Magnify Church - Ensley Campus: Recent Episodes
Magnify Church
Welcome to the weekly podcast from the Ensley Campus at Magnify Church! We want to help you take your next step in your relationship with God. Check us out at bhbconline.org
Who is Jesus to you? Is He your Lord and Savior or just a legend with no real impact on your life? Brett Bellamy continues our series in Luke and invites us to see who Jesus really is, as well as the power He has over sin and darkness.
When life gets tough, where do you turn? Do you rely on your own abilities or knack to solve problems? Or do you turn to Christ? Brett Bellamy continues our Storyteller Series in Luke and reminds us that we can trust Jesus, knowing that He will either calm the storm or sit with us in the boat as life crashes around us.
Those who have ears, let them hear! Sounds easy enough, right? Yet there are so many things in our lives that can keep us from hearing or seeing the good news God has for us. Brett Bellamy relaunches our Storyteller series in Luke with a teaching on the parable of the soils, and helps us open our hearts to receive God’s gifts.
How many of us looked at the calendar and gave a little sigh of relief knowing that we have Monday off? Yet God’s plan for work is crucial in how He created, calls, and provides for us. Brett Bellamy opens the book of Colossians and explores the ways we can bring glory and honor to God through our work.
When the anxieties and trials of life come, where do you turn? Brett Bellamy shares a lesson from Paul as we close out our summer series, A Cross Shaped Life, and looks at the invitation we have to not be anxious, but take everything to God in prayer and find peace in Christ Jesus.
It is so easy to forget why we may have walked in a room, especially as we get older! Yet, it can be so hard to forget our past mistakes and regrets. Brett Bellamy continues our summer series and examines what Paul is asking us to forget so we can press on to what lies ahead.
What is the “good life” and how do you know if you are living it? The world’s answer looks a lot different than what Paul calls us to in Philippians 3. Brett Bellamy unpacks what it looks like to leave everything behind, for the sake of knowing Christ!
Any famous athlete or musician can tell you that talent can only take you so far. You have to invest, day after day, into becoming great. Ben Phebus continues our summer series and shows us that the Christian life is not so different. You are saved the moment you accept Christ as your Savior, but it takes diligent discipline to transform our old lives into ones that look more like the greatest of all time, Jesus.
What comes to mind when you think about humility? Is it a person in your life who showed you grace when you wronged them, a boss who shared credit for a new product, or maybe a famous athlete who gave glory to God for their success? Brett Bellamy continues our summer series in Philippians and points us to the greatest example of humility ever known, Jesus Christ.
What does it look like to allow the gospel to shape your life? What if your life doesn’t look like you expected? Stu Quackenbush kicks off our summer series, A Cross Shaped Life in the book of Philippians to help us rest, refocus, and examine how Christ is calling us to live.
When is the last time that you felt strong, overwhelming emotion over God’s gracious, undeserved, and life-altering love for you? Brett Bellamy continues our Storyteller’s series in Luke and points us to how understanding the depth of mercy we have received, supercharges our passion for Christ and energizes our worship of Him in all that we do.
We all struggle from time to time with doubt. Life’s circumstances can really throw us for a loop and cause us to question God. We aren’t alone. Even those who saw Jesus’ miracles firsthand, questioned Him when things didn’t go the way they expected. Steve Welch shares the grace Jesus offers, even when we stumble and doubt.
What does it mean to tell the story at Ensley? Brett shares our mission, vision, and values as he explores how we strive to “Always Make Disciples” at Magnify Ensley.
Has someone in your life shown you compassion? Maybe a kind word or deed when you were hurting? Brett Bellamy invites us to follow Jesus’ example from Luke 7 and be a light in this dark world by sharing the words and love of Jesus to those around us in need of a Savior.
What is faith and how do you know if you have it? How do you choose to trust, even in the midst of the storms of life? Brett Bellamy continues our series in Luke with a story about someone unexpected, who had enough faith to cause Jesus to marvel!
The storms of life are coming. If you aren’t in the midst of one now, just wait. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world.” Brett Bellamy continues our Storyteller’s series in Luke and challenges us to dig deep and build our lives on the only solid foundation, Jesus Christ.
How do we live the Christian Life in the midst of so much hate? How can we say we love Jesus, but not hold to His teaching to love our enemies? Our guest teacher, Elie Haddad who is the President of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut Lebanon, shares a unique perspective on the way to find joy and peace in the midst of conflict.
We are rescued people, saved from condemnation through the blood of Jesus Christ. Yet in this broken fallen world, it can be hard to remember the forgiveness we’ve received and extend it to others. Brett Bellamy offers encouragement from Luke 6 as we seek to love the way Jesus loves.
It's easy to love those who love you, but what about those who don't? What about people in your life who intentionally do harm to you? Brett Bellamy continues in the Storyteller Series with one of the hardest teachings of Jesus on what it means to truly love those who hate you and hurt you.
What motivates your decisions and whose advice means the most to you? Brett Bellamy unpacks Jesus’s teaching on the blessings and woes in Luke and helps us understand what lies behind our anxieties, jealousies, fantasies, and resentments.
If Jesus prayed all night before choosing His disciples, how much more should we pray before making decisions or dealing with challenges in our lives? Brett Bellamy continues our Storytellers series and shows us how to stay connected to God as we follow Jesus’ pattern for life and ministry.
When you think about the Sabbath, what comes to mind? Did you know that the word Sabbath means “rest?” Brett Bellamy uses a passage from Luke to remind us that God created us and knows what we need. He longs for us to find rest from this crazy chaotic world. But not just rest from work–He wants us to find our rest in Him!
Have you ever wanted something so desperately that you went to extraordinary lengths to make it happen? Brett Bellamy jumps back into our Storytellers series in Luke and teaches about a group that wanted to be near Jesus enough to bust through a roof. Would you?
Have you ever felt like an outcast, unloved, or alone? Trent Heaton invites us deeper into the healing of the Leper in our Storytellers series to understand the depth of Jesus’ heart for us. Just like the leper, Jesus wants to touch us and make us whole.
