Pathways Church | Sermons: Recent Episodes
Pastor Brent Freeman | Lead Pastor
Weekly Sermons from Pastor Brent Freeman and other speakers. Pathways Church is a multi-campus Church located in East Tennessee & North Carolina.
For more information about Pathways Church, please visit: http://www.pathwayschurch.com/
As a new school year begins, we pause to hear words of encouragement from some of our kids and youth team and to share in a time of communion.
Information is coming at us so quickly and from so many directions that before we continually consume what's new, we must slow down and make sure we are truly processing what we have learned and allowing it to impact our lives. This week, several of our staff members sit down to discuss what they personally gained from "Experience Summer" and the book of James.
One of the many hidden gems of the Smoky Mountains is Iron Mountain Sporting Clays. But if you're into shooting, this is a must-visit destination. But it goes beyond just a day of shooting; this experience can quickly teach you some important life lessons and have a profound impact on how we live our spiritual lives.
Perhaps one of the best ways to experience the Smoky Mountains is to venture into the National Park and go trout fishing. It is a great opportunity not only to be out in nature but also to learn many lessons that we can apply to our spiritual lives by learning to fish.
This week, our Summer adventures take us on a really fun and unique experience. But like life, we quickly found ourselves moving downhill at a rapid pace, and without correction, we were heading for disaster.
This week, as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday, we celebrate our freedom as Americans, but most importantly, our freedom in Christ.
The Bible contains many references to the Potter and clay, but beyond simply shaping us, we can trust Him, knowing He can even mend our broken pieces.
This week, our summer adventures take us close to the heart of Pigeon Forge, to step back into time to learn the art of BlackSmithing. Through this process, Pastor Brent and His son Mason experienced firsthand how a piece of metal can be transformed from one purpose to another, becoming something new through the guidance of a skilled blacksmith.
When you hear the word "bees," what comes to mind? For many of us, it's fear, danger, or the memory of a painful sting. But if we look a little closer, there's more to a bee than its stinger. These tiny insects achieve extraordinary things through hard work, unity, and unwavering purpose. In fact, if we learned to think more like a bee, we might find ourselves accomplishing things we once thought were impossible.
We all face times in life when we feel we are standing on the edge of a cliff, wondering whether the rope will keep us safe. No matter how many times you examine the rope and test the equipment, eventually you have to trust and take the first step.
Rhythm in life can lead to blessing or disaster, and where we end up is determined by the daily decisions we make on a consistent basis.
As we remember Memorial Day, we revisit a series called "Gone But Not Forgotten" and talk about Honor, a virtue that seems rare today, yet it is critical to our spiritual lives and our witness.
Modern society is obsessed with making life faster, easier, automated, and more comfortable. While technology and modern conveniences can certainly be blessings, there is also a hidden danger within comfort. If we are not careful, our relentless pursuit of ease and convenience can slowly weaken our spiritual hunger, dull our dependence on God, and ultimately erode the strength of both our personal faith and the church as a whole.
The phrase "the world is an ugly place" is often said, but what does it really mean? We feel the need to compete with those around us, to fight for significance, but God's word clearly tells us how special and beautiful we all are.
We live in a world of amazing technology, and we can witness almost anything anywhere in real time. We can stream movies and music into the palm of our hand, with the tap of a finger to order almost anything, and sometimes have that item delivered the same day. The downside to this gift we've been given these conveniences can easily become overwhelming, and before we realize it, it's simply noise and distraction that keeps us from the truly important things. The question is, how do we clear some of this noise, and does it even matter?
Perhaps one of the most dangerous games people play in their spiritual lives is avoiding sin by staying on the "acceptable" side of a threshold. We believe that issues aren't really black or white. We tell ourselves we can get close to sinful things, as long as we don't cross the thin lines we believe mark them as sin. The problem is that we don't recognize the consequences of living in the "gray areas".
Among all the teachings of Jesus, repetition signals increased importance. When we see a teaching appear in all four Gospels, we know it is critical to our spiritual lives. Jesus made it clear that we are to live a life of surrender in order to find the fullness and peace we are all searching for.
This week, we revisit a message from sixteen years ago in a series called “Reality Bytes.” In it, we unpack a few simple but powerful truths—“bytes” that challenge how we measure our worth. Instead of defining ourselves by the standards of others, our abilities, or our accomplishments, we’re reminded that our identity is found in who God says we are. When that perspective shifts, everything else begins to fall into place.
