient tale, making us question who the real hero is. We'll dissect the sailors' reactions, their prayers to multiple gods, and the ultimate decision that brought calm to the chaos. This story holds valuable lessons about faith, fear, and the pursuit of God's purpose.
This Sunday, we've got a whale of a tale to share with you, and it's all about Jonah—no, not the guy who invented the first submarine! Join us for a brand new series that dives deep into the misadventures of Jonah and the big fish. Ever wondered what it's like to be swallowed by a great sea creature and live to tell the tale? Spoiler alert: it's not your typical oceanfront vacation.
This Sunday, we will be talking about the Christian Concern for the Poor and what it looks like in a Global Context. Christians are called to bring both the message of Jesus and His love to the world, and it is our honor to do that with our global missions partners!
This Sunday is an exciting day because we have the privilege of having Pastor Rafael Restrepo with us! Rafael is our missionary to Spain, and he is a gifted and engaging speaker. He is in town while he and his wife are on a time of rest from their missions work in Spain.
It’s been a tremendous couple of weeks as we both celebrated all that God has done this past year and took an honest look at who He’s calling us to be moving forward. This Sunday is the last segment of our sermon series, “DEAR CHURCH: This Might Not Be What You’re Looking For”, and you won’t want to miss it! We will be exploring the disciples’ mission assignment briefing, during their very last moment with Jesus before He ascended into heaven. It is here where He gave them an incredible promise and a (seemingly) impossible task. And the astounding part is that both of these still powerfully hold true for you and I today!
Ever thought of church as an event or a place to be? Well, here's a twist - it's WAY more than that! We're taking a deep dive into 1 Peter 2 as part of our fall series, "Dear Church, This might not be what you’re looking for." Get ready to see three incredible snapshots of what the church truly represents! We'll be blown away by how even our tiniest contribution or gift can lead to something truly spectacular, thanks to God's spirit at work.
This Sunday, we're diving deep into the topic of Christian community, where your spiritual family isn't just a part of life—it's essential!
The past year at Island Christian Church has been incredible! The church has been growing in attendance in our ministries and programs. But is this really “growing”? Is the church called to get bigger? Not necessarily, but we are called to grow deeper in our faith! It is time to inventory who we are as a church and who God is calling us to be.This Sunday, we will talk about what it means as a church to be all in - to put everything at Jesus’ feet, to engage in genuine community, and to serve the world locally and globally. Join us for the kick-off of our fall series about the vision of Island Christian Church in a series called “Dear Church - This Might Not Be What You’re Looking For.”
It's hard to believe that summer is almost over and the fall season is just around the corner. This time of year is filled with great expectations and excitement as we prepare for the new beginnings that come with the season- school, routines, and more. Are you ready to suit up for fall? Join us this Sunday as we explore a well-known section of the Bible from Ephesians. The Apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a suit of armor, where each part of the armor plays a crucial role in protecting and equipping Christians to follow Jesus into the life of purpose He has created for us.
We are coming up on a pivotal moment this Sunday. As the summer season ends, we will be diving into the last installment of our series, Enjoying the Fullness of God! In this series we have explored various spiritual disciplines and how they enrich our lives with Christ.This Sunday, instead of looking at how to be individually impacted for God’s Kingdom, we’re going to look at being corporately impacted. We’re going to explore a critical chapter in Scripture that showcases how the church as a whole can be guided and directed into a deeper level of God’s presence and plan. Oh, did I mention it happens in the context of the very first “church fight” in the Bible? You won’t want to miss it!
We have a few confessions to make. 1. We confess that we are so excited to join with you for worship this Sunday as we continue exploring our summer series, Enjoying the Fullness of God! We have covered so many disciplines that God uses to expand our experience of His presence in our lives. If you haven’t caught the entire series so far, do check it out. You won’t be disappointed! 2. We confess that this Sunday’s discipline has the potential to do wonders in your walk with Christ! Many psychologists and therapists will tell you it’s actually good for the soul. Some theologians will even go as far to say that it is both a discipline AND a grace from God. And the best part is that we’ll be looking at it in the context of the longest prayer ever recorded in the Bible! 3. We confess that you will be genuinely bummed to miss it! So, be sure to join us on Sunday at 9 AM & 11 AM.