He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection changed everything. Because of His great love for us and sacrifice on the cross, we are free from the chains of sin and death. We’re excited to worship, learn, and celebrate with you this Resurrection Sunday!
Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Can you hear the cheering crowd as Jesus entered Jerusalem? How quickly those cheers turned to jeers and shouts for His crucification! As we look ahead to Easter, let’s take time to reflect on the suffering savior, Jesus Christ, and what led Him to the cross.
It can be scary to share our faith, especially if we feel unworthy, unequipped, or unsure of what to say. Yet many around us are lost and in desperate need of hope. Brett Bellamy encourages us to pray, act, and speak to others about the saving grace we have in Jesus.
When Jesus called His disciples it was radical and required them to leave everything they knew to follow Him. What have you given up to follow Christ? Brett Bellamy explores the cost of following Jesus with your whole life as he continues in the Storyteller series.
We all long for a miracle–healing for our bodies, relationships, and minds. Jesus has the power to work miracles today; yet sometimes He doesn’t. Brett Bellamy continues in our Storytellers series and reminds us that the miracle we need most has already happened. Salvation is available because of what Jesus did on the cross.
What holds you back from believing that Jesus is who He says He is and that He has the power to truly set you free? Brett Bellamy challenges us to overcome our doubts and fears so we can experience the life-changing joy found in the good news of the gospel.
When someone cuts you off in traffic, how do you react? Do you immediately think of them as a dearly loved son or daughter of God, created in the image of God? Kurt Dillinger from Life International reminds us that ALL human life, from the womb to the grave, is sacred. He invites us to be life-givers in all of our relationships and reflect God’s love to those around us.
We all doubt sometimes. Life is hard. Relationships are hard. We are tempted at every turn to get angry or shut down. Brett Bellamy invites us to follow Christ’s example in His third temptation by speaking Scripture into our doubt and trusting God’s plan.
How do you grasp for power? Do you use aggressive or passive power to shortcut pain or roadblocks in your life? Brett challenges us to instead walk in faith and submit to God’s authority in every area of our lives.
What are you tempted by? Do you struggle to keep spiritual matters a priority while spending time, energy, and resources on the material pleasures of life? Brett uses Jesus’ example in Luke 4 to encourage us. We can’t do it perfectly like Jesus did, but He invites us to choose faith instead of giving power to our pleasures.
Can God use our past? The sins we hope no one ever finds out about? The hard things we are called to endure? As Brett Bellamy explores Jesus’ genealogy in Luke, we’ll see how God’s plan, protection, and provision gives us hope and builds our faith.
What do you hope for? The Lions to win a playoff game? Maybe it’s for a promotion or for your child to be successful? Using verses from Romans, Matt Zainea shares where our true hope can be found, and invites us to be part of sharing that hope through serving.
Is there something you hope will be different this new year? Something you’ve tried in the past to let go of, but just couldn’t? Brett Bellamy continues our Storytellers series in Luke and encourages us to have faith to change.
When the light pierced the darkness of that Bethlehem hillside so long ago, the Shepherds ran without hesitation to share the Good News of Jesus’ birth! What will you do with that news this Christmas? Dan Currie invites us to have faith like a Shepherd.
Do you see yourself as a competitor or a victim? Brett Bellamy continues our Storytellers series in Luke by using Mary’s story to help us see that the answer should be “neither.” Come hear about the better option.
If something is too good to be true, it usually is. But not with God! With Him, ALL things are possible. Brett uses Zechariah’s story in Luke and invites us to be still - to listen for God’s voice and then trust His promises.
Do you need to “see it to believe it?” What about if you heard it from someone who saw it firsthand? Brett Bellamy kicks off a new series, Storytellers - Luke & Growing our Faith, where stories from Luke, and people in our church, increase our faith.
Do you ever read the Bible and feel like it can be confusing or even contradictory? Brett Bellamy uses different lenses in Scripture to help us live a life of responsibility in this broken world as we look ahead to our heavenly home.
What comes to mind when you hear “fear of the Lord”? Is it confusion, anxiety, respect, awe? In our two week mini series on wisdom, Brett Bellamy reminds us that we need a deeper understanding of the fear of the Lord.
Amidst all the conflict and questions surrounding Israel have you taken the time to share the good news of salvation? Covering current events and the history of Israel, Brett Bellamy invites us to find lasting peace in Jesus.
Finishing our series in James, Brett Bellamy walks us through the difficult conversation of prayer and suffering. Instead of asking “how is your prayer life”, he invites us to consider the question “who is Jesus?”
We all love control. But what if control is just an illusion. Using text from James 4, Brett Bellamy challenges us to consider areas of our life where we have edged God out to claim our own authority.
Suffering is universal, but lacking joy doesn’t have to be. Louie Konopka reminds us that joy comes when you enter God’s story with your story.
We all want to be loved. We all want to be respected. How do we respond when those desires are not met? Using text from James 4, Brett Bellamy encourages us to take internal steps towards resolving conflicts before they start.
What we say matters. Are our words bringing death to those around us or are we bringing life? Continuing in James, Brett Bellamy challenges us to consider the power of our words.
Is your faith on cruise control? Do you know your destination yet find yourself coasting along and missing significant moments that can bless others? Brett Bellamy helps us understand the direct connection between faith, gratitude, and works as we study the next section of the book of James.
How much of our lives are bent towards more, faster, more, faster? Continuing in James, Brett Bellamy challenges us to slow our pace and respond to the good news of Jesus.
Kicking off our series on James, Brett Bellamy invites us to consider that during seasons of great sorrow or pain we can find even greater joy in Christ.
What comes to your mind when you think about money? Are you stressed? Confident? Tense? Peaceful? Brett Bellamy points us to what Jesus has to say about wealth, treasures, greed and generosity.