They said it was impossible for a man, a teacher, to be put through a brutal death and come back to life, but this was no ordinary man...
Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “I’ve gone too far… I’ve messed up too badly for God to forgive me”? Maybe you've looked at someone whose actions seem unthinkable and assumed they’re beyond grace; only judgment remains. When we draw such lines, we become the judge, but one of the most shocking moments in the Gospels completely challenges that idea.
Nicknames, we all have had one at some point, often a reference to something embarrassing, or they stick because of something we wish we could forget. Imagine if, for over 12 years, you were not known by your name, but a shameful label. Desperate for hope and resolution, this woman took a huge risk, and it changed everything!
When something goes wrong, our instinct is to ask one common question: “Whose fault is it?” We look for someone to blame, somewhere to point the finger. But sometimes the problem isn’t about blame at all. Sometimes God is doing something bigger. When Jesus encountered a man born blind, his life was forever changed. But the greatest miracle in the story isn’t the one most people notice.
We’ve all been there, when the pressure seems to pile up, and there seems to be no answer in sight. Life begins to feel like a bad nightmare, and the very thing we were fighting for suddenly slips away. In those moments, we find ourselves asking the question, “What now?” When we feel out of options, out of strength, and out of answers, Jesus steps in.
There may be nothing more frustrating than feeling stuck, except realizing you actually are stuck, and every effort to get free only pulls you deeper into the sand. In marriage, that struggle can intensify. Two people are attempting to solve problems at the same time, often with good intentions, yet sometimes unintentionally working against each other. The good news is this: you don’t have to stay stuck. There is a path forward. There is a way out of the sand and into solid ground, into renewed clarity, and strength in both life and marriage.
Don’t despise the small start. The first step may feel insignificant, unnoticed, or even discouraging — but Heaven celebrates what we often overlook, places of growth, stretching, and preparation. Small steps are sacred, progress is worth celebrating, and faithfulness in the ordinary leads to the extraordinary. The summit is coming, but don’t rush past the purpose found in the climb.
This week, we look at how a comedic shopping mishap can parallel our spiritual lives. The simple truth is that action doesn't necessarily lead to productivity or growth.
When life feels like it’s passed you by and the dreams you once carried seem out of reach, it can be hard to believe things will ever turn around. But through the prophet Joel, God promises more than recovery—He promises abundance. Not the kind the world pursues through wealth or possessions, but an overflowing blessing rooted in spiritual renewal and a restored relationship with Him.
Funny how something as simple as GPS guidance can remind us of God's grace in our lives. We've all made a wrong turn at some point in life, and it doesn't mean we can reach our intended destination; it may take a little longer, but that calm voice simply says, "recalculating".
Momentum is a funny thing; when things are going well, life is great. But if things begin going in the wrong direction, as we face the consequences of bad choices, it can quickly discourage and derail our lives. This week, we take a look at the book of Micah, a call to the nation for humility and faithfulness.
When was the last time you set out to do something hard, only to be derailed? The genesis for the start of the year came from a moment of personal challenge and inspiration, but an unexpected curveball changed everything. But as it turns out, maybe there is more to be learned in our failures.
We all face moments of Crisis in life, but we don't always respond the right way to those moments. Fortunately, we have many examples in scripture of crisis moments and how we should respond to them, as people of faith.
As we step into a new year filled with fresh goals and routines, it’s essential to slow down and establish the right perspective—one that allows our faith to grow deeper in 2026.
We live in a fast-paced culture, distracted, and always preparing for what's next. This week, as we mark the final Sunday of 2025, we pause to reflect on some of the key messages from the year, before moving forward into all that is new.
Have you ever stopped to truly consider the way we give and exchange gifts at Christmas? In the early 1900s, life moved at a different pace, and people often valued what was simple and meaningful. Today, with the tap of a button, we can have almost anything delivered from almost anywhere. And yet, if we’re not careful, in the rush and the noise, the greatest gift ever given can quietly slip from our focus.
Jesus stepped into a tangled, broken world as the true Light of the world. This message reminds us that God’s light cannot be overcome, is meant to shine through our lives, is offered to everyone, and is sustained daily by staying connected to Christ.
