Christ Journey Church: Recent Episodes
Christ Journey Church
Welcome to the weekly podcast of Christ Journey Church. Our desire is that you would be inspired, encouraged, and filled with hope. For more information about Christ Journey please visit ChristJourney.org. — New episodes every Monday.
Today's Scripture: John 18:28-19:16
We use our power and authority to steward our dominions well as kings and queens, sons and daughters of the Most High God.
Today's Scripture: John 18:15-18, 25-27
Get up. Keep going. Take a risk. Stay warm by Jesus’ fire, sharing his Gospel truth with strength and courage!
Today's Scripture : John 18:1-12
When trouble comes - whether we create it or it finds us - our decisions bear consequences against the witness of our faith.
Today's Scripture: John 17
We all have a place. We each play a part as Jesus the High Priest and God the Father build the bigger picture with us, through us, by his Holy Spirit.
Today's Scripture: John 16:5-33
Why did Jesus need to die?
The enemy may try to mess with our stuff, our health, and even our lives, but he will never take our hearts, for they are defended by the joy of the Lord!
Today's Scripture - John 15:9-16:4
The world is hard and hateful. How do we find our way?
Today's scripture - John 15:1-8
God may want to prune away some dead branches that are not bearing fruit in order to purify you for a new season of life!
Today's Scripture - John 14
God is coming to live IN every person who trusts in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Today's Scripture: John 13:18-30
What is wickedness and where does it come from?
The power to choose is at the heart of morality.
Even with a moral compass, choices must be made to follow or not.
Your power to choose includes accountability for your actions.
Today's Scripture: John 13:1-17
Wild Robot explores the transformational power of love.
To THRIVE, we must become more than we were programmed to be.
Love is how we become more.
LOVE is how we OVERCOME. Love is the greatest challenge of all, but love is the way.
Love is what matters most.
Today's Scripture: John 12:1-11
The Princess Bride is the fairytale adventure of a beautiful young woman and her one true love, which must find her and save her.
John’s gospel also shares a story of true love and rescue.
The world has been kidnapped and held captive by an evil one and his forces, beyond our control and ability to save ourselves.
Today's Scripture: John 11:25-26
At the Movies series- What Matters Most?
We are taking what we see at the movies and bringing it into the conversation with Bible truth.
Encanto - a Disney family film that on the surface is full of color, energy and excitement but asks a very deep question we face in life.
John's gospel enlarges the circle of together to include God, who entered our story as Savior teaching us that when we face death, don't leave God out!
Today's Scripture - John 10:9-16
Is it time for you to claim Jesus as your King, your Warrior Shepherd?
Today's Scripture: John 9:1-7
Wherever you are in your journey, will you let God bring you closer?
Today's Scripture: John 8:12-59
There is a war being waged for our hearts, and the way to win this war is by following the true light of Christ.
Today's Scripture: John 8:1-11
Adventure involves danger. The signs are there for a reason.
Today's Scripture: John 7:37-38
The peace and power of Christ’s presence doesn’t depend on a feeling, but on your faith. Keep on believing and you will grow in receiving it.
Today's Scripture - Romans 12:9-21
Our world still needs Christians who will show common sense, willing to give the last full measure of devotion
Today's Scripture - Romans 12:2
God will bring you into his new future by bringing his new future into you.
Today's Scripture - John 19:26-27, Matthew 19:27-29
In God’s New Family you share a new identity - you belong to the family of Jesus.
Today's Scripture - Acts 2:42-47, Colossians 3:11-17
New creation begins inside every believer’s heart, the dwelling place of God’s Spirit, making us into a new humanity in Christ.
Today's Scripture: Ephesians 2:14-22
This world’s a mess. When someone talks about new humanity here and now, it seems so unbelievable.
Jesus wants more for you than what you think is possible.
Do you want more?
Then stop drawing your conclusions based on the sin, death and distractions of the world. Instead, explore what Jesus made available to us.
Today's scripture - 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 15:49-58
Jesus’ nail-scarred hands tell us that God's taken the sting of sin and death into himself - healing us and transforming us.
Welcome to new joy!
Jesus beckons us to follow him further into our true LIFE’s purpose - to join him on a greater adventure of living the Father’s will rather than our own.
Today's a good day to ask yourself: Where can I be more like Christ? Boldly sharing truth when it’s my turn to give testimony? How can I live in the same boldness Jesus does so others can find life in him?
Jesus is inviting us to receive more of him in our life through his word, if we’re willing to dig a little deeper.
Today's Scripture: John 4:43-54
The natural beauty and wonder within our National Parks is hard to capture in words or pictures, and it can seem too good to be true even though you are seeing it with your own eyes.
Imagine visiting, embracing the signs of the parks but missing the actual parks. That's no way to experience the parks and it's not the way to truly experience Jesus either.
So what’s the difference between Signs Faith and Saving Faith?
Today's Scripture - John 4:1-42
Your best life is right there, in the will of God, on mission with Jesus in the dry, thirsty, broken, throwaway places of life.
Today's Scripture: John 3:22-30
“Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.”
Psalms 119:18
What has your eyes?
Jesus is inaugurating God’s kingdom and inviting all who receive him to receive the power of his kingdom.
Description
Today's Scripture - John 3:16
Jesus' idea of getting you into heaven is to get heaven first into you - not by works of righteousness that you have done but through what Christ has done on the cross.
Don't miss God's power by settling for something less. Let God's love come alive in you by looking to Christ and trusting him.
Today's Scripture:John 2:12-22
The Jerusalem Temple was impressive with a powerful history in the spiritual and political life of Israel.
There were 4 courts where people came seeking fellowship with God – the Court of priests, Israel, women, and gentiles.
People throughout the Roman Empire came to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover.
The court of entry, the only place where non-Jews were allowed, was cluttered and clogged by stuff in the way.
Jesus came to open up the way for God’s life to flow to all who seek.
Today's Scripture: John 1:29-34
How big a problem is guilt in 2025?
“In 2025, guilt can still be a significant problem for many people, potentially impacting mental health and quality of life…”
Key Points: “Unresolved guilt can significantly impact self-esteem, relationships and work performance, leading to negative behaviors and hindering personal growth.”
Today's Scripture: John 1:41, 45
When you truly encounter and experience Jesus, you become a driver on the Christ journey bus and find yourself saying, Ya’ gotta get some of this!
Today's Scripture - John 1:1-18
The Creator has come to his image-bearing creation to gift us with favor and love.
The Bible is alive because God is alive.
Today's Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible is Alive and Living in Me.
What comes to mind when you think of reading the Bible?
Todays Scripture: Matthew 1:21, 23
Have you experienced God’s holy kiss? Have you received his touch of cleansing and the freedom of having your sins forgiven?
It's a gift received by faith, just like a Christmas gift, and it’s got your name on it. Open it!
Todays Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, John 14:27
We all encounter moments when darkness seems to engulf us and fear washes over us. Jesus is our peace of mind and peace of heart, but he is also the true Prince for which our world longs.
Todays Scripture: Isaiah 5
When we go through confusing times, hard times, it seems like God is not listening or paying attention. So what good does it do to pray?
Todays Scripture: Isaiah 2, 3, 4
See your need. Feel your need. Yield your need to your Mighty God, mighty to save.
Today's Scripture: Psalm 77:10
Psalm 77 invites us to experience God in a way that connects us with his work across every part of our life, including seasons of lament.
Lament psalms reveal the honest struggle of faith amidst sorrow and give us words to use in those seasons.
Today's Scripture: Psalms 16
You’ve got as much of God as you want. What we do with God is the greatest determining factor in our lives. It’s preceded by where we give our focus, because "what gets your mind, gets you."
Explore gratitude, spiritual growth through renewal, and responding to God’s call, as Pastor Bill reflects on the "Future Beckons" initiative and personal surrender.
The willingness to make commitments is a mark of maturity: emotional and spiritual. Nothing affects your life more than the commitments you choose to make.
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”
Luke 9:23-25
Todays Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13
There are 525,600 minutes every year.
For the highest, greatest, longest impact your life can have, live it in love.
Love gives my life its highest value, its greatest virtue and its longest victory.
Today's Scripture: Romans 8:32
What would compel anyone to offer their life? For the HOPE OF LIFE!
Romans 7 describes a man trapped, but Romans 8 describes the hope of our salvation, our rescue.
Today's Scripture: Hebrews 11:6
What have you to live for? What makes life worth living for you?
Out of 3000 surveyed, 94% answered, “enduring the present while waiting for something to happen” and 6% replied, “other.”
God never intended your life to be boring.
Today's Scripture: Luke 8:21
Jesus sows seed so that it can penetrate the soil, the souls of people, and bear fruit from God’s life in their lives. Every human life has the potential to experience God’s eternal life.
In this powerful episode, Pastor Bill White sits down with Michael Zinner, renowned CEO of the Miami Cancer Institute, to explore the intersection of faith, healing, and leadership in the fight against cancer. Together, they discuss the challenges and breakthroughs in cancer care, and how strong leadership can inspire hope in the face of adversity. With personal stories and professional insights, this conversation highlights the importance of leadership in transforming lives and the power of community in battling life’s greatest challenges.
Today's Scripture: 1 John 4:1
When life doesn’t go as good as we hoped or expected, the Holy Spirit is our Comforter.
Scripture tells us God has gifts for His children that He wants us to open and use in our own growth and in caring for others.
“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.” 1 Corinthians 12:1 NIV
Today's scripture: John 20:21-22
Imagine your life moving through life in motion with Jesus’ Holy Spirit! Jesus is moving through life in motion with God’s Holy Spirit.
Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
The difference between walking with God’s Spirit and simply moving about your day in your own way is like the difference between hiking on top of a map of a mountain versus hiking the actual mountain itself.
Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18
The Holy Spirit is:
Not a ghost
Not an “it”
Not an impersonal force
According to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is HIS Spirit! – the personal presence of God that enlivened and empowered Jesus in His life and ministry.
Join us on the second episode of Miami Lead, where Pastor Bill White from Christ Journey Church sits down with renowned leaders from the vibrant city of Miami.
Whether you are a seasoned leader or just beginning your leadership journey, there is a place for you here. Together, we can shape the future of our city and beyond.
In this episode, we feature Odilon Almeida, a global chief executive officer, private equity advisor, and seasoned board member. Odilon shares invaluable insights on international business, acquisition and integration of new business, and growth acceleration strategies. With over 40 years of experience in various sectors, including financial, fine tech, technology, and consumer goods, Odilon's expertise is unmatched.
Join us on the first episode of Miami Lead, where Pastor Bill White from Christ Journey Church sits down with renowned leaders from the vibrant city of Miami.
Whether you are a seasoned leader or just beginning your leadership journey, there is a place for you here. Together, we can shape the future of our city and beyond.
In this episode, we feature Sushi Maki CEO Abe Ng as we delve into the stories and strategies of Miami's most influential leaders. Discover how they equip themselves for success and draw inspiration from their journeys. At Miami Lead, we are committed to developing leaders who are ready to face today’s challenges with courage and innovation.
Today's Scriptures: Matthew 16:24-26, Philippians 3:7-9
At the heart of Hustle is the drive for one man to achieve his dream. Have you ever wanted something so much—a dream, a goal, a desire—that your every waking moment was focused on achieving it?
Today's Scripture: Romans 12:3-7
Boys in the Boat takes place in 1936 but gives a window into our lives today and the rise of individualism.
Life can be brutal. Hard to watch. Harder to do and endure.
Boxing is a metaphor we find true in our lives.