Do you enjoy work? Do you work begrudgingly? Or a little of both? Using passages from Proverbs, Matt Zainea reminds us that work is essential to understanding God, ourselves and our purpose.
Have you been buried and brought back to life through faith in Jesus Christ? This Baptism Sunday, Brett Bellamy invites us to consider the significance of identifying with Jesus through baptism.
What comes to your mind when you think about money? Are you stressed? Confident? Tense? Peaceful? Brett Bellamy points us to what Jesus has to say about wealth, treasures, greed and generosity.
What are you hungry for? Continuing in Matthew, Brett Bellamy teaches that the spiritual practice of fasting reveals the true hunger of our hearts.
Forgiveness is at the heart of following Jesus. What happens when we won't forgive? Dan Currie unpacks what Jesus says about true forgiveness and how to forgive when it seems impossible.
Have you ever been so sad or angry that you didn’t know how to pray? Continuing in our SEEK series, Dan Currie helps us understand the Psalms and shows us how to pray in a way that moves us from lament to wisdom and then to praise.
When we pray do we come to God with an open hand or a closed fist? Continuing in Matthew 6, Ben Phebus points us to the importance of surrender through the Lord’s Prayer.
Is there a connection between our generosity and our hearts? Kicking off our series on Matthew 6, Brett Bellamy invites us to reflect on our motivation when we do good things for the Kingdom.
What is the most significant moment in all of human history? Concluding our series in 1st Corinthians 15, Trent Heaton shows us the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Does God care about how we worship? Continuing the conversation on spiritual gifts and worship, Brett Bellamy unpacks 1 Corinthians 14.
Is it possible to do the right things in the name of love and still miss the point? Gary Heim unpacks what true love looks like in 1 Corinthians 13.
Our culture is characterized by divisiveness, but Jesus offers a better way. From 1 Corinthians 12, Brett Bellamy reminds us that unity among followers of Christ is the greatest gift.
No one desires suffering. Yet, to remain faithful through adversity is to identify with Jesus. Using text from 1 Corinthians 11, Brett Bellamy explores the connection between suffering and communion.
All Scripture is relevant to our life, even when it doesn’t feel relevant. Using the topic of headcoverings, Brett Bellamy explores the importance of orderly worship in 1 Corinthians 11.
What is consuming your thought life? Your time? Your energy? Your money? Brett Bellamy encourages us to ask these questions and identify if idolatry has replaced the one, true God in our lives.
Who do you imitate? Who imitates you? This Vision Sunday, Matt Zainea reminds us that through the power of the Holy Spirit the kingdom of Jesus Christ spreads from generation to generation through willing people.
Everyone loves to be right. But does that hinder our ability to represent Jesus? Brett Bellamy challenges us to put aside pride and surrender our rights to advance the good news of Jesus Christ.
Do your words, actions and habits point those around you to Jesus Christ? Continuing in Corinthians, Brett Bellamy helps us navigate the challenges of discernment when Scripture isn't perfectly clear.
What distractions keep you from serving Christ? Whether married or single, we are called to the same mission. Continuing in Corinthians, Ben Phebus calls us to lay aside distractions and shift our priorities.
Should Christ followers care about sexual purity? Should their lives be marked by countercultural beliefs and practices? Using Corinthians 6 -7, Brett Bellamy challenges us to flee sexual sin and to cling to our union with Christ.
What do you love? We naturally can’t help but talk about what we love. Using text from Luke 15, Brett Bellamy encourages us to consider what Jesus Christ has done and to share this wonderful, good news with those around us.
Why do we look for life among pursuits and pleasures that lead to death? This Resurrection Sunday, Brett Bellamy challenges us to ask this question and points us to abundant life that can only be found in the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ.
With great intensity and affection, Jesus Christ willingly went to the cross on behalf of sinners. As we begin Passion week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, Brett Bellamy walks us through Jesus’ journey to the cross and invites us to reflect and repent.
What is the role of the church in settling conflict between Christ followers? Continuing in Corinthians, Brett Bellamy helps answer that question and challenges us to always seek reconciliation.
What should the church do when blatant sin causes division? Brett Bellamy walks us through the challenge of guarding holiness while maintaining a disposition of grace and peace.
Are you ruled by self-deception? Is your life characterized by self-importance and superiority? Brett Bellamy gives a gentle warning and reminds us that we can only be merciful through the living power of God.
Do you only see what you want to see? When it comes to our own sin we often refuse to see the truth. Using text from Corinthians 3, Brett Bellamy challenges us to face our sin and see the goodness of Christ’s mercy.
Are you acting like a child? Is pride keeping you spiritually immature? Brett Bellamy discusses how humility and Jesus Christ are the foundation for growth and the role God plays in it.
We all have that “natural” friend; organic produce, non-toxic products, and home cooked meals. Corinthians has a lot to say about the natural person and it’s not what you think. Using text from Corinthians, Brett Bellamy makes the distinction between the natural person and the spiritual person.
The message of the cross seems foolish to some, but to others it is the ultimate display of God’s wisdom and power. Brett Bellamy encourages us to consider that godly wisdom, humility, and repentance stand in stark contrast to the wisdom our world has to offer.
Are you a person of peace or a person of discord? Using 1 Corinthians, Brett Bellamy reminds us that dealing with division may be hard work but as followers of Jesus we are called to actively pursue unity.
The Word of God is clear, followers of Jesus must bring life and light into darkness. As we celebrate Sanctity of Life Sunday, Matt Zainea and Colleen Geisel will show us how to put love into action.
What do the ancient Corinthian church and you have in common? More than you think. Kicking off our new series on 1 Corinthians, Brett Bellamy offers insight into Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and why it still matters today.
Can you feel the love of the Father? Is it possible? Is it personal? Using text from Luke 15, Brett Bellamy takes us on the journey of the prodigal son and helps us get a glimpse of the Father's great love.
Have you vowed to eat better or exercise more in the New Year? Using text from Act 2, Brett Bellamy invites us to consider a different kind of resolution, one of life-changing transformation through Jesus Christ.