In 1903, the Wright Brothers made history that changed the way the world travels. When the report reached Ohio, where the brothers would spend Christmas, a major detail was omitted from the newspaper. Today, this story serves as a powerful reminder not to miss the true meaning of Christmas.
Spend time on social media, and you'll quickly see many opinions about various Christmas traditions and icons. One that often faces criticism is the Christmas Tree. This week, we're discussing the origins of the Christmas Tree, its meaning, and the reminder it provides each year.
As we begin celebrating the Christmas season, it is most appropriate that the first message of the series blurs the lines between two holidays, because the key to Christmas is Thanksgiving.
If someone else knew every thought and action you made, would it cause you anxiety or bring you peace? The Bible is clear: God knows us intimately. Beyond what others see, He even knows our thoughts, but there's no reason to fear because God loves us and considers us His children.
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, we take the opportunity to step outside of our routine and reflect on our perspective to be intentionally grateful for the many blessings we've received.
The battle lines were drawn, and the task seemed impossible. Who could stand against the giant Philistine? But a young boy filled with faith stepped forward, ready to face this daunting threat. This week, we examine an epic moment in God's word that highlights the important connection between faith and vision.
Losing your keys can be extremely frustrating! Although "keys" look different today than the familiar ones of the past, they're necessary to function and access the important things in our lives. This week, we look at the important "keys" in God's word that should guide our daily lives and the church collectively.
In Haggai, we are reminded that misplaced priorities can lead to frustration and a lack of resources. But when a remnant chose obedience, everything changed—their work was blessed, and what once lay in ruins began to be restored. It’s a reminder that when we get the little things right, God can accomplish amazing things through us!
When you hear the phrase “No Perfect People Allowed,” what comes to mind? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that true righteousness isn’t about perfection—it’s about humility and dependence on Him. This message isn’t about lowering the bar; it’s about recognizing that none of us have it all together, yet we are all invited to the same place—welcomed by grace at the foot of the cross. As Romans 5:8 says, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
As we begin a new series, we look back at some of the foundational messages that formed our church. This week, we focus on some core values of Pathways and define what faith is.
Before we enter a new series, we are taking a week to break our routine, challenge ourselves, and seek a move of God in our community and beyond.
For one more week, we will stay in the book of Psalms to examine a topic that often evokes negative emotions: fear. However, in certain circumstances, the right kind of fear can be beneficial.
The book of Psalms is full of relatable emotions, as the authors wrestle with their everyday lives and their relationship with God. This week, Pastor Brent takes a step back to examine some of the recurring themes throughout the book and the lessons it should teach us all.
The culture preaches loudly to us that we are insignificant. As a result, we spend so much time playing the comparison game, trying to measure up to others and their lives. Are you questioning whether or not you are valuable? As we look to the Psalms, we see that these thoughts are not unique to us; David wrestled with the same struggle.
Have you ever noticed how many contradicting statements we use regularly? There is one phrase used too often regarding the church that a believer should never speak. Psalm 96 provides a clear model for our Christian life and outlines what a lifestyle of worship entails.
We have moments in life we wish we could go back and change, undo, or relive for a variety of reasons. In Psalm 51, we see David's raw emotions revealed as He seeks forgiveness for the serious mistakes He has made.
It likely doesn't take much effort to think about a time you felt betrayed; in fact, that is typically where most of our reflection ends, when we were wronged. But if we want to handle betrayal honestly, there is much more that we need to cover.
Have you ever been in the midst of a bad situation and asked yourself, "Where is God? Has He forgotten about me?" The truth is God has not abandoned you, He has not forgotten about you, and although sometimes our circumstances can get that bad, many times it's simply a battle raging in our head.
This week, we turn to Psalm 1, focusing on the clear warnings and rich promises it offers. We’ll explore how its message speaks not only to our lives today, but also to the eternal outcomes shaped by our choices.
Over the course of our "Lake Life" series, we have covered many aspects of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. This week, before we move forward, we are taking time to hit the pause button and reflect on lessons learned.
In the final conversation Jesus had with His disciples before ascending into Heaven, He left them with one simple charge, "go and make disciples". Today, many Christians fail miserably at this command, mainly because we don't even try. We allow fear and excuses to be the reason we don't share the greatest news the world will ever know. This week, we look at this important command and how our faith is affected by our willingness to share.
Society has convinced us that if we're not moving, being productive, and accomplishing something, we should feel a sense of shame, that we're doing something wrong. While Jesus taught the importance of work, He also taught and modeled the importance of rest!
A hard truth about life at the lake is that not every day will be quiet and calm; storms will come! Sometimes they come on subtly, and others furiously! The questions become: how do we respond in a storm, and do they hold any meaning?
There are many thoughts and opinions about America's founding fathers, but one thing is incontrovertible: they willingly signed their death warrants when they signed their names to the Declaration of Independence. This week, we consider their level of commitment and examine our own for what we believe.
This week, inspired by Benjamin Bloom, Pastor Brent discusses what it takes to make a meaningful change and how, despite the desire to act, many of us become frozen by fear and never take "the jump".
When someone says they're ready for a day at the lake, that doesn't always mean the same thing. To some, that means they want to be in proximity to the lake; to others, it means they're looking to make waves and get loud! Bottom line, not everyone sees the lake the same way.
Being on the lake can be a lot of fun, but there is a danger that can ruin your lake fun - debris. Floating debris can get caught in your prop or damage your hull. Spiritually speaking, many of us live our lives racing around floating debris fields, hoping for the best.
Hidden costs are everywhere! It seems we can't take a vacation, book a flight, attend a concert, buy a home, or even go through the drive-thru without incurring unexpected costs. In Luke 14, Jesus explains the cost of being a true follower.
In Matthew 16, Jesus explained what it means to be one of his followers. However, thanks to our media-driven culture, the term has morphed into being little more than a "fan" of someone.
Did you know that statistically, 75% of people are dehydrated? That means the overwhelming majority of us are not consuming enough water! It's no wonder that we all feel like we can't satisfy our thirst when we're not consuming nearly enough water. This week, examine Jesus' encounter with someone desperate for water...
Change is coming; the important question is, how do you handle change? Does it freak you out or energize you?
Ten years ago, on a family rafting trip in California, the unexpected hit. The trip was a great time, until it wasn't... How many of us feel overwhelmed, as if one more rapid hit would be the end?
The virtue of honor has quietly faded from view. Once instinctively shown to parents, elders, leaders, and even strangers, honor now feels like an outdated concept. But what does our loss of honor say about who we are—not just as a society, but as followers of Christ?
Kids have a special talent — and it’s called wearing out the good furniture! That’s why, in our house, we set aside a special place in the living room called "The King’s Chair." It’s supposed to be my clean, comfy throne... a spot reserved just for me. The only catch? Most of the time, I’m not the one sitting there!
The discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb stands as the most defining moment in history. It proved He is the Son of God, overcoming the pain of the cross and even death itself. Because of that, Christians everywhere have a lasting hope and the promise of salvation that’s found in Him alone.
Join us for a special service as we stop to remember the sacrifice of Jesus' death on the cross.
One of the paradoxes of faith and doubt is that it is the ultimate intellectual challenge. While simple and uneducated people may live with great wisdom, PhDs may choose foolishness. This week, we look at the tension between doubt and unbelief.
This week, we look at a seemingly mysterious statement Jesus made, with a massive lesson and truth for His followers and all of us thousands of years later. This week's analogy of a vine and branches has an important warning for us individually as well as a challenge to impact our sphere of influence.
We have many different kinds of light in life. Some lights serve practical purposes; after all, it's hard to work in the dark. Others exist because we feel uncomfortable. Having light makes us feel more secure. Jesus used the analogy of light to illustrate His purpose.
Remember how excited we all used to get when there was a knock on the door? Today, if the doorbell rings or a knock is heard, many pretend they are not home while checking doorbell cameras to see who is outside. We don't even like to go to the door! Jesus used the analogy of a door to talk about himself.
Very few people have "shepherd" on their resume or even know the first thing about caring for sheep. But one of the titles that Jesus assigned to himself was "the Good Shepherd." Why? What message was He trying to convey, and why did He choose a shepherd?
Bread is a widely debated food—some people crave it endlessly, while others go to great lengths to avoid it. Interestingly, Jesus used bread as a powerful metaphor in one of His seven distinct statements about Himself, declaring, “I am the Bread of Life.” In this series, we will explore each of these profound declarations, unpacking their meaning and discovering how they shape our lives today.