Today's Scripture: Matthew 13:18-21, 43
2 Timothy 3:10, 14-15
Jesus always taught by using stories – to help listeners understand His truths. Gran Turismo is a high-octane, high-adrenaline movie that goes as deep as it goes fast.
Welcome to week 1 of At the Movies: The Stories Of Our Lives!
Our movie today is Cool Runnings (1993). Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Looking for the video version? Download our Christ Journey app vis your device app store to watch.
Matthew 6:13b
God wants to grow us into satisfaction by making us overcomers in the battlefield. Ready to have God battle on your behalf?
“Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:11-12
Acts 2:14-21, Joel 2:28
“I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.” Psalm 89:1-2
We're celebrating the value of motherhood in our lives. The Bible story on motherhood begins by valuing women as image-bearers of God.
We value women as gifts of God.
What’s a good vibe thing you can do for yourself?
What’s a good vibe thing you can do for your family?
God’s family is here for your family.
Matthew 4:1-11
You don't always see temptation coming, but its intention isn’t to your benefit. The sooner you deal with it, the better.
Luke 22:31-32
There will be times when life gets hard, when following Christ gets really hard, when fear and temptations are strong and the spiritual adversary moves in with crushing force...
Acts 1:8, Colossians 1:27
Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, a sound from heaven like a roaring mighty windstorm swept through the gathering of disciples…
Colossians 2:13-15
The devil looks at the cross and is exposed, sees defeat.
The believer looks and is saved, sees love.
What do you see?
Have you ever thought of Jesus as an outlaw – one whose intention is to invade a strong man’s house and clean it out?
Luke 10:18-20
Walk with us on the path to Easter as we dive deeper into who our enemy is, and how our need for a Savior was imminent in taking this enemy down.
Comedian and Thought-Leader Michael Jr joins us at Christ Journey, bringing the laughter to God's house by sharing his story of the peace, love, and hope that comes into your life when you choose to find and follow Christ.
You probably didn't get married on a roller coaster but you can relate to the ins and outs, the twists and turns, the ups and downs and upside down-ness marriage can bring.
Do you want to build a God-strong marriage ready to face the wild?How are we to care for our marriages when children come?
“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
Is there such a place on earth where what you do doesn't travel with you?
Some things are so valuable, so precious, and have such deep meaning that you don't just give up on them.
Real Christian marriage – a treasure worth finding and worth reclaiming.
Though we long to be loved and known and in close intimate community, it seems we don't know how or where to find it.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed."
Joshua 2:9-10
“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.”
Joshua 1:3
God has given you promises in the Bible to set you up for success. As we enter into God's promised land, life is not about you making promises to God, but about God’s promises to you coming true. Ready to take little steps that will lead to BIG change?
“This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Do you want to know what living VERY strong and courageous looks like in the face of hardship?
A.S.K. – Ask. Seek. Knock.Is there something that comes to mind that was a BIG answer to prayer?
What does glory mean? And why does it matter? Glory refers to God’s being.
The birth of Jesus is a story of glory. Christmas glory bringing His glory to our lives. Jesus brings it in the most breathtaking way imaginable - as a full-term, newborn human baby boy…
We live in a world at war – in nations, homes, families, hearts. We need peace this Christmas. More peace. Más peace.
God voluntarily reveals himself through the magnificence of creation and the matchless incarnation of Jesus Christ for the sheer JOY of it.
Help others find the gift of JOY Jesus has for them.
Today, we begin our advent season, which marks the 4 weeks that lead up to the birth of Jesus Christ, in a new series called, ‘Christ-MAS’ - and for our non-South Floridian friends, ‘más’ means more in English.
Many of us, when we are plugged into ourselves, discover we don't have everything we need for ourselves by ourselves. Part of growing up is coming to understand there are things you can't do for yourself. There are things only God can do for you.
We understand that giving thanks isn’t simply a polite practice. It’s a proactive faith perspective that sees God at work and says, ‘Thank you’ to align with the vision before it is made manifest. But did Jesus ever say “thank you”? It matters to ask this question because we consider Him our role model and ultimate mentor.
When the power of gratitude rises in the human soul, it shows up with phrases like: “I don't know how to thank you,” or “I have no words.” So how can we say thanks in moments like that? The answer is simple, pay it forward. Respond to the kindness you received by being kind to someone else.
Make this Thanksgiving season something more than business as usual. What would it look like if you faced your battles thanking the Lord instead of complaining about them? Or treated others with respect and courtesy? Times may be bad, but God is still good. Enter God’s presence daily with thanksgiving in your heart, and watch God work.
Do you have any special items that trigger memories or feelings you never want to forget? God has a calendar of events as well, rhythms for us to remember and help us rely on Him.
There can be no legacy without leadership readied and empowered for the task. Jesus’ success equips us to be successors in this world – and as successors, we are to live our lives like shepherds helping people find their way.
Justice is always a work in progress, requiring people to keep working for what’s fair and right. Women have a voice, men are to seek God’s wisdom and follow it, and as Christians we are to step up into our inheritance! What does God want you to ask for today?
Our culture has been like the proverbial ‘frog in the kettle’, unaware of its danger as the water keeps getting hotter. While more and more sexual immorality is accepted as the norm in society, we have an opportunity to make agreements with it or not. There are situations in life where, if you don't make up your mind before you get in them, your unmade mind will unmake you. Where do you stand?
Balaam was a false prophet, diviner, magician – a private contractor paid to get things done. The Lord wasn’t pleased with his deceit. Balaam’s story of religious deception is complex, disturbing, and way too common – then and now. Too many fall prey to the lies and selfishness of these kinds of individuals. So, how do we tell the difference between a pastor/leader who seeks to faithfully serve and honor the Lord and those who play with some other ulterior motive?
Some of the biggest battles of our lives happen inside of us - attitudes, impulses and behavioral patterns, thought filters that need to be dealt with. We may be saved, but still enslaved. So what are we to do?
Unbelief makes a mess and threatens our opportunity to experience the promises of God. How does God help our unbelief? He may give us a test, but not to fail us. Testing circumstances put the squeeze on so we can see what's on the inside.
You may need to say ‘no’ to a few things starting today, so that you can say ‘yes’ to all of the blessings God has for you. If you want to get the most out of your wilderness, you need to live connected to God and connected to His people.
Our wilderness experiences in life serve as training practicums. As we go, God helps us grow, equipping us to face the challenges. Jesus will take us through them - just like taking ancient Israel through the wilderness.
God gave instructions on building a ‘mobile unit’ designed to travel with the Israelites to help tend their wounds and keep them safe spiritually, physically, emotionally and relationally – the Tabernacle. Here, the priests would perform directions God gave them for the people and dwell with them. Seven furnishings in the tabernacle facilitated the people being connected and clean, and these are relevant to us today.
This week, the Exodus journey brings us to the Ten Commandments. These were given to guard and to guide. What are these guardrails protecting? Where are they directing?
Throughout generations, people have been held captive by the “gods” of their culture and, in turn, abuse, mistreat, and take other people captive because of it. How are we supposed to get free and not suffer anymore from false gods and stubborn hardness of heart?
Have you ever asked, “where is God when you need Him?” The people of Israel have reason to ask the same question. He was already there, at work in the middle of their adversity. God is not far from you either.
What do you do when the future is mashing up with your past and that’s your present experience? What do you do in the present when your future puts the squeeze on your past? Today’s featured film helps look at how not to let the past blow up our present and affect our future.
Today’s featured film never mentions Jesus or the love of God that we experience through Christmas, but the story intersects our lives in some deeply spiritual ways.
The journey to adulthood involves disappointments and discoveries that require the decision to keep growing onward, upward and onward. Today’s movie feature shows us how stumbling blocks can become a stepping stone into higher ground.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is our featured film this week. The movie’s deeper themes are brotherhood, the relationship between fathers and sons, sacrifice, unity, and good conquering evil. How does this popular story intersect with God’s unfolding story in the world?
How does the saving truth of Jesus intersect with the popular stories of our culture? Today’s featured film, Devotion, tells the real life story of naval aviators, Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown. These two men showed true devotion to one another in service and in friendship. They led their lives with character and in a manner that matched the value of their calling.
In a family, every single member has a share in the responsibility to show up for each other – to be present, protect, and build the family together. How would you describe your family’s participation with one another?
How might your leadership increase among your family and throughout your spheres of influence by championing prayer, beginning in your home? The strength of your leadership – especially as a husband, father, provider, and protector – is a direct result from the overflow of your life connected with God through prayer.
Generation to Generation: Providing Protection & Legacy
Babies born now will grow up in a very different world than the one we knew. As the church helps mentor parents, they in turn mentor their children, and the legacy of faith continues from generation to generation. We must lead well.
Your children need the unconditional love and unwavering presence of their parents. Your family is worth fighting for, but how do we offer our best to our children when we didn’t receive the best?
Jesus persevered for us and, in so doing, models for every marriage how to remain committed to your spouse and family when the going gets tough. Right now is the time to begin living like the husband or wife that you want to become.
For some, family hasn’t made us, but broken us. You want it, but see no way to get there from here. If you want to experience God’s new life-resurrecting power, then you need to honestly admit what feels dead. Where does your family need renewal and restoration?
Being female expresses the image of God in a way males cannot. By divine design the female image of God experientially brings the sensitivity and strong support of mothering to people – whether you have children or not. Today we are thankful for the women in our lives who bring the sensitivity and strength of mothering to us and our world.
The kingdom of heaven came with Jesus Christ, and it wasn’t at all what people were expecting. In fact, it’s still surprising people today. Scripture tells us one day he is to return; and when he does, what's going to happen?
What's the most amazing party you've ever been to? Would you ever want to go to a party God is throwing? A party that would mark the culmination of human history? Because he is, and it’s a party meant to be full of blessing.
Everybody’s got regrets, but not everybody admits it. Some try to cover them up, pretend they don't exist, stuff them away, ignore them or paint over them with self-righteous hypocrisy or religious cosmetics. What about you?
According to Jesus we are not the source of living our best life… God is! No matter how hard we try at it, we are bound to encounter interference opposing our progress, but Jesus is willing and able to help in that part of the journey. You can rise to your full potential in life!
Happy Easter! This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Jesus Christ has risen from the dead! What does this mean for us right now?
Do you live giving thought to what you are leaving behind? Would how you live still give life even after you’ve passed away? These may be tough questions to ask, but God’s life-giving grace can help!
For some, pride remains their core compass throughout all of life, following the needle back to themselves. Sadly, they don’t get very far that way. The same doesn’t have to be true for you. What if living with the end in mind could shape the quality of your life here and now?
Many Bible stories tell of people trapped in their own self will. Pride kept them from trusting God and obeying His call on their lives. Is this a struggle for you? It doesn’t have to be! When you realize your power isn’t enough, God can work in you and bring change.
When we take a step of faith that shows we are putting our resources in God’s hands, miracles can happen. When we just can’t see a way, we are to trust God and live by faith not sight. What is empty in your life you’d like to see God fill?
What can you do when your hope is leaking dry? When it feels like others won’t give you a break or make you feel invisible? It’s not hard to feel like the chaos of life and corruption in this world sucks all the breathable air right out of the room. There is a way through the madness to get to a new day filled with fresh hope.
Depression and mental health struggles can dominate much of our lives or ones we love. The word of God is our sword of the Spirit, the primary weapon we use in spiritual battles of the mind. Jesus can meet you in the crisis with new hope.
4,000 years ago the ancient Egyptians built a civilization based on their belief in the afterlife. The ancient Greeks also held a belief system claiming the immortality of the soul. So what happens when we die? What is death?
What will heaven be like? Heaven will be like a new city, a new garden and a new home. Nothing impure is allowed. The happiness of heaven isn't being lazy forever. It’s the satisfaction of co-laboring with God in his work.
How would Jesus respond to abortion? It is so much more than political controversy. It literally is a matter of life and death.
As Christians, what is our responsibility, if any, to the environment, climate, nature, the wild, this planet, and beyond? Christians have the clearest mandate of all to lead the world on environmental issues. So let’s show our trust in the Lord by stewarding our plot of the garden well.
Join us today where guest speaker, Charlie Styles, from the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, unpacks what scripture has to say about our human nature and its origins.
Racism is a serious topic and it matters greatly today. What would Jesus do with racism? Would he be a target in today’s world? How do you approach the subject?
Is Christianity harmful? Is it dangerous? Jesus said, it can be. But before coming to the conclusion it all needs to be thrown out, maybe we should see if it’s being applied according to God’s directions.
New Years Day Message
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” —PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14 NIV
God gives himself, the Perfect Present, after much time and thought. He loves you and wants you in a personal relationship with him as family. Is it time to receive God's perfect present? If you already know Christ, is it time to dig deeper into the gift and get closer to God?
Gifts are meant for giving. Can you think of a time when you couldn’t wait to give that perfect gift to your loved one because you just knew that they would love it? Do you recall how you felt? God gave his one and only Son for us as a perfect gift to save us here and now for the future hope of life together with our Heavenly Father.
Sometimes the way a gift is wrapped is part of the gift. Wrapping matters - and the same is especially true of the present God gave on that first Christmas. Jesus became God's perfect present as a fully human being. Yes, he was God the Son, but he never used his God power for himself.
What does it take to give the perfect present? Usually an exchange of something that cost someone in some way, shape, or form. God knew the value in giving us the gift of Himself - the truest answer to all we need and want.
What do you do to give the perfect present? It takes time and thought! God did the same thing when it came to giving that unspeakable, indescribable, too wonderful for words gift that first Christmas.
What's the key to a healthy and productive spiritual life? How can you thrive in a world of hate? There is an answer and it is within your reach!
Christ's first followers tell of one whose blood was shed for the nations, whose death would provide life and healing for all who believe. This is the central message of the New Testament. God’s love can transform suffering into generosity if you let him.
Trials and troubles can push you further away from God or push you closer to Him. It all depends on where you are standing – are you close to God or not?
When each of us show up with the gifts God gives, we'll see that we have everything we need - complete wholeness in the church body to do God's will. He gifts us so we each can make a meaningful contribution in life. Do you know your spiritual gifts that help you add value in life?
No one wants to be judged, blamed or shamed. We’d rather be loved, understood, respected and heard. But how do we receive God’s best from others when we are at our worst?
Chances are you have moments when you say, “People are the worst!” Human beings have a capacity to annoy, offend, and to get on each other's nerves! So what are we to do? The Book of Romans, chapter 12, has an answer – which could offend and annoy some because it's so contrary to the ways of the world.
When people show up with their worst, what do you do? In the second half of Romans 12, the Apostle Paul outlines a road map for how trusting Jesus can influence our best response to people when they show up with their worst.
Individuality is seen in its greatest strength in the way we are connected to each other. When connected, we find identity and community together. So it is the church. The body of Christ finds its true identity in community with every person connected in Christ. We share, we grow, and we do life together in Christ.
We can trust God to be good, but it all starts with belief in what the Bible tells us. Yet sometimes our human response to Christ's miraculous, transformative intervention in our lives is sometimes disbelief, if not flat out resistance.
If someone told you that one single ingredient could influence your quality of life in a positive and healthy way, what would you do to get it? We’re talking about what nobody wants, but everyone needs. Humility.
What if God has given human beings a way to experience change on the inside and it spills over to the outside? There’s more to life than being conformed to this world. You can be transformed. You can become more. You are meant for more.
This last message in our Life Mission 2.0 series shows us how Ancient Ephesus and modern Miami have much in common. Known as centers of learning, politics, entertainment and so much more, these two “cities on the edge” are also places where God wants to advance His Kingdom to make an eternal impact on a global impact!
Every one of us can invite God’s blessing to meet us in the marketplace faith of our lives – even if that place is full of troubles and temptations. Jesus can turn our troubles into triumphs as we trust him, so believers can take hope. Sometimes God will even use unbelieving officials in the midst of circumstances, conflict and trouble to do things that will advance the cause of His kingdom.
Our culture is storming in a clash of worldviews as people try to make sense of life. Can all viewpoints be true? How can you respond to the idols and ideas of our day, especially when it feels like you are on trial?
God gave us His Book so we can know Him. If you’re willing, God can take you deeper into his story with Jesus. Today’s message shares practical steps you can take.
It was after a series of “no’s” that God gave Paul a big “yes”. However, doing what God told him to do caused him to be victimized. The attack against Paul and Silas ultimately landed them in prison; yet they bounce back victorious in Christ.
Two of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys took him to Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens, Corinth and Ephesus. He wrote 9 of his 13 New Testament letters during this time: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians and Romans. His first century faith journey parallels some of our twenty-first century Christ journey. Just like Paul, God has a mission and purpose for your life that will give meaning to your everyday.
The next phase of kingdom building continues through us, his church. It is multiplication. Who’s standing on your shoulders to see further and reach higher?
Cultivating kingdom leadership means modeling, mentoring, and multiplying the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. In fact, behaviors model beliefs. What are you modeling?
There comes a point in the journey to spiritual growth to peace of mind that the only way to keep on experiencing the flow is to keep on letting it go. The peace of mind you seek will find you when you posture your life to help others. Imagine what God could do if we decided not to waste our pain but use it to help someone else.
When you go through struggles, do you keep them to yourself or do you reach out to supportive people that can help you? Maybe you doubt, worry, or even rationalize that something or someone can help at all – including God. But he does want you to reach out to him and let him get close to you.
We are in some of the holes we are in because of our own choices. When we start to see that and own it, we can begin to take action and shift the trajectory of our lives. There are daily steps we can take for daily peace of mind to come.
Making amends is a critical part of someone’s healing, but amends is not buying forgiveness, salvaging a guilty conscience, paying a debt or fixing what is broken. The Bible offers guidance on what to do when an offense takes place, and Jesus models the quality of forgiveness that redeems in situations that deserve apology and amends.
Is there someone in your life you need to say “I'm sorry” to? What does it mean to face the harms we cause and become willing to make amends? God knows we hurt others, and we are hurt by others too. If we’re going to make peace with ourselves, we’ve got to look at where peace has been broken with others.
There's a big difference between knowing what your problem is and knowing how to get it removed. We can figure out the first part even if it takes the help of counselors, but the second part is God’s business. He understands that we need his help in order to rid ourselves of our shortcomings.
Is there a habit or an issue in your life that has cost you enough? Maybe you know the truth in your mind, but are not ready to change and let go. If you’re tired of the darkness in your life, are you ready for God to help?
Our defects don’t disqualify us from the future God has for us. On the contrary, they should help open our eyes to our needs and God’s love. If you want mental health and peace of mind, the step of admission is essential. Lay down your shame burden and leave it with God.
It is Mother’s Day in the U.S. and today’s message celebrates motherhood. Moms mentioned in the Bible like Rahab, Ruth, and Mary are examples to admire and learn from. They faced hard lives with hard times, rough backgrounds, and tough times.
At some point in our lives, all of us will hold on to something and refuse to let go – be it luxury, pleasure, glory or something else. On the surface, it appears good and fun, but it can cost us greatly in the long run.
We choose what we believe, what and who we trust. Healthy skepticism can be a good line of defense, but without trust there’s no growth. What are you choosing to believe? Who are you choosing to trust? We can start believing there is a God, he cares and he can help. You don't have to be able to explain it to experience it.
Happy Easter! Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thousands of years ago he was put to death on a cross, even though he’d done nothing wrong. He took the penalty for our sins. He was put in a tomb with a huge stone over the entrance, but three days later, when some of his friends went to the tomb, they found it empty with only the cloth used to wrap Jesus's body. His resurrection brings new hope and freedom.
The Church ought to live taking bold risks to advance God’s kingdom. The Church ought to live expecting great things from God, and attempting great things for Him. How do we do this fearlessly?
What if we saw our friendships and families as life’s mission field? There might be some obstacles to overcome first, but it’s all part of being intentional in helping others find a better way of life. How might the Lord be calling you to make a friend and be a friend to move on mission with Jesus?
In the Gospel of Mark, we get a sense of God moving through Jesus with great intentionality and urgency – a movement into God’s saving action for the world. God moved to the people, for the people, in Christ Jesus; and He still does so today.
The book of Revelation wasn't written to meet our expectation but rather to unveil God's desired revelation. Not only is Jesus preparing a place for us, but he will also prepare us for the place! Jesus is coming again, so we must keep watch, be ready, get focused and stay faithful about what matters.
Revelation 21 reveals that Jesus has prepared a new kind of place for us. It’s a new environment with a new experience of God. There is no more death, mourning, or pain. God is with his people in a new community and intimacy.
There is no ultimate solution to the problem of evil and suffering in the world apart from God and God's intervening justice. As we near the end of our Revelation series, the great white throne judgment is next.
The vision John records in Revelation 17-18 states the world and everything in it is all going away. “World” in this context doesn’t mean the natural world God created or people, but the world system in rebellion against God. Fallen human nature wants absolute autonomy without consequence, but real life doesn't work like that.
There is mystery in the book of Revelation that requires humility of us. It not only speaks to our human nature, but it plainly frames a countdown to the Day of Accountability. Today’s message will take us through Revelation 15 and 16 – seven angels with seven bowls, which are the bowls of God’s wrath and are poured out over the whole world, including God’s final outpouring of wrath.
Today’s message takes us through chapters 12-14 of the book of Revelation. The stage is set for final confrontation. Although the content might be confusing, there’s no need to have it all figured out. Focus on Christ and keep the main thing the main thing.
What do the trumpets in the Book of Revelation mean? They are similar to the seals mentioned in previous chapters, but now we encounter greater impact. The increasing intensity of judgment is frightening and confusing, but God will not abandon His world.
The opening of the seals mark an era of time known in the Bible as the last days which, in God's time table, began with Christ’s first coming. The Last Days is a time of Spirit-empowered witness as God speaks on the second coming of Jesus Christ. God is active in these Last Days, keeping His people safe in Christ and attending to the earth through their prayers.
In Revelation 4 and 5 the Apostle John describes a vision he received. He was being invited into the incredible throne room of God. The language is highly symbolic and stylized in apocalyptic fashion. The images are crammed full of spiritual reality and truth, fascinating us and stretching our imaginations beyond our material limitations.
Revelation 2-3 tells of the issues seven churches were experiencing, and they are issues today’s churches face. The central lessons exposed in these two chapters can also be applied in our personal lives. Jesus shows us what we must avoid and how to stay on the right track.
The Book of Revelation is a confusing book that requires thought, prayer, humility and understanding since it is written in powerful symbolism and apocalyptic language. It was written to ready us for that day when eternity breaks through. Jesus is coming again and the time to be ready is now. We are not to be occupied with his coming, but we are to occupy until he comes, living lives of righteous love sharing His good news.
Have you ever wanted to know how you can live your best life and leave a legacy of help and hope? Having a fruitful life will require leaving some deadwood behind. The secret to attaining success is to abide in Jesus.
How can Jesus claim to be the only way to God, the Father? He claims to have the power and authority to give God’s eternal quality of life to all who believe in him. What difference does it make?