What is Christmas for? What is its ultimate purpose? Concluding our series in John, Brett Bellamy explains how Jesus’ final conversation with Peter gives us the answer.
Are you a Jesus follower? Following the story of Jesus’ disciples after the resurrection in John 19 & 20, Brett Bellamy challenges us to evaluate our lives and be drawn into the resurrected life that Jesus offers.
Jesus' final words before His death on the cross deliver a powerful message about His mission and His great love for us. Using text from John 19, Ben Phebus invites us to consider how these powerful words still speak to us today.
John 18 is not just about Jesus and Pilate, it is about all of us. Using this text, Ben Phebus explains the difference between worldly power and Godly authority and why it matters.
What is truth? This age-old question is one everybody must wrestle with. Continuing in John 18, Bret Bellamy points us to the place all truth is found, in Jesus Christ.
Is your religious behavior hiding the reality that your life is centered around you? Examining the story of Peter in John 18, Dan Currie challenges us to place Jesus at the center and have our actions be shaped by our love for Him.
How is Jesus glorified in His people? The answer is simple, through obedience. Continuing in John 17, Dan Currie encourages us to move towards obedience and to see Jesus’ mission as our own mission.
Have we traded the glory of God for disobedience? For folly? Envy or strife? Using passages from the Old Testament and John 17, Ben Phebus explores the connection between God's glory, Jesus’ mission, and obedience.
Do we reduce our relationship with God to a simple checklist? Do this or don’t do that. Using text from the gospel of Luke, Dan Currie invites us to examine our motivation for giving and challenges us to give out of a deep love and gratitude for Christ.
Can sorrow be replaced with rejoicing? Continuing the conversation from John 16, Brett Bellamy examines how prayer will increase our joy and points us to the place true joy is found, in Jesus Christ alone.
During Jesus’ final meal with his disciples, He promised that the gift of the Spirit would be even greater than His physical presence. Returning to our series on the gospel of John, Isaac Bronkema invites us to consider the power of the Spirit in us.
The world wants us to believe that children are a burden. But scripture is clear, children are a blessing. In his final sermon from the series It’s Personal, Steve Walmer encourages parents to see children as the gifts they are and to pass vitality and life from this generation to the next.
Marriage can be a lot of things; exciting, boring, fun, complicated, amazing, challenging, rewarding. But marriage is also a living, breathing metaphor of Christ and the church. Building on Scripture from Genesis, Ben Phebus uses Ephesians 5 to point us towards life-giving relationships.
Do controversial cultural trends leave you feeling worried and confused? Amidst the chaos of our world’s sexual brokenness, God’s Word bring truth, grace, clarity, and peace. Using passages from 1 Corinthians, Brett Bellamy tackles some of our culture’s toughest questions.
Are your relationships chaotic? Do you face brokenness in your home or workplace? Your friendships? Your marriage? In the start of a new series, Ben Phebus offers encouragement and hope. We were created in God’s image and we were made for loving relationships.
As followers of Christ, we are called to create what is good, true and beautiful. Do we view this responsibility as a gift? Using text from Proverbs, Matt Zainea explores how virtuous work is vital for human flourishing.
What does baptism have to do with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ? Everything! Using text from Colossians 2, Matt Zainea shares how baptism is a visible picture of the gospel.
Is our love for Jesus expressed out loud? Are we quick to boldly speak of His grace? Wrapping up our Worthy of Worship series, Dan Currie encourages us to meditate on God’s unsearchable greatness and proclaim it loudly.
How can a God who is remarkably great and beyond comprehension also be near to His people? Steve Walmer continues our Worthy of Worship series, offering wisdom and clarity to this profound question.
Do you believe God sees you? Do you believe He cares about your troubles? Using text from Psalm 145, Ben examines how God meets our needs and steps into our suffering with unmatched kindness.
All of creation is called to proclaim the glory and power of God’s kingdom. If we don’t, the very rocks will cry out! Join us as Steve Walmer uses Psalm 145 and Isaiah 60 to teach us more about being God’s church and living for His kingdom.
Do you see God’s grace, compassion, and mercy in your daily life? Do you feel His presence when things get tough? Come and be encouraged as Isaac Bronkema contemplates the characteristics of God described in Psalm 145:8-9.
In a culture overwhelmed by accomplishment and distraction, take a moment to be overwhelmed by the wonder of who God is. Tate Radaz kicks off a series called Worthy of Worship in Psalm 145.
The world seems full of anger and hate. When Jesus was on earth He was also hated. What does it mean to courageously follow Jesus when faith and the world collide? Isaac Bronkema will help us understand this tension from John 15.
Did you know that Jesus wants to spend time with YOU? Ben Crouse continues in our Grace Upon Grace series in John 15 and talks about the deeply personal and tender concept of what it means to truly abide with Jesus.
Ben Crouse talks about fatherhood and using verses from John to discuss the unique relationship of Jesus and His Father.
Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be given to them, and is also offered to all believers. How we choose to interact with the Spirit is determined by the nature of our relationship with Him. Ben Crouse unpacks some of these promises from John 14.
In John 14, Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life. Learn what that means for us today, as Ben Crouse unpacks how we might allow who Jesus is to impact our lives and those around us.
What does it mean to love like Jesus? By exploring the words of Jesus in John 13, Isaac Bronkema talks about the example of Christ, and the differences between how Judas and Peter treat Jesus.
What does it mean to be a servant leader? In John 13 Jesus showed his disciples by washing their feet, and Trent Heaton discusses how we might follow the example of Jesus within the roles God has given us.
Jesus brings life, even through death. From John 12, Steve Walmer explores the necessary deaths we must experience in hopeful anticipation of life in Christ, and to bear fruit for His glory.
What are the characteristics of someone who worships Jesus? From John 12, Ben Crouse looks at the ways Mary and Judas interact with Jesus and calls us to examine what our worship looks like.