As we close the book of Nehemiah, it's important to reflect and be challenged by the lessons learned from this amazing moment in History. Nehemiah was a man who saw a serious problem, and through prayer and fasting chose to answer the call to "do something."
Paul McCartney wrote a song as a reaction to a dream He once had about His mother, who died of cancer when He was only 14 years old. In the dream Paul's mother, Mary told Him that "it will be alright, just let it be." Today, "Let It Be" has become an iconic song, and its meaning has been left largely to the listener for interpretation.
As we close our study of Nehemiah, it's important to examine His struggle to balance the responsibility of the things He could do, and those He could not and what that means for us thousands of years later.
Keith Urban recently released a song called "Break the Chain". One aspect that makes this song unique is that it was written in just one sitting! Urban said that before He realized what was happening, He had burst into tears as He wrote about His difficult childhood and alcoholic father. He quickly recognized that He had repeated the pattern that was modeled to Him. The song was later recorded in just one take, with no redo. Despite the dark backstory, the song is about hope and breaking the chain of a destructive cycle. This process starts with recognizing the truth and confessing wrongdoing.
The Super Bowl is the culmination event of the football season, a team sport where everything boils down to one game, one moment. Some say everything is on the line. Moments like these produce the greatest challenges to motivate a team of people to work together. Fittingly Nehemiah was possibly one of the greatest motivational speakers in History, rallying the troops to accomplish "the impossible."
Courage—what does it truly mean? We admire courageous people, yet many individuals struggle to embody it when the situation demands it. This week, we explore Nehemiah's courage to achieve the seemingly impossible, grounded in His relationship with God.
What do you do when you see a situation that breaks your heart? Do you freeze or are you someone who acts? When He learned the state of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah was moved so deeply that He mourned, fasted, and took the matter to God in prayer.
We live in a culture of complaining. This week, we open the book of Nehemiah to examine a man with a broken heart about the condition of Jerusalem. But Nehemiah didn't just sit and sob, instead, He decided to seek God and ultimately, do something.
We all like to get a good deal on something, but have you ever tried to negotiate a deal with the creator of the universe? This week we look at Jephthah, who made a deal with God.
This week, we look back at the messages from 2024 and talk about some of our favorite sermons and the lessons to be learned from them.
Across the globe, the table has always been a special place in a home, symbolizing togetherness and blessing. While the importance of life around the table was diminished for a while, more families have gathered at the table in recent years. As we reflect on the close of a year, we examine not only life at home but a very important table that appears in scripture.
How many of us are searching for peace this Christmas? We spend our lives chasing things to find happiness and peace, but only one thing will ever bring the lasting joy and peace we desperately seek: a relationship with God through His son, Jesus.
When most people think about Mary, they often have images of a pious, humble girl who trusted God. But do we consider Mary & Joseph and what they went through as the human parents of Jesus? The Bible declares the birth of Jesus as "Good News," but Mary probably doesn’t think that way. She’s probably scared, trying to make sense of it all…
Let's be honest. Most of us are over-scheduled, stressed, and anxious. The idea of true peace is elusive. If you scour the internet looking for peace, you will find some "helpful tips" that aren't necessarily wrong or bad, but they are certainly lacking in depth and effectiveness. So what does true peace look like, and perhaps more importantly, where do we find it?
A recurring theme within Christmas music is the search and longing for peace. Many of these songs are written in times of pain, anguish, war, and loss. In a fallen war-torn world, the honest question becomes, "Can we truly have peace?"
This week, as we close "No Series November" and celebrate Thanksgiving, we take time for personal reflection and challenge ourselves to realign our thinking to that of gratitude.
Gratitude is contagious, yet sadly, it has become rare to encounter truly grateful people. But gratitude is a choice, so what happens when we choose not to be thankful?
Why is it that no matter who we are or what our role is, we are constantly trying to find ways to be something "more"? This is not a struggle new to humanity. People are often surprised to learn that one of the wisest men to ever live wrote how meaningless life is, and those famous words are found in the Bible, of all places.
Have you ever stopped to people-watch? One thing you'll likely notice is that very few people seem happy, smiles are rare. Looks of frustration and an overall depression appear prominent. Could we have become so jaded that nothing impresses, satisfies, or moves us? This week, we look at the topic of gratitude.
This week, the teaching team has a candid conversation about the last few weeks and what we have personally learned. We discuss where we go from here, and how to make an impact in a divided nation.
Panel: Pastor Keith Thornton, Pastor Mike Newsom, Pastor Matt Samler & Pastor Tommy Bellamy
Certain subjects are too divisive, so we avoid discussing them because we live in a divided world. In Matthew, we find a moment in which two opposing groups unite together for a shared purpose, to trap Jesus.
Chess players know the term "checkmate." It's the signal that the game is over, and no moves are left on the board. Have you ever felt like your life is in checkmate? This week a famous painting reminds us reality is not always what it seems.
This week, the Peace Corps manual offers a valuable lesson in jungle survival that applies to our everyday life.
Ten years ago a series of messages called "storms", helped all of us learn to prepare and respond to the challenges in life. This week in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the events in the Middle East, we revisit the key truth from that series.
Joseph had many highs and lows throughout His life. He experienced everything from favoritism, power, and authority to slavery, false accusations, and prison. As we come toward the end of Joseph's story, we see an incredible demonstration of God's love and divine providence.
Sometimes we find ourselves at the receiving end of others' bad choices, facing hardship and pain that we didn't invite into our lives. One of the toughest pills to swallow in life is the fact that we aren’t always in control.
So many people believe that their lives would change if they only got a break. Most want what others have and don’t want what they went through and the work they had to do to get where they are.
Have you ever felt forgotten or abandoned? Joseph was at a low point in life, and when it looked like hope was on the horizon, those who should have shown loyalty, forgot about Him.
Temptation is all around us. While many imagine temptation as bait dangled at the end of a fishing pole, the reality is, that temptation is far more intrusive than we think. The question is, what can we do about it?
"Broken" doesn't mean only what you think! When we say something is broken, it means there is some level of dysfunction or hurt. But just because something is "broken" does not mean it can't be used differently!
A Jelly Roll song has recently captured wide attention, as its message speaks directly to the many struggles that people feel daily. This week, we kick off a series looking at the life of Joseph, His family battles, and the obstacles He overcame.
To close our unplanned journey, we travel to the isle of Patmos, where the apostle John was banished, expecting He never to be heard from again. However, through John, Jesus gave us what we now call the book of Revelation, an outline of things to come.
This week, we flip back to the beginning of our travels, to an epic location where Paul countered the thinkers of His day to point them to an unknown god, they were desperately seeking.
This week we venture to a place known for its natural beauty, and elevated sacred retreats. But despite the uniqueness of this special place, it left those who went inside eager to leave quickly.
This week we follow the Apostle Paul after He was run out of the city. He sends a letter back to the Early Church, that challenged them and certainly speaks to us today, to live a life that pleases God.
What is freedom? Most people answer the question like this, "to be able to do what I want when I want. Never being controlled by anything so I can go with the flow." While that is certainly one form of freedom, it pales in comparison to the ultimate freedom offered to mankind.
Life is full of constant battles, yet many of us are unprepared for what we will face. In reality, most people will not prepare for a danger they don't perceive.
There is a simple truth we all have to face, life doesn't go as planned. Even the Apostle Paul faced this same reality, as He traveled from town to town seeking to spread the gospel and plant new Churches. So how do we respond when life doesn't go as planned?
What do you see when you look at others, even those who attend church with you? Do you see people who have it all together or hurting people needing comfort? When everybody looks happy, we assume everything is okay. But we need to look beyond the facade & realize that the world is full of hurting people.
This week we travel to one of the most inspiring and spectacular places in the ancient world. Its combination of Art, Religion & Money made it in modern terms, the equivalent of the wealth of the Swiss banks, the religious power of the Vatican, the advertising potential of the Super Bowl, and the importance of all the world museums combined. People flocked from all over to visit this destination, seeking answers.
Throughout this series, we will follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Paul got uncomfortable to preach the gospel. One of the places Paul spent time, was known for its immorality, yet the impact of His time there, was felt far beyond the city's borders.
This holiday weekend we stop to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and security of Americans everywhere. Yet as we remember those men and women, we also remember the gift of Salvation offered to us all.
Today's choices could lead to tomorrow's chains. What choices are you making today? How does that affect your perspective? We need to remember that we are in chains for Christ, not by Christ
Perhaps due to the social media phenomenon, most people would not consider themselves an influencer when asked. However, everyone influences the life of another, and it turns out Jesus had a lot to say on the subject!
People today are so eager to raise their social status. Who are we trying to impress? Rather than aiming for prestige, look for a place where we can serve.
The Bible has much to say about money, wealth, greed, contentment, and other topics pertaining to our financial and spiritual lives. There are over 2,000 verses in the Bible on this topic, almost half the parables, and one out of every ten verses in the Gospels deal with this subject. In a world where all income brackets live paycheck to paycheck, and debt totals continue to rise, we need to rethink our ugly money issues.
Current statistics say that approximately 92 million selfies are snapped daily around the world. The average person spends, a total of seven minutes taking selfies. It begs the question, what are we worshipping?
You've heard the saying, Bigger is not always better. We confuse the size of our home, with our sense of satisfaction. Culturally we've downsized the things that matter, for things that do not. Today anxiety and insecurity are increasing as it appears the world is spiraling out of control. However, the Bible speaks to what is happening worldwide and we can find peace because God is clearly in control.
This week we stop to give God thanks and challenge our Church family, as we ask God for greater days ahead.
There is a road that is known as the most dangerous road in America. It’s called the "Million Dollar Highway". There is a 12-mile stretch of winding mountain road, and if you're driving south you'll be on the cliffside, with no guardrails! The origin of the name is unclear. But the locals say "You'd have to pay me a million dollars" to drive that stretch in the snow. Any mistake can lead to severe consequences.
Prayer is a powerful tool. Through prayer, I have seen people recover from medical battles, relationships restored, families healed, circumstances changed, and people saved. However, I also know there will be times when prayer will not change what is about to happen. So the question must be addressed, "Why pray?"
Nicknames are a funny thing, they can be a reflection of our strengths or our greatest weaknesses. A source of pride or humiliation. Jesus gave a nickname to one of His disciples, that didn't appear to reflect who He was at all in the moment. Perhaps it's because Jesus sees our potential and who we can become.
Most of us are familiar with the moment when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. However, in this event, we also learn about a woman named Martha. But Martha's story isn't limited to this one event. This week we take some time to examine a life, that was preoccupied and overly busy, and how that life drastically changed.
This week we are looking at a subject that is often misunderstood or even ignored within Christianity. But if it is properly put into practice, can make a dramatic difference in our spiritual lives.
What do you do when your life is on the line, and the only out requires you to compromise your beliefs? When you're facing the literal fires in life, that is when you need to trust God. But Trusting God is only possible when you know Him.
This week we look at a man born to live a special life, set apart from the nation around Him. Despite His parent's efforts to dedicate their child to God's service, He repeatedly made one bad decision after another. But once again, we see that His story didn't end there.
The most important question a person can ask is, why am I here? Am I just taking up space on a planet spinning into nowhere? Or is there an ultimate purpose out there? Is there a true reason for living?
Be Honest. How often do you see something and think, "If I could just have..." ? It's amazing how all of us struggle to go through life without chasing bigger and "better" stuff. This week we examine the advice of a man who had everything He could ever want.
Driving home one afternoon, I came across a squirrel in the middle of the road. It struggled to figure out whether to run left or run right, so it stood frozen in no man's land. Essentially what I'm saying, this message came out of an encounter with a squirrel.
The weather last week brought about some changes. It changed our service schedule, our work schedules, and of course, schools were closed. The interesting thing in our area is that while some addresses saw record snow accumulations, others saw nothing! Those who didn't get snow accumulation weren't happy, because we all love snow! Throughout the Bible there are references to snow, and in Psalm 51 David begs God to be washed whiter than snow.
We all face difficult circumstances, but Daniel was facing death. King Nebuchadnezzar put Daniel in an impossible situation, so He turned to God for help.
Over the course of 2023, a common thread emerged. This week we stop and reflect on the past year and how the messages impacted our lives.
Auld Lang Syne, a song with a history very few people know. In fact, it's rare to find anyone who knows the lyrics or the meaning. Auld Lang Syne is a song that celebrates "the Good Old Days", and was originally used at memorials or funerals. So why use it as an anthem, to celebrate the year ahead?
Inspiration can sometimes come from very surprising places. This year an unusual source offers a great reminder.
The word 'Merry' rarely appears in our vocabulary. In fact, Christmas may be the only time of year people use the word at all. There is an Christmas Carol with unknown origins, that uses this word in the title. The question is, what does the song actually mean?
The Head Basketball Coach at Baylor University instituted something into the program, that spread across the campus, "A Culture of Joy". Drew simply states, "The love and joy they have for each other is definitely a key to our success."
Joy is different from happiness. Where Joy is a measure of how good we feel over time, Happiness is about what makes us feel good in the present moment.
We all have moments when things aren't going the way we'd like, when stress and pressure can easily take the forefront. Sometimes the best thing we can do is intentionally change our perspective by reflecting on all reasons we have to be thankful.
We are all programmed today to be negative. We are surrounded by negative news, and negative opinions. We are quick to go negative! But what would our lives look like if we learned to count the blessings we have been given in life? When was the last time you truly felt grateful for something?
We've all heard the phrase, climbing the ladder. The problem is we're not always climbing the right ladder. The good news is, once you realize you're heading in the wrong direction, one step can change everything!
Last summer we took a journey along the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. Okay, though the power of some editing magic, we "hiked" the Appalachian Trail. While our team was shooting video at various points of interest, there was a hiker in our Church that really completed the entire Appalachian Trail alone. This week we talk to Her and Her Husband, about the months long experience, and the spiritual lessons learned.
In 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote an important letter from inside a prison cell, to Timothy, a young preacher. Paul's words still carry a tremendous weight and importance to all Christians today.
The Bible offers some unique titles to the Church. One that emphasizes the love and care that Jesus showed to His followers.
We live in a world bombarded by negativity and bad news. Following the recent attack on Israel, and the 24 hour wall to wall coverage, we have to ask simple question, "How's your soul?" What is feeding your heart and mind and how is it affecting you?
This week we look at what the Bible says about the events unfolding in Israel. It is also an opportunity to hear the testimony and perspectives of various staff members, as they share what God has and is continuing to do in their lives today.
Have you ever had someone pull you aside for an important conversation? What if someone asked you to travel on foot, miles out of the way, in order to have that conversation? That is exactly what Jesus did with his followers, so clearly His words mattered.
There's nothing like hearing cheers. Cheers sound good to our ears, don't they? Cheerleaders are encouraging, they're positive. No matter if you're winning or losing, they're with you.
Throughout this series, we have looked at values & virtues in our lives. This week we're discussing two topics that are crucial we get right in our lives.
Love, we overuse that word. We say we "Love" even the most trivial seeming things in life. We talk about emotions and feelings, but the Bible tells us that Love is much more than that.
It’s tragic that we live in a world that is more shocked by Integrity, than the lack of Integrity. This week we learn a valuable lesson from a drive-thru window.
It's amazing how our culture today can take something good and turn it into a negative. This week we learn an important lesson through the example of a dog in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Life is full of painful moments. But some of that pain can actually be avoided! The important thing to realize, is that in many cases, we get to choose our pain.
A Trend is a general tendency towards change, and while Trends come and go, something that is trending is a wider and lasting movement. In this series we're looking at values and the decisions we make.
Sometimes a walk on the beach, becomes more than just a time rest and relaxation. This week Pastor Brent shares a personal story of conviction and a lesser known parable from Luke.
Hear from the team who created the Legacy Trek Series, as they share reflections of the series, and what lessons rose to the top.
In most aspects of life, we chase a destinations. We set goals, chase deadlines, titles, financial status and locations. While having a goal is a good thing, the reality is that as long as were in this life, we are never finished. There is still work to do, obstacles to conquer and miles ahead. This week we come to the final stretch of the Appalachian Trail, not a destination.
This week along the Appalachian Trail, we come to a place that is known for its difficulty. A stretch that slows hikers to such a snail's pace that it takes hours to go one mile. Sometimes life can be hard, only to get harder.
This week we've reached a location along the Appalachian Trail, that is known for weather extremes. Much like our everyday life, in order to visit this unique spot, you have to learn how to stand firm despite the strong winds.
If you ask people, “What do you want out of life?” The answers are often similar, “I want to have fun, to feel good and be happy.” In short we're all chasing the mountain top moments in life, no one answers that question by saying they want to experience the 'lows' in life. