New Life Gillette Church Teachings

View Details

Acts: Life on Mission - Week 1: "Three Stepping Stones"As we embark on our journey through the book of Acts, it's essential to remember that the early Christians were known as "Followers of the Way." This term isn’t just a label; it encapsulates the essence of what it means to live a life centered on Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself made an exclusive claim that He is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6). This claim, while challenging to the world’s desire for relativism, remains the cornerstone of our faith.

The Apostle Paul, facing persecution for his faith, boldly declared, "I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors" (Acts 24:14). Paul’s words echo through the ages, reminding us that following Jesus often means standing against the tide of popular opinion. In a world that often seeks to find its own path, the call to follow Jesus as "the Way" requires us to step onto a path that Jesus Himself laid out.

The Way: A Path of Stepping StonesImagine "The Way" as a path with three significant stepping stones that every follower of Jesus must walk on. These stepping stones represent the journey Jesus invites us to take, a journey that reshapes our lives and reorients our priorities.

Stepping Stone 1: "I’m a Sinner"The first stepping stone is the recognition of our own sinfulness. As G.K. Chesterton once wrote, "We’re all in the same boat, but we are all seasick." We are all sinners, unable to save ourselves because we are all in need of rescue. But what does it mean to acknowledge our sin?

The world often associates sainthood with moral perfection, but Chesterton also pointed out that "a saint only means a man who knows he is a sinner." This awareness of our sinfulness is crucial because it drives us to seek God. The law given to the Israelites served to reveal their sins, and in the new covenant, God gives us a conscience that convicts us of our sins.

Thomas Aquinas captured this truth when he said, "The heart is restless until it rests in God." In our restlessness, we often turn to substitutes for a relationship with God—wealth, pleasure, power, and honor. These pursuits are ultimately sinful because they center our lives on ourselves rather than on God.

St. John of the Cross described our desires as "an infinite cavern that can only be filled by God." When we try to fill this cavern with anything other than God, we fall into sin. Jesus, in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, said, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). This teaches us that no earthly pursuit can satisfy the deep longing in our souls—only God can.

So, the first step on "The Way" is to recognize our sin, name the vices that lead us astray, and understand that only God can truly satisfy our deepest desires.

Stepping Stone 2: "Jesus Is the Center"The second stepping stone is making Jesus the center of our lives. During a visit to Christ Church in Oxford, known for its breathtaking architecture and historical significance, I noticed a recurring theme in the design of many ancient churches. In these churches, the rose window—a circular stained glass window—depicts Jesus at the center, surrounded by His followers.

This design isn’t merely decorative; it’s deeply symbolic. When Jesus is at the center, everything else falls into place. When we make mistakes, it’s often because we’ve allowed something other than Jesus to occupy the center of our lives.

When Jesus is at the center, He makes our lives better, and He makes us better at life. The imagery of a convoy of ships or the precision of the Blue Angels, who must maintain perfect alignment, illustrates this point. Just as one ship or one jet out of alignment can cause chaos, so too can one area of our lives out of alignment with Jesus disrupt everything.

Consider the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:39-42). Martha, overwhelmed by the demands of preparing a meal, complained to Jesus that her sister Mary wasn’t helping. But Jesus gently reminded her that "few things are needed—or indeed only one." Mary had chosen to center herself on Jesus, which was the better choice. This story isn’t about the virtues of contemplation versus hard work; it’s about focus and priority. When Jesus is the center, everything else falls into its proper place.

The Gospels also recount stories of people possessed by demons, such as the man who said, "My name is Legion, for we are many" (Mark 5:9). The term "diabolic" means "to scatter," which is the opposite of what Jesus does. Jesus brings us into alignment, into harmony, with Him. He centers us.

A rose window from a church in Cambridge, known as The Wheel of Fortune, illustrates this truth. The window depicts a man at the top of his fortunes, then falling, losing everything, and eventually rising again. But at the center of the wheel is Jesus, reminding us that no matter where we are in life—on top or at the bottom—Jesus must remain at the center.

Those who live on the edge, focused on worldly success, are the ones who fall off. As John Lennon, who once claimed the Beatles were bigger than Jesus, later reflected in his song "Watching the Wheels," there comes a point when we must "let it go" and stop chasing the fleeting pleasures of life. Only by keeping Jesus at the center can we find true fulfillment.

Stepping Stone 3: "My Life Is Not About Me"The third and final stepping stone is the realization that our lives are not about us. Throughout history, many cultures have recognized the importance of teaching young people that life is bigger than themselves. In ancient cultures, boys often underwent a rite of passage—a dangerous journey that taught them that they are part of something larger than themselves.

In modern times, our society often encourages self-invention and individualism, but what we truly need is to understand that our lives are meant to be part of something bigger and more powerful than ourselves.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "All glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" (Ephesians 2:20). Our brains and our power are limited, but God’s power is limitless. If we spend our lives chasing wealth, pleasure, power, and honor for ourselves, we’ll end up wasting our time and facing deep regret at the end.

Joseph Campbell wisely observed, "There is perhaps nothing worse than reaching the top of a ladder and discovering that you're on the wrong wall." The world’s ladder of success is often leaning against the wrong wall, leading us away from what truly matters.

Instead of climbing the wrong ladder, we must give ourselves to God, ensuring that our lives are aligned with His purposes. This is what it means to be people of "The Way." We live not for ourselves, but for the glory of God.

Conclusion: Living on "The Way"In this first week of exploring the book of Acts, we’ve uncovered the three stepping stones that guide us on "The Way." These stepping stones—recognizing our sinfulness, centering our lives on Jesus, and understanding that our lives are not about us—are foundational to living a life on mission for God.

As we continue this journey through Acts, let us ask ourselves: What does being a person of "The Way" look like in our own lives? Where have we strayed from the path? What areas of our lives need realignment with Jesus at the center?

Consider the conversation you want to have with God when you reach Heaven. Let that vision guide your steps as you walk on "The Way" that Jesus has laid before you. This is the way of life that leads to true fulfillment, purpose, and eternal life with God.

Did you like Acts: Life On Mission – Week 1 - Three Stepping Stones? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Come and Become EvangelismUnderstanding Evangelism Beyond the PulpitIn the book of Acts, the focus often lands on the apostles who preached and performed miracles, but what about the regular church members? Their contributions, though less documented, were pivotal in growing the church. Most people in the church today will not receive a vocational calling to ministry or become pastors, yet their role in evangelism remains crucial.

Shifting Focus from the Pulpit to the PeopleThe church often seeks out rare talents for leadership roles, but there's more to ministry than just having a select few on staff. The work of growing the church isn't solely the responsibility of pastors. Everyone in the church has a part to play. This brings us to a critical concept: Come and Become Evangelism.

Come and Become EvangelismEvangelism is about inviting others to follow Jesus. "Come and Become Evangelism" involves Christians inviting others to church, forming the primary strategy for growth. This approach has three main benefits:

Time to Consider the Cost and ConsequencesInviting someone to church allows them to connect with a community where they can wrestle with questions and grow gradually. Instant decisions are rarely lasting; true discipleship involves a series of encounters with Jesus. Lasting conversions typically take multiple encounters, emphasizing that discipleship is about introducing people to Jesus and supporting them as they grow.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.'" - Matthew 16:24 (NLT)

Instant and Natural Follow-UpThis strategy ensures that new attendees are immediately connected and can start growing within the community. Everyone plays a role in welcoming and integrating newcomers. The goal of evangelism isn't merely to elicit a prayer but to foster ongoing discipleship. Church involvement provides the support necessary for new believers to continue their journey of faith.

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

Accessibility for All ChristiansEvangelism becomes a natural part of a Christian's life. How one lives reflects their faith, influencing their ability to evangelize. Everyone is on a mission to grow the church, embodying the invitation to others. Jesus made it clear that there is plenty of room in His Father’s house, encouraging believers to invite others to join the family of faith.

"There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" - John 14:2 (NLT)

The Messiness of GrowthInviting others into the church means welcoming diverse and sometimes messy lives. The early church dealt with a range of issues, and so will today's church. But this messiness is a sign of life and growth.

"For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” - Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

The Urgency of EvangelismJesus' return is imminent, and this urgency compels believers to show others the way to God. If the sole purpose of faith was personal salvation, God would take believers to Heaven immediately upon conversion. Instead, He leaves them with a mission: to evangelize and expand the Kingdom of God.

"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6 (NLT)

Stories of Come and Become EvangelismPhilip and Nathanael

"The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, 'Come, follow me.' Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' 'Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' Nathanael asked. 'Come and see,' said Philip." - John 1:43-46 (NIV)

Philip invited Nathanael to meet Jesus without arguing or persuading. He simply extended an invitation, and Jesus took care of the rest.

The Samaritan Woman

Scripture Reference: "Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 'Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?' They came out of the town and made their way toward him." - John 4:28-30 (NIV)

After her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman invited her entire village to meet Him. Despite not being an experienced evangelist, her testimony led many to faith.

The Blind Man

"He replied, 'The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.'" - John 9:11 (NIV)

The blind man simply shared his story of healing, which led others to believe in Jesus.

The Power of Personal TestimonyPersonal stories are powerful tools in evangelism. They don’t require deep theological knowledge, just a willingness to share what Jesus has done in one’s life.

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Conclusion: Joining the MissionEvangelism is a collective mission. Everyone in the church is called to share their story and invite others to come and see what Jesus can do. This simple yet powerful approach can fill God’s house and bring many to faith.

Baptisms serve as powerful testimonies, proclaiming new life in Christ and inviting others to experience the same transformation.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Will you join the mission? Will you help fill God's house by sharing your story and inviting others to come and see? The time is now to engage in Come and Become Evangelism.

Did you like Lead Like Christ – Week 6 - Come and Become Evangelism? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Defining HumilityRichard starts by defining humility, emphasizing that while social media often showcases pride and arrogance, true humility is rarely celebrated. He cites Rick Warren’s quote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” This perspective shifts the focus from false modesty, where individuals downplay their abilities, to a genuine self-assessment in relation to God and others.

C.S. Lewis adds to this understanding, suggesting that a truly humble person doesn’t think about humility or themselves at all but instead takes a genuine interest in others.

Biblical Aspects of HumilityThe Bible offers extensive insights into humility, which Richard categorizes into three main aspects:

Low Esteem: This form of humility places an individual at the bottom of the societal hierarchy. Romans 12:16 encourages believers to live in harmony and associate with the lowly, while Psalm 95:6 calls for worship and bowing down before God, emphasizing that in His presence, humans are on the ground, acknowledging His greatness.
Not Demanding Perks: Richard contrasts worldly desires for perks with Jesus’ example. Despite being entitled to the best of everything, Jesus chose a humble path. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus gave up divine privileges and lived humbly, even to the point of dying on a cross. Jesus’ life exemplifies not demanding special treatment but serving others, as highlighted in Matthew 8:20, where He states, “Foxes have dens… but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Occupying God-Given Space: True humility involves recognizing and occupying the space God has created for each individual. Romans 12:3 advises believers to measure themselves honestly by the faith God has given. Psalm 149:4 reveals that the Lord delights in His people and crowns the humble with victory, affirming that God honors those who humbly occupy their designated roles.

Jesus as the Ultimate ExampleRichard illustrates Jesus’ humility through the act of washing the disciples’ feet, a task reserved for the lowliest of servants. This powerful gesture, described in John 13:1-17, shows Jesus’ willingness to humble Himself for others, setting a profound example for His followers.

Leadership and HumilityDrawing from the book "Good to Great," Richard introduces the concept of the "window and the mirror." Great leaders attribute success to their team (the window) and take personal responsibility for failures (the mirror). Jesus embodied this leadership style, sending out His disciples to perform miracles and promising they would do even greater things (John 14:12). Ultimately, He took humanity’s failures upon Himself on the cross, offering redemption.

The Significance of HumilityHumility is vital because it aligns believers with God’s will, allowing Him to work through them. David’s story from 1 Samuel 24 exemplifies this, where despite being anointed as the next king, David refrains from killing Saul, respecting God’s timing and authority.

Psalm 25:9 highlights that God leads the humble in doing right and teaches them His way. A humble heart is open to learning from anyone, recognizing that God’s lessons can come from unexpected sources.

The Humility ChallengeRichard challenges the congregation to live out humility, reminding them of the insignificance of human boasting. Proverbs 27:2 advises letting others praise you instead of self-promotion. He underscores this with a photo of Earth from space, illustrating humanity’s smallness in the universe.

Despite this, God’s love remains perfect and unfailing. 2 Peter 3:9 emphasizes God’s patience, wanting everyone to repent. Understanding that every person is a beloved child of God should change how believers interact with others, as Ephesians 4:2 instructs: “Always be humble and gentle… making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love.”

Humility in PracticeHumility drives believers to step back and let God work through them. Richard shares how David, despite being in a position to take Saul’s life, chooses to wait for God’s timing. Psalm 25:9 reinforces that God teaches the humble His way.

Humility also involves stepping down from personal soapboxes and engaging with others as children of God. Winning arguments or proving points pales in comparison to winning hearts for God, one person at a time.

Embracing Humility in ServiceRichard concludes by encouraging the congregation to volunteer and serve, finding their God-given space within the church. From greeting at the door to teaching Sunday school, every role is vital. This act of service not only fulfills God’s purpose but also exemplifies humility in action.

View Details

Lead Like Christ: Fathers LeadThe success of a community is deeply rooted in the strength and presence of its fathers. Communities with strong, involved fathers thrive, while those with weak or absent fathers often struggle with rebellious children and immature adults. Fathers play an essential role in shaping the future of their families and, by extension, their communities.

Fathers LeadChristian fathers are called to lead their families toward a relationship with God and away from sinful desires. The impact of a father on his family is profound, and this influence can be for better or worse. The concept of "monitored freedom" is vital in this leadership role. Granting children freedom before they are wise enough to handle it is irresponsible. Instead, fathers should gradually allow their children more freedom as they demonstrate responsibility, stepping in to restrict that freedom when necessary.

One father's personal experience illustrates this principle well. As a child, he was excited when his parents told him he no longer had a bedtime, only to quickly lose that privilege after staying up too late playing video games. This early lesson in responsibility paved the way for more significant freedoms later on. By the time he turned 16, his parents told him he was no longer accountable to them but to God, whose discipline is more severe (Hebrews 12:6). This transition was crucial, providing a framework for managing freedom responsibly by the time he reached college.

The Gift of FreedomFreedom is a precious yet dangerous gift from God. It requires careful management and accountability. God's discipline, while severe, is an act of love (Hebrews 12:6). This divine model of parenting is a guide for earthly fathers, who should also discipline their children out of love. This discipline helps children learn to manage their freedom and grow into mature, responsible adults.

Many young people today struggle with this concept, often rebelling without understanding the true value and responsibility of freedom. Loving fathers monitor their children's freedom, guiding them to maturity. This mirrors the way God disciplines and guides His children.

Taking ResponsibilityFathers must take responsibility for their children's actions. This responsibility reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus, who took on the sins of humanity. Fathers should lead their homes with the same selfless dedication. When children face consequences for their actions, fathers should be involved, whether by making their children accountable or, at times, stepping in to help bear the burden themselves.

The empathy that fathers feel when their children are hurting is a God-given trait designed to motivate them to help. However, fathers often need a reminder to stay engaged and not turn their backs on their children, as it is easier for them to distance themselves than it is for mothers.

The Importance of FathersThe statistics are clear: fatherless homes significantly impact society. One in four children is raised without a father, compared to one in forty without a mother. Absent fathers weaken communities. God designed the family unit with both a mother and father to lead children into a mature relationship with Him. This partnership is crucial, and when fathers fail to fulfill their role, the entire community suffers.

The Transition in MarriageA significant shift occurs when children marry. According to Matthew 19:5, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." This transition marks the beginning of a new family unit, independent yet built on the foundation laid by their parents. Parents must build strong relationships with their children when they are young to ensure a lasting bond that encourages their children to return home for holidays and special occasions.

Building a Strong FoundationThe time parents have with their children is limited, and building a strong foundation early on is crucial. Fathers should engage in daily activities that reinforce their relationship with their children and their faith. This might include daily discussions about Jesus, playing together, expressing love, reading, eating, and working together. Consistency in these small, everyday actions builds a lasting foundation.

The extended childhood of humans, compared to other animals, underscores the importance of this developmental period. Fathers should not underestimate the long-term impact of their consistent, daily efforts in guiding their children. The ideal is a salvation story where children are gradually brought to faith by their parents' teachings, growing into their beliefs over time.

Proverbs 22:6 provides guidance: "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." While this is a proverb and not a promise, it offers valuable wisdom. Parents should prioritize directing and training their children, understanding that this is a hands-on process. Supervision from a distance is insufficient; active, engaged parenting is necessary to guide children effectively.

ConclusionThe role of fathers in the family and community is of paramount importance. Fathers are called to lead with love, discipline, and responsibility, mirroring the example set by God. By building strong foundations and actively guiding their children, fathers can ensure the success of their families and communities. The impact of a father’s leadership is profound and lasting, shaping not only the present but the future as well. Fathers must embrace this role with dedication, understanding the significance of their influence and the responsibility it entails.

Did you like Lead Like Christ – Week 4 - Fathers Lead? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

The Proverbs 31 Woman: Embracing Integrity, Hard Work, Productivity, Faith, and BeautyLindsay Lundvall, a dedicated school counselor at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School, shares her journey and insights into becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. Married to Shay and mother to two children, Skyin and Breen, Lindsay grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, in a strong Christian home. Attending church every Sunday was the norm, and Christian morals and values were deeply instilled in her from a young age.

The Journey of a People-PleaserLindsay's story highlights her lifelong struggle with people-pleasing. As the youngest of three children and the only granddaughter, she developed a desire to be liked by everyone around her. This need for approval grew over time, especially during her high school and college years. Despite avoiding the typical party scene, she found herself deeply involved in Christian organizations like Campus Crusades for Christ and Oasis, a church outreach program for college students.

The Challenge of Proverbs 31Lindsay’s faith began to solidify during her college years, and she became acutely aware of the Proverbs 31 woman—a model of a virtuous and capable wife. However, she found the chapter both intimidating and unachievable. Like many young Christian women, she viewed Proverbs 31 as a daunting to-do list, feeling immense pressure to live up to its high standards.

Shifting Perspective: Embracing Proverbs 31 as a GuidelineInstead of seeing Proverbs 31 as a checklist, Lindsay learned to view it as a guideline for living out her faith. The chapter can be broken down into five key themes: integrity, hard work, productivity, faith, and beauty.

IntegrityProverbs 31:10-12 says, "Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Integrity is about moral excellence and being uncommon in a world that often values conformity. The entire book of Proverbs aims to teach wisdom, discipline, and the ability to make right decisions, even when they are unpopular.
Hard WorkProverbs 31:13-15 highlights the hard work of the virtuous woman: "She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls." While the specifics may not be relatable today, the essence is clear: sacrificial giving for one’s family. Whether working inside or outside the home, God calls us to give our best in every endeavor.
ProductivityProverbs 31:16 says, "She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard." This verse, along with Proverbs 31:21, which states, "She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes," calls for using time wisely, planning for the future, and being productive with the resources God has given. This productivity extends beyond the home, impacting workplaces and friendships.
FaithProverbs 31:25 proclaims, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." This verse challenges women to be so grounded in God's word that they can face life's challenges with confidence and trust. Leading in faith is not solely the husband’s role; women too are called to actively participate in spiritual leadership within their families and communities.
True BeautyProverbs 31:30 asserts, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." In a world constantly dictating standards of beauty, true beauty is found in integrity, hard work, productivity, and faith. These qualities reflect the inner transformation God is working in each person and will outlast physical appearances.

Embracing Accountability and GraceLindsay’s journey illustrates the difference between pressure and accountability. While pressure leads to feelings of inadequacy, accountability fosters repentance and change. Extending grace to oneself is crucial, recognizing mistakes and learning from them. For instance, Lindsay's daughter, Skyin, learned from a mistake in a softball game, which serves as a reminder that mistakes are part of growth.

The Path of SanctificationThe journey to becoming a Proverbs 31 woman is part of the broader path of sanctification that all believers walk. Perfection is not achieved overnight, but through daily following Jesus, believers are refined and made better. When the world’s standards make people feel inadequate, it’s essential to remember that Jesus has already paid the price, and God’s grace is sufficient.

ConclusionFor those feeling overwhelmed by the call to be a Proverbs 31 woman, it is helpful to focus on one area of struggle. Seeking the guidance of trusted friends or family members can provide insight. Just like the fruits of the Spirit, mastering all these qualities at once is not expected. Jesus was perfect, and He empowers His followers to grow in these areas.

Be uncommon and resist the world’s standards. Each day, choose to pick up the cross and face life’s battles with Jesus by your side. The journey to becoming the women God has called everyone to be is ongoing, but with God’s guidance, it is achievable.

Did you like Lead Like Christ – Week 3 - Proverbs 31? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Have you ever wondered how to follow God’s direction? How do you know what God wants you to do? Today, I want to help you figure out how to discern God’s direction, how to be led by the Spirit; not necessarily to be led by your spirit, but by God's Spirit.

Relationship Over ReligionSay this with me: Relationship > Religion.

Technically, based on the current definition of religion, Christianity is a religion, but in practice, it's much more than that. Christianity offers us a relationship with the God of the universe.

In religion, God says:

Religion = You should. You don’t? You’re toast.

But this isn't how God works. In a relationship, God says:

Relationship = You can't. I can. Let's toast.

Today, we're talking about being led by the Spirit, and outside of an intimate relationship with God, that's hard to describe. A relationship with God is powerful, largely because of the presence of the Holy Spirit. He's not just a power we leverage; He is a person we know. There are a few authors that have been impactful in my life, but their impact is limited. Why? They’re not here. I forget what they wrote or I hear something that contradicts them and doubt them.

The Holy Spirit: Our GuideWhen it comes to living the Christian life, the Bible is our map. Have you ever gone to a hotel, and when you check in they give you a map of the city? I love those things. They've got the cartoon landmarks on them, but when you're in a new city, they're hard to read. So what does the concierge do? They use their pen to point you to things on the map. They’re a guide. For us, the Holy Spirit is our guide.

I like a concierge who tells me the best restaurants and landmarks I need to see, and that's a small picture of what the Holy Spirit does for us. He guides us to the good life and keeps us from danger. Because we are created in the image of God, we intuitively know what is right and what is wrong. Now, sometimes we convince ourselves of lies, but without the influence of lies, we know right and wrong.

The Battle with SinThere’s a passage in Romans where Paul is talking about his battle with sin. The great apostle Paul had not removed all the sin from his life, and he says:

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25, NIV)

To which religion says, “Try harder. Be a better person.” It gives a list of rules: “delete your Netflix account, smash your cell phone, stop drinking alcohol, turn control of the bank account over to your wife.” And maybe you need to do something like that, but the answer Paul is looking for isn’t a rule. It’s not a what. It’s a who: Jesus Christ our Lord.

I need someone, not something. How does God deliver me? With a map, through a guide. The Holy Spirit does more than tell me what sin is. There’s something beyond what's morally right. Most of us don’t usually wrestle with questions about what is sin. We wrestle with “what is best? What is wise?”

Seeking WisdomThere are a million right things that I can do. God never told me I have to marry Darci or I would be sinning. I could have married another girl without sinning. But I didn’t just want to avoid sin. I wanted to do the best thing. Because He is omniscient, He can show us the wisest thing to do. Jesus said:

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” (John 14:15-17, NLT)

That's Scripture. That's the Bible. It's a map that shows us what is right and what is wrong. When we talk about being a Christian, we don’t talk about obeying Jesus. We talk about following Jesus. Do we obey Him? Yes. Because we follow Him. It’s all about the relationship.

Praying for GuidanceIf you could ask God a question about your future or about a decision you're making, what would you ask Him? When you pray and ask God for guidance, what are you usually thinking about? We've all been there. We don't know which job to take, which person to date, which Chiefs jersey to buy. David prayed that kind of prayer:

“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” (Psalm 25:5, ESV)

Have you ever asked God to lead you, and it just seems like He's not responding? So you wait and wait, and it just seems like He's not there? The Hebrew word that is translated as wait here is the word kawa.

Intertwined with GodKawa = Wait

Actually, over time, the word wait has changed meanings, and it's not a strong translation of kawa anymore. A better definition of the word kawa is intertwined.

Kawa = Wait = Intertwined

Imagine doing a three-legged walk. What would happen if one person wants to go alone? But when they’re in sync, that’s kawa. When we kawa with God, when He pauses, we pause. When He runs, we run. If there’s part of you still going your own way, you’re not in tune with the Spirit. That chapter in John concludes like this:

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26, NLT)

Practical Leading of the SpiritSometimes we think being led by the Spirit is only about getting quiet and waiting for a good feeling, but for me, the Holy Spirit’s leading is more practical than that. He uses Scripture. He uses wisdom. And often, the Holy Spirit also uses people to lead us:

“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” (Proverbs 19:20, NLT)

Don’t try to discern the Holy Spirit alone. Ask wise advisors for help. After you completed your PSA, you were assigned a spiritual advisor. Email your advisor and ask for advice. If you don’t have a spiritual advisor yet, go do a PSA.

Steps to Be Led by the SpiritIf you want to be led by the Spirit:

Ask for advice.
Pray a lot.
Read Scripture.

Here’s something that has worked for me. If you still don’t have clear directions, go back and do the last thing you know God told you to do. Darci is different. She’s tempted not to move on, so the advice she needs is “just do the next right thing.”

Obedience to the SpiritJesus didn’t feel at peace in the Garden of Gethsemane. He just did the last thing the Father told Him to do. When people talk about what God wants them to do, I often hear people say, “I don’t have a peace about it.” Well, you might not. Don’t rely on a feeling. Our feelings lie to us.

Here’s the truth about being led by the Spirit that people don’t want to hear:

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NIV)

Living a life led by the Spirit is living a life of obedience. We don’t do what feels good or what we want to do. We do what God tells us to do. If you want to be led by the Spirit, but you can identify a part of your life that is not aligned to God’s instructions, bring that in alignment with Him.

Overcoming ObstaclesMost of us have settled in one area or another. We’ve allowed there to be a part of our lives that is not obedient to Christ, and we start to allow Satan to lie to us and tell us we can’t bring that area of our lives in alignment with God. But that is a lie. It is a lie that can keep you from fully becoming the person that God created you to be. I’m not judging you. I’m still working on these areas in my life too, but we can’t give up.

Do you have a secret addiction? Are you allowing hate or jealousy to control you? Or are you living a life on mission? Are you serving, giving sacrificially, loving your neighbor?

ConclusionBeing led by the Spirit is about fostering a deep, intimate relationship with God, allowing His presence to guide you in every aspect of your life. It's about obedience, wisdom, and intertwining your life with His will. Let’s seek His guidance together, through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel, and live the life He has called us to.

Remember, the journey of being led by the Spirit is ongoing. Stay connected with God, seek His wisdom, and let the Holy Spirit guide you every step of the way.

View Details

The Light of the LeaderWe have a special treat for you today. You won't have to hear me preach—congratulations! Instead, we have a guest speaker, Jen Krauss, from Buffalo, who will share her powerful testimony with us. Jen has written a book called Proof God Hears Your Prayers, available on Amazon, and she also hosts a podcast called Godspeed Wyoming. I believe you will be blessed by her testimony today. Please welcome Jen Krauss!

Introduction

Thank you all for allowing me to be here today. I'm from Buffalo, where I attend Summit Wesleyan Church. Our pastor, Pastor William Dunlap, started his faith journey here and had such wonderful things to say about you all. I'm thrilled to be here to talk about two of my favorite things: God and leadership. Today, I want to share my testimony and my journey through leadership—something I never imagined for myself.

Early Beginnings

My leadership journey started when I was five years old, on my first day of kindergarten. I was always a social butterfly, eager to meet new kids. As I got off the bus, I smelled something amazing—blueberry muffins. I had never had one before, so I followed the scent to the cafeteria, only to be told I didn't qualify for breakfast because I had a pink ticket. Two boys mocked me, calling me the "poor girl." I was devastated and went behind the school to cry and pray, asking God why this was happening to me. Despite the hurt, I prayed that one day I would have as many blueberry muffins as I wanted. This early experience shaped my resilience and determination.

A Life-Altering Accident

At 16, my life changed forever due to a severe car accident. I lost control of my car, wasn't wearing a seatbelt, and was ejected during the crash. I was found in a field and flown to a trauma hospital where I fought for my life. I had broken my back, neck, and ribs, puncturing my lungs. Doctors told my parents to stop life support, but I was conscious and prayed desperately for God to save my life. Miraculously, my lungs healed, and I began to breathe on my own. The doctors were amazed, calling it a miracle.

However, I soon learned I was paralyzed from the chest down. The news was devastating. I couldn't imagine life in a wheelchair and fell into a deep depression. I questioned why God saved my life but didn't heal all of me. A compassionate nurse named Jennifer helped me see hope and encouraged me to pursue college, despite my circumstances.

Education and Early Career

With Jennifer's encouragement, I graduated high school and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in social work. I became a medical social worker at St. Mary Corwin Hospital, helping others with disabilities. On my first day of work, I smelled blueberry muffins again, bringing back memories and reinforcing my faith in God's plan. It was a sign that God had heard my prayers from childhood and had a purpose for me.

Leadership Roles and Personal Growth

God began opening leadership doors for me. By 27, I was a director at St. Mary Corwin, and by 30, I became a CEO of a rehabilitation company. Despite my initial doubts, I embraced these roles, trusting in God's guidance. I met my husband, Dustin, and we had a son, Waylon, despite the high risks associated with my spinal cord injury. Waylon is a testament to God's blessings in our lives.

After Waylon's birth, I transitioned to a new role at Sheridan College, eventually becoming the executive director of the Sheridan College Foundation and vice president of students. Throughout my career, I relied on Christlike leadership principles—grace, respect, love, and engaged listening. These principles have been crucial in my success.

Navigating Challenges and Burnout

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges, including burnout. I was overwhelmed, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. Pastor William introduced me to the concept of eliminating hurry through the book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. This book resonated deeply with me, emphasizing simplicity and solitude.

I implemented a daily practice of silence and solitude, spending ten minutes each morning in prayer, reflection, and journaling. This practice has been transformative, helping me maintain balance and focus in my leadership roles.

Conclusion

As I wrap up, I want to share my declaration, which I recite during my morning pregame:

"I will walk slowly enough to experience God's goodness fully, and I will love people deeply. Help me, God, to be present."

This declaration sets the tone for my day, reminding me to prioritize God's presence and love in all my interactions. I encourage you all to find your own moments of silence and solitude, allowing God to guide and refresh you.

Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you today. May God bless you all abundantly.

Scripture References:

Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Jeremiah 29:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

These scriptures reflect the themes of resilience, God's plans, strength in adversity, and finding purpose in challenging circumstances.

Did you like Lead Like Christ – Week 1 - The Light of the Leader? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

More Than Animals: ViolenceBefore diving into today's topic, I want to start with a brief word about politics. I firmly believe that neither political nor military solutions can fully address the deep issues America faces today. While we do need good Christian people engaged in political battles, the core problem is too profound to be solved solely through these means. We need to win hearts first.

In 1973, a major shift occurred in American politics. Previously, Democrats and Republicans primarily contested economic and legal issues. However, once politicians entered the realm of morality, they struggled. Now, choosing between Democrat and Republican often means choosing a set of morals. We must stop trusting politicians to define our morals. There is no political solution to our problem; we need a spiritual solution.

We often speak about the revival sparked by John Wesley, but we seldom discuss its societal impact. The Wesleyan revival, along with George Whitfield's efforts, saved England from a revolution similar to France's. Secular media rarely tells this story.

Consider Tiananmen Square, known for the iconic image of a man standing before a tank. The secular narrative frames it as a victory for democracy, but that oversimplifies the truth. In reality, thousands of Christians were baptized in Tiananmen Square during a Christian revival.

We need a spiritual revival. Amen?

Violence: An IntroductionWe’re in a series called More Than Animals, exploring what sets humans apart from animals. When someone says, "I’m not an animal," they mean they won't let their emotions control them. Today’s topic is one you might not have heard a sermon on before: Violence.

Watching nature shows about animals killing other animals is unsettling. The world is unimaginably violent, from fish eating fish in the sea to the constant struggles for survival. We must acknowledge that:

The world has a violence problem.

In recent years, both illegal and legal violence (war) have increased significantly. While I am not a pacifist and support fighting for those who cannot defend themselves, Paul’s words resonate deeply:

Romans 12:19-21: "Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, 'I will take revenge; I will pay them back,' says the Lord. Instead, 'If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.' Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good."

Just WarWe must consider what constitutes a just war. Here are five criteria based on Scripture:

Legitimate Authority: War must be waged by a recognized authority, not by mobs, terrorists, or anarchists. God establishes rulers to govern people.
Defensive, Not Offensive: Governments often label wars as defensive, but we must honestly evaluate the true motivations—protecting people or seizing resources.
Fight Fighters: Avoid intentionally harming civilians. Target the aggressors, not the innocent.
Preserve Life: Use proportional force, ensuring more lives are preserved than taken.
Last Resort: War should be a last resort, not a knee-jerk reaction. We must be slow to respond.

The War of HeartsThe conflict in Israel is fundamentally a war of hearts. As long as the people of Gaza harbor hatred towards Israelis, groups like Hamas will continue to rise. Military action alone cannot change hearts, as we learned in Afghanistan.

This principle applies to our personal relationships as well. If you have a son who isn’t living as you’d like, a neighbor who neglects their yard, or a coworker who shirks responsibilities, you must find ways to change their hearts, not by shouting, but by setting an example.

Setting an ExampleWhen we discuss violence, we’re not just talking about physical altercations. We’re also addressing those who act on angry impulses through social media posts, gossip, or retaliation. Show people you’re not the evil person they think you are. This is how we reduce hatred.

“Nothing good ever comes of violence.” - Martin Luther

Thousands of Ukrainian and Russian boys are dying over territorial disputes. This breaks my heart. The Israel-Hamas conflict, which has been ongoing for thousands of years, is an ancient family feud. Consider this story about King David:

1 Samuel 24:1-4: "After Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David had gone into the wilderness of En-gedi. So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats. At the place where the road passes some sheepfolds, Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were hiding farther back in that very cave! 'Now’s your opportunity!' David’s men whispered to him. 'Today the Lord is telling you, "I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish."' So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe."

David had the chance to kill Saul and take the throne, but he knew God had a plan. He trusted God to handle vengeance and rescue.

1 Samuel 24:7-12: "So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul. After Saul had left the cave and gone on his way, David came out and shouted after him, 'My lord the king!' And when Saul looked around, David bowed low before him. Then he shouted to Saul, 'Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true. For the Lord placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you...I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.'"

David was not a pacifist; he was a giant slayer and a military hero. This is not a sermon against the military or war, but we must not act on violent impulses.

1 Samuel 24:16-17: "When David had finished speaking, Saul called back, 'Is that really you, my son David?' Then he began to cry. And he said to David, 'You are a better man than I am, for you have repaid me good for evil.'"

Personal ApplicationYou will probably never have to decide whether to kill someone, but you will have to decide whether to gossip, post hateful messages on social media, or criticize your spouse. You will never fight your way to a better relationship. If you and your spouse fight frequently, the solution isn’t proving who is smarter or better. It’s about a submission competition—a contest of generosity.

Our 24/7 news media world is very angry, but we will only win hearts with Christlike love, relentless forgiveness, and generosity. That is why:

Love is the great command.

It’s the only method that actually works. However, this doesn’t always work with kids. Kids struggle with this because they are immature and act on impulse. They can be bullies at school because their sinful desires control them.

A toddler can receive a gift without showing gratitude. But as we mature, we learn to trust those who are kind and resist the mean. Let’s mature past violence and anger. We’re not animals.

ConclusionWe need to remember that we are more than animals. We are called to act with love, patience, and understanding, resisting the urge to retaliate or act on violent impulses. Let’s strive to win hearts and bring about a spiritual revival through our actions and attitudes. Amen?

Did you like More Than Animals – Week 4 - Violence? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

We’re in a series called More Than Animals, where we're exploring the unique aspects of being human. Today’s topic is Monogamy.

Monogamy
In our current culture, everything is sexualized. It’s pervasive on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and various dating apps. They elevate sex to a level it doesn’t deserve. Our vocabulary even reflects this overemphasis on sex. For example, I once used the term "hookup" in a sermon, and everyone gasped.

Sin sexualizes everything it touches.
We teach our kids an illusion of thoughtless freedom with the idea that if we can’t stop them, we should at least teach them safe sex. But we need a higher standard. Parents, it’s crucial to talk to your kids about sex earlier than you think necessary. By fifth grade, they already know about it. I recommend a practical guide:

Sex is dangerous, but it's good.
There's tremendous power in sex, and kids aren't ready for that much power. But this doesn’t mean sex is bad. Only God could have created the pleasures of sex. From an evolutionary perspective, reproduction could be just a mechanical exchange of bodily fluids. But for humans (and maybe dolphins), sex isn’t just an urge. It’s a gift.

God created sex.
Sex is morally good. A sinless life is not a sexless life. Coming out of youth group, I thought sex was evil. It’s not. But God did put parameters on sex. I don’t expect non-Christians to follow these, but here are some Biblical parameters for sex:

One Marriage: The ideal is that divorce is never necessary. God wants your marriage to last forever. While we believe in forgiveness, God does hate divorce.
Two People: Be creative in the bedroom, but don’t bring others into it. Make a lifelong marriage commitment before having sex.
Make Babies: This largely explains why two different genders are necessary in a sexual relationship. If you can't have babies, you can still have sex, but we're talking about God's ideal.

Why did God create sex?

To Make Disciples: Sex literally makes disciples. The primary way Christianity grows is by having kids and teaching them to love God. Christians, we’re not doing enough of this. Throughout Scripture, God says:Genesis 9:1: "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth."

On making babies, the Bible is not unbiased. Have lots of babies. Our culture discourages large families and calls them irresponsible, which is absurd. If you can't have babies, adopt.

Psalm 127:4-5: "Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!" 2. To Strengthen Relationships: Sex builds intimacy between a husband and wife that goes beyond the bedroom. Humans are the only "animals" that have sex face-to-face because it helps build healthy relationships. 3. To Reflect God’s Image: When a man and a woman have sex, they become a new person. This is why the Church is called the bride of Christ. When a man and woman are united, they reflect God’s image.Genesis 2:24-25: "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame."

The world’s version of sex is full of shame.

Biblical Sex Fills, Uncommitted Sex Spills
When you have sex within the parameters of marriage, it’s fulfilling. Outside of these parameters, it leaves you feeling empty. When you give yourself sexually to someone, they take part of you and might gossip about you, leaving you depleted.

Require a Covenant.
Someone might say they love you, but unless they’re willing to marry you, don’t believe them. Don’t give yourself to someone who hasn’t made a marriage covenant with you.

Biblical Sex Requires:

Intimacy: More than sharing your body; it’s sharing your burdens, blessings, and dreams. When kissing starts, talking stops. We need both.
Commitment: Without commitment, there’s no trust. Spend a life, not just a night, together.
Maturity: Deferred gratification is essential. Studies show that the older the age of sexual activity, the higher the chances of long-term relationship success.
Love: Love is the Christian moral ethic, and you can’t have Biblical sex without Christian love. Sex as a recreational activity goes against the primary Christian command because it hurts you and your partner.“The trouble with a sick and purely physical sexuality is that the whole person is not involved. The bodily libido is temporarily satisfied, but the heart and mind do not participate and therefore are not quieted by the encounter. Sexuality without love never achieves fulfillment, for when sexuality breaks free from love, it can never be total.” – Helmut Thielicke

We are people of love because God is love. If sex is disconnected from real, sacrificially committed love, it’s not used the way God intended.

John 4:7-18:

7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans.[a] She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”

13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

15 “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”

16 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.

17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.

Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— 18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”

This woman was empty and depleted because she had given herself to too many men. Jesus offered her true fulfillment.

Jesus told her to get her husband because her husband should be filling her up. Your cup shouldn’t be empty. If you’re married and your spouse isn’t doing the give and receive thing, seek counseling. Invest in your marriage.

This isn’t God’s plan. Her plan left her depleted. If you’ve depleted yourself, God wants to make you whole again. Then, He wants you to do it His way. Jesus told the woman at the well that she was looking for fulfillment in the wrong place, and He offered her true fulfillment. Her past mistakes didn’t mean the end for her; they made her more desperate for God to fill her cup.

View Details

More Than Animals: IdentityWelcome to Week 2 of our teaching series, "More Than Animals." Today, we dive into a topic that’s been at the forefront of cultural conversations: Identity. We’re exploring what separates us from animals in terms of identity, dreams, hopes, and spiritual purpose.

The Concept of IdentityAnimals don't have a sense of identity the way humans do. They don't differentiate themselves, dream big dreams, or ponder eternity and purpose. In contrast, our kids are inundated with a new religion called Gender Identity. This topic is complex and sensitive, often better addressed in one-on-one conversations, but given its cultural dominance, we need to discuss it openly and with love.

I must give credit to those who have informed my understanding of this topic. I’ve read and listened to experts, compiling their insights here. My aim isn’t to take a political stand or fight a cultural battle but to offer Freedom and Clarity in Jesus. This is a spiritual issue, and while you may disagree with me, my motivation is love.

Many people today experience deep pain, believing they were born in the wrong body. This belief is widespread, but as a Christian community, we must address it with truth and compassion.

Ground Rules1. I don't have time to address everything. This topic is extensive, and a 30-minute sermon won't cover it all. I recommend Preston Sprinkle's book "Embodied" for a comprehensive understanding. 2. It's okay to disagree. We must stop separating ourselves from those we disagree with. My goal is to present what Scripture says. 3. Don't clap. Let's not alienate anyone. This is a journey we walk together. 4. Speak the truth in love. Welcome Graciously is one of our core values. We don't start fights over secondary issues and don’t expect everyone to agree.

Ephesians 4:15: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."

You Are Welcome HereIf you struggle with gender identity, you are welcome in this church. If you disagree with me, you’re still welcome. Jesus can transform your life for the better. Today, we’ll discuss three things:

What makes a biological male and female?
What does the Bible say about being male and female?
How should we respond to people who have transgender struggles?

What Makes a Biological Male and Female?Biologists generally agree on three characteristics that define the difference between male and female: roles in reproduction, external anatomy, and the presence of a Y chromosome. But how does this help those struggling with gender identity?

Gender Dysphoria is a real, painful condition, affecting about 0.005% - 0.014% of the population. For many, the issue isn’t gender dysphoria but Gender Stereotypes.

Parents often worry when their children defy gender norms, but such behavior doesn’t necessarily indicate transgender identity. Gender stereotypes are culturally constructed, not biblically mandated.

Lady's Home Journal (1918): "Pink, being a more decided and strong color, is more suitable for boys. While blue, which is more delicate and dainty, is prettier for a girl."

In the Bible, we see men and women defying stereotypes. David, a man, cried and played the harp. Deborah, a woman, was a judge and warrior. Gender stereotypes are cultural, not biblical.

What Does the Bible Say About Being Male and Female?Genesis 1:27: "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

Men and women are created in God's image, both necessary to fulfill God's command to be fruitful and govern the earth.

Genesis 1:28: "Then God blessed them and said, 'Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.'"

Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 19:4: "Haven’t you read the Scriptures? They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.'"

Acting on the desire to change sexual identity often leads to more pain, not less. Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us that we are wonderfully made by God. Trust that God made you on purpose for a purpose.

How Should We Respond to People Who Have Transgender Struggles?The answer is clear: LOVE. Move closer to people, even when you disagree. Love unconditionally, but understand the difference between love and affirmation.

Romans 2:4: "Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"

Young people who transition are at higher risk of suicide and psychological disorders. As adults, it’s our job to say "no" to harmful desires, lovingly guiding them towards God’s purpose.

We are labeled by our maker. On the back of your shirt is a label indicating its maker. Similarly, only our Creator can label us.

Your identity is "child of God." This is who you are.

Romans 2:4 reminds us that God’s kindness leads to life change. Let's not stand against transgender people but encourage them to become the people God created them to be.

Discussion Points for Life Groups:

How can we support those struggling with gender identity in our community?
What does it mean to speak the truth in love in this context?
How can we better understand and dismantle gender stereotypes?

This week, let’s pray for each other, for wisdom, compassion, and understanding as we navigate these complex issues together.

If you have questions or need support, our pastoral team is here for you. Let’s walk this journey with grace, truth, and love.

Feel free to explore more on this topic and join our Life Groups for deeper discussions. Remember, in Christ, we find our true identity and purpose.

Did you like More Than Animals – Week 2 - Identity? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Welcome to our teaching series, "More Than Animals." This series explores the aspects of human life that set us apart from animals. Today's message is particularly sensitive and carries a PG-13 warning as we delve into the topic of Chastity.

Celebrating Singleness and ChastityA Message for SinglesMany single people in our church feel left out. Much of our teaching focuses on parenting and marriage, which might make singles feel like second-class citizens in Heaven. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Many great fathers of our faith were never married. Consider Jesus and the apostle Paul—two of the most influential figures in human history who never married.

Redefining MarriageBefore we proceed, let’s define what we mean by marriage. The world has co-opted the term to control us with taxes and legalities. However, when we speak of marriage, we refer to a covenant before God—a commitment to monogamy that is more spiritual than legal. The early church even held celibacy ceremonies, highlighting the importance of commitment, whether to chastity or marital fidelity.

The Concept of ChastityChastity often carries misconceptions. When we hear the term, images of Catholic priests or chastity belts come to mind, but it’s much more than that. Chastity means refraining from sexual intercourse, which is a good thing at times. Some people are called to live a life of complete chastity, giving up sex but not relationships.

The Gift of ChastityPaul talks about this special calling in his letter to the Corinthians:

"But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another" (1 Corinthians 7:7, NLT).

However, the word "single" isn't in the original text. A more accurate translation would be:

"I wish now all men to be like even myself, but each has his own gift from God, one has indeed this, others that" (1 Corinthians 7:7).

Paul wasn’t single in the lonely sense. He always had companions. He continues:

"So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust... I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided" (1 Corinthians 7:8-9, 32-34, NLT).

Therefore, a better term than "single" might be "devout." Someone who decides to remain unmarried should do so to fully dedicate themselves to God.

"But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry" (1 Corinthians 7:37, NLT).

The Church’s RoleUnfortunately, the church has idolized marriage, implying that it will fulfill you. This has alienated unmarried people and placed undue pressure on marriages. We need to celebrate those who choose a different path, one of chastity and devotion to God.

The Greatest LoveJesus highlighted the highest form of love:

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13, NLT).

This doesn’t require marriage. It’s about deep, intimate Christian friendships. Chastity isn’t just for those without a sex drive. Even Paul, in one of his last letters to Timothy, emphasized the importance of staying close to God:

"Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1, NLT).

Avoiding TemptationPaul advised Timothy to avoid situations that could lead to sin:

"Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts" (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT).

We can have equally yoked friendships that provide companionship and support.

The Misconception of ChastityThe traditional response of the church to people attracted to the same sex has been chastity. However, we’ve glorified marriage and sex so much that chastity seems like a miserable alternative. Paul, however, celebrated it as a better choice.

If you are attracted to the same sex, consider praying about chastity. You might be called to it or to marry someone of the opposite sex despite same-sex attractions. We need to apologize for taking away this gift from those whom God has called to chastity.

When Marriage Isn’t the AnswerNot everyone finds the right person to marry. Maybe God hasn't placed that person in your path because He has called you to a period of chastity or perhaps lifelong chastity. Remember, marriage and sex can't fulfill you. Only a relationship with God can.

Jesus spoke about this:

"Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can" (Matthew 19:12, NLT).

Jesus understood intersex issues and sexual abuse. He acknowledged that for some, there is a higher calling than marriage.

ConclusionIn your Life Group discussions this week, pray for each other. Even if you’re married, it’s our responsibility to correct the over-glorification of marriage. Let's start celebrating those called to chastity. Chastity is not a lesser path but a calling to a deeper, more devoted relationship with God.

View Details

Awaken Sunday 2024Caleb Smith shared this message titled "The Fourth Man in the Furnace," drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:16-30. This story speaks powerfully to faith, courage, and God's presence in our most challenging times.

Historical Context and The Challenge of Faith

The narrative begins with the three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who faced a life-or-death situation. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon demanded they worship a golden statue he had erected. Defiance meant a horrifying death in a blazing furnace. Despite the dire consequences, these men refused to bow, demonstrating an unshakeable faith.

Their response to the king, recorded in Daniel 3:16-18, reflects their profound trust in God: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us... But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” They chose integrity over life, standing firm in their devotion to God.

Nebuchadnezzar's Rage and the Fiery Trial

Nebuchadnezzar's fury reached its peak, and he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual. The heat was so intense that it killed the soldiers who threw the three men into the flames. This scenario was not only a test of physical endurance but also a profound spiritual trial. Facing one of the most excruciating and dehumanizing forms of execution, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's faith was unyielding.

Divine Intervention and The Fourth Man

In a miraculous turn of events, Nebuchadnezzar observed not three but four men walking unharmed in the furnace. The fourth man, who appeared like a divine being, is believed by many to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus. This divine presence transformed a moment of potential despair into an extraordinary encounter with God.

The Outcome and Nebuchadnezzar’s Transformation

Amazed and awed, Nebuchadnezzar called the men out of the furnace. Not only were they unharmed, but even their clothes were untouched by the fire, and they didn't smell of smoke. This profound miracle led Nebuchadnezzar to praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, acknowledging His unparalleled power and issuing a decree that no one should speak against their God.

The king promoted the three men to higher positions, providing them with greater opportunities to serve and influence their nation for God.

Lessons for Us Today

Faith in the Face of Persecution: The steadfast faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego serves as a powerful example. They trusted God entirely, even if it meant their death. Their story reminds us that true faith does not waver under pressure.
God's Presence in Our Trials: God often meets us in our "furnaces"—our trials and challenges. These experiences, while daunting, are opportunities for divine encounters. Jesus said He would be with us in the furnace, just as He was with these three men.
The Cost and Reward of Discipleship: Following Jesus can lead us into difficult and risky situations. However, these are also the places where we experience God's presence most profoundly. Church planting, for example, is a "furnace experience" where we meet God in new and powerful ways.
Avoiding Furnace Avoidance: There is a temptation in modern life to avoid discomfort and seek a smooth, easy existence. However, the greatest experiences of God often come through trials and challenges. Praying for opportunities to demonstrate our devotion can lead us to these transformative encounters.
The Legacy of Faith: The faith and courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have inspired countless believers throughout history. Their story encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God honors and uses such devotion for His purposes.

Conclusion: A Call to Courageous Faith

As we reflect on this story, let us be inspired to pray a bold prayer: "God, give me the chance to show my devotion to you." This prayer may lead us into challenging situations, but it is in these "furnaces" that we meet God most intimately.

God's call to us is clear: He will meet us in our trials, just as He met Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Let us embrace this truth and live out our faith with courage and conviction, trusting that God will be with us in every challenge we face.

Did you like this message from Awaken Sunday 2024? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 6Welcome to the final teaching of our church series, Galatians: Rescued and Recruited. Today's message, titled "Your Work", delves into our role as believers in the grand mission of God. Let's journey together through the insightful words shared in this message.

Deadbeat or Disciple?God, in His infinite grace, has chosen us to be in a relationship with Him. But the question remains: What kind of partner will we be? Will we passively watch from the sidelines, hoping someone else will do the work, or will we actively engage as disciples in the game of life?

Embracing the MissionThe call to be missionaries transcends geographical boundaries. It's not just about relocating; it's about embracing a heart posture of service wherever we are. True missionary work involves deeds, not just words. It's about serving within the family of faith, nurturing and building up one another.

Galatians 6:9-10

9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

The Role of the ChurchOur church serves as the training ground for future leaders, influencers, and world-changers. Each member has a vital role to play in nurturing the next generation of spiritual warriors. From teaching Bible stories to welcoming newcomers, every act of service contributes to the kingdom's growth.

Rise to the ChallengeAs our church enters a season of transition, it's time for mentees to become mentors, for followers to become leaders. We are all called to be missionaries, both within and outside the church walls. Let's step up, fill the gaps, and actively participate in the mission of God.

Join the Winning TeamWhile God's mission will prevail with or without us, we have the privilege of being invited to participate. Just like a parent allowing their child to "drive" the car from their lap, God delights in involving us in His divine work. Let's not miss out on the joy of playing on God's team.

Take Action TodayNow is the time to take action. Fil out this form. Our church needs each one of us to step up and serve. Together, let's embrace the call to serve where we are and make a difference in our community.

ConclusionAs we conclude this teaching series on Galatians, let's remember that we are not just passive recipients of God's grace but active participants in His mission. Let's commit to being faithful stewards of the opportunities He has given us and live out our calling as missionaries in our homes, our church, and our world

Did you like Galatians - Rescued & Recruited – Week 6? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 5Pastor Wes in Week 5 of the Galatians: Rescued & Recruited series centers around the importance of facing reality, forming a plan, and taking action in our lives as individuals and as a church community. He begins by commending the congregation for their transformation and impact on others, encouraging them to continue multiplying in God's kingdom.

The core of his message is illustrated through a story from Luke 16 about a dishonest manager who, despite his faults, faces reality, forms a plan, and takes immediate action to secure his future. Pastor Wes unpacks this story, highlighting the manager's proactive approach and the commendation he receives from his master.

He then challenges the congregation to reflect on how they face reality in their own lives, emphasizing the importance of forming concrete plans and taking immediate action. He acknowledges the tendency to spiritualize problems instead of addressing them directly and urges the congregation to overcome this by partnering with God in their journey.

In conclusion, Pastor Wes draws a parallel between the message of Galatians, which calls for humility and mutual support within the church community, and the story of the dishonest manager, emphasizing the transformative power of facing reality, forming plans, and taking action together.

This message encourages you to embrace vulnerability, seek support from one another, and trust in God's guidance as they navigate life's challenges and opportunities.

Luke 16:1-18Parable of the Shrewd Manager16 Jesus told this story to his disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. 2 So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’

3 “The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. 4 Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.’

5 “So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ 6 The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.[a]’

7 “‘And how much do you owe my employer?’ he asked the next man. ‘I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here,’ the manager said, ‘take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.[b]’

8 “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. 9 Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.[c]

10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

14 The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. 15 Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.

16 “Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in.[d] 17 But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of God’s law to be overturned.

18 “For example, a man who divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery. And anyone who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.”

Did you like Galatians - Rescued & Recruited – Week 4? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 4In the midst of our daily routines and distractions, it's easy to forget that we are engaged in a spiritual battle. Just as wars rage across the globe, a war wages within each of us—a battle between our spirit and our flesh. However, in today's passage from Galatians, Paul offers us a solution to this internal conflict:

Letting the Holy Spirit Guide Our Lives

Galatians 5:16 presents us with a powerful directive: "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives." This simple yet profound idea lies at the core of my theological beliefs. I firmly believe that when we align ourselves with the Spirit, incredible transformation occurs. God actively works to sanctify us, shaping us into the individuals He intended us to be from the beginning.

Navigating Life's Decisions

Life is filled with decisions—some small, some significant. Each choice we make presents us with a fork in the road, a moment where we must decide whether to follow the promptings of our spirit or succumb to the desires of our flesh. Yet, as daunting as these decisions may seem, they hold the power to shape our lives in profound ways.

The Concept of Laminar Flow

When we consistently choose to follow the leading of the Spirit, our lives enter a state of "laminar flow." Like water moving smoothly and effortlessly, we find ourselves in a rhythm of obedience and alignment with God's will. Galatians 5:16-17 illustrates this concept, highlighting the ongoing battle between our sinful nature and the desires of the Spirit.

Practical Steps Toward Spiritual Alignment

For those seeking practical guidance, the answer lies in daily prioritization of our relationship with God. By intentionally putting God first in our lives, we create space for His transformative work to take place. As Galatians 5:19-21 reveals, the fruits of the Spirit—such as love, joy, and self-control—stand in stark contrast to the works of the flesh.

Galatians 5:19-22

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

The Tension Between Faith and Works

While faith alone saves us, genuine faith inevitably produces good works. James 2:17 emphasizes the importance of deeds that reflect our faith, while Ephesians 2:9 reminds us that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our own efforts. Thus, while works do not earn our salvation, they serve as evidence of our genuine faith and transformation.

Embracing the Spirit-Led Life

Ultimately, those who belong to Christ have crucified their sinful nature and embraced the guidance of the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-26). Being led by the Spirit is not a burden but a blessing—a pathway to true freedom and empowerment. Romans 8:11 reassures us that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead resides within us, offering us new life and vitality.

Surrendering to the Spirit

As we navigate the complexities of life, may we surrender every aspect of our being to the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit. Whether in our finances, relationships, or daily habits, let us choose to follow the Spirit rather than our sinful nature. In doing so, we embrace the abundant life and freedom that Christ offers to all who believe.

In conclusion, let us allow the gospel—the good news of God's love and redemption through Jesus Christ—to permeate every aspect of our lives. May the transformative power of the Spirit shape us into the individuals we were created to be, empowering us to make a lasting impact on the world around us.

Did you like Galatians - Rescued & Recruited – Week 4? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 3Living in Freedom: Finding Balance in Faith

Are you the type of person who tends to lean towards extremes? Do you find yourself diving headfirst into whatever you believe in, whether it's assertiveness, exercise, or saving money? While passion and dedication are admirable qualities, when taken to the extreme, they can often lead to unhealthy outcomes.

Avoiding Extremes in Theology

The same principle applies to theology. Over the years, I've come to realize that extremes in theological beliefs are rarely beneficial. From the notion of total free will to the idea of determinism, each extreme presents an incomplete picture of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Similarly, within Christianity, there are extremes like Cessationalism, which denies the continuation of spiritual gifts, and Charismania, which places undue emphasis on miraculous signs and wonders.

The Dangers of Libertinism and Legalism

Two extremes that are particularly prevalent in Christian circles are Libertinism and Legalism. Libertinism suggests that grace gives us a license to indulge in whatever we desire, under the guise of freedom. However, this mindset often leads to bondage, addiction, and selfishness, as it disregards the transformative power of God's grace.

On the other hand, Legalism imposes a rigid set of rules and regulations, with the belief that strict adherence to these laws will earn favor with God. Yet, this legalistic mindset only serves to create further bondage, as it fosters a mentality of constant striving and fear of failure.

Embracing Grace Over Legalism

God's way, however, is one of grace. Grace acknowledges our shortcomings and failures but invites us to come to God with honesty and humility. It recognizes that we cannot earn God's love through our own efforts but instead invites us to receive His unmerited favor.

Scripture underscores this truth in Romans 5:8, it says But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Moreover, passages like Deuteronomy 4:2 and Galatians 3:19 highlight the dangers of adding to or subtracting from God's commands, emphasizing the importance of staying true to His Word.

The Purpose of the Law

While the law serves as a mirror, revealing our sinfulness and need for a Savior, it was never intended to be a permanent solution. Instead, it points us towards Christ, who fulfilled the requirements of the law on our behalf. As Galatians 3:24-25 explains, the law served as our guardian until the coming of Christ, but now that faith has come, we are no longer bound by its requirements.

Living in the Freedom of Grace

Guilt, shame, and condemnation have no place in the life of a believer who has been set free by Christ's sacrifice. Hebrews 8:12 assures us of God's forgiveness and His decision to remember our sins no more. Therefore, we are called to live in the joy and freedom that comes from knowing we are loved and forgiven.

Embracing Confidence in God's Grace

Confidence in God's grace brings a level of joy and assurance that transcends circumstances. Just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb to reveal the risen Christ, so too are we invited to live in the confidence that comes from knowing our Savior conquered sin and death.

Finding Balance in Faith

As we navigate our Christian journey, let us strive to find balance between legalism and libertinism, avoiding the bondage of self-righteousness while also fleeing from the chains of sin. May we embrace the freedom that comes from living in the grace of God, confident in His love and forgiveness.

In prayer, let us surrender our legalistic tendencies and our libertine desires, instead choosing to walk in the freedom and joy that come from knowing Christ. May His grace empower us to live lives that honor Him in all that we do.

View Details

Galatians: Rescued & Recruited - Week 2New, Life, Gillette, Church, Bible, Mike, Wilson, Wyoming, Grace, Salvation, GalatiansDespite the trials and tribulations many of us face, it's crucial to remember that joy is a choice. While it's okay to grieve and struggle, we mustn't allow ourselves to remain stuck in negativity. Instead, we must actively choose joy, celebrating the good things that God is doing in our lives.

The Gospel: Good News Indeed

Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭17-20‬17 But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. 19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ.[a] It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.The Christian message is often referred to as the gospel, which simply means "good news." Unlike other religions that preach a message of works-based salvation, Christianity offers a radically different perspective. In Christ, we find freedom from the burden of trying to earn our way to Heaven. Instead, salvation is a gift bestowed upon us by a gracious and loving God.

Living by Faith, Not by Works

In the past, many of us may have fallen into the trap of trying to earn God's favor through adherence to religious laws and regulations. However, as the Apostle Paul eloquently explains in Galatians, our righteousness does not come from our own efforts to obey the law. Rather, it comes from placing our faith in Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life on our behalf.

Understanding the Role of Faith

Faith is more than just acknowledging the existence of God; it's about trusting in Him for our salvation. Just as believing a doctor's diagnosis of cancer is only the first step towards healing, so too is believing in Jesus Christ the initial step towards salvation. It's not our belief that saves us, but rather God's grace working through our faith.

Contrasting Christianity with Other Belief Systems

Unlike the ladder-climbing mentality prevalent in many other religions, Christianity offers a unique message of grace and redemption. While other belief systems emphasize human effort and merit, Christianity proclaims that salvation is a free gift available to all who place their trust in Jesus Christ.

Rejecting Legalism and Embracing Grace

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4‬‬ Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced[a] so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?The temptation to rely on our own efforts for salvation is ever-present, even within the church. However, Paul's admonition to the Galatians serves as a powerful reminder that our righteousness is not dependent on our adherence to the law. Instead, it comes through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Invitation to Accept God's Grace

For those who may feel unworthy or undeserving of God's grace, know that there is no sin too great to be forgiven. Regardless of past mistakes or shortcomings, all are invited to experience the transformative power of God's love and grace. Salvation is not earned; it is received through faith in Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on the profound truth of salvation by faith, may we be reminded of the incredible privilege we have as children of God. Let us embrace this good news with joy and gratitude, knowing that we are saved not by our own efforts, but by the unmerited favor of our loving Heavenly Father.

Did you like Galatians - Rescued & Recruited – Week 2? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Galatians - Rescued & Recruited - Week 1Joining the Team: Discovering Your PurposeWelcome to the kickoff of our new teaching series, "Galatians: Rescued and Recruited." Today, we dive into the profound message of this ancient letter and explore what it means to be part of a team. But first, let's unpack the backstory.

Meet the Author: The Apostle PaulThe book of Galatians is a letter penned by none other than the Apostle Paul, a towering figure in the early Christian movement. Paul, formerly known as Saul, underwent a radical transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a passionate follower of Jesus. Despite not being one of the original 12 disciples, Paul received a special commission from Jesus himself, making him an apostle.

Acts 9:1-6
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.[a] So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.

And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Understanding the ContextThe church in Galatia faced a pressing issue: the temptation to blend legalism with Christianity. Paul's letter serves as a corrective, reminding them that salvation isn't about adherence to laws but about faith in Christ. Like the Galatians, we're often tempted to add rules to our faith, but Paul's message remains relevant today: in Christ, we are all one team.

Rescued and RecruitedBecoming a Christian isn't just about being saved; it's about being recruited into a team with a purpose. While praying a salvation prayer marks the beginning of our journey, it's only the first step. We must also consider what we're saved from and what we're saved for. Just as an investor asks what we're saving for, God saves us from death, offers us new life, and calls us to a mission.

Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.Finding Your Place on the TeamJust as you wouldn't move a house alone, being part of a team means recognizing your need for others. Paul, with his natural leadership skills, transitioned from persecuting Christians to recruiting them. Similarly, each of us has unique talents and passions that contribute to the mission of the team. Whether it's a tedious task or a skill you lack, being part of a team means relying on others and offering your strengths in return.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭24‬
22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.Navigating AccountabilityEven the great Apostle Peter faced pressure and needed accountability. Paul's confrontation with Peter highlights the importance of holding one another accountable in our faith journey. Just as we need accountability to stay in shape physically, we need spiritual accountability to grow in our faith.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭9-12‬
9 In fact, James, Peter,[a] and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. 10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.

Embracing Your Purpose

As we reflect on God's sovereignty in saving Paul for a specific mission, we're reminded that each of us has a unique role to play. Whether it's playing an instrument, greeting others, teaching, or leading, our diverse gifts and talents contribute to the team's success. Easter served as a powerful reminder of the strength of our team and the impact we can make when we work together.

Galatians 2:1616 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”Conclusion: Joining the TeamYou were created with a purpose, designed to make a unique contribution to the team. Don't let societal pressures or comparisons with others deter you from embracing your uniqueness. Instead, join the church team, step off the sidelines, and play your part in fulfilling God's mission. Together, we can make a difference that extends far beyond ourselves.

Did you like Galatians - Rescued & Recruited – Week 1? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Easter 2024Discovering the Path to Eternal Life

Easter is more than just a holiday; it's the story of Jesus bridging the gap between Earth and Heaven. He walked among us, performed miracles, taught profound truths, faced crucifixion, conquered death, and ascended to Heaven. Today, I aim to address the most crucial question anyone can ask:

What is the Way to Heaven?

In a world that often preaches self-belief, the path to Heaven isn't found in ourselves. Belief in God is the key. Despite our efforts, our sinful nature renders us incapable of meeting Heaven's standards. Even a lifetime of perfection couldn't undo the sins we've already committed.

Understanding Sin and Redemption

Sin isn't just about committing egregious acts; it encompasses any deliberate deviation from God's plan, whether it's harming ourselves or others. Trying to justify ourselves as "good people" falls short because God sees through our façade. We can't deceive the ultimate Judge.

The Sacrifice of Jesus

The beauty of Christianity lies in Jesus taking our punishment upon himself. Just as someone can pay a speeding ticket fine on our behalf, Jesus bore the consequences of our sins on the cross. His sacrifice offers us redemption.

Illustrating Redemption

Imagine standing before Judge Judy, facing the consequences of your actions. Yet, just as she's about to pass judgment, she declares you free because someone else paid your fine. That's akin to what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Visualizing Redemption

Using a coffin as a metaphor, we illustrate the gravity of sin and the promise of salvation. Buried under layers of dirt, dead, and deprived of air, we're powerless to save ourselves. However, Jesus offers us new life and forgiveness through his death and resurrection.

Embracing Salvation

Romans 6:23The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.Salvation isn't earned through merit but received as a gift of grace. Our faith in God, not our deeds, secures our place in Heaven. We humbly accept this gift, acknowledging our inability to save ourselves.

Accepting the Gift of Eternal Life

By accepting our limitations and placing our trust in God, we ensure our eternal destiny. The empty cross symbolizes Jesus' victory over death and the assurance of our salvation. Saying "yes" to Jesus means embracing new life and eternal joy with him.

An Invitation to Transformation

As an invitation to embrace this truth, we offer a symbolic gesture. Fill out the card provided, acknowledging your need for God's grace. Then, approach one of the coffins in the room to signify the death of self-reliance. Receive the cross as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, and say "yes" to the transformation he offers.

Easter isn't just about commemorating Jesus' resurrection; it's about experiencing our own resurrection through faith in him. Take this opportunity to affirm your commitment to Christ and embark on a journey of eternal significance.

Did you like Easter 2024 Message? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Shut Your Pie Hole - Week 5Serve FaithfullyWe're reaching the final installment of our series, "Shut Your Pie Hole." Who's ready to move on from that phrase?

Throughout this series, we've been examining a pie chart to help us navigate our journey with Jesus. Each week, we've explored different aspects of our faith, from community to generosity, faith growth, and worship. Today, we delve into a crucial component of our walk with Christ: serving faithfully.

1 Peter 4:7-11

7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Understanding the Call to Serve

Serving others may not always excite us, whether it's at church, home, work, or in the community. We often prefer being served rather than serving. But Jesus understands our reluctance. He knows our struggles, as we'll see in the conversation between Jesus and his disciples.

Learning from the Disciples' Request

The disciples, James and John, approach Jesus with a request for positions of honor in his kingdom. They desire seats of prestige and power, akin to calling "shotgun" in a car ride. However, Jesus challenges their perspective, highlighting the sacrificial nature of his impending journey.

Reframing Leadership Through Service

Jesus teaches a crucial lesson: true leadership in his kingdom involves servanthood. Instead of seeking positions of authority, we're called to lift others up. It's a paradigm shift from the world's view of power and status.

Embracing the Example of Jesus

Jesus exemplifies servanthood by giving his life as a ransom for many. He served us completely, and now calls us to live for him by serving others. It's a foundational aspect of the Christian life.

Practical Ways to Serve

Peter, an intimate follower of Jesus, offers practical guidance on serving others in his letter. He encourages us to be intentional in prayer, show deep love, and practice hospitality. These acts of service reflect God's love and character.

Practical Steps for Serving

Peter's teachings provide a framework for serving in various contexts, whether at church, home, or in the community. From prayer to hospitality to utilizing spiritual gifts, there are numerous opportunities to serve faithfully.

Serving with Joy and Purpose

Serving others isn't merely a task; it's a mission. When we serve with God's strength, our chores and responsibilities take on a deeper meaning. We become part of something eternal, contributing to God's kingdom.

Invitation to Serve

As we reflect on the call to serve, consider how you can step into serving at New Life or in your community. Whether it's joining a ministry team, offering hospitality, or using your gifts, there's a place for everyone to serve. Let's embrace our mission and witness the transformative power of serving faithfully.

If you're ready to take the next step in serving, visit newlifegillette.com/psa to explore opportunities and join us on this mission of serving faithfully. Together, let's see what God can do when we're committed to serving others wholeheartedly.

Did you like Shut Your Pie Hole – Week 5? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Shut Your Pie Hole - Week 4Worship EnthusiasticallyIn our journey of spiritual growth, we encounter two types of habits: vices and virtues. Vices, such as isolation and anger, hinder our progress, while virtues, like generosity and study, propel us forward. Today, we delve into an action that can either be a vice or a virtue: worship.

Understanding Worship as a Habit

True worship transcends fleeting emotions; it perseveres even when circumstances are bleak. It's easy to praise when life is good, but authentic worship arises when faced with adversity. This habitual worship, practiced in both highs and lows, cultivates virtues within us.

Worship in the Midst of Pain

When life throws us into pits of despair, our response determines our spiritual trajectory. Like my wife, who worshipped amidst her grief, we must learn to lift our eyes to God even in the darkest moments. Pain is inevitable, but will we choose to worship God amidst it?

Offering a Sacrifice of Praise

Praising God during trials requires sacrifice. It's easy to praise in abundance, but true worship emerges when we offer praise amidst scarcity and suffering.

Drawing Inspiration from Acts 16:16-31

16 One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.”

18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.

19 Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. 20 “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. 21 “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.”

22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”

The story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 exemplifies worship in adversity. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, they sang hymns and prayed fervently. Their unwavering worship captivated the attention of their fellow prisoners.

Resisting Spiritual Distractions

Amidst pain and adversity, Paul and Silas resisted distractions and focused solely on worshipping God. Similarly, we must eliminate anything that hinders our worship and devotion to Him.

God's Response to Worship

In response to Paul and Silas' worship, God performed a miraculous earthquake, demonstrating His power in the midst of suffering. Just as on the cross, where Jesus' worshipful sacrifice led to redemption, our worship amidst pain invites divine intervention.

Finding Purpose in the Pit

Even in our deepest pits of despair, God can turn our pain into purpose. Rather than succumbing to despair, let us embrace our trials as opportunities for growth and service.

Embracing Life's Challenges

When faced with suicidal thoughts or overwhelming pain, remember that your life has inherent value and purpose. Don't isolate yourself; instead, run to the church and seek support from your community.

The Transformative Power of Worship

Ultimately, worship transcends circumstances and transforms lives. It's not about how we look or feel; it's about wholeheartedly surrendering ourselves to God in every season of life.

As we navigate life's challenges, may we learn to worship unreservedly, trusting in God's perfect plan and finding solace in His presence. Let our lives be a testimony to the enduring power of worship, even in the midst of pain.

Did you like Shut Your Pie Hole – Week 4? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Shut Your Pie Hole - Week 3Grow ConsistentlyWelcome, everyone, to another impactful week of our teaching series, "Shut Your Pie Hole." Today, we delve into the theme of "Growing Consistently." But before we proceed, let me pose a question for reflection: On a scale of 0 to 5, how spiritually mature do you perceive yourself to be?

Now, let's clarify something fundamental: spiritual maturity isn't merely about knowledge acquisition; it's about the application of that knowledge through love. As we embark on this journey of growth, remember, it's not what you know that matters most, but what you do with what you know.

I Corinthians 8:1While knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.Understanding Spiritual Growth Through the Lens of the First Covenant

Let's take a brief journey through the first three books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus, which provide an overview of God's initial covenant with His people.

Genesis: Separation

Genesis narrates the sorrowful tale of humanity's separation from God due to sin. Just as Adam and Eve turned away from God, we, too, have fallen short of His glory. However, despite our shortcomings, God extends salvation to us.

Exodus: Salvation

In Exodus, we witness God's redemptive act of rescuing His people from bondage in Egypt. Similarly, Jesus saves us from the enslavement of sin, offering us salvation as a free gift.

Leviticus: Sanctification

Leviticus details God's instructions for sanctifying His people. This sanctification, or setting apart, is essential for us to dwell in God's presence. It signifies being purified and consecrated for a divine purpose.

Applying the Principles of Sanctification

In Leviticus, we encounter two significant aspects: purity and rituals. These rituals, although seemingly mundane, hold profound significance for believers today.

Purity: Through Jesus Christ, we are purified and made holy, enabling us to stand blameless before God.
Rituals: These rituals encompass offerings, confession, worship, and fellowship, which play a vital role in nurturing our spiritual growth. Just as the Israelites adhered to these practices, we, too, must engage in spiritual disciplines to cultivate maturity.

Embracing Rituals for Spiritual Nourishment

While our modern-day rituals may differ from those in Leviticus, their essence remains unchanged. Our offerings, prayers, worship, and fellowship serve as cornerstones in our journey of faith.

The Role of the Church in Spiritual Development

The church serves as the epicenter of our spiritual growth, mirroring the significance of the tabernacle in ancient times. It is within the church community that we find support, accountability, and nourishment for our souls.

Investing in the Church: A Path to Spiritual Flourishing

Some may argue that church attendance isn't essential for Christian living. However, just as a healthy marriage necessitates intentional investment, our relationship with God and His church requires dedicated commitment.

Ephesians 5:25-27For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.Let us prioritize spiritual growth by actively engaging in rituals, investing in the church, and embracing communion as a sacred act of devotion. May we consistently pursue maturity in our faith, guided by love and devotion to our Lord.

Did you like Shut Your Pie Hole – Week 3? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Shut Your Pie Hole - Week 2Share GenerouslyWelcome to the second week of our "Shut Your Pie Hole" series! We're glad you're here. Now, let's dive into today's message on sharing generously.

Before we delve into the topic, let's address the elephant in the room: the title. "Shut Your Pie Hole" might raise a few eyebrows, especially if you're a pie enthusiast like me. Growing up, pies were a staple in my household, thanks to my mom's incredible baking skills. From pumpkin to blueberry to lemon sponge, my mom's pies were legendary. But what made them truly special was her generous spirit. She didn't just bake pies for our family; she shared them with anyone who needed a little sweetness in their life. That's the essence of generosity we'll be exploring today.

Why Generosity?

Generosity is a fundamental aspect of the "Shut Your Pie Hole" pie. It's not just about giving money; it's about sharing our time, resources, and love with others. When we assess our spiritual habits, generosity is a crucial indicator of our relationship with Jesus. Today, we'll examine two stories from the Gospel of Luke that highlight the different responses to Jesus's generosity.

The Rich Young Ruler:In Luke 18, we encounter a wealthy young man who approaches Jesus with a burning question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Despite his adherence to the commandments, Jesus sees beyond his outward righteousness and challenges him to sell his possessions and follow Him. However, the young man's attachment to his wealth proves too strong, and he walks away saddened by the cost of discipleship.

What can we learn from his story? The rich young ruler's struggle reflects our innate desire to earn salvation through our own efforts. He trusted in his wealth and achievements, rather than in God's grace. Jesus's response challenges us to examine our priorities and let go of anything that hinders our relationship with Him.

1 Timothy 6:9-109 People who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector:In the following chapter, we encounter Zacchaeus, a notorious tax collector despised by society. Despite his wealth, Zacchaeus is curious about Jesus and seeks Him out, climbing a tree for a better view. Jesus not only notices him but invites Himself to Zacchaeus's house, shocking the crowd with His generosity toward a sinner.

Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus transforms him from a greedy tax collector to a generous giver. He pledges to give half his wealth to the poor and repay anyone he's wronged fourfold. Jesus declares salvation over his household, emphasizing that He came to seek and save the lost.

What sets Zacchaeus apart? Unlike the rich young ruler, Zacchaeus embraces Jesus's generosity and experiences true life change. His response challenges us to trust God with our lives and possessions, allowing His generosity to flow through us.

1 Timothy 6:6-86 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Living Generously:As followers of Jesus, generosity is not optional; it's a natural outpouring of our faith. Just as Jesus shared His life with Zacchaeus, He invites us to share our lives generously with others. Whether it's giving financially, serving in our community, or simply offering a listening ear, generosity reflects the heart of Christ.

So, what steps can we take to live generously? It starts with trusting God with every area of our lives and asking Him, "What good thing will You do with my life?" By aligning our priorities with His kingdom, we can experience the joy and freedom of a generous life.

As we reflect on the stories of the rich young ruler and Zacchaeus, let's consider our own response to Jesus's generosity. Are we clinging to our possessions and achievements, or are we willing to surrender everything to follow Him? Let's embrace the call to share generously, knowing that true wealth lies in godliness with contentment.

So, whether it's baking pies for a neighbor, giving financially to support ministry, or serving those in need, let's take a step of faith in generosity. Together, let's shut our pie holes and open our hearts to the abundant life Jesus offers.

Did you like Shut Your Pie Hole – Week 1? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Welcome to the "Shut Your Pie Hole" series! Curious about the name? Well, it's all about examining our spiritual habits and identifying areas where we can improve. Just like a pie with its slices, we'll assess various spiritual disciplines to help you grow. But first, let's take a closer look at what this series entails.

Discover Your Personal Spiritual Agenda (PSA):

Our journey begins with the PSA Pie. Each slice represents a different spiritual discipline, and we're here to help you identify the gaps in your spiritual routine. Visit newlifegillette.com/psa to take a short assessment or fill out the paper version provided. Once completed, our team will pray over your responses and offer personalized recommendations for your spiritual growth.

Understanding the Shut Your Pie Hole Series:Here's a quick overview of what we'll cover:

Week 1: Connect Regularly
Week 2: Share Generously
Week 3: Grow Consistently
Week 4: Worship Enthusiastically
Week 5: Serve Faithfully

Today, our focus is on connecting regularly, a cornerstone of Christian community.

The Importance of Connection:Did you know that loneliness is considered one of the greatest public health threats in America? Despite technological advancements, many individuals still experience profound isolation. Even extroverts and leaders are not immune to feelings of loneliness.

Biblical Community:The church offers a unique form of community rooted in unconditional love. While the world may prioritize information dissemination, our purpose transcends mere knowledge. As 1 Corinthians 8:1 reminds us, love strengthens the church.

1 Corinthians 8:1
But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.

Building Lifelong Friendships:Loneliness is not just a feeling; it's a signal that our need for community is unmet. By proactively building relationships, we can combat loneliness and experience the transformative power of Christian fellowship.

Lessons from Ruth and Naomi:Ruth 1:1-16

Elimelech Moves His Family to Moab1 In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. 2 The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there.

3 Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. 4 The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.

Naomi and Ruth Return6 Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah.

8 But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept.

10 “No,” they said. “We want to go with you to your people.”

11 But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? 12 No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? 13 Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.”

14 And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi. 15 “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.”

16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

The story of Ruth and Naomi illustrates the beauty of mutual dependence and unwavering loyalty. Despite facing loss and adversity, they found strength in their bond with each other and their community.

Conclusion:As we navigate this Shut Your Pie Hole series, let's remember the importance of cultivating authentic connections within the body of Christ. Together, we can overcome loneliness, support one another, and experience the fullness of God's love in community.

View Details

We're delving into the vital aspect of communication within marriage, exploring how biblical principles can enhance our relational dynamics. Did you know that regular church attendance can reduce the risk of divorce by almost 50%? This statistic underscores the efficacy of God's wisdom in fostering healthier marriages.

Foundations of Communication:

Before we proceed, it's crucial to emphasize God's unconditional love, even in the context of divorce. While divorce is a painful reality for many, it doesn't diminish God's love for individuals who have experienced it. Now, let's address the key predictors of divorce identified by psychologists, which remarkably align with biblical teachings.

1. Criticism:

Criticism, characterized by demeaning remarks or insults, erodes the foundation of trust in a marriage. Instead of resorting to derogatory language, strive to uplift and honor your spouse. The golden rule, "Do to others as you would like them to do to you" (Luke 6:31), guides us to offer praise and encouragement rather than criticism.

2. Defensiveness:

Defensiveness arises when we feel attacked, leading to counter-complaints or adopting a victim mentality. Accepting responsibility for our actions fosters humility and strengthens marital bonds. As Galatians 6:5 reminds us, we are each responsible for our conduct, urging us to confess our mistakes and strive for improvement.

3. Stonewalling:

Stonewalling, characterized by emotional withdrawal during conflict, inhibits intimacy and communication. Actively engaging with your spouse's thoughts and emotions demonstrates genuine interest and fosters connection. Philippians 2:4 exhorts us to take an interest in others' concerns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining intimacy through attentive listening and responsiveness.

Nurturing Intimacy:

Investing in intimacy is essential for navigating marital challenges and preserving harmony. Turning toward bids for attention and demonstrating enthusiasm fosters closeness and overrides minor conflicts. Long-term intimacy requires ongoing effort and investment to sustain the vibrancy of the relationship.

A Call to Action:

Though communication may not always be comfortable, it is indispensable for cultivating thriving marriages. Let's exemplify Christ's love through our relationships, demonstrating sacrificial love, alignment in purpose, and unwavering commitment. As we embody the command to love God and love others, let's strive to communicate effectively and build marriages that reflect God's design for relational harmony.

View Details

Fix your Marriage - Week 2Welcome to our ongoing series, "Fix Your Marriage." Today, we dive into the cornerstone of any successful marriage: trust. Without trust, no marriage can truly flourish. When two individuals commit to marriage, they intertwine their lives and pledge to share everything. They say, "I put my trust in you," promising honesty and transparency regardless of the challenges they face.

Foundations of Trust:

Scripture urges us to confess our sins to each other (James 5:16), emphasizing the importance of honesty and openness in marriage. Divorce, like a bolt cutter, severs the bond of trust, a bond that God values deeply. Trust thrives on transparency, just as God knows everything about us, successful marriages are marked by complete honesty.

Uncomfortable Conversations:

To cultivate trust, we must address uncomfortable topics head-on. Finances, internet usage, alcohol consumption, and sexual intimacy are crucial areas where transparency is paramount. Hidden finances, unchecked internet browsing, secret alcohol consumption, and withheld intimacy can erode trust. Real intimacy is built on transparency, where spouses are fully known and accepted.

Boundaries and Rebuilding:

Marriage dismantles boundaries, requiring couples to navigate life together. Rebuilding trust after breaches takes time and effort. Christians are called to give trust quickly, mirroring God's forgiveness. Forgiveness isn't dependent on feelings; it's a conscious choice to let go of resentment and extend grace.

Emotions and Sacrifice:

Contrary to popular belief, marriage isn't solely about feelings but about sacrificial love. Sacrifice builds trust, as spouses prioritize each other's needs over their own. Disagreements, when handled constructively, can strengthen trust, fostering compromise and understanding. Being equally yoked, as advised in 2 Corinthians 6:14, aligns values, facilitating compromise and unity.

Shared Purpose:

A shared purpose, rooted in faith, can sustain a marriage through challenges. While temporary goals may fade, faith in Jesus provides an enduring foundation. Seeking to understand each other through open-ended questions fosters trust, friendship, and optimism for the future.

As we explore the depths of trust in marriage, let us commit to openness, forgiveness, and sacrifice. By aligning our values, fostering open communication, and grounding our marriage in faith, we can cultivate a relationship built on trust, resilience, and shared purpose. Together, let us embark on this journey of trust-building and renewal, trusting in God's guidance and grace every step of the way.

Did you like Fix Your Marriage – Week 2? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Our theme verse, Ephesians 5:31-33, sets the stage: "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

Learning from the Good

Almost everyone has encountered the impact of divorce, either personally or through someone close. This series is not just about avoiding pitfalls but about studying successful marriages. Good marriages don't happen by accident; someone decides to put in the work. January, known for a surge in divorce filings, highlights the challenges couples face, from holiday stresses to the blues of winter. If your marriage feels fragile, remember, God can do extraordinary things even with what seems ordinary.

God's Extraordinary Plans

Before making any decisions about your relationship, join us for all four weeks of this series. We open with some light-hearted wisdom from kids on love and marriage, but our anchor is Isaiah 55:11: "It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." We are here to explore what Scripture says about successful marriages because relationships flourish when done God's way.

The Key Verse

The series revolves around Philippians 2:5, urging us to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus in our relationships. Unhealthy opinions about relationships often stem from influences like movies, pornography, romance novels, and social media, creating unrealistic fantasies. God's plan, summed up in Philippians 2:5, is to "Give more, expect less." This principle may not work for everyone, but it holds transformative power for most.

Dealing with Dissatisfaction

Dissatisfaction in marriage can be a silent killer. Feeling you're giving more than receiving can lead to disaster. Just as an orange yields orange juice when squeezed, our reactions under pressure reveal what's inside us. Our goal is to destroy dissatisfaction, not by demanding more from our spouses, but by adjusting our expectations. Expect less, and you'll likely find more satisfaction.

The Christlike Mindset

James 1:19 guides us: "You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." Applying this mindset to our marriages involves sacrificing our desire to be heard and focusing on truly listening to our spouses. Christ on the cross exemplified this sacrificial love, and we aim to embody it in our relationships.

Join us on this journey to explore God's timeless wisdom and practical advice for fixing and fortifying your marriage. By the end of this series, we believe you'll find renewed hope, deeper understanding, and practical tools to navigate the beautiful and challenging landscape of marriage.

View Details

Grace, Hope, and Holy Living

The essence of Christian living is beautifully encapsulated by the interplay of grace, hope, and holy living. Peter, drawing from his personal encounters with Jesus, expounds on the transformative power of God's grace leading to hope and culminating in a life marked by holiness.

Peter, a firsthand witness to Jesus' grace, emphasizes its foundational role in our spiritual journey. Grace, defined as an undeserved merit or blessing, forms the starting point of our relationship with God. Peter encourages believers to praise God for this unmerited love, highlighting its significance as the bedrock of their faith.

The trajectory from grace to hope is articulated by Peter as an innate progression. He underscores the idea that the reception of God's grace naturally instills hope in believers. This hope is not a mere wishful thinking but a confident anticipation of a future inheritance stored in heaven. Peter draws a parallel between the joyous expectation of an earthly inheritance and the profound hope anchored in the resurrection of Jesus, promising an eternal communion with Him.

Crucially, the manifestation of hope in believers' lives leads to a state of holy living. Contrary to misconceptions, holy living is presented as a dynamic and fulfilling way of life. Peter dispels the notion of it being dull or restrictive, asserting that it mirrors the life of Jesus. As believers grow in faith and follow Jesus, they experience a positive transformation, becoming better at life through the work of the Holy Spirit within them.

The connection between hope and holy living becomes evident as Peter addresses the inevitability of trials in the earthly journey. Trials, characteristic of a fallen world, are portrayed as transient in comparison to the eternal life awaiting believers. This perspective shapes the believers' response to trials, demonstrating a unique quality of holy living—a life lived with enduring joy despite temporary challenges.

Peter elucidates that trials serve as a refining process, testing the authenticity of one's faith. The believer's response to trials becomes a testament to the genuine nature of their faith, akin to how fire tests and purifies gold. In navigating trials, believers not only grow in their relationship with God but also become a visible testimony to others—showcasing the goodness of God amid life's difficulties.

In conclusion, Peter's message resonates with a call to embrace and celebrate the transformative journey from grace to hope and holy living. This journey, marked by praise, confident expectation, and resilience in trials, portrays a life that mirrors the character of Jesus. Peter's words echo through time, inviting believers to experience the profound interplay of grace, hope, and holy living in their daily walk with God.

View Details

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

12 1-2 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Galatians 5:19-25

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

View Details

There is no formula to start a relationship with God. Did you know there’s not just one way to teach someone the gospel message? When you read the New Testament, you’re constantly reading different prescriptions for salvation. In one place it says believe and you’ll be saved. In another place, it says to believe and be baptized. Another place says repent and believe. Another verse says we’re saved by faith. Jesus told one guy he needed to sell everything he had and give it to the poor to be saved. When the apostles told Gentiles about Jesus they talked about the resurrection, but when they talked to the Jews, they focused on Jesus being the Messiah.

There’s no formula. It’s not a script we memorize. It’s a relationship, and there are many ways to start a relationship. Maybe you met your wife on a dating app, in a bar, or in school, but the ultimate goal was the relationship.

‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭10

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

God created us. Then we sinned. So to fix the problem, God has offered to recreate us. Why? So we can do what He created us to do.

There are two ways people try to get to Heaven. Most people think that you get there by being good enough, but God tells us that's not going to work. The right way to get to Heaven is by faith. We have to trust Him, not our good behavior.

Romans 8:3

The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body, God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

What does the world say when we go about it the right way? "Oh, that's too easy...You're just saying that's the way to be saved because you want to keep sinning and still go to Heaven." So they CHOOSE to do it the hard way because it makes them feel more righteous.

That's what the Pharisees did. They got mad at Jesus because he didn't follow or obey their laws. Can you imagine! The Pharisees called JESUS a sinner, and that's what people will do to you if you live by grace rather than by laws.

Do you know what will happen if you try to get saved the wrong way, by obeying rules? You'll get a lot of smoke and heat...and that's not Heaven. It's so hard for me to see all these Jews, Muslims, and all these other religions trying so hard to do the right thing. They're doing very hard things to try to get to Heaven, and their belief in good behavior is actually taking them to Hell.

Isaiah 64:6

When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags.

So I'm going to put the full-court press on today. I don't want anyone to leave here today without being absolutely positive that they are going to the promised land, that they will spend eternity in Heaven with God. So here's what I'm going to ask you to do.

I want to ask everyone who is reading this to fill out this out. If today you are ready to stop trying to be good enough to get into Heaven and to put your faith in Jesus instead, would you check that top box and put your contact info in so we can send you some information?

I want to invite you to pray too. Have a conversation with God. You can do it silently, in your mind. God knows what you're thinking. Talk to Him and thank Him for His grace. If you want to talk to someone about the decision you're making today reach out to us, we would love to talk with you.

View Details

All of us are like a bucket with holes. When we give our lives to God, we're filled with passion and excitement about our relationship with God, but faster than we want it to Passion fades.

When we're in a relationship the honeymoon faze is the best..."it's so cute how she holds her coffee with 2 hands and sips it...then we're married 2 years, and ..."could you PLEASE STOP slurping your coffee!" This happens in our relationships with God.

So, what do we do? We have to go back for more. In order to keep the bucket full we have to pour water into the bucket by coming to church and singing, listening to a sermon, reading a book, and praying. But the cool thing is that Grace doesn't only forgive us. It seals us.

The longer we're in relationship with God, the more holes are sealed. We learn Biblical truth and gain confidence. We remove a habit, and it distracts us less. We pray and get peace, but the truth is

We all still have holes.

So we keep filling. We want grace to plug every hole, but that doesn't happen fast. BUT the cool thing is we fill enough holes, that we can start helping other people fill their buckets when they leak. The Apostle Paul said,

2 Corinthians 4:14-18
We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

View Details

The manger Jesus was born in wasn’t pretty. God's Son deserved a castle, but his beginning was humble. But why? Why was Jesus laid in a manger?

Luke 2:7

[Mary] laid [Jesus] in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Because there was no room for Him in the house, so He was born among the sheep. They went home for the holiday and their family didn't prepare them room. - Do you know this song?

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart __________

What does your Christmas schedule look like? Will make room for Jesus tonight and tomorrow? Don't fill it so full of activities that you forget to prepare room for Jesus. - Practically, it means that on Christmas we

Don't over-indulge.Don't wake up in the new year overly lethargic and tired because you...bought all the stuff and ate all the stuffing... Does anyone else overeat on Christmas because you start a diet in January? Don't do it. - and I love how it's worded:

"prepare Him room"

Tomorrow morning, before you open presents, talk about Jesus. Tell His story. Sing Happy Birthday to Him. - What did John the Baptist tell people to do when Jesus came? He said,

Matthew 3:2

Prepare the way for the Lord.

It's about your heart. So many people recognize a need to have Jesus in their lives, but their hearts are so full of the worries of this world, that they don't have time to think about Heaven.

Life is hard. We all have stuff in our lives that we don't want there. So eventually we have to decide to let things go. Sometimes we have to put past hurts, we have to give up some activities. We have to prepare room.

And we're not just preparing room so we're empty. We're preparing room because we need something more important than all of this stuff. We NEED Jesus.

The problem is, that people don't make room for Jesus because they think this life is all there is, but this life is not all there is. Someday you will stand before God to be judged, and if He has to judge you based on how good you are, you will be found guilty, BUT if you will make room for Jesus in your heart, invite Him in, then on judgment day you won't be judged based on your goodness. Instead, God will see that you are in a relationship with Jesus, and you will be forgiven, forgiven for everything. So will you prepare room in your heart for Jesus today? If so, will you fill out this for us and we will be in contact with you to talk with you about this amazing decision you made?

View Details

We've all found ourselves stuck in life. Either we developed a habit that's beyond a New Year's resolution fix. Or we got a divorce or had a moral failure or we just feel purposeless, & we want something new. How?

Faith

We believe that when we put our faith in Jesus He makes our lives new. He will lead us on a journey of becoming the people He created us to be. It'll be rocky. There will be setbacks, but He will continually renew us.

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Faith is confidence. I am confident I've put my faith in the most logical worldview, the most logical explanation for the existence of the world. - The world likes to conflate 2 different kinds of faith. There's real faith. That's when you trust in something for a reason. - The world believes everything came from nothing. I believe everything came from something. Which one's more logical? I am confident there's a God, and that gives me hope.

Faith gives me hope. If I trust God, I hope that He has a good plan for me. If I trust my wife, I hope that we're going to live a good life together. If I trust this stage, I have logical hope it's not going to break. - Then there's Blind Faith. There is a reason why you have to add the word "blind." It's a different thing than faith. We do not have blind faith. We have evidence of what we put our faith in and because it's blind, it doesn't give us hope.

View Details

My mom has a green thumb. My wife and I will kill a plant then right before we throw it away, Mom says, "Wait, I can save it." She'll find a piece of the plant that is alive, she'll replant it, and it will grow.

I believe something a little controversial. I believe God has a green thumb. If God puts His seed in you, it WILL grow. If you will let it, it will change you. He will plant it. He will water it, and He will make it grow. The apostle Paul said,

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

I Corinthians 3:6-7

Matthew 13:3-9

3 He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4 As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

If you're not growing, you're not healthy, and it's time to make some changes. The cool thing about this parable is that Jesus actually interprets it for us. So let's go through His interpretation:

Matthew 13:18-23

18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 20 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. 23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

God doesn't need my money, but He wants my sacrifice. When people brought tithes to the priests, they literally burned them. It’s not about what God needs. It’s about attention. Jesus listed

Two Thorns:

The worries of this life.
- If your attention is on the worries of this life it’s because you’ve taken your eyes off Christ. The birds and lilies trust God, and so should we.
The lure of wealth
- If your focus is on power and wealth, it will eventually take your loyalty from God. That’s why it is INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT for a rich person to get into the kingdom of God.

Christians, hear me, THIS IS YOU. Don't doubt it. You're here for a reason. Don't question your salvation. You might have heard something today that convicted you, but let it lead you to God, not away from Him

View Details

Christmas is all about things becoming new…or being made new, transformed, and changed because of the story of Christmas. And that started all the way back in the original story of Christmas for everyone involved. Let's look into that story, into the beginning of the story, before the shepherds in the fields and the wise men get involved.

Luke 1:26-38

26 God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” 29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.

30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” 34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

What Makes Mary Favored?

God is with her.
God has a plan and purpose for her.
God shares His Word to clarify.
Mary says "yes" and follows God.

Mary was favored and blessed. She got to raise the Son of God from birth to a man. Why? Because she said yes to God. Mary was favored! But so are you!!! God is with you. He has a plan and purpose for you. And God has given you the details of how to live out your life.

What is it for you? What have you heard from God, but have said NO to Him in the past?

If you want a fresh start. If you want your life to be new and better and even more blessed. If you want to be even more favored than you already are.

Give yourself a Christmas present. Take a lesson from Mary.

Say yes to the next step that God has for you. Start living what you know God is saying to you.

View Details

Five Paths to a Grateful Heart: Learn to be grateful for imperfect gifts: Body, Spouse, Kids, Job. There is nothing in your life that is perfect. * Learn gratitude in times of anxiety and frustration * Learn to express openly and honestly. * Devote yourself to worshiping God regularly. * Develop the discipline of noticing.*

Luke 17:11-19

Ten Healed of Leprosy11 As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. 12 As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, 13 crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

14 He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” 16 He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you."

View Details

Good Good Father - Week 4We're talking about dads today so I wanted to start by looking at some of the great American dads of our time.

...Maybe they aren't the greatest fathers. This is going to be a little heavier than usual so I wanted to start off on a light-hearted note. We're talking about father wounds. Some people call them daddy issues or father complexes, but the truth is, that our fathers affected all of us on a deep level. Most of this message is for people who have very deep wounds, but I think there's something here for everyone for two reasons:

Ultimately this is a message about forgiveness. That’s what I’m going to ask you to do at the end.
None of us had perfect dads. So you're going to have to contextualize this.

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭17‬-‭21‬

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.

20 Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

View Details

ood Good Father - Week 3With the help of Psalm 103, David is going to help us to better celebrate Thanksgiving. Help us to better acknowledge God in this week that we sometimes focus too much on good food, good football, and good Black Friday bargains!

Not saying that those things can’t be part of this fun week that is in front of us…but David kinda thinks we should keep the most important thing in front of us, so that those other things can become even better.

David is going to help us realize that we have a ton for which to be thankful. Do you know that?

David kicks it off first with what we should be doing not just this week, but regularly.

Psalm 1031 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

6 The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

7 He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
15 Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
17 But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children
18 of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments!

19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.

20 Praise the Lord, you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
listening for each of his commands.
21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
who serve him and do his will!
22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created,
everything in all his kingdom.

Let all that I am praise the Lord.

Did you like this message, Good Good Father - Week 3? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

The other day, I asked my dad for advice about parenting, and this is what he said:

To parent you gotta be a Father like God, a judge like Judy, a psychologist like Dobson, a teacher and tent maker like Paul, a coach like Andy Reid, a provider like Joseph, a healer like Jesus, a comforter like the Holy Spirit, an entertainer like Petra.

In other words, parenting is hard. The good news is we have the perfect example to follow. God is the perfect father. So I think we can learn a lot about parenting by looking at the way He parents. So using God's character, I want to give you

6 Attributes of A Good Father1. Present 2. Kind 3. Strong 4. Generous 5. Just 6. Consistent

Be PresentIf he's not present, it doesn't matter if he's good. If you're always on your phone, if the news or ESPN is more important than your kids, the rest of the list doesn't matter. You might not always know what to do, but do something.

Does this mean you can't go to work to provide for your kids? Or that you can't go off to war? No. You don't have to always be physically present. You're not God and I'm not saying you should be a helicopter parent. In fact,

Sometimes, being present means being intentionally distant, letting them learn hard lessons through experience.

Be KindDoes your anger and frustration ever come between you and your kids? The Bible says that God gets angry, but His anger is pointed at people who hurt His kids. To His kids, God is kind & merciful.

Be StrongDads, we do have a responsibility to be strong for our families. When they are weak, when they are fearful, we are courageous even when we don't feel courageous. Why? Because our strength comes from God.

Be Generousgenerosity is evidence of love. If you love someone, you will sacrifice for them. Here's a crazy verse for you:

But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.

I Timothy 5:8

Why? It proves there's no love in your heart. If you don't provide for your family, you don't love them. - What is the foundational act of Christianity? 'For God so loved the world that He GAVE!" Generosity is foundational to Christianity.

Be JustWe stand against injustice. Whenever possible we eradicate evil, & protect the innocent. We do what is right even when it's not popular.

The Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die

Psalm 37:28

You can't pretend at home. So if you call yourself a Christian, don’t be a hypocrite. Don't say you're good. Be good. Get caught being good.

Be ConsistentHebrews tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If you make a rule, enforce it. If you set a schedule, stick to it. Consistency helps to build a kid's confidence and security. So be consistent, especially in discipline.

"Consistency is the most difficult, yet most important part of parenting."

Andrew Linder

View Details

Good Good Father - Week 1We're starting a series today called Good, Good Father, and we are talking about my favorite metaphor of God. God is our Father, our perfect Heavenly Father. And we're not just asking is God our Father. We're asking is God a good Father?

The question the world is asking about God is: Is God good?

In order for God to be good He has to be perfectly just and perfectly loving. Being just or being loving isn't enough. You have to be both. But most people are asking from a very emotional place. So they really need to know.

In Romans 5:8 Paul says:
God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

That's how good He is. The reality is, calling God good is a massive understatement. God isn't just good. He's perfectly good. God is the definition of good. Why? Because

God is Perfectly Loving.There's a love story of a couple in a nursing home, and the old man is telling the old lady the story of their lives. The problem is the old lady has dementia, and she doesn’t realize the story he’s telling her is their story.

Their story starts one summer when the girl’s family is vacationing in the hometown of the young guy. When this girl who is from a rich family falls in love with this boy who is from a poor family, the parents of the girl do not approve of the relationship so they decide to end the summer vacation early.

But as they are leaving town the boy says to the girl… “I’ll write to you every day.” And he does, but the girl’s mom throws the letters away every day. Eventually, the couple does get together, and live happily ever after, and that’s why they’re in the nursing home together.

At that moment, the old lady has a flash of cognition. When she realized what had happened she said, “How long do we have?” He says last time it was only five minutes, so for five minutes they enjoyed each other‘s company. But as quickly as the cognition came, the dimension came back, and she found herself in the arms of a stranger, and she screamed in terror. Who’s story is that?

No, it is not the Notebook. It is our story

Okay, it is the Notebook, but it is also our story.

God loves us perfectly, but we forget His love so I pray that you have a moment of clarity, a moment of cognition from within your dementia, and see God's perfect love for you.

I John 4:16-18
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. 18 If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

God’s love makes us less dependent on the approval of others for happiness.

View Details

Have you ever felt unqualified, unworthy, or unloved? Ever been in a place in life where you truly felt like a fish out of water? The funny thing is, some, or maybe many of you, feel that way. As we talk this month about being Generous IRL many of us think, yeah, right…like God could do anything with this.

I am out of place, Surely not me. But you know as I have searched the Scriptures, and read some of the amazing stories of some of those amazing people whom God raised up to do extraordinary works and yes, that includes people who were Generous IR and then as I look closer I think, them? You chose them?

And God simply answers…yeah…I did. Isn’t that cool?

Because, you see God has this way of grabbing hold of the most unlikely, unqualified, unworthy people and stirring their hearts, and the next thing you know we have a story of a person who walked in faith of God and God did something amazing through them. Hebrews 11:31 mentions one of them and lets us know what she had going on in her life that would have brought brokenness in general, but also in society’s eyes…she was an outcast. Shunned by the good people of the land, unless they needed her services.

Who is it? Rahab and here is what it says about her.

Hebrews 11:31

31 It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

If you don’t know her entire story you might wonder, what exactly did she do, and why is she on this list of great people, and especially with that job title?

In the book of James, we find another mention of her that also makes her sound impressive in how she lived out her life of faith.

James, the Brother of Jesus says this:

James 2:25

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

Based on these two mentions of her in the New Testament part of the Bible…Rahab is…

Rahab is:

A woman of faith
Generous
Righteous in what she did
A prostitute.

As we walk through Joshua Chapter 2 we will get a better idea of what Rahab’s faith accomplished.

View Details

Leadership will change you.

It's kinda like how you learn more by teaching. Why? Because leadership changes you. Leaders have to go out on a limb. They take risks, and those risks either have good or bad consequences.

Leadership requires sacrifice.

Over the years we've developed a distinct culture at New Life and we sat down to identify the things that make us distinct. We came up with an acronym:

We are the B.R.I.D.E.

The acronym is fitting because the Church is the bride of Christ. There are a lot of passages that call the church the bride of Christ, but one of them is

Ephesians 5:22-26

22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.

We are:

Becomers: We take responsibility for our individual progress toward becoming the people God created us to be.
- We don't just come; we become. We come as we are, SO THAT we can become someone we're not. The great news of our faith is that we're not stuck the way we are. God changes us.
Real: We practice authentic relationships with authenticity and joy.
- We don't wait until our life is perfect before we start leading. God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. So when we're tempted to hide our past & hide our pain, we let God use them to heal other people.
Intentionally Sacrificial: The generosity of our time, talents, and treasure reveals the maturity of our faith.
- We say intentionally because we think effective generosity requires a plan. We have a plan to live generously. Generosity is the evidence that proves our love. If our primary commandment is to love, then that requires us to live sacrificially.
Demonstrating Grace: Because we have received grace, we give grace and invite people to come as they are.
- Jesus surrounded Himself with people who knew that were sinners because He wanted His followers to be people of grace. If we are His bride, then we are gracious because He is gracious.
Engaging the Next Generation: Because God's Kingdom will continue to reach the next generations, our style is intentionally current, and we focus on discipling young people.
- We love our kids, & we are not ok with the idea of them turning their backs on God. We will do everything we can to lead them to a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ.

How Do we develop our Culture:

Define it.
Embody it.
Defend it.

View Details

Let’s focus on the IRL part of the series. Today we’re talking about Baptism. Baptism is how we demonstrate God’s grace and His generosity in real life. We’re taking His incredible sacrifice, His incredible gift, and we demonstrate it, in real life. Why do we do it? Well, it’s what I say to my sons all the time:

because Dad said so.

God told us to get baptized and I’ve got one goal today, to make sure every Christian adult has been baptized. Have you been baptized?

One day in Jerusalem, Peter was preaching to a huge crowd and he killed it.

Acts 2:37-39

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

This is the question a lot of people have when they become a Christian. What do I do now? And Peter told them:

38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

First, repent and believe. That’s what justifies you. That’s how the relationship starts, but then there’s a next step. Just like when you get married, the steps don’t stop after the wedding. What’s the next step? Be baptized.

What is Baptism?

A Command
A wedding ring.
A death and resurrection.

What does Baptism Require?

Repentance
Obedience
Humility

Let’s read the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-15.

5 The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories.

Naaman is a rich and famous soldier. The equivalent of our day would be someone like Tom Brady.

But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy. 2 At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. 3 One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”

4 So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. 5 “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 6 The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.”

7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.”

8 But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”

9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”

11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! 12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.

This is a rich and famous person hissy fit. Have you ever known what you should do, but your pride keeps you from doing it? Naaman wanted to be healed, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to dip in dirty water.

13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!

15 Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

So are you ready? Are you ready to dip in the water? To announce your marriage to Christ with a ring? To unite with Christ in His death & resurrection? On Sunday we had 35 people get baptized and you can join them.

Let us know if you want to be baptized.

View Details

How old were you when you started to learn about sharing? Maybe you learned about it because you were asked to share, and you did not want to share. Maybe you shared something with someone and you loved the feeling of being appreciated.

I want us to jump into one of my favorite stories because even though these people lived way before Jesus ever walked the earth, they share a great picture of how to share Jesus or the attributes of Jesus with people who need some Jesus in their lives. We can learn so much about sharing Jesus from the story of Ruth and Boaz.

Ways to Share Jesus:

Cultivate a caring heart.
Make a plan. - Follow through.
Share blessings in His Name!
Notice people who need Jesus.
Call out the good in others.
Pray over them.
Go overboard with grace.
Give purpose.

View Details

At some point in your life you have delt with fear, guilt, shame and condemnation. Let's see how Adam and Eve dealt with them in Genesis 3:6-7

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,[a] she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

The first instinct was to hide and this is the first step in isolation. We are not what we used to be so we try to cover up what we are. It's like a mask we put on anytime we feel ashamed of who we are. We hide from ourselves just as much as we hide from others.

We think if we put on enough fig leaves and praise the lord at the same time nobody will realize we have any problems. Thankfully the real you will come out and you will be exposed in the presence of God. He doesn't condemn you. Romans 8:1 says "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." and nothing will separate you from the love of Christ. (Romans 8:39).

Not only are you valuable but you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You contain a spark of the divine. You have your Father's eyes. There is something within you so powerful, so majestic that once it encounters the divine love of God it tends to blossom into joy and peace and an irrational love of your neighbor. It is there waiting. It is glory.

View Details

We're in the 4th week of a series called Kingdom Freedom. We've been talking about how we can never truly be free unless we are set free by God. All other freedom is temporary, but Kingdom Freedom is eternal. If you are still a slave to sin, it doesn't matter how much to pretend to be free, you're not truly free.

But I can't finish this series without addressing what the Bible says about slavery. There's this rumor spreading around the world that the Bible condones slavery, or that at least the Old Testament condones slavery, but is that true?

When we study Scripture, we can't look for the verses to prove what we already think. We have to follow it, to trust it, to bow to it.

“When we come to the Bible and try to listen to its claims, we can easily misjudge those claims if we hear them only from within the framework of our own modern assumptions. Letting the Bible speak for itself, that is, letting it speak in its own terms, includes letting the Bible speak from within its own worldview rather than merely our own.” – Vern Poythress

Luke 4:17-22

17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.[a]” 20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” 22 Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

View Details

We're in a series called Kingdom Freedom, and we're focusing on the freedom that being a part of God's Kingdom gives us. What is the Kingdom of God? When you read the phrase Kingdom in Scripture, I think it would be helpful for us to replace the word kingdom with rule, reign, or dominion.

God's Kingdom is everything that he rules over. So if you have a big view of God's power, then you think it's a great kingdom, but if you have a weak view of God, it's a weak kingdom.

The strength of a kingdom is determined by the strength of its king.

There's this terrible idea that's dominated our world since Adam in the garden. It's the sin demonstrated in King Arthur (the Sword in the Stone) or in any Guy Ritchie movie or any Disney movie. They're perpetuating: The great lie of you are the master of your domain.

If you are the king of your kingdom, your kingdom is weak.

You can pretend to be strong, but deep down you know your weaknesses. You know there are chinks in your armor. Well, eventually the enemy will find the weakness in your defenses. The world's dominant worldview is Humanism.

When we pretend we're in control, we really just hiding our flaws. How much time do you spend hiding your flaws? But you always get caught don't you. Someone sees them. Jesus said

Luke 12:2-3

2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.

If you've got a secret sin, it's not going to be secret for long. You will be found out. So surrender to God. Bring everything out into the light. Jesus continues:

3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!

The world talks a lot about "managing" mental health, managing anxiety, and managing addictions, but Jesus doesn't want us to manage our addictions & our anxiety. He was to destroy them, to set us free!

If you are righteous, it's because God made you righteous.

We are powerless to make ourselves good, to make ourselves holy. But what's the result of being in a relationship with God? We call it the fruit of the spirit. When we are in relationships with God, HE changes us.

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

View Details

There is one goal for this message and it's an invitation. I want all of us who call ourselves Christians to make a commitment to the Church. Recommit your life to the Church, prioritize it, to sacrifice for it. Why? Because without it, very few of us would have ever become Christians and those of us who did become Christians, wouldn't have stayed that way.

My whole life I've heard people say, "Oh, church is old school. I don't need church to be a Christian." And there's a little truth in both of those statements. The problem is, that person is almost always wrong. They almost always end up losing connection with God and run back to the church to reconnect. Christians who don't make church a priority have two problems.

Dangers of trying to be a Christian apart from the Church:

De-conversion
Ineffectiveness

So today I want to make the case that these relationships (relationships with God and with people) actually help us grow. They help us become the people God created us to be.

Acts 12:5-7
While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. 6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.

When we are in trouble, when we're in pain, we need the church! There's going to be a time in our life when you're going to be alone or in pain, and you're going to desperately want someone to help you, to be there with you. When everything seems good, we're tempted to point fingers and judge people. But when we're in chains, it's hard to point fingers. When things get bad, we just hope and pray that people we judged will come to our rescue.

We like to point fingers at people who are in chains, but at some point, we're all going to be in chains. So get this: The chains had to fall off of Peter first! Peter was in chains, and HE needed to be set free. Jesus said,

Matthew 7:5
Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Make a commitment to take a next step in deepening your connection to the Church. Make a commitment to come to other Christians when you're burdened and to

View Details

I want to tell you about a Navy Seal named Michael Monsoor. Michael was serving in Ramadi, Iraq. It was a terrible place then. There were loudspeakers all around the city with men yelling, "Kill the Americans!" and on September 29, 2006, Mike made the ultimate sacrifice for two of his friends.

They were on a roof and a grenade bounced off Mike's chest. Mike could have escaped, but his friends couldn't. So, he threw himself on the grenade & absorbed the blast. He died. His friends survived. One of the survivors said:

"Mikey looked death in the face that day and said, 'You cannot take my brothers. I will go in their stead.'"

I watched the award ceremony where President Bush gave Michael's Medal of Honor to his family, and it's the only time I've ever seen a president of the United States cry. The greatest act of love is giving up your life for someone else. It's what Jesus did for us, and it's what Michael did for his friends. - So what's the point? Well, what does freedom require?

Freedom requires sacrifice.
Freedom requires responsibility.
Freedom requires rules.
Freedom requires surrender.

View Details

How would the average adult describe a teenager? In most cases the description is usually negative and if you ask teens what they think adults would describe them as it is usually negative. In fact, for the last 20 years, Nick Rasse has been asking his high school class this question and these are the top responses.

Stupid
Lazy
disrespectful
don't care about anything

We all know words hurt and if we constantly hear negative things, it produces negative results. For example, If we say 5 nice things about someone and only 1 negative thing about that person, what will they remember? Let's say they are told they are nice, funny, kind, and helpful, but they are a lousy dresser they will most likely walk away from that conversation dwelling on the one negative comment.

What is the person going to remember? Not the nice compliments, but the one negative one.

People especially kids, will live up to the expectations put in front of them. If we call them stupid and lazy, why would they live up to higher expectations?

Are teens more disrespectful today?

Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food and tyrannize their teachers.

Socrates 420BC

Here is my point, kids have always been seen like this, every generation complains about kids. So, when adults ask me – Are teens more disrespectful today – I ask them in return with this question –

Are adults more disrespectful today?

Yes- we are living in trying times – which is why it is all the more important to be very intentional with how we speak with one another today.

1 John - Week 4 Teaching Text Philippians 2:1-8

View Details

I grew up terrified of the antichrist. The dispensational church I grew up in taught us that there's an evil antichrist who's going to control the world and kill all the Christians he can. He'll cut your head off if you say you're a Christian, and if you deny Christ so that you don't get your head cut off, you go to Hell. We were terrified of the antichrist, and because we were so scared of him, we found him everywhere. Every president that we didn't agree with, was the antichrist. Every famous musician and every military leader we didn't like, was the antichrist...until we realized they weren't.

View Details

Love is a theme that runs throughout the book. John talks about what we shouldn’t love, how we are loved, how we know what love is, and how we should act accordingly.

And as John jumps into this theme in the early part of the book…he makes it clear that this is NOT something new.

7 Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before.

1 John 2:7-8

As we jump down a few verses, John wants us to know that the blessings of carrying out this commandment can be hindered. There are things that can distract it from happening. There are things that can keep it from being part of our lives. And it has to do with love too.

Jumping to verse 15 John says

15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.

1 John 2:15-17

Where should this love, this real love come from? Where does it originate? How do we grow this in our lives?

As we jump into 1 John 3, John helps us to see that.

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.

1 John 3:1

Love originates with the Father. Mike talked about this last week. It starts as we receive His love. As we recognize our worth and purpose come from the Father’s love.

If you are part of the family…this is what we do. We love one another. As we look more and more like the Father, we love. It’s a trait of the family.

What does it look like? Real love? Jump down to verse 16….

16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

1 John 3:16

View Details

Jesus said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) We're going through the book of 1 John and there's a theme in the beginning of 1 John about God being the light in a dark world.

View Details

The satan didn't tempt Adam and Eve to murder, steal, or tell a lie. He tempted them to question the Word of God. His tactics haven't changed.

So, it is incredibly important that we can trust the Bible. We can't talk to the eyewitnesses of the events in the Bible, so we believe almost everything we believe because of the Bible. So can we trust the Bible? I say yes. Absolutely yes and I'd like to give you some reasons.

Why should we trust the Bible?

God wrote it. (2 Timothy 3:16)
It Works.
Scientific Evidence
The authors can be trusted.
The entire Bible points to one of the most verifiable events in ancient history, the resurrection of Jesus.

So, can we believe the Bible? Absolutely, and if we do what should we do with the Bible? Let it breathe life into you. Surrender to it. Obey it even if you don't understand why it tells you to do what it tells you to do. Trust it. Study it. Fall in love with it.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.

Colossians 3:16

View Details

What if I told you there's such a thing as a perfect library?... Well, there is. The Bible.

I've been really intentional to tell people that the Bible is a Library, not a book. Why do I do that? Because that's what it is? What's the first thing you do when you walk into a library? You ask

Which book should I read first?

If the Bible is a book, you don't ask that. You just start reading in the beginning. If someone recommends a book to you, you don't say, where should I start reading? This is important because

Not all books of the Bible are equally applicable.

If you could only read one book of the Bible for the rest of your life, how many would pick Leviticus? They are all divinely inspired, but they’re not all as useful to new believers so here is how you should red the bible.

Start reading in Matthew.
Know the context.
Honor it
Read with a wise advisor.
Acquire the taste of Scripture.

If you will use the Bible as a guide to Jesus rather than as a tool to prove your points, it will lead you to depths you could never reach on your own. I Peter 1:23 says

For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.

Without the Word of God, you cannot grow spiritually. Does that mean you can only grow by reading the Bible? No, people grew spiritually before the Bible, But the Bible is the primary way we hear the Word of God.

24 As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of

View Details

In this message, Pastor Mike tells us the full story that is presented in the Bible. He starts at the beginning when God created the Heavens and the Earth and ends with the current church and what we are called to do. This is a great message to watch or listen to get a bird's eye view of the entire story. It is fascinating to see how all the stories are connected and tell a larger grand story of God.

View Details

A creation always has a creator. There's no such thing as an intelligent creation without an intelligent creator. So what is our job? Our job is to convince the world they've been lied to. It's our primary objective. It's our purpose. Billy Graham said,

"I believe that one of the great problems in the church today is that we’re not really convinced that it is our responsibility to win people to Christ. We think it’s the responsibility of the evangelist or the pastor or the missionary. But it is the responsibility of every Christian."

Billy Graham

If only pastors are telling people about Jesus, we're in big trouble. Know why? Because people trust pastors less than they trust you. Get this, a survey asked people if they trust people in different professions, and only

39% trust clergy

The world doesn't trust clergy and you might think, "Oh that's just the world we live in. People don't trust institutions of any kind anymore," but that's not true. Here are some other professions:

39% trust clergy
89% trust nurses
79% trust doctors
75% trust teachers

People trust you MORE than they trust pastors. So we can't just hope pastors tell everyone about Jesus. It's got to be all of us. If we love people like Jesus told us to, we have to tell them about Jesus so they can make it to heaven.

Heaven & Hell Week 5 Teaching Text Luke 16:19-31

View Details

We will all die. Every minute 100 people die and on the way to death, God wakes us up with little deaths. Die to self. Die to sin, it's little deaths that help us seek God. He allows pain because it wakes us up. We're talking about Hell because we need fear to wake us up. If you jump out of a plane, why do you put a parachute on? Fear. Fear can be good, and if you're going to Hell, you should be afraid. Jesus talked about Hell more than anyone. He talked about Hell more than anyone in any religious book. and notice what Jesus said. He didn't say we should fear the satan. He says we should fear God. The satan does not have the power to throw us into Hell. He can tempt us to sin, but only God can throw us into Hell. So how does God decide who goes to Hell? Sin. Your sin will take you straight to Hell.

Romans 6:23

The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

What is the purpose of Hell?

To punish the satan.
To punish evil.

Heaven & Hell Week 4 Teaching Text

Matthew 10:28

View Details

What is Heaven?People don’t look forward to Heaven enough. Therefore, Pastor Mike spoke about what we know about Heaven. A lot of us think it’s a 24/7 church service, so we don’t want to go there, but it’s so much better than that.

Heaven will be a physical place. God is going to recreate the Heaven that exists today, and He’s going to recreate Earth, and those two places will make up the new Heaven and it won’t have a sea. Why? Many ancient cultures correlated the sea with evil spirits. They believed there were portals to hell at the bottom of the sea, and John says in Revelation 21 that in the new Heaven and new Earth, there won’t be anything evil, nothing bad.

Heaven will be a better version of Earth. Sometimes we think we’ll become like God in Heaven, but we won’t. We won’t be omniscient in Heaven. We will still have the joys of discovery, of art, entertainment, etc. That’s really what Heaven is. It’s the presence of God. When we are with God, we are in a form of Heaven, but the Heaven we will experience when Christ returns will be even better than the Heaven that exists today.

There will be no pain of any kind. It’s all gone. The Bible tells us that we’ll have jobs in Heaven, but we’ll enjoy them. We’ll work because we’ll want to work. Some people wonder:

How could I enjoy Heaven if everything is good there?

This thinking happens because we have a bad definition of good. We equate good with boring because we don’t think of work, competition, and achievement as good. Everything you enjoy on Earth will be better in Heaven, but that’s hard to comprehend because sin has clouded our understanding of good. We think our relationships in this world are the pinnacle of good. – Some say:

How could I enjoy heaven if someone I love went to Hell?

That’s a great question. Here are three points to think about it.

We don’t know who goes to Heaven.
Everything we love about people is a gift from God
True joy does not come from experiences.

I hope that you can at least trust God that Heaven will be awesome. Even if we can’t imagine it, we trust Him, and that makes us want it all the more. – So how do we get there?

What will happen when we die?1. Our bodies die. 2. Our souls are with God. 3. Jesus will return to Earth. 4. We all face judgment

Heaven & Hell Week 2 Teaching TextRevelation 21:1-5

View Details

Heaven & Hell – Week 1Who Gets Into Heaven

80% of Americans believe in an afterlife.

Americans can’t agree on anything, but we agree on this. So you’d assume there’s a debate on every corner about how to get there. Nope. Most people are content to take what’s given to them. – So what about you?

Are you a good person?

To that question, almost everyone says, ‘I think so.’ Almost everyone. Why? Because we all think about the bad people in the news we choose to watch and in the movies, and we compare ourselves to those bad people, but

What ratio of good to bad works gets someone into Heaven?

The Bible doesn’t give us a ration. Is it a 50/50 thing? I just need to do more good than bad? Is there a sliding scale? Does giving $20 to the church cancel out murder?…”Stealing is 10 hail Marys, but lying is only 2.”

Who decides what is good and bad?

The Christian church sure can’t agree on it, and they’re using the same Bible. What about things the Pope used to say are good, & now he says they’re bad? What about things like slavery, sexism, unjust wars, and divorce?

When does the counting start?

At what age do my bad actions count against me?… I hope it’s 40. & if I do 1 more bad than good, do I go to Hell because of that 1 bad?

Heaven & Hell Week 1 Teaching TextI Corinthians 6:9-11

View Details

What is the most important thing in your relationship with your spouse? What is your relationship built on?

Every relationship has a hierarchy of values. Here are four kinds of intimacy from least important to most important.

Physical intimacy. It's the least important. Why? You've only got one body to give and there's only so long you can go. Your body is going to age, and get less & less attractive. Physical intimacy is very limited.

Social intimacy. You can be social with more than one person. A good social group can actually build intimacy between two individuals. It's on the social level that we start to really care about someone.

Intellectual intimacy. Is about shared ideas we don't have to agree on everything, but we connect on the things we do agree on. We have common values that team us up when we're with people who don't have those values.

Spiritual intimacy. Allows two people to become one. This is why it's important to be equally yoked, to be married to another Christian. You can only have spiritual intimacy with someone you are spiritually connected to and it's the biggest box because God's in it. Put God first.

First Things First Week 3 Teaching TextI Corinthians 7:1-5

View Details

First Things First - Week 2 - How God Protects UsGod doesn't always protect us physically, but when we put Him first, He gives us peace and eternal protection. I know that seems like a really simple idea, but the version of Christianity that is dominating America today is a very physically focus Christianity. It's all about God making my human life better. But Jesus said,

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.

John 16:33

I think that's the mark of someone who knows that their life is in Christ, and not in this world. Their faith in God is so great, that their worries of this world fade away. They have peace.

Even in victory, we will have pain. The temptation is to believe that victory means everything will be easy. No. God never intended for us to live an easy, comfortable life.

If I offered you $1 billion, would you take it? _ What if taking the $1 billion, meant you won’t wake up tomorrow, would you take the money? _ So how valuable is life? You would rather wake up than have $1 billion.

First Things First Week 2 Teaching TextPsalm 23:5

View Details

This week we hear pastor Mike and Robert Morris talk about the principle of first.

The firstborn must be sacrificed or redeemed.
The first fruits must be offered.
The tithe must be first.

First Things First Week 1 Teaching Texts

Exodus 13:1-2
Exodus 12:12

View Details

This week we hear pastor Paul talk about the ascension of Jesus and the Holy Spirit descending. He asked this important question:

**Who would you rather provide your life agenda? God or You?** Jesus. Week 15 Teaching TextActs 1:6-12

View Details

Easter 2023 was a great celebration where Pastor Mike talked about how we are asleep and we need to wake up.

To be alive, we need 4 basic elements:

Water
Air
Food
Light

What is Jesus? He is the living water, the breath of life, the bread of life, & the light of the world. We can't live without Him. So what about you? Take an honest look at your life and ask, does my life come from Jesus?

Jesus' resurrection proves that Heaven is not a disappointment we'll have to settle for. It means we'll stop settling and start living.

Wake up! The world has lied to you. The stuff they call truth isn't truth. Jesus is the truth.

EASTER 2023 TEACHING TEXT

Ephesians 2:1-6

View Details

In this teaching, Jesus. Week 14, we hear Pastor Mike talk about Jesus doing something none of us could imagine enduring, and in his humanity, He couldn't have done it. So how did He do it? How did Jesus endure the cross?

Everyone has felt it. Every student, parent, and leader has felt the urge to quit. "I'm not smart enough. No one will help me. I don't have enough money. I'm too shy. I'm too ugly." Maybe you want to quit your marriage, job, or something else. Quitting is Easy. Perseverance is hard.

You might have to work harder or fail more times than others. You might have to be more disciplined or read slower than others. You might not be as smart, pretty, or wealthy, but

God has given you everything you need to do what He created you to do.

JESUS. WEEK 14 TEACHING TEXT

Matthew 27:26-37

View Details

In this teaching, Jesus. Week 13, we hear Pastor Mike talk about Peter and how our Biblical mandate is to lead people to Jesus, but half of us think it's wrong. Why? Because we're actually following the opinions of culture, not the truth of Scripture.

JESUS. WEEK 13 TEACHING TEXT

Matthew 26:69-75

View Details

In this teaching, Jesus. Week 12, we hear Pastor Mike talk about our need for mentors and how we should mentor others.

Everyone should have a mentor. The people I know who grow more than most are mentor squirrels. They’re gathering mentors like squirrels gather nuts. YouTube isn’t enough. You can learn to build a house on YouTube, not a life.

Mentors know you. They can customize their advice to your specific situation. When they know you, they can tell you what you need to know, not expect you to search for the right questions on YouTube.

But here’s the danger. Don’t wait until you’re perfect before you move to mentoring others. A lot of mentorship squirrels never become mentors. Their identity gets so wrapped up in perfecting themselves that they never mature into a person who focuses on others more than themselves. Jesus came to shift our focus from self to others. So we must lead others.

Look for ways to influence people. Find young people and take them under your wing. This will take intentionality. Jesus (God Himself) was regularly in the home of his disciples. At some point, we have to say

I can’t go any further until I’m leading someone beside me.

If you’ve struggled with something but don't anymore, mentor someone. If you’re out of debt, lost weight, been promoted, learned to cook, gotten married, given birth, or read a book in the Bible. If you’ve done almost anything, find someone who hasn't done that thing and mentor them.

JESUS. WEEK 12 TEACHING TEXT

Matthew 26:17-29

View Details

Jesus. Week 11 TeachingIn this teaching, Jesus. Week 11, we hear Pastor Mike talk about anger and if being angry is a sin. He references the time Jesus clears the temple.

He spends most of the time asking these two questions.

Why did Jesus kick over tables?
- Jesus was fighting against greed.
- Jesus was fighting against discrimination.
Is anger a sin?

View Details

Jesus. Week 10 TeachingIn this teaching, Jesus. Week 10, we hear Pastor Mike talk about when Jesus feeds 5,000 men & their families, but He does it with the food in a little boy's lunchbox.

Supernatural things happen when we give to God. This boy gave to Jesus, and Jesus used his generosity. When we're generous, we get to physically participate in bringing Heaven to Earth.

Jesus commands us to be generous people, and this boy showed us what happens when we are.

This is what happens when we are generous:

When we give, we honor God.
When you give, we bless others.
When we give, we are blessed.

JESUS. WEEK 10 TEACHING TEXT

Luke 9:10-17

View Details

In this teaching, Jesus. Week 9, we hear Pastor Mike talk about when Jesus healed a man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath.

JESUS. WEEK 9 TEACHING TEXT

John 5:1-18

View Details

In this teaching, Jesus. Week 8, we hear Pastor Mike talk about the beatitudes and how God blesses outsiders. In Jesus' teaching, he isn't saying He won't bless insiders, but statistically, they are less likely to receive His blessing.

A vessel becomes valuable when its contents
are valuable.

We've got a world of people assigning value to people and to themselves based on their beauty, their wealth, their power, or the number of followers on Instagram, but it's all meaningless. We're all going to die, and

Without God our bodies are worthless.

But if God is in you, your value cannot be measured. If God is in you, you are infinitely valuable.

We are all called to give everything to each other. Christians are vessels who choose to surrender their agendas to be used by God. We're the vessel, and when He is in us, we have value.

Jesus. Week 8 Teaching TextMatthew 5:1-12

View Details

In this teaching, Jesus. Week 7, we hear Pastor Mike talk about Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee and how we can overcome storms in life.

If we put our faith in Jesus then the storm cannot defeat us. Jesus didn't just help them endure the storm. He calmed the storm.

Now that we're on the other side of the resurrection, we see that Jesus' invitation to put our faith in Him isn't about faith for physical protection, but about faith for eternal protection. We are more than our bodies because faith gives us eternal life. Put your faith in Jesus, and you will live forever. Christians, nothing can kill you. You're eternal; an eternal flame no darkness can extinguish. It's not a promise of physical comfort. It's of eternal life.

Jesus. Week 6 Teaching Text

Mark 4:30-41

View Details

Jesus. Week 6 TeachingIn this teaching, Jesus. Week 6, we hear Pastor Mike talk about Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine. Jesus turned water into wine because he wanted to honor His mother. Mary, Jesus' mother asked him to do this so as a Jewish man he followed the 5th commandment and honored his mom. The second reason was to keep the party going.

What are we going to do in Heaven?
In Matthew 8:11 we read we will ...feast in the kingdom of heaven.

View Details

Jesus. Week 5 TeachingIn this teaching, Jesus. Week 5, we hear Zack Poitra talk about Jesus' callings and missions and how we should view the callings and missions God gives us.

Jesus. Week 4 Teaching Text

Luke 5:1-11

View Details

Jesus. Week 4 TeachingIn this teaching, Jesus. Week 4, we hear Pastor Mike talks about Jesus being tested by the satan in the wilderness and when Jesus spent some time in Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and cast out a demon from a man. We can learn from Jesus on how we should respond when we face devils.

Respond with the Truth of Scripture.
Don't be a victim.

Jesus. Week 4 Teaching Text

Luke 4:1-13
Luke 4:31-37

View Details

Jesus. Week 3 TeachingIn this teaching, Jesus. Week 3, we hear Pastor Paul talk about Jesus' Baptism where Jesus kind of hears those awesome words, Good Job, from God and what it meant for him and what this story teaches us today.

Jesus. Week 3 Teaching Text

Matthew 3:13-17

View Details

Jesus. Week 2 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear Pastor Karen talk about the first recorded words from Jesus and how these words he spoke can guide us in the year 2023.

Why do we eat Doritos? Why do we look at social media? Why do we sleep in? Why do we waste money? Why do we imitate trends on social media? What motivates us to do certain things?

To better understand how we are motivated Pastor Karen explained this equation.

Motivation = Expectancy + Value - Cost

Expectancy is the belief that you can do a behavior and achieve a result.

Value is the perception that a task is rewarding or useful.

Cost is the sense that what you're doing causes some kind of pain.

Jesus' first recorded words are "Didn't you know I must be about my Father's business?" In this statement, he is revealing to us what motivates him. Everything he does is to fulfill his Father's business. Like Jesus, we should live our life through this lens.

This year, when people ask you why you do something will your answer be "Didn't you know I must be about my Father's Business?"

Jesus. Week 2 Teaching Text

Luke 2:41-52

View Details

Jesus. Week 1 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear Pastor Paul talks about the birth of Jesus.

Jesus. Week 1 Teaching Text

Luke 2:1-7

View Details

Christmas At The Cam-Plex - 2022 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear Pastor Mike talk about when you die, there will be a test. When you get to paradise, they'll ask "why should you get to go in," and what will you say? "Well, I..." Wrong answer. "Because I was good, or I obeyed... or I ate broccoli" No, the answer is

Jesus.

Because HE was perfect. Because HE died & rose again.

Christmas At The cam-Plex - 2022 Teaching Text

Romans 10:9-10

View Details

Fresh Start Week 3 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear Pastor Mike talk about the Holy Spirit as our guide in reaching our destiny. We do so much to keep God from guiding us and you might be thinking "no, He's God. You can't tie up God. Can't He just make Himself free?" They said the same thing to Jesus. They said,

if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!

Matthew 27:40

Jesus didn't save himself. Why? Because God has given people an uncomfortable amount of freedom to sin and to reject Him. We've got a world of people trying to reach their destiny, but they don't know where they're going.

Fresh Start Week 3 Teaching Text

Luke 1:28-35

View Details

Fresh Start Week 2 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear Pastor Mike talk about Submission competitions and how it makes relationships better for everyone. If we both give sacrificially, we give what we couldn't get on our own. My wife can give me what I couldn't get by myself...obviously. So we need healthy competition.

It's all about helping everyone unlock their individual potential so they can make the team better. When the team gets better, everyone on the team wins. Submission is a competition, but it's healthy competition.

So why should we submit to one another out of reverence for Christ? Ultimately, we're on God's team and it is worshiping God.

Fresh Start Week 2 Teaching Text

Ephesians 5:21

View Details

Fresh Start Week 1 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear Pastor Mike talk about forgiveness. Ephesians 5:1 says we should imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. If we are children of the forgiver, we are called to be forgivers. If a parent is good, the children will imitate the parent. That's why we're called disciples. Disciple means follower.

What is the cross a symbol of? Forgiveness. If you want to follow Christ, you forgive like He forgave. If our goal is to be like Christ, we forgive like He forgave. Take up your cross. It's a sacrifice for the Kingdom.

Fresh Start Week 1 Teaching Text

Matthew 6:14-15

14“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

View Details

No Shave November Week 4 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear Pastor Mike talk about how the New Testament is a balancing act. It's constantly telling us that goodness can't save us. The law can't save us, BUT we should be good because we've been saved and what does goodness look like? Well, that's simple: Extravagant Love The entire law of Scripture can be summed up in one word: love. If you want to know if an action is right or wrong, ask yourself, Is it loving?

No Shave November Week 4 Teaching Text

Galatians 6:11-17

View Details

No Shave November Week 3 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Paul talks about the freedom we have in our Christian walk and how the apostle Paul talks a lot about it all throughout his letters, but especially in the book of Galatians which we have been focused upon this month. And as we dig into Chapter 5 a little today, we will see how Paul talks about that Freedom and how, depending upon what we do with it, it can be really good for us, or really bad for us, and for others around us.

No Shave November Week 3 Teaching Text

Galatians 5:13-15

View Details

No Shave November Week 2 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he talks about faith and how God's not like us. He wants us to be faithful, and the only way we can be effective in our mission is to be faithful, but because we can't stay faithful to Him. He was faithful for us, and the literal Good New is:

Our faith in God's faithfulness is enough.

We cheated on God, and He says, you can't fix the relationship by doing better. The only way you can be made right is with faith. Legalism says be holy THEN God will be faithful, that's not the gospel.

Faith is the root. Faithfulness is the fruit.

Faith in God produces faithfulness to God. It changes us and makes us productive, but if there's no faith, there's no root, and what happens to a tree with no roots? It dies and doesn't produce fruit. So what does faith look like?

No Shave November Week 2 Teaching Text

Galatians 3:23-29

View Details

No Shave November Week 1 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he talks about how we should not focus on the approval of people but on the approval of God. The idea of winning the approval of God is tricky though because our salvation is not contingent on our works. There is nothing we can do to be saved by Jesus.

When we start to believe that we can sanctify ourselves by being good enough, we end up like the Pharisees trying to earn the approval of religious people. So let's remind ourselves "God Saved you by his grace when you believed." Ephesians 2:8. God did it. You can't do it. The Israelites tried it for millennia and now we're trying. We Can't. The gospel is called good news because God can and He did. Jesus was perfect for us? His righteousness saves us. Not ours.

No Shave November Week 1 Teaching Text

Galatians 1:10-12

View Details

Acts Week 8 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he talks about growth in desserts. Growth is possible in the desert because before the rain comes seeds were already planted. What's the desert in your life right now? Maybe you're in debt, your marriage is falling apart, you're addicted to porn, you hate your job, you feel lonely, and you’re overwhelmed. There are good seeds in there so water them.

We can sit around and complain that we are not getting enough rain to grow the seeds, OR we can water the ground.

Acts Week 8 Teaching Text

Acts 20:22-28

View Details

Acts Week 7 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he talks about resolving conflict. The ability to resolve conflicts is evidence that someone is a child of God and the good news is, we actually have an incredibly helpful outline in Scripture about how to handle conflict. Watch or listen and learn how Jesus teaches us to resolve conflict.

Acts Week 7 Teaching Text

Acts 15:4-10 and 19

View Details

Acts Week 6 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he talks about getting guidance from the Holy Spirit. Christians, let's get really serious real fast. How much confidence does being filled with the Holy Spirit give you?

Acts Week 6 Teaching Text

Acts 13:4-12

View Details

Acts Week 5 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he talks about having crucial conversations and how to give grace and speak truth.

We can't just know the truth. We have to take action, to share the truth. So many of us are tempted to run to our comfort zones, away from important conversations. We get scared, and avoid the conversation. Patterson says in the book Crucial Conversations:

"The mistake most of us make in our crucial conversations is we believe that we have to choose between telling the truth and keeping a friend."

Kerry Patterson, Crucial Conversations

That's why many of us don't share our faith. We don't want to lose a friend. But shouldn't we be more worried about their eternity? This is good news! You don't have to have all the answers you just need to have grace and speak truth.

Acts Week 5 Teaching Text

Acts 8:29-35

View Details

Acts Week 4 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he talks about Stephen who became the first Christian martyr and how when you are under attack how can you remain faithful to God. How do we make it through leadership storms? When you choose the be a leader you're signing up for trouble. Why? Because there are people in this world who love to punch up. No expert is smart enough. No boss or pastor can be good enough. That's why good followers make good leaders.

Jesus tells us to submit to our leaders, even bad leaders. We choose grace over fairness. We choose to give respect even when it's not earned. That may sound like we're weaker, but it makes us stronger.

Acts Week 4 Teaching Text

Acts 7:54-60

View Details

Acts Week 3 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he talks about entrepreneurship.

Acts Week 3 Teaching Text

Acts 6:1-7

View Details

Acts Week 2 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he talks about courage and confidence.

Acts Week 2 Teaching Text

Acts 4:12-22

View Details

Acts week 1 Teaching

In this teaching, we hear from Pastor Mike as he kicks off our new teaching series called Acts.

Working Wisdom Teaching Texts

Acts 1:6-11

View Details

Working Wisdom Teaching

In this teaching, titled Working Wisdom, we hear from Pastor Paul as he shares with us some valuable tips from the book of Proverbs about how to work with wisdom.

Working Wisdom Teaching Texts

Proverbs 6:6-9

Proverbs 10:4

Proverbs 21:25

View Details

Week Four of At The Movies 2022

In this teaching, we watch some scenes from the movie Free Guy.

At The Movies 2022 Week 4 Teaching Text

I Corinthians 13:9-13

View Details

Week Three of At The Movies 2022

In this teaching, we watch some scenes from a movie called Yesterday. It's a modern-day parable of inspiration, grace, and faithfulness.

At The Movies 2022 Week 3 Teaching Text

Luke 5:29-32

View Details

Week Two of At The Movies 2022

In this teaching, we watch some scenes from a less well-known movie than we usually do, but it is a powerful movie called Mass. It's about a mass shooting that happened in an elementary school, and it's a powerful example of forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace.

At The Movies 2022 Week 2 Teaching Text

Matthew 5:23-24

View Details

In this teaching, we watch some scenes from the movie, American Underdog, the true story of Kurt Warner, an NFL MVP quarterback and Super Bowl winner. In this series, we spend some time reading through the key passage from the message before we launch into the teaching, and today's passage is 2 Samuel 7:8-14.

At The Movies 2022 Week 1 Teaching Text

2 Samuel 7:8-14

View Details

Week Four of Wilderness Life

In this teaching, hear Pastor Karen wrap up the Wilderness Life series. She will ask us to assess where our lives feel like valleys, the places we are far from God, and encourage us to ask the Holy Spirit to move in us and breathe new life.

Wilderness life Week 4 Teaching Text

Ezekiel 37:1-14

View Details

In this teaching, hear Pastor Paul give a message talking about how to survive the wilderness and how to run to God in the wilderness.

Wilderness life Week 3 Teaching Text

Psalm 84

View Details

Week Two of Wilderness Life

In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message on why would a loving God allow bad things to happen?

Wilderness life Week 2 Teaching Texts

Hebrews 4:15-16

View Details

Week one of Wilderness Life

In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message about being in the wilderness. Mike talks through the story of Elijah and how he went from a mountain top experience right into a time in the wilderness. Watch or listen and see how Elijah made it through the wilderness life.

Wilderness life Week 1 Teaching Texts

1 Kings 19:1-12

View Details

Week Five of Follow Me

In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message talking about the idea of trust. He uses 1 Peter 2:17 & 18 to help explain how we as Christians should trust each other.

Follow Me Week 5 Teaching Texts

1 Peter 2:17-18
Ephesians 3:17

View Details

Week Four of Follow Me

In this teaching, hear Zack Poitra give a message talking through 2 Timothy 1 and how important mentorship is in the development of your life and as you mentor others how important that can be for them as well. Paul was a great mentor to Timothy. We should follow Paul's lead.

Follow Me Week 4 Teaching Texts

2 Timothy 1:3-16

View Details

In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message Talking through Hebrews 12. God's standard is perfection. Holiness or hell. Our reaction to that is supposed to be "I can't be holy." To which God says, "exactly. you can't. So let me." There are going to be times when you will be weary. Your body will be exhausted and broken down, and you'll be tempted to stop following Jesus and give up your eternal inheritance, but persevere. Run the race. Fight the good fight, because stopping the race, and turning your back on God and His inheritance for you is the ultimate sin.

View Details

Week Two of Follow Me

In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message about the Pool of Bethesda. He reads out of John 5 where Jesus heals a man who has been sick for thirty-eight years.

Follow Me Week 2 Teaching Texts

John 5:1-15

View Details

In this teaching, hear Pastor Paul gives a message about the interaction between Jesus and a rich man in Mark Chapter 10.

Follow Me Week 1 Teaching Texts

Mark 10:17-27

View Details

Week Six of Energy Source In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message about perseverance and used the apostle Paul to exemplify how the source of our energy is through the giving of ourselves. Like Paul, whose body may have been a mess, but still he rejoiced in his suffering knowing that suffering produces endurance. He had a mature faith that gave and gave and gave until giving became addictive.

We should rejoice in suffering because we know that with God's strength, we can outlast the temporary strength of this world. We are built on the rock of God's Word. The world is built on the sands of selfishness and comfort.

Energy Source Week 6 Teaching Texts Colossians 4:3-4

Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

Colossians 4:16-18

After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.

17 And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”

18 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL.

Remember my chains.

May God’s grace be with you.

Did you like this message, Energy Source Week 5? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week Five of Energy Source

In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message about wearing Christ. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Either they want to lead a group, serve a group, or enjoy the company of a group. No matter what the reason is, we all want to be a part of a group. Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12 that God chose us and that we should clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Energy Source Week 5 Teaching Text

Colossians 3:12-24

View Details

Week Four of Energy Source In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message about wonder and hope. Do you believe, do you know to your core that if you place your whole reliance on God that all will go well? Why do we have hope? Because we gave our future to God, and we trust Him with them. Paul says in, Colossians 3:3 "For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." We have hope because we died because we gave our lives to someone greater than us.

Energy Source Week 4 Teaching Text Colossians 3:1-4

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Did you like this message, Energy Source Week 4? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week Three of Energy Source

In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message about what gets us into Heaven. There are some Christians still teaching that we need to obey a bunch of man-made laws to be saved, but we're free from that. Don't let religious leaders use man-made laws to control you. Paul, in Colossians 2, is asking why would we keep following old laws that have been removed? Our new life has begun! We don't wait until Heaven comes to start celebrating the freedom that comes in Christ. We are free from sin now!

Energy Source Week 3 Teaching Text

Colossians 2:11-23

View Details

WEEK TWO OF ENERGY SOURCE

In this teaching, hear Pastor Mike give a message titled God's Many Energy Sources. Pastor Mike talks about the 6 places we as Christians get our power.

Where does our power come from?

The Good News
Love
Prayer
God's Will
God's Dominion
Joy

ENERGY SOURCE WEEK 2 TEACHING TEXT Colossians 1:6-14

View Details

Week One of Energy Source

In this teaching, hear Pastor Chris give a message titled Stand Firm. Pastor Chris talks about how sometimes as Christians we feel far from God or we feel separated from him and how Paul speaks to this and gives us insight on what we should do even during those moments. He writes in verse 23 "But you must continue to believe in this truth and stand firmly in it. Don't drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the good news" (Col. 1:23) This is where we find our Energy. This is our Energy source during these times.

Energy Source Week 1 Teaching Text

Colossians 1:15-20

View Details

Easter 2022 Homecoming

Have you ever felt weary? I mean really weary, burnt out, frustrated with life, sick of the job, & "the kids are wearing me down. I can't do it anymore." Did you know Jesus felt like that? One time was the night before He was killed:

Matthew 26:38-40

38He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

40Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?

Did you like this message, Easter 2022? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

WEEK EIGHT OF PHONE ZOMBIES

In this teaching, hear about the importance of replacing hurry with sabbath. Pastor Mike talks about how removing some bad habits and replacing them with spiritual practices will help you become who God created you to be and reveal how Jesus' yoke is easy to bear, and the burden is light. He is not saying that doing spiritual disciples will give you rest. He did those for decades, and they usually made his life harder. He is talking about something deeper. For him, it was like a renovation of his heart.

PHONE ZOMBIES WEEK 8 TEACHING TEXTS Matthew 11:28-30

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

View Details

Week Seven of Phone Zombies

In this teaching, hear about the importance of replacing consumerism with generosity. Pastor Mike talks about why he thinks generosity is the ultimate evidence of mature faith.

Phone Zombies Week 7 Teaching Texts

Acts 20:35

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11

10Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! 11The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!

Did you like this message, Phone Zombies Week 7? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

WEEK SIX OF PHONE ZOMBIES

In this teaching, Zack Poitra talks about the importance of replacing anger with gentleness. Having your anger control your life is never going to end well. We must follow Jesus' way and replace anger with gentleness.

PHONE ZOMBIES WEEK 6 TEACHING TEXTS Matthew 26:47-56

JESUS IS BETRAYED AND ARRESTED 47 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.

50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”

View Details

Week Five of Phone Zombies In this teaching, Pastor Paul talks about the importance of replacing isolation with accountability. Being in isolation with technology can be dangerous. When we are in Isolation with technology Satan does some of his best work. He knows that it is easier to tempt us, to distract us with all kinds of things that can pull us away from Jesus. And into a life that is lonely and yes, sinful.

Phone Zombies Week 5 Teaching Texts James 5:13-20

The Power of Prayer 13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! 18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

Restore Wandering Believers 19 My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

Did you like this message, Phone Zombies Week 5? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week Four of Phone Zombies In this teaching, Pastor Mike talks about the importance of replacing distractions with the table. All throughout Jesus' ministry, he ate good food with bad people. Food was essential in his ministry so we should make eating around the table with no distractions a regular part of our lives.

Phone Zombies Week 4 Teaching Texts Luke 10:38-42

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary 38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Did you like this message, Phone Zombies Week 4? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week Three of Phone Zombies

In this teaching, Pastor Mike talks about one talk about social media. One of the dangers of social media that is so incredibly destructive is the danger of comparison. We should replace comparison with friendship.

Phone Zombies Week 3 Teaching Texts

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Did you like this message, Phone Zombies Week 3? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week Two of Phone Zombies In this teaching, Pastor Paul talks about how we should replace notification with prayer.

Phone Zombies Week 1 Teaching Texts 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

John 15:1-7

Jesus, The True Vine
15 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

Did you like this message, Phone Zombies Week 2? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week one of Phone Zombies In this teaching, Pastor Mike opens up in the first week of our new series by talking about how we all have habits and some habits give life and some habits take life. We want to focus on replacing habits that take life and replace it with habits that give life. So we should replace the scroll with scripture. Reading scripture does not earn you salvation. Jesus gave us salvation when he died on the cross there is nothing we can do to earn salvation. But as we invest in the spiritual discipline of reading scripture God will use it to grow us.

Phone Zombies Week 1 Teaching Texts I Peter 1:13

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

2 Corinthians 10:5

We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Did you like this message, Phone Zombies Week 1? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

MORE THAN WORDS In this teaching, The Vow, Pastor Keith Loy talks about the three reasons why we need to watch what we say for they are more than words.

Our tongues convey direction.
Our tongues communicate character.
Our tongues create problems.

View Details

Week Six of Behind Enemy Lines

In this teaching, Pastor Mike talks about Daniel Chapters 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12. and what these chapters teach us about fear. We may have fears, but we don't let them stop us. We'll face the beasts because God is a God of power and love. He's mighty, and He cares.

Did you like this message, Behind Enemy Lines - Week 6? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week Four of Behind Enemy Lines

In this teaching, Pastor Mike talks about Daniel Chapter 9 and how we were created to worship. Specifically, we were created to worship God, but that's not how it plays out. Is it? Often the things we were created to do get perverted. The desire to do what we should do runs out of control.

Behind Enemy Lines Week 5 Teaching Text

Daniel 9:17-19

17“O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.

18“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.

19“O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.”

Did you like this message, Behind Enemy Lines - Week 5? Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week Four of Behind Enemy Lines

In this teaching, Pastor Mike talks about Daniel Chapter 6 and how Daniel protested the new law quietly but did not hide it either. He would later be thrown in the lion's den as punishment for not following the new law. When we are behind enemy lines we must follow respect authority even when it is evil.

Behind Enemy Lines Week 3 Teaching Text

Daniel 6:1-28

View Details

Week Three of Behind Enemy Lines

In this teaching, Pastor Mike talks about Daniel Chapter 3 and the faith that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had.

Teaching Text

Daniel 3

View Details

Week Two of Behind Enemy Lines

In this teaching, Pastor Mike talks about Daniel Chapter 2 and how we can and should reach the next generation.

Teaching Text

Daniel 2:1-48

View Details

Week One of Behind Enemy Lines In this teaching Pastor Paul talks about how we are similar to Daniel in living in a pagan land. As Peter says in 1 Peter 2:11

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.

We are temporary residents and foreigners. We are behind enemy lines. What does that look like and how do we live as Christians behind enemy lines?

Teaching Text Daniel 1:1-20

1 During the third year of King Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah,[a] King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah and permitted him to take some of the sacred objects from the Temple of God. So Nebuchadnezzar took them back to the land of Babylonia[b] and placed them in the treasure-house of his god.

3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. 4 “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.[c]” 5 The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service.

6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names:

Daniel was called Belteshazzar.
Hananiah was called Shadrach.
Mishael was called Meshach.
Azariah was called Abednego.

8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. 9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel. 10 But he responded, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded.”

11 Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” 14 The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion and tested them for ten days.

15 At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating

View Details

Week 4 of Messianic Math In week 4 of Messianic Math, Pastor Mike Wilson talks about how we have all that we need.

Teaching Text Psalm 23:1-6

A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

View Details

Week 3 of Messianic Math

In week 3 of Messianic Math, Pastor Mike Wilson talks about how important it is for Christians to be generous.

Teaching Text

Mark 12:41-44

The Widow’s Offering

41Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.[a]

43Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week 2 of Messianic Math

In week 2 of Messianic Math, Pastor Mike Wilson talks about how important it is to be known for what we are for, what we add to the world rather than what we're against, what we want to take away from the world.

Teaching Text

Acts 15:1-2

While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers[a]: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question.

Acts 16:19

“And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week 1 of Messianic Math

In week 1 of Messianic Math, Pastor Mike Wilson talks about how getting out of debt isn't about wealth it's about being useful to God. He put us in this world to accomplish a goal. He created us for a mission, and debt makes us less useful to God in fulfilling that mission.

Teaching Text

Matthew 6:24

24“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Orange Sunday Join Pastor Paul Baughman for Orange Sunday as he talks about the origins of the Wesleyan Church and one of the founders, Orange Scott.

Teaching Text

Matthew 22:36-39

36“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

37Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

View Details

Week 4 of Unlovable

Join Pastor Mike Wilson on week 4 of Unlovabe as he talks about relational support.

Teaching Text

2 Timothy 2:3-4

3Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.

Check out more of our Sunday morning teachings here.

View Details

Week 3 of Unlovable Join Pastor Paul Baughman on week 3 of Unlovabe as he talks about how to have an extraordinary day.

Teaching Text Matthew 8:1-16

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. 2 Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

3 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy.[a] This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer[b] came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant[c] lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I t

View Details

Week 2 of Unlovable Join Pastor Mike Wilson on week 2 of Unlovabe as he talks about how Christ called us to love our neighbors and enemies.

Teaching Text Matthew 5:43-48 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’[a] and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies![b] Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,[c] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week 1 of Unlovable

Join Pastor Mike Wilson on week 1 of Unlovabe as he talks about how we all may look unlovable but we are all loved.

Teaching Text

Matthew 3:13-17

13Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”

15But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.[a]” So John agreed to baptize him.

16After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened[b] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week 3 of Don’t Settle Join Pastor Mike Wilson on week 3 of Don’t Settle as he talks about how we shouldn’t settle for “Christian.” Teaching Text Matthew 7:24-26 24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching […]

View Details

Week 2 of Don’t Settle Join Pastor Mike Wilson on week 2 of Don’t Settle as he talks about repairing your foundation. Teaching Text 1 Corinthians 6:12 …even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. Check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

View Details

Week 1 of Don’t Settle Join Pastor Mike Wilson on week 1 of Don’t Settle as he talks about how Jesus is more than a foundation he is the footer to the foundation of our life. Teaching Text Ephesians 2:19-21 You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. […]

View Details

Jersey Sunday 2021 Join Pastor Mike Wilson on New Life’s Jersey Sunday 2021 as he talks about having faith. Teaching Text Matthew 8:5-10 5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” 7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will […]

View Details

Week 5 of At The Movies 2021 This week Pastor Mike uses movie clips from Chaos Walking Teaching Text Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Learn […]

View Details

Week 4 of At The Movies 2021 This week Pastor Mike uses movie clips from X-Men: First Class. Teaching Text Matthew 4:18-2218 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed […]

New Life Gillette Church Teachings: Recent Episodes

New Life Gillette Church

The Widow’s Offering