After Jesus raised a dead man to life, the Pharisees began to scheme and plot to kill Jesus. From John 11, Ben Phebus calls us to exchange the brokenness of our thoughts with the abundant life and freedom that Jesus offers.
What does the phrase ‘God Loves You’ really mean? By celebrating Christ’s Resurrection, Ben Crouse explores how Jesus’s words, death and resurrection stand as a permanent example of His love. Christ is risen!
As we look at the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection from the gospel of John, Ben Crouse reminds us of the gift of grace made available to us by the passion and love of Christ.
When has the brokenness of life caused you to ask big questions about faith and Jesus? Ben Crouse examines the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and the significance of what this means for those who believe Jesus is Lord.
Do you believe there is a Sovereign, Creator God who cares about you? Trevor Hunt explores Jesus’ words from John 10 to discover more about the Good Shepherd.
How can we grow in awareness of our spiritual blindness? Gary Heim explores the story of Jesus healing the blind man from John 9 by examining the realities of sin and the grace of knowing who Jesus is.
Whether we know it or not, we are part of a lineage of either serving sin or serving Christ. Steve Walmer explores the words of Jesus in John 8, and calls us to choose to which family we will belong.
We long to be free, and Jesus longs to give us that freedom that can only be found in Him. Brett Bellamy explores John 8 in which Jesus says He is the light of the world, the one who gives freedom from darkness.
Have you ever been caught in the act? Jesus interacts with a woman who was publicly shamed for being caught in sin, and His life-giving response of forgiveness to her is the same forgiveness He extends to us. Ben Crouse unpacks this story from John 8 in an interactive way.
Do you ever feel confused about who Jesus is? Ben Crouse explores division among the people about Jesus from John 7, and the invitation from Jesus that remains for us today.
Have you ever felt like walking away from the faith? The teaching of Jesus from John 6:51-71 is difficult to grasp, and many of His disciples walked away from Him afterward. Ben Crouse explores the truth that only Jesus can satisfy our deepest needs.
What consumes you? Through John 6:22-51 Ben Crouse invites us to remember that Christ is the bread of life and is able to satisfy all of our needs, and that even when we forget, His sovereign grace is enough.
Do you find it hard to experience the joy of knowing Jesus? If there was something blocking your joy would you like to know? Gary Heim will unpack the words of Jesus in Luke 18:9-14 and help us discover the true joy of brokenness.
Is your cup half empty or half full? Ben Phebus uses the miracles of Jesus from John 6 to explore living your life with God’s provision in view, and how that might affect the fullness of your cup.
Who is Jesus, and what is His relationship to God the Father? Dan Currie discusses Jesus’ words from John 5 by examining how Jesus brings life and the authority by which He works.
The miracles of Jesus in the gospel of John are for those who were healed, but also have a message for us today. Gary Heim explores two back-to-back miracles of Jesus early in His ministry and invites us to consider our deepest needs.
Jesus’ loving and compassionate pursuit is demonstrated through the story of the woman at the well. Ben Crouse explores this passage in John 4 to help us learn what it means to worship in spirit and truth.
As a prominent teacher of the time, Nicodemus sought out Jesus for some of his deepest questions. Ben Crouse explores their conversation from John 3:1-21, and gives us the opportunity to decide what we will believe about who Jesus is.
Magnify’s Christmas service to contemplate grace as we experience the joy of our Savior’s birth.
When Jesus overturned the tables of merchants at the temple, he showed zeal for his Father’s house. What are Christ-followers to learn from this example? Ben Crouse discusses the story from John by encouraging us to look at our passions.
When Jesus turned water to wine at a wedding, it marked the beginning of His ministry. Ben Crouse discusses the significance of why John started with this story, what it means, and what it means for us today.
What does it mean to be called by God? By looking at when Jesus called His disciples in the book of John, Dan Currie explores calling as both a vocation and as a part of Christ’s church.
What do we do when we encounter confusion or doubt on our faith journey? From John 1 Dan Currie explores the life of John the Baptist and what the Bible has to say about times of confidence and times of confusion.
What does grace upon grace mean? From John 1, Ben Phebus explores the incredible gifts God has given to us, and how focusing on God's grace might impact the ways we live.
What does it mean to be children of God? Isaac Bronkema uses texts from John and other New Testament books to explore the benefits of grace and the responsibility of being in God’s family.
Does it ever seem like darkness is winning? By looking at who the Bible says Jesus is and at His amazing creation, Ben Crouseshares from John 1 that Jesus is the Light, and that the Light will not be overcome by darkness.
Who is Jesus to you? In this new series on the book of John, Ben Crouse asks us to consider how we try to make Jesus fit into our ideas of who He is instead of who the Bible says He is.
Why did God give us children? Ben Crouse uses Ephesians 6:1-4 to discuss the challenges and joys of parenting, and uses a Biblical lens to encourage parents in their important, God-given role.
From Matthew 28:16-20, Pastor Alton Hardy from Urban Hope Community Church in Alabama wraps up the Home [Work] series on relationships and communication with a look at the Great Commission.
God designed our relationships to be life-giving, but because of the fall, they are broken. Ben Crouse uses Ephesians 5 to describe how we can grow in our awareness of sinful tendencies as we also grow in pursuit of what God wants for us.
How do pride and fear affect our communication with those around us? Using text from Proverbs, Dan Currie explores how we might move with humility by listening and loving well.
Our relationships are broken, and often our words contribute to the mess. In the start of this new series, Ben Crouse uses Proverbs 18:20-21 to discuss how we can restore our relationships through reflection, repentance, and the help of the Spirit.
The short book of Jude delivers a powerful message about our desires and our beliefs. Ben Crouse talks us through how we can keep ourselves in the love of God in the midst of a culture where being ruled by our desires can be paramount.
How does a biblical understanding of work contribute to life for yourself and those around you? Using text from 2 Thessalonians, Matt Zainea examines the importance of the work we do and how we do it.
What does it mean to be baptized, and why do we believe in it? Ben Crouse explores the mysteries of baptism from Romans 6, and call us to celebrate what Christ has done for us.
How can God’s love for us motivate our desire to know more about Him? From the book of 2 John, Dan Currie discusses our call to be watchful of what is false while striving to love God and love others.
What does it mean to experience the love of God? Ben Crouse uses texts from 1 John to highlight how high and long and wide and deep God’s love is for us.
What kind of attitude does the Bible say we should have regarding our salvation? From the book of 1 John, Ben Crouse discusses the words of the disciple who walked with Jesus and what it means to walk in the light.
From 2 Peter 1:3-11, Ben Crouse discusses what it means to become partakers of the divine nature, and how this understanding can influence our daily lives.
What is the role of Christ-followers in relation to the government? Matt Zainea uses the book of 1 Peter and the example of Jesus to discuss what living within the truth looks like.
The smaller New Testament letters deal with big issues. Through the book of Philemon, Isaac Bronkema explores how we are called to not just forgive as God has forgiven us, but also work toward reconciliation in our relationships.
Ben Crouse uses passages from Ezekiel to help us understand the depth of our sin. Yet there is hope. God promises that if we seek Him, He will replace our hard hearts with soft hearts to love Him and others better.
What does faith look like when life doesn’t make sense? Ben Crouse uses texts from the prophet Habakkuk to discuss the mysteries of suffering and the promises of an all-knowing God.
In times of uncertainty it can be difficult to know how to move. Ben Crouse shares how the message of the prophet Jeremiah and the words of Jesus help us seek the good, true and beautiful even during hard times.
The prophet Isaiah was sent to four different kings, and each of them had a different posture towards God. Looking through the lens of these four kings, Ben Crouse discusses what the book of Isaiah says about our worship.
As a culture, we love to make a name for ourselves—instead, how can we lift each other up? Using the book of Obadiah, Isaac Bronkema shares how we are called to use our voices to be our “brother’s keeper.”
Through His word, God has given promises to people of the Bible and to us today. Using texts from Genesis to Revelation, Matt Zainea casts a vision for movement as individuals and as the church when we truly believe God’s promises.
Have you felt discouraged by circumstances in your life being less than what you hoped? From Haggai 1:1-11, Steve High shares God’s invitation to consider His loving pursuit and His provision of a hopeful future when we seek Him first.
What if instead of being focused on what’s next in purchases or achievements, we focused on who’s next and how we might care for others? Gary Heim shares the vision from Amos 5:21-24 on how this shift in focus impacts justice and mercy in our communities.
From Micah 6:8 we are told to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.” Ben Crouse explores the themes of the book of Micah and shares what biblical justice looks like for today.
From 2 Kings 6:24-7:9, Ben Crouse shares the story of the good news received by a group of unlikely recipients and talks about an exciting way to share the good news we’ve received within our various circles.
From the story of Elisha and the Syrian General Naaman in 2 Kings 5, Ben Crouse discusses what it looks like to live by faith in the day-to-day.
Through the story of the prophet in Jonah 1:1-10, Ben Crouse discusses how anger can block us from showing mercy. We can look to Jesus as an example of how to be motivated by mercy when interacting with others.
What does it take to become a disciple of Jesus? With examples from Jesus’ ministry, Ben Crouse shows how celebrating the Resurrection and celebrating people work together.
Stories in the Bible and our own lives provide plenty of examples of choosing paths that seem right, but in the end lead to death (Proverbs 14:12). Dan Currie shares how repentance can lead us back to the path of life.
How can you choose to obey God in your worship, relationships and giving? From 1 Kings 17:1-7 Gary Heim discusses the question of Elijah to the people of God, and the relevance of Elijah’s question for us today.
Within the context of a divided kingdom of Israel enter the prophets, calling the people back to God. Using text from Hosea 1:1-11 Dan Currie shares how we need the message of the prophets today just as much as the people of Israel did then.
How do we grasp for control in our lives? Taking examples from the beginning of the divided kingdom in 1 Kings 11:41-43, Tate Radaz discusses a life-giving alternative to a power-hungry worldview.
If a wise man like Solomon can fall from wisdom, how can we keep from falling into idolatry, especially in the areas of our sexuality? From 1 Kings 11:1-8 Ben Crouse shows what it can look like to flourish in God’s design and grace.
What happens when we encounter futility in life? Using Ecclesiastes 1, Ben Crouse discusses how Jesus, who is making all things new, gives hope in a world where nothing is new under the sun.
Is it possible to cut through the noise of everyday life to acquire wisdom? By looking at Proverbs 1:1-7 Ben Crouse explores what it can look like to pursue godly wisdom with passion.
From 1 Kings 1:1-18, Ben Crouse shares about the beginning of Solomon’s reign, how his throne is established in wisdom and how we can apply wisdom in our daily lives.
Using texts from 2 Samuel, Dan Currie explores David’s indebtedness to God and how that affects his worship, even when David’s life and family unravel into chaos.
After David’s affair with Bathsheba, he wrote Psalm 51. Isaac Bronkema explores David’s prayer for a clean heart and explains how we too can use the Psalms to both express and renew our hearts in prayer with our Father.
What does it look like to bring life to those around us? Steve High uses 2 Samuel 11-12 to discuss how we can act responsibly to create, protect and advance life in all settings.
Being a disciple is what we are all about. Matt Zainea uses the example of Jesus from John 13:12-17 along with our 6 values to discuss what being a disciple looks like.
What is the importance of friendship, and what does the Bible say about what it means to be a good friend? Gary Heim uses 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and other texts to discuss loneliness, relationships and the power of faithfulness.
At the start of King David’s reign, examples of honor and dishonor show how David's kingdom was established. Using 2 Samuel 1:17-27, Ben Crouse shows how honoring God and honoring people allows us to participate in God’s kingdom work.
Magnify’s annual Candlelight Christmas Service, celebrating the birth of the Savior King.