Join us this Sunday for a meaningful worship experience. This upcoming service will be simple, as we come together to learn to Enjoy the Fullness of God. It will be a different format than our usual services. In a serene and focused service, we will seek a conversation that weaves between teaching and worship. Throughout the gathering, we will engage in moments of prayer, worship, and reflection. Our prayer is that you will leave feeling encouraged and equipped to embrace the profound peace and contentment that are uniquely found by Christ.
Guess what – you need a vacation! This isn’t just advice coming from a friend. This summer, we are studying the Spiritual Disciplines, which are practices that Christians follow in order to grow in our faith. One important practice is that of Solitude and Retreat. Life moves at an incredible pace! We need to intentionally slow down and reflect in order to grow in the ways that Jesus is calling us to. It may seem counterintuitive, but intentional pauses are one of the best ways to make sure that our growth continues.
I hope you’ve been as challenged and blessed as I have from our summer series, Enjoying the Fullness of God. So far we’ve seen how the Gospel intensifies our walk with God as we discipline ourselves to study the Bible, pray, worship, and tithe. As we continue into the second half of the series, we see how outward and action-oriented Spiritual Disciplines fuel the connection we have with Christ. This is especially true of our next discipline! This Sunday, we will be taking a comprehensive look at one of the most feared and misunderstood spiritual disciplines that we see in the Bible. In fact, there are very few other disciplines that go so radically against our flesh and culture as this one. You won’t want to miss it!
We are already halfway through our summer series, Enjoying the Fullness of God. So far, we have learned that as we engage in Bible study, prayer, & worship, we will expand our opportunities to enjoy His fullness & His presence with greater depth & meaning. For the second half of the series, we will learn how outward & action-oriented Spiritual Disciplines pay considerable dividends in our spiritual growth! As we follow God’s ways, our obedience becomes maturity & God can empower us to do incredible things! During our service, the sweetness of obedience to God's way will be tangible & beautiful with a message called Magnificient & Munificent. We are so excited about this message that we can taste it!
In our service, we will continue in our summer teaching series: Enjoying the Fullness of God. In this message, we will take about the absolute, most-effective way of enjoying God’s presence. In fact, we will are going to tackle what might be the biggest question of all time… What is the meaning of life?
Summer can be a time of great spiritual growth and advancement or it can be a time filled with wasted opportunities, and ultimately little time spent with God and growing in the most important relationship in our lives. As the old saying goes, oftentimes the road to good intentions leads to nowhere, not without some important tools and a plan to make it happen! We've already discussed how spiritual growth needs to be intentional because it's never automatic. Last week we talked about the importance of daily scriptural intake. This week we will talk about prayer. Specifically, we are going to focus not so much on the WHAT and HOW of prayer (though those are important) but on the WHO!
How are you enjoying summer so far? It’s already a wonderful season of graduation parties, barbeques, and walks on the beach. Summer isn’t only about enjoying the summertime life. For our summer series, we are talking about how to Enjoy the Fullness of God. Last week, we talked about the importance of growing in our faith and the realization that it never happens by accident! This Sunday, we will discuss how to make that happen as we examine what might be the most remarkable chapter in the entire Bible. Be sure to join us; we think you will enjoy it!
Everyone looks forward to summer! With beaches, barbeques, boats, and blue skies, it feels like the best time of year. Are fun activities the best part? For many people, it’s the chance to slow down and enjoy what matters most. You push so hard all year; finding rest and recovery is essential. As you slow down, what should you give your time to instead? In our summer series, we will talk about the most effective ways to slow down and experience the fullness of God. We will talk about how to absorb the Bible, pray, find comfort in solitude and retreat, experience true worship, and more! Don’t let the break of summer become a break from God. Instead, use the summer to invest in what matters most - ENJOYING THE FULLNESS OF GOD.
Happy Father’s Day! During our service, we celebrate all of the Fathers in attendance and pray over them. In our message, we study the scriptures for God’s truth about race, ethnicity, and reconciliation. Is this a topic that Christians should emphasize, or is it one we should avoid? Let’s dig deep and find out!
During our message, we will study the life of Jesus and his apostles in Luke 9. This is an incredible part of their journey together when Jesus empowered his disciples to go out and do His mission! During this message, we will announce a brand new department of our staff designed to help our congregation grow in their faith and see us come together to accomplish the mission of God!
Spoiler alert! Giving your life to Christ doesn’t mean you will never battle sin again. In fact, if you've been a follower of Jesus for more than an hour, you probably recognize that certain temptations still have the tendency to linger around. How are we to understand that? Or more importantly, how do we overcome those temptations that inevitably head our way? Join us this Sunday as we dive into Jesus’ first encounter with temptations in the wilderness! We will see how His temptations are actually the very same ones that we face on a regular basis. And more importantly, we will see that His victory over sin directly affects and empowers us to experience victory in the various temptations in our lives.
Is God still at work today? For the past two months, we have been studying the story of Joseph in our services. We’ve seen that God was with Joseph through every season of his life. Whether it was good times or bad, God was always with him. Not only was God present, but God was using every part of Joseph’s life to bring him to his ultimate purpose! God is ready to do the same thing for you today. Join us on Sunday to hear another story. This time it’s not Joseph from antiquity past, but it’s the testimony of one of our Deacons, Stephen DelGiudice. Steve will tell us his story of how he came to know Jesus. As Steve looks back on his own journey (so far), he can clearly see how God was at work. As you listen to Steve’s story, you will hear parts of your own story as well.
Can you believe that we are almost at the end of our PLOT TWIST series? What a great sermon series it has been! You won’t want to miss this week as we’ll be examining how it really is possible for things like love and forgiveness to flow out of a heart that’s experienced such mistreatment as Joseph.It really comes at the crescendo of the story, as Joseph shares his revolutionary perspective with his brothers. This is an epic moment in the Old Testament, as we see how forgiveness eclipses failure. Let’s consider Joseph’s brothers as they approach him one last time.
We are studying the life of Joseph and how he was capable of great forgiveness. His brothers had done terrible things to him, yet he could forgive and be reconciled with them.You may be struggling with something in your past holding you back from embracing everything life offers. Join us as we talk about the freedom that comes with forgiveness with a message entitled Bury the Handle.
This week at Island Christian we are going to talk about something provocative: DOES GOD SPEAK THROUGH DREAMS? In the story of Joseph, there are several dreams mentioned and we just move on from it as though it’s an everyday occurrence. Does that still happen? God continues to communicate with us in various ways, even in our modern times. As we navigate the complexities of our daily lives, it can be challenging to discern God's voice amidst the noise. However, God is speaking to us all the time, and we just need to learn how to tune in to His voice! In this message, we'll delve into the different ways that God speaks to us and how we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him through active listening and discernment.
This week we are continuing our PLOT TWIST series with the twists and turns in Joseph’s life as he finds himself in this confusing place called “Egypt.”Those familiar with the story may recall one big temptation he faces early on. But did you know that’s not the only temptation Joseph battles in this chapter? In fact, his most challenging temptation may be one you are experiencing right now in your own life.You don’t want to miss Joseph’s “secret to success” that is still available for us today!
This week we will continue our PLOT TWIST series and study one of the hardest days of Joseph’s life. His brothers attacked him, left him in isolation, and ultimately sold him as a slave. It may be hard to imagine going through that much difficulty and pain, but some of you may be in a season like that right now! You may be facing setbacks, discouragement, pain, or isolation and you are looking to find God in it all. There is hope! We will see that God is with us in the darkest of times. Even if God may appear absent, He is still present, guiding us, preserving us, and preparing us for greater things.
Join us for week two of our PLOT TWIST series as we continue to study the life of Joseph.
Tomorrow is the best Sunday of the year! Every Sunday is a great day, but there is nothing better than Resurrection Day as we celebrate the greatest plot twist of all time: Jesus rose from the dead! It’s going to be an awesome day with powerful worship, the Ao1 dance ministry leading us in worship, and a brand new series, too! On Easter Sunday we are kicking off a series called Plot Twist studying the life of a man named Joseph in the Bible. He faced more unexpected challenges and turns of events than almost anyone else in history. By the end of his life, he was able to see that God was with him through every plot twist and actually used it all to accomplish incredible things. What plot twists are you experiencing right now? What part of your life does not seem to quite be on track?
Palm Sunday. You may be familiar with the story - Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, people get really excited, and the children sing and wave a bunch of palm branches (hence the name). Pretty straight forward, right? Not so fast… there’s a clue in the text that reveals something ordinarily extraordinary about what’s actually taking place. Come on Sunday as we dive into what’s being revealed and why it still matters to us today!
This Sunday will be an interesting day at Island Christian!We will be talking about SEX in our services.Yes, it is the day the Staff has affectionately started calling Sex Sunday. Accordingly, you could consider the sermon to be rated PG-13.Parents, you should make the best decision for your family, but I do think it is an excellent week for your middle school and high school students to be in the room. Our culture bombards all of us with sexual messaging every day, and that includes your teens! We all need to be reminded of God’s standards for sex and how that plays out in the lives of both marriage and single people.
When you think of worship, what comes to mind? I would bet many of us think of gathering together on Sunday morning to sing a few songs and hear an inspiring sermon. What if I told you that God actually invites us into something each time we worship Him? Would that change your approach to Sunday mornings or your devotional time during the week?Join us as we uncover this invitation from the Psalms and learn exactly what God has in mind.
What is the biggest threat that churches face today? Some will say that external forces like culture, isolation, or even apathy have the greatest potential to derail. What if the greatest threat wasn’t from the outside but instead from the inside?
Our former Senior Pastor, Mike O’Connor, is visiting to preach from Psalm 126 on Joy’s Surprising Pathways.
Join us live, in-person or online at 9 AM + 11 AM
What is the fullness of the Christian life? This winter, we have studied the book of Titus and learned so much! We have seen that Christians are saved to serve. God’s people have received grace and should give grace to others. Christians, and especially leaders, should be different from the culture that surrounds us. This is not just for our own good, but for the good of the culture.
This week we are studying a section of scripture that most people would rather skip over! The whole Bible is God’s Word and every part of it is authoritative and relevant to our lives…but that doesn’t make it all easy to swallow.
For our physical bodies, there is a day that we stop growing. We are not aware of the exact day, but our growth becomes slower and slower until it stops altogether. After that moment, any further “growth” is often in a direction we don’t want! The same thing can happen in our spiritual life. We may have been growing at one point, but we can become complacent and stuck in one place. This Sunday, we will study Titus chapter 2. In this chapter, we will see how the Gospel of Jesus equips everyone to grow no matter their age! So, don’t get stuck - Extend your Growth!
The book of Titus is short, but intense. There is such an urgency about this letter that makes us wonder…what was happening in Crete to prompt such firm instruction? To answer that, we have to dive deep into the historical and cultural backdrop of Crete. We will see the primary audience was a culture that was so different from the Jesus way! This brief journey into the ancient world is going to have some pretty powerful implications for modern day life. Join us for Week 2 of our series, Poured Out, as we talk about how to not be a Cretan!
It’s time to exercise your leadership gift! You may be a leader in your job, your school, or the church. Others of you might be thinking… “I’m not a leader! I keep it simple.” Leadership is influence…and everyone has opportunities to lead every day. One author believes that even the introverted person will influence 10,000 people in their lifetime!
It's our last week going Back To The 90’s!Pastor Lee will be bringing a message from Psalm 99 about God and how He is Holy. As part of his message we’ve prepared an awesome video from The Bible Project, so, don’t miss that.Be sure to join us live, in person or online, 9AM + 11AM!
We are back to the 90’s again this Sunday!This week we are studying Psalm 95. This scripture is a great outpouring of worship combined with a moment of reflection on the mistakes of the past. What does it look like to make a joyful noise?
We are launching a short, new teaching series called “Back to the 90s.” The series has a retro feel and we will study a few of the Psalms from “the 90s.” This Sunday we start with Psalm 91 (get it?) with a reminder that when you make a Resolution you should take Refuge as well.
Merry Christmas from Island Christian! This is the series finale of FULFILLED: Christmas 2022, Jesus is for Everyone. We are finishing up the Christmas story in the book of Matthew and are diving into the prophecy fulfilled in Isaiah 9.
This Sunday, we are talking about how Christmas is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Right? Or maybe not… For a lot of people, they’re not quite so sure. These are difficult times in many ways. In a difficult season, Christians have the hope of Jesus, the guidance of his Word, and the strength of a Community on Purpose. Join us for Week 3 of Fulfilled: Christmas 2022, as we talk about when Jesus was sent to Egypt as a baby, and how that season for His family changed the world for all of us.
Join us for the second week of our sermon series, FULFILLED: Christmas 2022!This week we examine the birth of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 1.The text in Matthew 1 talks about how the birth of Jesus fulfilled a prophecy from 7 centuries before Jesus was born. The original prophecy in Isaiah 7 was thought to be about protection from war and invasion during that time, but we would later come to see the prophecy more fully realized in Christ!
It's Vision Sunday at Island Christian! We are taking time as a church to celebrate what God has done in our midst in 2022 and looking forward with great anticipation toward 2023. We will be setting goals as a church for how we can have an impact for Jesus on both a local and a global scale; while also asking God to use all of us together to accomplish so much more than we could ever do alone. A week of vision casting is always exciting; you may even know where Nepal is by the end of the service!
A Pointed Reminder—is the story of how Samuel, the leader of Israel at that point, set up a stone of remembrance and said, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” This victory monument was not merely to focus Israel on past victories but on the Lord, his present provision and future promises. The same God who gave his help at that time is looking for present-day followers who will declare his works in this generation. The message brings this ancient practice into the present day in our lives and the life of Island Christian Church.
Have you ever driven on a dirt road in a rainstorm? If the road has not been properly maintained, it will be a mess of puddles and ruts and will be difficult to drive on. You might be safe for a while, but what happens when you want to turn and the ruts keep going straight? In a storm-tossed life we often find ourselves in this exact situation. We are stuck in a rut that is taking us in a direction we don’t want to go. Join us as we talk about how to get out of those ruts and move into the freedom that comes in following Christ!
Parents have a lot of titles. In addition to “mom” or “dad” you are also a teacher, coach, tutor, mentor, instructor, guardian, and guide. Those are just from your good days! On bad days, you can be a controller, a kill-joy, lame, a warden, a grinch, a party pooper, a wet blanket, and “the worst.” Growing up, my siblings and I called my Dad “King clean,” and one of my friends called his Mom “No-Fun Donna.” Parenting is no joke! We will be talking about one of the most important titles of any parent: ambassador. We will also tackle the top 10 parenting mistakes so you leave with practical, actionable tips from scripture in a message entitled Parenting is Hard, and then you Die. Don’t worry, we will have some fun, too!
We are talking about marriage and our message is called “How to Have a Marriage Worth Millions”. We will tackle a hot topic: submission! Have with an open mind, because it’s probably not what you think!
We continue our fall teaching series, Living a Storm-Tossed Life. This week, we will be talking about one of the biggest storms that so many people are facing: anxiety. According to one study, as many as 54% of young people often feel anxious, depressed, or fearful. Join us!
This is week two of our fall series, “The Storm-Tossed Life” with a message entitled “The Two I’s in Famiily.” We will be studying the Bible to learn about building a true sense of identity based on the inheritance we all receive from our families.
Storms are some of the most fascinating, intimidating phenomena we experience. They are the single most powerful displays of power that we are exposed to in our world. Nothing can dominate our attention or scare us more than a storm that is bearing down on us. Storms in nature can be captivating, but when the storms come into our relationships, the results can be catastrophic! We invite you to join us this fall as we launch a new series, The Storm-Tossed Life. We will look at God’s truth for families and relationships. We will explore why God created us to be in relationships and why they wield so much influence in our lives. Along the way, we will uncover practical tools to help anchor you, your family, and all of your relationships as you weather the inevitable storms that await us all.
Join us for live worship and teaching as we look to the scriptures for God’s truth on one of the most difficult issues facing our nation today: protecting the unborn.
All of us have made mistakes, but do those mistakes define us? Join us for worship as we study Galatians chapter 2 and so how living consistently means living in Freedom. Keep Standing on Grace!
What are you known for? When people get to know you, what is the one thing about you that will stick in their memory? Join us as we begin a new series called Standing on Grace! We will talk about the one thing that each of us should be known for and how we can grow in our understanding of the grace of Jesus.