Our current message series has been unpacking each of the “I Am” statements Jesus made. Each statement help us see how in Christ our deepest needs are met. To this point in the series, they’ve focused on how we experience God’s life in our everyday lives. Today’s “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” meets us where this life ends.
Good shepherds were known to have true grit, unfaltering courage in crisis, and were hard to intimidate. These qualities helped them guide, guard, and grow sheep for their master. Jesus calls himself the “Good Shepherd.” His posture is the opposite of self-serving self-preservation – it’s self-presentation to care for others.
In Jesus’ day, a shepherd would lay his body down in front of the cave or across the opening of the pen as a gateway or a door so the sheep would be safe and secure through the night. When it comes to spiritual life, you are safe and secure by trusting Jesus as your door.
There are circumstances in our lives that can cause great darkness and they can all be traced back to the effects of sin. Darkness is a common metaphor in the Bible for sin and refers to a way of living that takes no thought of God into account. Yet, God knows the darkness of our sin and still offers us grace and forgiveness, and desires not only repentance, but also the best for us.
“Jungle Cruise” wraps up our At The Movies series. Its plot is a story we all live. We are seekers searching in hope for more than we've known, for something to help with the hurts of life. That’s also the message of the Bible.
Today’s message kicks off a series on the I AM statements of Jesus, starting with, “I AM the Bread of Life.” Without physical nourishment our bodies die, and without spiritual nourishment our spirits do not exist. How is Jesus sufficient in meeting the deepest cries of our souls?
The movie, Courageous, tells the story of four police officers in various stages of fatherhood trying to figure out what it means to be a great dad, but its focus is on integrity. Being a person of integrity goes beyond being a good father. It affects career, faith, and all other streams of life. It requires making tough decisions.
“At The Movies” series is back and “Top Gun” is our featured film today! What about discovering our calling can we learn from their stories?
Doing the will of God is about perseverance and steadfast faith. His will is for us to run THE race all the way into the winner’s circle. But what can we do when we are tempted to give up?
How do you live a great life? Choose God’s will. But, is following God’s will worth it?
Everyone has an opinion on human sexuality, ranging from discipline and purity to license and anarchy. So much around us claims to know what’s best for us, but not all deliver as they promise. How do you know who to believe, trust, or follow?
Do you know how to recognize the voice of God? The Holy Spirit helps us do that and as He does, we get answers to other questions we may have; but who and what is the Holy Spirit? How can we live our lives filled up with God's Spirit?
More than any other religion, philosophy or worldview, Christianity is about salvation. But what does it mean to be saved? What do we need to be saved from?
What if the greatest thing you could ever do is saying ‘yes’ to God’s will? Living in the will of God brings blessing here and eternal life beyond. Do you need direction, protection, or guidance in decision-making? God's will has answers for you.
As followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to encourage and build each other up, especially those who are fresh in the faith! God is busy leading us into intersections with other people, and many times all we have to do is notice. The Kingdom moves when we love our neighbor. Would you stop and think about the everyday ways you could bring God’s sweetness to your world?
Evangelism. Discipleship. Generosity. Empowerment. EDGE. What does a church on the EDGE look like? It looks like Jesus followers fully connected to each other and their church. In fact, living on the EDGE cannot happen apart from your church. You need the church just as much as the church needs you!
What do you do with the sour moments of life? Do you add more bitterness to what you’re experiencing or are you intentional about looking for a sweetener? Life may give us lemons, but God is the official sweetener to turn everything around.
We all need to stop from time to time, take stock of where we are, where we're going, and what's ultimately ahead. If we want to live well, we must understand that God’s paths get us where we want to go. Along the way we will want to quit, but we must remember that none of us are beyond the reach of God’s forgiving grace and faithfulness. Nothing is too hard for God.
In a relationship, how do you keep love alive? You step out of yourself and speak their language. In Hosea, we see that God also speaks love language. He is seeking connection in a fresh way with his people.
What do you do when you find yourself in a relationship with someone whose choices, behavior and life are a dead end, yet you care deeply for them? This is the hellish place where we find God in the book of Hosea. Every couple has troubles, hardships, obstacles and conflicts. Counselors say deeper intimacy waits just the other side of conflict, but we have to learn how to get there.
Freedom isn’t free. It costs something to have it. It costs something to keep it. And when you lose it, it costs something to get it back. In Hosea’s story we see how human freedom gets hijacked by sin, and how God sets in motion His plan of redemption to restore freedom and set right what sin makes wrong.
What do you do with your anger? Some of us will vent it while others stuff it in suppression. Either has consequences that may not be helpful in the long run. But there is a way to be angry and still be pleasing to God – a way to harness the energy of anger to serve a higher cause, a godly one.
God loves us like a father and shows us what a father’s love can be like. He compares his experience with Israel to what a father feels – both tender memories and some very tough struggles. Part of our growth challenge may be believing God loves us like that.
100% of all couples have trouble. What are you going to do when trouble comes? As we look at the story of Hosea, we learn that it’s God who is going through the pain of rejection from His beloved, Israel. She prefers the company of false gods to the real thing, but God has a marriage dream for his people with him that is larger than their infidelity.
Some of life’s greatest joys happen in family – but also some of its deepest pains, hurts and heartaches. In this series, we will work through the challenging book of Hosea to discover hope in seemingly hopeless places.
Happy 95th birthday, Christ Journey Church! We have a God-given vision and a God-sized dream. At 95, we are facing a new adventure doing hybrid church, requiring us to learn new skills. How might God want to shape us to stay on mission in this new place?
Without threats there would be no need for security. Yet no security device or system is 100% fool-proof. Spiritually, we also have a need for security. We face spiritual threats and have to guard ourselves against our enemy, the devil. How do we protect our hearts?
The most difficult part of a prayer life is starting one. As we ask, we learn what it means to give voice to our faith, which God loves. It is a conversation that grows from trust and in love and builds confidence in Him. The more we do it, the closer we draw near to God and God to us.
Any arena of responsibility becomes practice for us to let God do more – more for us, in us, and through us. Everything requires practice and development. In today’s message, we see this exemplified by Deborah, one of the 12 Judges of Israel. We’ll see how she was much more than a Judge; she was a prophet, a strategist, a counselor, and even a mother.
Through faith in Jesus as God’s Christ, we become children of God. Being a Christian isn’t a matter of pledging allegiance to a set of doctrines or religious rules and rituals. In fact, when we trust Jesus Christ, God is able to do something quite amazing through our lives!
Imagine if before you start your day you choose to forgive every offense before it ever happened. When we live out of God's DNA in us, it’s possible to live our days like that. As children of God, his traits are passed on to us, therefore we have victory over sin and love for others.
What does God want us to know about eternal life? For a Christian, the good news of Christ’s resurrection proclaims that death does not speak the final word over us. Following his resurrection, Jesus showed us life after death. The witness of his life promises more life, victory, and peace for those who place their life in His.
There is a sense in which every book of the Bible fits the statement, it’s all about the people, especially in the book of 1 John. John understood how people got themselves into problems they couldn’t easily get out of, or how people were vulnerable to temptation. But he also knew and understood the plans and future God has for His people in Jesus Christ.
It is not uncommon to think that if we place our lives in God’s hands, He’s going to ruin our fun, steal our joy, and slap a bunch of rules in our lives. And yet, in Scripture we read Jesus came that his joy might be in us and our joy be full. This Easter, how do we join in the joy of Jesus?
Is it possible that every one of us is mad at God for something? Something we believe he could have done, should have done, but didn’t? The answer may be painful for you to admit, but it is possible to find understanding. God is always striving to reach us with breakthrough in order to give us an opportunity to live a life with purpose!
It is human tendency to focus mainly on what is right in front of us while the mind is too dull to experience God. The Bible tells us there’s a deceiver at work in the world, set to destroy us, almost like a spiritual parasite. This parasite has implanted words in the human brain that we’ve never recovered from.
Would you settle for a self-made life when you can have a great and God-graced life? You can live trying to make yourself great without God. Just live by any number of worldview options – the road is wide! Or, you can live trusting God to make your life great with a blessing – that’s the narrow road. How you think matters. How you look at life matters. How you live your life matters.
"What is truth?” Pilate asked this question of Jesus before his crucifixion. How would you answer? Does truth have to make rational sense? Do we need to be able to "feel it” to know it’s true? The topic can turn confusing and our understanding may be limited, but there are answers to these questions.
Life on earth doesn’t last forever. How do you make sense of that? What do you do with that? Scripture tells us that …God has set eternity in our hearts – but we can’t get there by ourselves. It’s through faith in Christ that God graces us to walk with Him into life beyond death.
Why can’t we all just get along? It’s a question that has been asked so many times. Humanity’s story looks a lot like the ones we find in the Book of Genesis – full of rebellion, disobedience, jealousy, and chaos. Humanity had a powerful and personal beginning with God, but then the freedom gifted to us was misused starting a chain of devastating consequences.
What or who makes us become who we are? It can be a complicated question to answer. We become like the things we believe. We become like the people we believe, the truths we trust, and the stories we tell ourselves. Therefore, it is important to be aware and understand belief systems and world views. How can you decipher who to trust? What to believe? How to behave?
Knowing who you are, where you are and how you are going to move from there makes a big difference in life. What is your mind map – your worldview? The Bible offers a clear storyline to help us know who we are, where we are, and how we are to make our journey through life.
Would you consider yourself a generous person? People feel your concern for them in the provisions you’ve made for them – gifts of time, talent and financial treasure. In Scripture we see that when believers are so moved to be generous, their sacrifice rises like a sweet aroma that is pleasing to God.
As Christians, everyone we help come home to the Father is an offering of worship we bring to God. He is pleased when we do good to others and help those who are far from him get to know him personally. In fact, God himself rejoices every time someone trusts him in the forgiveness of sin, receiving the gift of salvation. Do you know the joy of helping someone take that step of faith?
God absolutely loves us. It’s not our humanity that separates us from him, but rather our sin. God is solid, trustworthy, steadfast. Yet, his character as God also makes him a destroying force to all sin. The good news is that He has a plan to make his holiness and goodness present in humanity in such a way that sin will be consumed without damaging the people he loves in the process – how does he accomplish this? Through his Son, Jesus Christ.
When we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, we open our hearts for God’s Spirit to live in us, to be alive in us. As we live out our faith, we are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, but have you ever wondered why? Why would anyone do that?
How will 2021 be any different for you? Will this be a new year where truly a new thing takes place in life, or will this year be more of the same old desperations? What do you want? Your answer will give way for some tension. The difference between God doing a new thing in you this year and the same old desperations is what you are willing to sacrifice.
Are you building your life on a sturdy foundation? 2020 has exposed what we’ve truly been building our lives upon. How do we head into 2021 with a fresh sense of hope? Let’s get to work!
Merry Christmas, Christ Journey Family! This year’s experience may look and feel different as we gather around screens, but we will not let that stop us from remembering and celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No matter how dark the night has become, God’s light still shines through. Prepare Him room in your heart and let His light shine in and through you. It will bring you peace and joy.
God wants everyone to be part of His family. His invitation is radically inclusive. Is there someone in your life you’d like to see rescued by God’s power and love? Your acts of kindness and generosity can show others the love of Jesus. Make room for others this Christmas – in your heart, your home, and your neighborhood.
The holidays and the family… how do we make it through? Well, humor helps. We can find the fun in family dysfunction, can’t we? The Christmas Story is full of the unexpected and the dysfunctional too. Have you noticed? A messy humanity is not hard to miss if you look closely at the people in the story.
Thank God for Christmas! Even if this year’s Christmas will be like no other, we still thank God for Christmas. Christmas means God wants to be with us, and God wants us to be with Him. This is why Christ came. God wants us to experience being with Him, together. Prepare Him room...
Embraced. Known. Accepted. Received. Celebrated. We become and are gifted these when we allow ourselves to be found by God. It doesn’t mean we won’t still struggle with the challenges of our nature, circumstances and choices. However, the good news is we won’t be far from God as we do. He’ll be with us all the way. To Jesus, to be found by God is to be incredibly happy. Joy this big has got to be shared.
Luke 15 can be considered the Lost & Found department of the Bible. God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He lights the lamp, he sweeps the house; in other words, he searches carefully until he finds us. However, God won’t force you against your will. He will wait for you to come to him and let yourself be found. What’s your choice?
People can get far from God. We can get lost from the sense of His presence and blessing in our lives. We can get lost like a sheep from its flock – we can also get found. Are there things making you feel far from God today?
As we get to know God, what do we get out of it? What do we learn? We learn God cares for us like a good shepherd cares for a flock, and we discover He’s on our side. Everyone who truly gets to know God will have reason to say, “Wow! Thank you!” The God who exists beyond time and space has involved himself within time and space because he cares. Praise the Lord!
This message marks our first day back at our physical spaces after a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are entering with thanksgiving and praise! We are saying ‘Thank you’ to God for who He is and His faithfulness! It’s not only the right thing to do, but did you know it’s also very good for you? Giving thanks is a helpful and essential discipline for your spirit and mind.
You are made in God’s image. That means you are created to become all God has in mind for you! God started a good work of new life in you and is committed to finishing the job well. He is faithful; he will do it! Do you want him to show up and do His amazing life changing work in your life?
How would Jesus succeed through suffering even on the cross? How are we to succeed through suffering in our lives? The answer is by having spiritual oneness with God. No one is out of the reach of God’s love. It is His desire that we would be close to Him. Remaining faithful to the Father will give us what we need when trials come.
God provides for us in spiritual battles. When we face temptation and forces of evil, we can’t forget God has been faithful in equipping us to face the challenge. How do you face the challenges when they come? If no temptation has seized us except what is common to man, and we know God is faithful, then He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. But when we are tempted, God will also provide a way out. You can triumph over the tempter and temptation!
We don’t always see it or feel it, but God is faithful. He is constant, steadfast, trustworthy and true. It is his essence to be faithful. Are you living in fellowship with him, forgiven of your sin? Wait until you see what this faithful God has in store for you!
While Jesus lived on earth, he laid the blueprint of how to witness. As his followers today, his power extends to us thanks to the Holy Spirit. We are not alone in sharing the Good News nor do we have to do it in our own strength. The Holy Spirit living in us equips and empowers us to do the great work of telling all we can of what Jesus has done.
God’s Word speaks greatly into the topic of generosity. In fact, we were created not only in His image, but also with the responsibility of stewarding His good creation. Unfortunately, sin has driven a wedge between man and God resulting in hardened hearts and materialistic people. Materialism is the act of giving our heart’s affection over to the things of this world rather than God; but generosity is the antidote to materialism’s poison.
The command Jesus gives in Matthew 28:19 is known as The Great Commission. The command for Christ followers to “go and make disciples.” Disciple, in its simplest form, means a “learner of Christ.” We’re supposed to do this “as we go” in life, in our coming and going. What could it look like for you? Let’s start with having a unified understanding of what discipleship means.
Over the next four weeks of this series, we are focusing on refining our E.D.G.E. We will dive deep into the topics of Evangelism, Discipleship, Generosity, and Empowerment. It’s always good to review these practices so as not to forget that as Christians, we’re meant to give something different to the world.
An infinite perspective requires faith beyond the black and white of things. The invitation today is to pause and think about the ways God activates His infinite hope in us and then makes us the evidence of infinite hope for others. God brings His infinite hope into clarity when we taste a bit of it through each other.
Today we’re gonna explore what is arguably the most phenomenal verse in the Bible. That’s quite a claim, isn’t? This verse is a declaration of infinite hope, and it is found in the Book of Romans, chapter 8, verse 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.”
How are you feeling today? Disappointed? Frustrated? Hurt? If you or someone you know and care about can relate, today’s message will be of help. God has given us tools for facing times like these. Our current series is about learning them, applying them, and finding yourself reinvigorated through the power of God’s encouragement for us.
Do you love surprises? In this season of quarantine, maybe you’ve been surprised by God in some way. As we start our new series, Infinite Hope, we open taking a look at a story in Acts 16 that is full of surprises– some are puzzling and other times bewildering, but this chapter helps us see how to follow God and remain faithful.
The last installment of our current series brings us into the final horseman of the Apocalypse, the one riding on the Pale Horse. According to the Scriptures, the rider was named Death and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by the sword, famine, plague, and by the beasts of the earth. Although scary topics to talk about, by putting our faith and trust in God we can learn how to be ready.
Part three of our current series takes us into the meaning of The Black Horse of the Apocalypse. It represents the undoing and unraveling of the basics of life – the ability to put food on the table and afford the cost of living. How much anxiety are you experiencing during the current crisis?
Part Two of our current series unveils the red horse of the Apocalypse. According to the Scriptures, its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and make men slay each other. It sounds relevant, doesn’t it? The red horse symbolizes violence, and not just globally, but also at the domestic level. Furthermore, another category that seems to fit the red horse is the thirst for revenge and taking justice into our own hands when we’ve been wronged.
In this series, we are taking a look through the eyes of the Apostle John and his vision of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse from the book of Revelation. The horsemen riding in symbolize disasters unleashed in the world because of sin and rebellion of humanity against God. In other words, it’s an unveiling of the consequences of human sin. Today we focus our attention on The White Horse representing pride, anger, and greed.
The institutional church isn’t the bridge to life; God’s people are. If you're a believer, you’re now living your life in the full expression and experience of God, so grow into someone others can trust. There is only one of you and you have something to offer that no one else can.
Adulting is one of those things you will learn by doing. The chaos, complications, and challenges that come with it will develop your adult self. We will always be growing up in life, and the same is true with our spiritual growth. Can you see yourself being a spiritual parent or even grandparent?
What’s the difference between a spiritual adult and a spiritual parent? Spiritual parents give life to others by helping them grow in their faith. Who would God like you to reach?
Our message for today, Compassion in Action, takes a pause from our current series in order to address the situation we are seeing in mainstream media over the last few weeks. We are grateful to be joined by Pastor Eddy Gervais, Senior Pastor of Community Christian Church in Miami Gardens, FL. He will be answering questions submitted by Christ Journeyers on issues of race, justice, and politics.
We are starting a brand new series titled, Spiritual Adulting. Today we consider what it means to be all grown up. What does it mean to be a human adult? The answer is complicated. Society tries to define it in some areas, but how can you know as a Christ Follower that you are spiritually grown up?
Adolescence — it’s that period of transition between childhood and adulthood. Some say it’s the time with something to offend everyone. Can you relate? It can be a time of training, trial, testing, and turbulence. So if biological adolescence prepares us for the challenges of biological adulthood, then how does spiritual adolescence prepare us for spiritual adulthood?
Early adolescents are sometimes called tweenagers. Anyone who has had a pre-teen knows you can’t parent them the same way you do a small child. They are at a new level in their development with different needs to be addressed. In a similar way, there is also a pre-teen stage we go through as we develop spiritually.
We’ve been journeying up the continuum in human development, both biologically and spiritually. Today we’re looking at the stage of childhood, and asking the question, what is “spiritual childhood” really about? What does it look like?
Just like we go through stages of development physically, so also spiritually. For each stage God provides what we need so we can grow big and strong. Whether you're just starting out on your journey or not, you can learn to embrace the stage you're in and grow.
Newborn infants need all of the trappings of abundant life in order to grow into healthy and mature adults. In the same way, newborn Christians require the intentional care of mature parents in the faith to help them take their first breaths of new life! New birth results when God’s infinite Spirit of love and power takes up residence in our finite lives, cleansing us from the inside out.
God designed every human being for spiritual life and growth. What the Evil One tried to steal from us through sin and death, God has more than replaced in Christ and salvation. When we receive Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, His plan is that we grow spiritually and get to know Him. Where are you in your growth? Where do you want to be? Where does God want to take you?
About a week after Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to the disciples. It's then when he tells Thomas to reach out his hand and put it on his side, stop doubting and believe. And suddenly the scars took on a whole new meaning. They became doorways into life change– access to great transformation. Do you have scars? God can do amazing things with broken places.
Happy Easter! No matter where you're connecting with us, we're praying for you to find God in new powerful and personal ways. The Easter message matters in our world today perhaps more than ever. Easter claims Jesus took on, survived and overcame the disease of sin and now offers his blood as our solution and salvation. Open your hearts to let the blood of Jesus bring you healing this day, and let the God of the empty tomb fill your heart with joy!
The saying goes, “not all who wander are lost.” It’s actually a lesson Scripture affirms. We’re all in a wilderness right now, aren’t we? But consider this, it’s possible to find sacred space in it as we let God’s promises become our provision. Let us encourage one another today.
Sometimes life blindsides you and sometimes God surprises you– and sometimes they happen at the same time. Our new series is called ‘Sacred Space’. If there’s something we’re all learning these days it’s that God is not bound by building, schedule or religious ritual, but wants to share himself with all of us in every and any space.
Thank you for joining us for All Church Online. Your health and safety are always of great importance to us. We will go live at 11am. Senior Pastor Bill White, in partnership with all Campus Pastors: Carlos, Jacob, Rafael, and Ryan; and Worship Arts leaders from Gables and Kendall have prepared an experience appropriate for the concerns we are facing. ChristJourney.org
Today’s message centers on the core question of the Christian faith: Is Jesus really God? Every other question in this series hangs on the hook of how we answer this question. Of the four Gospels that recorded Jesus’ life, the entirety of John’s Gospel seeks to answer this single question.
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Popular culture pictures God this way: He is at the top of a mountain and there are many pathways up the mountain to God. Each pathway presents an equally legitimate path to the same destination. Today we take up the question, “Is Christianity Too Narrow?” How can we claim there is only one pathway to God when there are so many religions? Is there a way to approach religion so that no one is left out?
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Why does God allow pain and suffering in the world? It’s not a question only Christians face. There are so many stories of people walking the very deep valleys of terminal illness, unspeakable circumstances at home, drug addiction, or the dark shadow of abuse. But could the wounds be the way to see God at work in our lives?
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There is evidence that God exists in what we call reality. It’s in the way math works so well to define nature and how everything is so precisely tuned to make life possible. It’s in how well ordered and designed it all is. It’s even in how humans have such an undeniable sense of right and wrong. What do you believe? Is there a God? That is our big question today.
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Does life have any ultimate meaning and purpose, or do we just make it up as we go in life? What’s the point of it all? As we start a new series, Explore God, we can find answers to those questions and more. God cares about us, wants us to know Him, and desires to bring each one of us into His purpose for our lives. Are you open?
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Don McNeal, retired defensive cornerback of the Miami Dolphins, joins us today for a special interview with Pastor Bill. Hear about his life experiences in his football career, his life of faith as a gospel minister and most recently, taking on the challenge of Multiple Sclerosis.
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As we conclude our “Songs To Live By” series, the last song pick is U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” It’s a tune full of emotional restlessness as the lyrics reference some kind of longing – a feeling we can all relate to. Have you found what you're looking for in this life? What are you after?
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Today’s song pick is for everyone who has ever loved: “Love is a Battlefield” by Pat Benatar. It’s for anyone who has ever loved life, loved their work, or loved somebody… it’s for anybody and everybody who knows the pain only love can bring. Is that you?
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Every generation has produced songs about friendship. It's no surprise that living well requires having quality companionship. Our pick for today’s message is James Taylor’s “You’ve Got A Friend In Me.” Who are the people you call friends? What kind of friend are you to others? How can you grow in friendship with God?
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We’re starting 2020 with a brand new series titled, Songs To Live By. Today’s pick is Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer.” It tells the story of a working class couple struggling to make ends meet while encouraging each other all the way. Every day is a crossroad full of challenges and requiring choices. Can you relate?
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God has a bigger plan for your life in 2020 than what you’ve been calling normal. Would you like to get in on it this Christmas? Then listen in. Merry Christmas!
The earliest Christmas songs longed for a dream, not of white Christmas, but of a Savior who would bring rescue and restore justice and peace to the world. To this day, we are all longing for something… what’s your dream? What better day are you dreaming of? Find out how Jesus is part of that better life.
Christians might be the only Bible some people will ever read. As a follower of Christ, your life can be an open book to help someone else– perhaps not a perfect book, but a real one so others can see what faith and love look like. Even though a Christian might face ridicule and rejection for sharing their faith, God is still at work through it– shining his light and making history in the lives of people.
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How can we think of Christmas without thinking of home? We want this message to be one that blesses every home and family as we look into the Psalms– the worship songs of the Old Testament.
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Music around Christmas time has a way of making us feel happy and sad emotions. The season is happy for so many reasons, and yet it can be so painful at the same time. What are the songs on your Christmas playlist? Do they evoke feelings of tenderness? Are they silly? Or just plain rockin’ fun? Whatever it is for you, this series will connect us to familiar melodies of the season in a new way.
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This message brings us to the final belief statement in the Apostles’ Creed – “I believe in life everlasting.” Living forever isn’t necessarily good unless the quality of your life is good. That’s what this last statement is all about, life that is eternal in quality and quantity.
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The Creed is a summary statement of what the Apostles, Christ’s earliest followers, believed and taught. “I believe in the resurrection of the body” is the statement we’re exploring in today’s message. It begs the question, what happens when we die?
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Forgiveness may be the most extraordinarily difficult act any one of us may ever experience in our lives. Forgiveness is essential for life. We need it like we need breath in our lungs. Yet, on the other hand, forgiveness also confronts our faith and forces us ask ourselves: do I really believe in this God who claims to wholly forgive me and then calls me to do the same with others?
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What comes to mind when you hear the word Catholic? What about the word Saint? Both words are much misunderstood in our culture, but they were part of the original language of the Apostles’ Creed. So what did those words mean in the Apostles’ teaching?
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The next section of the Apostles’ Creed we’re looking at is the belief in the Holy Spirit. He is God’s power source available to every believer in Christ who wants to see their lives transformed, but sometimes when people think of the Holy Spirit they think of something spectacular – with signs, speaking in tongues, or doing weird things. So what does a belief in the Holy Spirit really mean?
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“Don’t judge me.” How many times have you used that phrase? We have a thing about judging, don’t we? As we continue looking at the Apostles’ Creed, this is probably the most unpopular topic we will address, but judgment is part of the Christian faith, so what is it all really about?
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God’s Spirit makes us more aware of circumstances. Whether it’s the shape our world is in or the problems we’re personally facing, there’s a reason the Holy Spirit make us aware of all this, and that’s to help redeem and restore us. He meets us in the mess and then lifts us up to know victory.
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Foundations matter in buildings and in life. The ideas and facts you build your life matter. As we continue to explore the Apostles’ Creed, we are looking at the most important belief foundational to the Christian faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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In this series we’re looking at the core beliefs the earliest followers of Jesus held and taught. The statement of the Apostles’ Creed we’re looking at today is about a warrior who died in combat – Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
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The second article of the Apostles’ Creed is a statement of belief in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son. There is no Christianity without Jesus Christ. Christianity is Christ – trusting him, knowing him, following him, experiencing him as Savior and Lord.
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The first part of our message series, I Believe, introduces us to the timeless, essential statements of the Apostles’ Creed. It contains the core teachings of Jesus’ 12 disciples as they shared the Good News. This creed holds great value for the church, and perhaps now more than ever, in a culture moving at the speed of technology. Take a look.
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Our world knows about edge. Our church in many ways is a church on the edge. Jesus never told his disciples that following him was a way to play it safe in life. On the contrary, he said His was the way of risk. So as we look ahead to a new ministry year, Christ Journey’s vision is, in a word, EDGE.
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What is God's perspective on work? We work to live, but a man's life does not consist on the abundance of possessions. Work doesn't find its value simply in providing an ability to acquire more stuff – there is another, much more rich dimension to our work.
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“Air Cover” usually means protection given by armed aircraft in war situations. God does the same with us as we face our own battles. In fact, the Apostle Paul uses military language to refer to the arsenal each of us has access to in order to protect ourselves.
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What happens growing up in our families is very important. It’s the place where we learn what “normal” is. But did you know God established that for us first? He is the originator of a healthy rhythm of life, work and rest for families. In the Bible he shows us what that looks like.
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There’s an amazing promise in the Bible that states God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Did you know God means that for you, even if you don’t know Him or have been away from Him? He has surprises for you, ones you may have been waiting to hear for a long time.
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Knowledge helps you think better, but wisdom helps you choose better. Would you agree? To attain knowledge we read books, conduct research and attend educational institutions. But for wisdom, we have to go to God. He lets our faith be tested through situations that create opportunity to apply wisdom, pass the tests, and be lifted higher! What are those situations for you? What's your next step?
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Our movie today is a testimony to how God works for good even in the bad. “I Can Only Imagine” tells the story behind the MercyMe song that topped both Christian and mainstream music charts. The film follows the life of Bart Millard who faces abandonment from his mother, abuse from his father, and a crushed football career dream that ultimately leads him down the path of music. Even when all seemed bleak, God was up to something great.
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Do you ever wish you could turn back time? What would you do… or undo? The desire to turn back time is a very human feeling and it’s also the storyline of today’s featured movie, Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame. Check out the helpful truth can we learn from this film.
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We’re ‘At the Movies” this month, and this series is designed to help you talk about your faith using some of the great visual stories of our culture. One of the greatest Disney films of all time is our featured movie today – “The Lion King.”
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We always look forward to our “At The Movies” message series. It’s a time when we get to show snippets of popular films and our pastors create a helpful message based on themes from the movies. We kick off the series with Disney’s Christopher Robin.
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This message wraps up our series, Unstuck. The Israelites have completed every step God gave them and they finally find themselves unstuck. They are ready for new future, but there’s one challenge left. Through it God wants them to know failure is not fatal and fear is not final. He wants to let you know the same.
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Every now and then, certain moments happen in our lives when one season ends and a new one begins, and our lives change forever. Graduations, weddings, funerals, etc. Those are times when we need to hear words of encouragement, love, and support. But we also need to be reminded that God will be with us through it no matter what.
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Our series is Unstuck and we’re learning how God helps people get unstuck in life. There are times, even seasons in life where we get stuck or feel stalled. Somehow we can be busy but going nowhere fast. Still, it’s reassuring to know God is always on the move. We hope this message will show you the next step to take to get unstuck.
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God’s plan for each of us is to be His instrument to help others, those close to us and those we may not know. The people we care about matter for than our stuff. What would you do for them? Today’s story takes us into the heroic actions of Rahab, a prostitute who somehow knew God’s judgement on Jericho was coming. She risked greatly trying to help her loved ones be spared.
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What do you do when you’re stuck on your spiritual journey? That’s where Israel has been as we open the story of Joshua. They’ve been stuck in the wilderness for 40 years on a journey that could have been made in 12 days. Unbelief, rebellion and disobedience to God left them wandering for decades – an entire generation. Where are you stuck today? How did you get stuck? How can you get unstuck?
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More and more, it seems we have chosen popular politics over what is good for our communities and people. We have discarded values for vices. With our country becoming increasingly more divided, is there anyone that can pull us together again? Is there another option?
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Today's guest speaker, Chris Brown, began his ministry in the trenches as a campus pastor before using his previous business and real estate training to tackle numerous executive-level pastoral duties. He was ordained in 2007 and often draws from his childhood and college experiences to deliver messages of exceptional faith in God and His love.
If you’ve ever thought the Bible is all about men, written for men, by men, putting women down and leaving them out – this message may surprise you. If there’s a lesson to draw from the teaching for our mothers, daughters and sisters today maybe it’s be exceptional. In God’s creative grace and redeeming love, be exceptional. What does that mean? What could it mean for you?
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A real connection with Jesus brings transformation. We’re invited to grow not only in comfortable places that feel inviting and welcoming, but also where we’re stretched beyond our comfort zones. The goal is to make us better people, enlarging our capacities to make a larger impact on the world.
This series is meant to help us discover what it might be like to experience some Pure Jesus in our lives. Not filtered by denomination, religious institution or history. What would it be like to get a solid dose of pure New Testament Jesus? To help us out with today's message, we are excited to have the Head Coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes, Manny Diaz.
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How disconnected, distracted, distant and distraught are we? What are we missing? God is a personal God, and we can experience Him as our hope, help and healing in life. What better day than Easter to celebrate Him?! Happy Easter!
It's a historic Sunday at Christ Journey Church! 2019 marks 25 years of ministry at this church for our senior pastor, Bill White. We're taking time not only say "thank you", but also be reminded of the mission of this church in Miami and around the world.
In this series we’ve sought to follow Jesus, full of redeeming grace and liberating truth. We’ve addressed some significant concerns, but perhaps not as culturally explosive as the one we face today: LGBT. Dr. Travis Collins, pastor and author of the book What does it mean to be welcoming? Navigating LGBT questions in your church, join us as we unpack today's topic.
You may be facing an unexpected pregnancy you feel is unwanted; however, it doesn’t mean your baby is unwanted. Abortion seems to be the great unspoken unspeakable. Our society mostly argues about it, but where can someone go to find hope and healing?
There is no absence of pain when it comes to divorce. It was an issue in Jesus’ time and it’s an issue in ours. Divorce disrupts the happy ever after many had planned on. God meant for marriage to work and to be good, but what about when it doesn’t work?
What do you do when something that started as pleasurable now feels like something you can’t live without? Today we’re talking about addiction, substance abuse, alcohol, drugs and opioids. How do we get in on the full life Jesus promises in a predatory and dangerous world?
When the fairytale life you imagined isn’t turning out as you expected, what do you do? Where can you find hope, help and healing when bearing the hunt of stigma and shame, rejection or worse? This series takes us into difficult topics that touch us in tender places, so all the more reason to open up the conversation and let Jesus show us it’s ok to not be ok.
Is there a way to affair-proof your life? Not just your marriage but your life? Our hope is that you may be equipped to prevent an affair from ever happening to you. If it has happened and you’ve been injured, we pray today’s message will help you find steps toward healing and recovery.
Is there a way to affair-proof your life? Not just your marriage but your life? Our hope is that you may be equipped to prevent an affair from ever happening to you. If it has happened and you’ve been injured, we pray today’s message will help you find steps toward healing and recovery.
There are powerful skills we should be sharpening for business, yes – but what about the business of marriage? Raising kids? Friendships? Every interaction shows our capacity to love by how well we are able to exchange truth with each other. Jesus knew how to do that better than anybody, so today we’re taking a look at examples from his life that show us how to handle the truth in our relationships.
How do you find a soulmate? If only the question were as easy to answer as it is to ask! Marriage is God’s gift to humanity. It’s worth doing and really worth doing well. Today’s message is not just for those looking for a soulmate but for any of us desiring to have God redefine romance and show us His point of view.
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How we received emotional health during our childhood years influences how we give emotional health during our adulthood years. Yet, our past hurts and present insecurities do not have to define us. An emotionally healthy man or woman seeking greatness listens first and seeks to understand in order to overcome and become an emotional healthy individual.
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In a world that seems X-rated and upside down when it comes to sexual identity and family life, we still believe your family matters and you matter to God and us. You have worth! As parents, don’t underestimate your influence. You have an extraordinary part of every child's miracle. You can be a Miracle Parent.
Parents typically see life through years of adult experience children don’t possess. When hard times come, will they be ready to overcome? This message isn’t for parents though; it’s for every child interested in becoming an overcomer in life. God wants us to find full redemption in Christ and rise in life to overcome.
The longing for a place where we’re known, loved, and celebrated is one shared by all of us. Sometimes we get glimpses of it, but when it doesn’t happen we feel lonely, isolated and cheated somehow. We believe others have it and we wonder what it’s like.
When the thought of home isn’t always a happy place, what then? Our desire as a church is to be a best friend for your family – the family to your family.
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As we get ready to enter into a new year, whether you were experiencing a high, or are in the valley of your low, there is more to your story and you can enter into this new year with plenty of hope. Our desire is that you would be encouraged and filled with hope.
Did you know? God is so deep that he is willing to meet us all the way down deep in the heart and soul of our sin.
Did you know? God became human so he could die.
In his own body, Christ suffered every punishment of sin – but he did it as an infinite God who loves us deeply.
Sometimes small can be pretty big. A smile can be small but lift a sad heart to higher ground when it's warm and real. God is at work all around us, so don't underestimate Him. Small is big when God is in it. But maybe it doesn't feel that way to you, what then?
If any season deserves a "Wow God!" - it's Christmas! The Almighty God made himself known as a newborn baby to be the solution to the sin problem in our world. Society was a mess then and it's still a mess now wouldn't you agree? The Good News is that God hasn't given up on us.
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Deck the halls with boughs of crazy! It's the time for decorations, shopping and everything else that makes the season bright. Couldn't we all benefit from a little perspective to help us in the chaos? Practicing gratitude is how we do it!
We have health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, and retirement benefits…just to name a few. Would it surprise you to know that a decision to follow Christ comes with a Benefits Package? See how you can accept the "Benefits of Belonging" that God has already offered.
You ever feel boxed in? Trapped by some situation? Today’s story is about a guy who was trapped in his own skin as a result of disease. He was shunned as an outcast and left in the margins of society– until he has an encounter with Jesus. Maybe it’s not disease that makes you feel trapped today, but whatever it is, invite Jesus into your box and see what happens!
You ever wanna ask God, "Why?" Jesus did it from the cross, so why wouldn't we? "Thank Full" takes us into the story of Habakkuk and how he wrestled with God over expectations he had about life, injustices and those who seemed to get away with evil. The many questions he asked might be the very ones we've all thought about. See how God answers.
This message concludes our series on the Book of 1 John. Over and over again, we are reminded that even though this very world we live in – as fallen, darkened, and troubled as it is – it's where God has chosen to make himself known through people like us. The last chapter of 1 John will yet again remind us to persevere because we've got what it takes to live an overcomer life, a life that makes a difference.
Many of us care about getting on the winning side of the equation – not only in a sport but also in life. Actually, you may be surprised by this, but so did John, the apostle of Jesus. What did he teach about victory and overcoming the world?
We all want to be real and for others to be real with us, but even in our closest relationships it's hard to speak the truth in love. This is what 1 John 4 invites us into – being real and connecting in real ways. But mixed in with those who seek to be real are also impostors; religious frauds who take advantage of people. What are we to do about it?
Inside all of us, there's a deep longing to be loved and cherished, to be seen and heard, to be respected and honored. If we're on the receiving end of that, it's easy to feel great about love; but when we're supposed to be on the giving end it gets more complicated. What if they don't deserve it? What if I find them annoying? What if they've ignored me or hurt me? How do we love our community then?
Life and culture in this world offers us several options that are best "thrown out" – they are seemingly harmless people or situations that when present, we better take a pass. The good news is that we have "sniff tests" available to help us in such moments. Do you know what they are?
Do you live a satisfied life? Are you satisfied with work, how you raise your kids, live single or love your spouse? Are you satisfied with how you use your money? Part two of "Our Community" message series challenges us to think differently as we do life down here.
Throughout our lives we encounter seasons when we move in and out of faith in the same way we move in and out of our favorite cafes– ordering up whatever characteristic of God that we want in our "spiritual lattes." "Our Community" series takes us on a journey of the book of 1 John and today we look at the following: It's one thing to believe in God, but what do you actually believe about God?
A vision is a picture of a preferred future. Do you have a vision for your life? Today's message we are taking time to remember what matters so we can see the future together... and you're a part of it!
Ever had something like this happen to you? The fridge goes out, the air conditioner stopped cooling, the internet is down and your car won't start... all in the same week? Today we close out our series looking at the Apostle Paul and what could be considered a wilderness of inconvenient circumstances... one after another.
Part three of our Now What? series takes us into the story of someone who feels stranded by no fault of their own. It’s a bit of a controversial narrative because God is never mentioned. However, just because God is silent, that doesn’t make Him absent– and it doesn’t change His character to fulfill the saving promises He makes to His people.
"I will never do (fill-in-the-blank) in my life." How would you complete that sentence? Some mistakes are best avoided, but what happens when we do make a mistake and our future is changed forever? Our mistakes can have the power to leave us stranded– leave us saying, "I never thought this is where I'd be. Now what?"
The Bible shows us stories that are raw and real, not airbrushed and glamorized. This message brings us into the story of Elijah and a side of him that wasn’t publicly known. He struggled with emotional discouragement and spiritual depression. He even asks God to take him out. Scared, exhausted, and full of doubt, Elijah was stranded in an emotional wilderness.
Gables Campus Pastor, Ryan Reed, delivers a message on what it means to live a Christ-centered life. How do we live by faith in the one who loved us and gave himself for us?
Everything seems lost. Fear is flickering on the edge of your mind. Your character is tempted to hit the "I Quit" button. Have you been there? It's at this very moment that one indispensable virtue separates true leaders from posers – commitment. Which one are you?
We probably all agree that competence is a leadership essential. However, being competent in a proud, arrogant and self-sufficient way is missing the mark completely. Pride will fail you. Greed will cheat you. Lust will deceive you. So how can we attain the freedom and power we're truly longing for?
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We are at the halfway point of “At the Movies” Leadership Edition, where we are using movie clips from some of our favorite movies to draw us into stories that point us to a truth. In this message, Pastor Bill goes to God’s Word to give us yet another leadership essential: character.
As we continue with part two of our At The Movies series, we look at the second essential quality to leading your own life well: courage. Why is courage so important? Because fear is everywhere, working its way into many areas of our lives. If you want to lead a life that overcomes, this message is for you.
Over the next few weeks we're going to explore the letter the Apostle Paul wrote about joy in leadership, and we're going to see the theme in clips from several popular movies. Part one of our series answers the question, "what do we have here that's worth living for?" How would you respond? Do you have a life mission statement? If not, that's a good application of this message.
How does a man mature to make good choices that influence the lives of those he loves, leads and serves? This message gets to the heart of the matter. The making of a man means finding your meaning in God and Joseph found his ultimate meaning for living in relationship with God from his very heart.
Do you think about what you say before you say it? Words have the power to build someone up or tear him or her down completely. A father’s words; a mother’s words; our words really matter. Part five of our series teaches us about the long lasting effect words can have.
Bad stuff happens in a man's life, stuff that gives way to anger. And yet, there is no making of a man without breaking through the bad. So what can we do about it? Part four of our series shows us how we can redeem hardships for the better.
It doesn't matter how old or young you are, most of us will ask, "How long can I go until the dream dies?" How can you hold on to your dreams when disappointment body slams you and you're not sure you can pull your pieces back together? Part three of our series shows us practical ways to face hardship head on and reminds us we have what it takes.
Most men are familiar with the battlefields of work environment, sexual behavior and negative circumstances. Does it ever feel like any one of those could take you down? As we continue with our series, we see how Joseph keeps focused and applies himself in rising and surprising ways in spite of tempting circumstances.
Every man in the making has dreams, but have you ever felt like your dream has been hijacked? Does that mean you should stop dreaming? No way! This new series will dare you to dream… perhaps in ways you hadn’t before.
In the real world, love falls short and our marriages and families don’t reflect God’s ideal. However, simply because a fallen world doesn’t realize God’s ideal doesn’t mean we forfeit or forget His plan. God’s Word tells us marriage and family in this life are foretastes a greater kind of togetherness beyond this life.
Very few of us, if any of us, get to adulthood without some kind of wounding. Yet, God can restore and even fill the deepest voids of our lives. Many times He does this by using people who are willing to love us well. How we love right now across the generations compounds across time... what kind of long-term return will your love yield?
Some of our biggest battles are fought on the field of identity. Who am I? Where do I come from? What am I made of? It's trendy right now to get answers to these questions, but what if we were to look beyond culture? How would these questions be answered for ourselves and our families in light of God's love?
Parenting is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. There are moments of celebration and incredible joy as well as moments of hurt and heartache. Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, was no stranger to the pains of parenting. In fact, obeying God in how we parent can mean our souls will be pierced at some point. So when the heartache comes, how can we redeem it?
Today's topic is one of the hard places in family life – parents raising children. Part of the tension we experience is due to the fact that the task of parenthood is the only major job in life we take on without previous training! Regardless of whether you're a parent or not, we all have a part in developing a partnership with God to raise kids who can handle the tensions of life.
Some things are worth fighting for and one of those is your family. Even though it feels like we're competing against media, technology, busyness – you can and should fight for your family. Culture and society are not to tell us what it should look like. You can look to God and His Word for guidance.
What's the big deal about Easter? It's all about love – love coming to the rescue, love that you can trust. There is no greater "I love you" in the universe than what happened on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You are loved. You have access to God and his favor in Christ. Find it this Easter!
"What's the most I can get from you while giving you the least of me?" It's safe to claim that is how transactional power plays out in our world today. The pursuit of power can be blinding even to the point of believing that whoever has the power makes the truth.
What do you do when you have it all and still feel like it's not enough? Having wealth is like that... it doesn't feel all that wealthy. What if at the end of the day the desire for money isn't about money but about what's really going on in your heart?
Everyday, headlines scream some new scandal of sexual abuse, harassment or assault. Today's message brings us into four conversations Jesus had where the shame, scandal and damage of sexual trauma has been unleashed. See how the medicine of God's love and grace, the antidote for the poison of abuse, is at the cross.
Would it surprise you to learn Jesus models how to have conversations? He enters into crucial conversations in high stake situations, when the topic really matters, and a person’s identity is on the line. The outcome? A door is opened where there seemed to be no way, and God’s life-changing love is shared.
What is the end game of the Christian faith? What does God really have to offer? Are we willing to risk everything that is important in our lives to follow Him? That's an audacious ask, but then again, the Christ Journey is an audacious ride.
Are there people in your life who have helped you? Been there for you? Someone who inspired and encouraged you? God uses people to help people. The key is being available to Him and then sharing what we've been given so others can experience His love and life.
The Kingdom of God is all around us, but we continually miss it because we make our lives all about us. Perhaps God feels distant to you today, but the truth is He is not distant and apart from us. In practicing daily Bible reflection, discover for yourself the very heart and character of God as being a good God, a close God, and a loving God for you and the world.
God’s purpose is that your life in Christ would bring new personal growth and benefit for His world. But maybe you’re thinking that’s easier said than done. Fear not! This series will introduce you to key beliefs, practices and action steps that will be catalytic to your personal growth. When you stay on the journey of faith, the benefits find you.
If you’re a Christian, by definition it means you consider yourself the object of God’s love, a recipient of His mercy and grace. The power in you is great! But what do you use all that strength for? Is it for show or do you have an ultimate purpose?
Choices yield consequences. Decisions shape destinies and eternities. God so ordered the universe that it responds to decisions. There is a way for you to personally experience an increased flow of love and joy through the choices you make.
Life is about decision-making. Some are simple like what time to get up, what to wear, etc. Others are big like what am I gonna do with my life? College? Career? Chances are you’re at a life intersection right now, preparing to make a decision. Would you like to know how to make the right one? Today’s message will help!
Your decisions now matter for your soul’s survival; they matter forever. So do you make decisions about your faith and legacy based on that sense of urgency or not?
At the end of this year we had an amazing opportunity to gather as the church with others around the globe. How? We call it, "All Church Online Sunday!"
There is no time like Christmas! The Christmas we celebrate with all the lights and gifts began with the birth of Jesus, the best gift of all. The mystery of God’s love leaves us speechless, stunned and if we let it, invited to believe. He has done for us what we could never do for ourselves. Merry Christmas!
Every month 250,000 Americans ask Google, “what is the meaning of life?” Have you ever wondered why you’re here? Are we meant for more than simply consuming products, acquiring stuff, achieving goals, and reproducing and raising more humans? Believe it or not, the Christmas story holds an answer. Enter: The Wise Men.
The Christmas season is a time of joy, but for many it’s also one of unspoken loneliness. Our need to belong and feel positively connected to others is one of the greatest predictors of wellbeing, happiness, health and long life. Everyone struggles with loneliness at sometime. No one escapes it. You even find it in the first Christmas story.
We’re all hungry, aren’t we? Hungry and thirsty for meaning. Kids and grown-ups alike – we want to be validated, we want to know we matter and know we count. Today’s message shows us how to let God fill those hungry places in our lives even with the small things of life.
Times of emptiness and longing are hard seasons of life to get through. You desire something and can’t have it… you’re just going through the motions and going nowhere. Your heart is empty but craving. Today’s message kicks off our Advent season with a story of how God shows up in times of emptiness.
The material world is not an end in itself but a means to a greater end. The challenge is that as human beings in such a wonderful world, we get distracted by its material wonders and wander away from God. If this world is not meant to provide stable certainty for our lives, then how can we put our hope in God instead?
What if someone said to you that you can begin each new day in right standing with God… that no matter what happened yesterday, today his mercies are brand new, and you get to start again? Would you believe it? We invite you to take a listen to today’s message to learn more and how living out faith in Christ can have an impact in your city and around the world.
Have you ever fantasized about being rich? You may not feel like you are, but you might actually be rich! Everybody can be rich because it’s not what you have that matters, it’s what you do with what you have.
What do Miami and Ephesus have in common? Money, sex and power. There is nothing wrong with that! But when these gifts of God are used inappropriately and spin out of control, you’ve got a battle in your hands. That’s a spiritual war. If you’re going to engage in a spiritual battle, then you better be prepared.
What kind of world do you want to live in? What kind of marriage and family do you want to have? What kind of church do you want to be a part of? What’s your part in all of it? It can be all about you… or you can live as to the Lord and treat others the way you’d like to be treated.
Imagine people in your world who support you with life-giving words, prayer, kind actions and love. How does that feel? Today’s message celebrates God’s plan that we are to be a community of people breaking down barriers of hostility and bringing a divided world together in Christ. All people everywhere can have access to God and approach God with freedom and confidence.
Does any part of your life feel like a mess? Maybe you’re thinking, “My whole life feels like a mess!” Still, from the mess we’re in, God is making us a masterpiece. Today’s message helps us know how this is possible.
Is unity amidst division possible? Differences within politics, society and religion – just to name a few – seem to rule the day. But what if the Church truly existed to make a culture splash rather than a culture clash of division? How can we learn to live a life consumed with Christ rather than self?
There are two topics you’ve probably been counseled to stay away from: religion and politics. Nowadays we differ on so many issues – economic, social, racial, religion, etc. With so many arguments fighting for the spotlight, how do we fight the battles that will really matter?
In an age of information overload, how we filter what we believe matters greatly. Jesus said, “…the truth will set you free…” but who’s got the truth? Our message today tackles the big lie, “God lies.”
Our new series is called Lies We Believe, and would you agree that at some point, we’ve all been deceived by something or someone? Being misled or misdirected into believing things that are not fully true is costly, and it can rob us of precious hope. So when dreams die, where can you go for hope to rise again?
Busyness. Shallow lives. Cluttered minds. Sound familiar? What are we to do with the competing “priorities” in conflict? The battlefield is in our minds, but the truth about God can set us free. The last message of our Branded series helps us know how.
Words matter, don’t they? They can challenge and inspire us to do greater things, or they can shame and blame leaving us feeling hurt. Before you speak, tweet or post, do you consider your words? Today’s message will help us see how we can turn our tongues into life-giving instruments.
Do you relate to the concept “a work in progress”? Although we make mistakes, it doesn’t mean we are mistakes. Do you believe that? Our hope with today’s message is that it would challenge you to bring your best, build you up and make you more than you were yesterday.
Brands feed our identities. They say something about our socioeconomic status, beliefs, etc. If we were to be branded by God, however, what would that look like and say about us? Our current series unpacks the life of the Apostle Peter and shows us the influences to allow in our lives and the ones to watch out for.
What fills you with awe and wonder? What draws you outside of yourself? It seems that children experience awe and wonder daily, but as adults our desire for discovery diminishes as the world around us becomes more defined. So what can we do? How can we get to a place where we’re regularly creating space for God to give us a glimpse into his awe and wonder of eternity?
What does it looks like to be faithful and trust God in dark seasons? What does it look like to be a friend and walk with someone else through their time of need? Wouldn’t it be something if we could experience a wow factor of worship, even in the dark?
Life’s a battlefield isn’t it? Troubles. Trials. Temptations. Times of testing. We fight battles on practically every front. Economically, Relationally, Spiritually… seems like there’s always some new predator trying to distract or destroy. Don’t waver. Worship the True God!
In a world of sensory overload, in an entertainment culture designed to stimulate every sensation all the time, a society engineered for instant gratification, instant information and digital connection to virtually anything at any time, we are bored. “What’s happened to us? Why are we so bored?” What’s the root of boredom? Isn’t it dissatisfaction?
How do you want to be remembered? The story that is told about you tomorrow is being written today. How we live our lives can have a great impact on others whether in a positive or negative way. What would be said of you?
Jesus models the kind of unselfishness that brings victory. Have you experienced it? When we learn to be faithful in the little things, God can entrust us with greater things. But today’s message isn’t really about money – it simply uses money as an example – it’s really about what we learn or don’t learn from generosity.
People do crazy things for love. Can you relate? Today's message has much to teach us about generosity. If you need a little help finding what you have to give, this message will help.
What are the traits of a good warrior? Soldiers put themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of others. If you’ve been tracking with our Daring Greatly series, what has God been showing you? Think about this: the undoing of our excuses can lead to the unleashing of God’s blessing allowing you to see that where God guides, God never fails to provide.
A scarcity mindset means being managed by fear of not having enough, only to discover that the fear doesn’t go away when you get more. That doesn’t mean getting more is bad, it just means getting more isn’t the full solution. You’re meant for more than that! Receive all God gives, keep all you need, and share all you can.
If you want to grow to be the kind of person God can use to dare greatly in expanding his reach as grace generates life-giving generosity, this series is for you. Jesus is leading us to counter the culture in ways that help people find and follow Christ. We don’t give to get, but when we give, God does too. What are your next steps on the journey?
God does for us what we could never do for ourselves in Christ. Where sin does its worst, God does his best. This Easter weekend we celebrate the love of God for his beloved! Will you let him love you?
Happy Easter!
Can you think of a moment in your life when a friend helped you through a situation? Today’s message brings us into the heart of how significant friendship can be especially when it comes to our faith. How far are you willing to go for someone else?
Today’s message is the first one of our new series: For the Love of God. It’s easy to fall in love with the people in our lives, but not so easy sometimes to fall in love with God – this requires faith, not only to believe that He loves us, but also to believe that we are loveable. How do we open that conversation for ourselves or for others?
Christianity is not a spectator sport. True Christ-followers follow Christ; and faithfully following Jesus may take you into places where you’ll feel like you’re in over your head! Our last message of the Heroes of Faith series challenges us to leave our comfort zones and “walk on water” trusting Christ to do the impossible. Where is your risk today?
What do you believe in? What you’re believing in right now affects your behavior. Today’s message takes us into the story of David and Goliath. If you look carefully, the text offers three ways you can live your life. You can live believing in your abilities, your disabilities or in God’s ability. Who’s really showing up on your battlefield… you or God?
Some of us at this very moment are in life situations beyond our control. Maybe an inner voice keeps saying, ‘Things are never gonna change…’ Today’s message helps us see how not to lock God into our limitations and unbelief. The principles you’ll hear will equip you for victory over strongholds in your life.
If you’ve ever been tired of waiting, troubled by the thought that what you’re waiting for may never happen, this message is for you. We start our series, Heroes of Faith, by looking at the story of Abraham and Sarah. They were excited to have received an awesome promise from God, but next thing you know, many years of delay pass before the fulfillment comes.
As followers of Christ, a solid faith foundation matters because when the storms of life hit, it will be our relationship with God that will help us stand firm. Part one of our series takes us through what it means to be saved by grace.
What’s the most audacious thing you’ve ever done? This message closes out our series, The Christ Journey, and we are looking at how to be audacious in our faith. When people insult you, persecute you or falsely say evil against you… what do you do?
This is Jesus’ plan – to change YOU through His blessing, then change the world through you. Your pathway of blessing includes showing some love to your world, so what’s holding you back? The greatest sermon we can ever preach is not spoken, it is lived! Are you ready to enter your kingdom adventure and say to God, “Here am I. Send me!”?
Where are you looking to find satisfaction in your life? The blessing of satisfaction, of fullness, only comes when you are hungry to have a right standing with God. There are Family Blessings we experience when we belong to Christ and to His family. Part two of our series shows us the blessings God offers when we belong to him.
Sometimes life’s journey is punctuated with “what I am not” moments. Many of us are familiar with what has been called the identity crisis. “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” “What is my purpose in life?” The last message in our series, Foundation, brings answers to the identity quest for meaning and purpose we have found ourselves in.
Sometimes life’s journey is punctuated with “what I am not” moments. Many of us are familiar with what has been called the identity crisis. “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” “What is my purpose in life?” The last message in our series, Foundation, brings answers to the identity quest for meaning and purpose we have found ourselves in.
Do you trust the Bible? Do you believe it holds riches of life-changing truth for you? Part three of our series, Foundation, gives us an in-depth look into the authority of the Bible.
Part two of our series, Foundation, asks the question, what is God like? Did you know the Bible doesn’t try to prove the existence of God? That doesn’t mean there aren’t proofs but the Bible actually begins assuming it. This message is sure to make you think and inspire you as we unpack the bigness of our God.