Ben Crouse uses 1 Samuel 18:1-9 and the lives of Saul, his son Jonathan and David to show us how we can choose between the path of envy or the path of peace.
What does it look like to be a person after God’s own heart? Ben Crouse looks at King David from 1 Samuel 17:41-49 as an example of character desired by God and how to take every thought captive.
How does the example of Saul speak to what God desires of our giving? Using 1 Samuel 15, Steve Welch how our obedience shows our love.
The sons of Eli the High Priest show us what barren worship can look like from 1 Samuel 4:10-22. Ben Phebus uses these examples to challenge us to examine how we are honoring God and others.
By looking at the story of Hannah and the birth of Samuel from 1 Samuel 5:1-20, Dan Currie shows how the unfailing love of God can help us persevere through any season of barrenness.
How the Trinity relates to each other can shed light on how we can love others well, especially our spouses. Using verses from Ephesians 5, Dan Currie speaks practically on how to seek the best for the other.
How does God’s oneness apply to marriage? Dan Currie talks about the marriage relationship imaging God, and how we can work from hurt to harmony in our relationships.
Matt Zainea and Senior Research Fellow Michael Miller from the Acton Institute discuss a Christian perspective on politics, wrapping up the Light in the Darkness series.
Is it possible to be light in what can feel like the darkness of current politics? Ben uses an example from the book of Mark to discuss what it means to be light in our every day lives, and the implications in the political arena.
Caring in the midst of a pandemic can be daunting. Matt Zainea has a conversation with guests Mike Post (a health care professional) and Kevin Shuneson (an elementary teacher) to show how bringing light can happen in practical, meaningful ways.
Instead of grumbling or disputing, the church is called to be a light, especially during a pandemic. Ben Crouse explores how we can humbly move towards others with Christ as our example.
How does the Gospel influence the issue of racism? Matt Zainea and Alton Hardy explore what it looks like to think biblically and engage in our community by being light in the darkness.
Instead of grumbling or complaining, the church is called to be a light. Ben Crouse begins a new series by talking about how to think biblically about racism.
The unifying message of Colossians 3:11 was radical when first heard in the context of the early church. It is no less applicable today as we work through questions of justice and reconciliation in our country. Matt Zainea and special guest Alton Hardy talk together about the power of the Gospel to heal.
How are sloth and destruction related? Through Proverbs, Matt Zainea completes the Ashes to Beauty series by calling us to diligence in Loving God and those around us.
Baptism takes someone from false life through symbolic death into true life. Ben Crouse shares more about what the Bible says about baptism and the joy we can experience through it.
Whether you are single, dating, engaged, married, or widowed - we all struggle with lusting for things that don’t belong to us. Isaac Bronkema encourages us to find the power through Christ to break free from our love-affair with sin as he teaches from Proverbs 5 and Romans 13.
Does choosing patience instead of anger seem impossible? By looking at the promises in Revelation, learn how we can move into the rhythms of patience as an act of trust in God.
What’s going on inside when our anger rises to the surface? By looking at the Proverbs and the story of Peter’s denial, Matt unpacks choosing patience instead of wrath.
How are envy and rotting bones related? We will be looking at verses from the books of Proverbs and Acts, and talking about how we can move from envy (what’s next) to gratitude (who’s next).
In our brokenness, much of what we do is motivated by envy. Learn how envy can rob us of the joy of gratitude by looking at a story from the book of Matthew.
How does Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan show us how to combat greed? Learn how trusting in God can move us from Greed to Charity.
What is God up to when He allows frustration and pain in our lives? Isaac Bronkema shows us how Psalm 131 can help us find true contentment.
How do you view your life? Do you gravitate toward viewing it through a lens of scarcity? Or do you see abundance leading toward generosity? This week in part 3 of our Ashes to Beauty series, Matt Zainea talks about how charity opens our hands to give, when we take the focus off of ourselves.
What keeps us from humility? Ben Crouse continues the Ashes to Beauty series by talking about how our prideful fears limit our imaginations towards Christ-like humility.
How can something as ugly as pride be changed to the beauty of humility? This series is focused on the seven deadly sins and the seven Christian virtues, and how true change can happen.
God in His great love for us invites us to be on guard against the downward spiral toward corruption.
How do you receive correction? Often the words that are hardest to hear are the words that can truly bring life and draw us closer to Jesus Christ.
Faith often defies the categories we fashion for it, and Rahab and Achan show us that it's tough to know who the insiders and outsiders are.
Teaching 27 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
When Moses died, the Israelite people found themselves at a frightening crossroads. God responded with encouragement along with a challenge: to trust Him completely.
Teaching 26 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
When Moses died, the Israelite people found themselves at a frightening crossroads. God responded with encouragement along with a challenge: to trust Him completely.
Teaching 26 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
We all want change in our lives, but it's tough to make it happen. Why?
Teaching 25 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Beautiful. Painful. Miserable. How does the Bible affirm and challenge our ideas about marriage?
Teaching 24 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Our lives are full of decisions, and often some answers are better than others. Fortunately, God has given us a guide, and desiring Him is the key to it all.
Teaching 23 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Our world is a remarkably broken place. How are we supposed to navigate all that pain and evil?
There has only ever been one story that is worthy of building the foundation of our lives on, and we need to let the whole biblical story shape our lives in the image of Christ.
Teaching 22 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The prophets are all about bringing God's wayward people back to Him, and no one tells that story like Hosea.
Teaching 21 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Life is full of brokenness and frustration. When things don't go our way, where is God and what does He want from us?
Teaching 20 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
God's Law at Mount Sinai was all about bringing life to His people and making them an example to all the surrounding peoples. Today, that call continues through Jesus.
Teaching 19 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Throughout history, God has passionately pursued and protected the most vulnerable people in society. What does that mean for foreigners and refugees?
Throughout history, God has passionately pursued and protected the most vulnerable people in society. In this time and place, He wants to do it through us.
It's easy to say "God is good" when we see His blessings, but how do we respond when life falls apart?
Teaching 18 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
What were sacrifices all about in the Old Testament, and what does it have to do with us now?
Teaching 18 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
After Israel's failure to live by The Law at Mount Sinai, how can God dwell in the midst of His peoples' sin?
Teaching 17 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Almost immediately after making a covenant with God, the Israelites rejected the way of life He gave them. How did God respond?
Teaching 17 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Bible is full of wisdom, but different parts speak in different ways. How can Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job equip us for relational difficulty?
Teaching 16 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Bible is full of wisdom, but different parts speak in different ways. What do they have to say about parenting?
Teaching 15 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Bible is full of wisdom, but different parts speak in different ways. What do they have to say about marriage?
Teaching 14 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Bible is full of wisdom, but different parts speak in different ways. How can we read them wisely?
Teaching 13 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Proverbs says "Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys." Why does this matter so much?
We often seek it in matters of behavior, but ultimately it is our inner world that needs self-control.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Anger and aggression come easy for us, but how can we enter conflicts with the tenderness of Jesus instead?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
God is the ultimate model of faithfulness. How did that play out when He became a human?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
It's tough to be kind when we feel hurt or frustrated, but that's also when it's most important.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Patience. Trust. Different, yet closely related.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
What does a peaceful person really look like, and what does it take to become one?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Good times. Bad times. How can joy be a part of both?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Love for others is meant to flow freely from our love for God.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Love is essential to our relationship with God, but it's easier said than done.
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
It's easy to believe that we fail God by not trying hard enough, but what if that's not the real problem at all?
Part of “NINE Virtues of a Vibrant Life”, our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Eight of the Ten Commandments are about avoiding evil, but the two in the middle are all about clinging onto what is good.
Teaching 12 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel like Paul did: with all boldness and without hindrance. What will it take to move forward in that mission?
The first three of the Ten Commandments focus on our relationship with God, but God also has a lot to say about how we treat each other.
Teaching 11 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Ten Commandments come at the very beginning of God's law to His people, and the first three are all about our relationship with that God.
Teaching 10 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The Psalms: God's prayer book for His people. They have much to teach us about thanksgiving, but also about lament, pain, and uncertainty.
Teaching 9 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Wilderness. The word evokes images of arid deserts and dense forests, and has a knack for revealing who we really are.
Teaching 8 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
The LORD is a God of abounding love as well as utter holiness. How do these work together?
Teaching 7 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
As the book of Exodus opens, we are consistently confronted with a question: who is in charge?
Teaching 6 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Where have we been, where are we going, and how will we get there? Check out this special vision teaching for an update.
Genesis is full of deceivers. Why, and is there anyone who breaks the mold?
Teaching 5 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
In Genesis, humans and deceit often seem inseparable from each other. Even so, God refuses to break His promise to Abraham's family.
Teaching 4 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
Noah and Abraham were both deeply flawed, but they clung to the belief that God keeps His promises.
Teaching 3 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
When God created the earth, it was all good. So what on earth happened?
Teaching 2 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
You can tell a lot about a story from the way it begins, so what's the beginning of Genesis about?
Teaching 1 in “The Story Before the Story”, our Old Testament series.
What exactly is spiritual warfare, and what does the Bible mean when it talks about the flesh?
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." These words to God's people are ancient, but what do they mean?
Hurt. Anger. Bitterness. It isn't hard to find these things in our lives, but what are we supposed to do with them?
In this capstone of the Romans series, we investigate the powerful–yet often skimmed–final chapter.
31 of 31 in our Romans series.
Paul did many things during his life - good and bad. What was he proud of?
30 of 31 in our Romans series.
A church divided by preferences and convictions, but united in Christ. Is this possible?
29 of 31 in our Romans series.
We are citizens of God's Kingdom first and foremost, but citizens of human nations as well. What does it mean for a Christ-follower to also be American, Chinese, German, or Roman?
28 of 31 in our Romans series.
Hard times. Good times. What does it look like to trust God and be grateful in all seasons?
Revenge is a part of us - when someone pushes, the natural thing is to push back. However, God has a better way for us. A way that is more than natural.
27 of 31 in our Romans series.
Honor. Humility. Hospitality. We all know these words, but do we really know what they mean?
26 of 31 in our Romans series.
Different, but united in Christ. That is God's desire for His people, but it is rarely the way we actually function. Fortunately, Paul was no stranger to this issue.
25 of 31 in our Romans series.
As we near the end of Romans, Paul really gets to the meat of his letter. He also gets really confusing for 21st-century people! What is a living sacrifice, anyway?
24 of 31, the first teaching from our Romans series at the Ensley Campus.
What goes through your head when you hear the word "tithe"? Confusion? Fear? Suspicion? Jesus spoke a lot to say about money, so maybe He can set the record straight.
Note: Unfortunately, we had some issues with the sound quality while recording this teaching. Thank you for your patience; we are working hard to put these mistakes behind us. -the BHBC Team
Many of life's relationships can be chaotic, but none are more consuming of time and resources than children. What is a good parent, anyway, and what does it look like to thrive in this role?
Unfair circumstances. Unpredictable conflicts. Belligerent internet notifications. Our God is the master of chaos, but that doesn't mean he always gets rid of it. What does it look like to walk through life's craziness alongside the Spirit of Jesus?
How do stars begin? Are there other planets like earth? What revolves around what, anyway? Professor Will Millar - making full use of his Ph.D. in Astrophysics - takes us through the history of the questions and updates us on the centuries-long search for answers.
Every human being is different - some even seem to have more traits in contrast than in common! How, then, can we treat each other with dignity?
Joe Jones - head of the Grand Rapids Urban League and Second Ward Commissioner on the Grand Rapids City Council - teaches us this evening.
Contentment. Circumstances. Two words for the same thing to some, but not according to scripture.
Mike Wittmer - professor at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary - speaks on a topic that seems, on one hand, irrelevant and, on the other hand, VERY relevant to our daily lives. Namely, what happens when we die? And what happens after that?!?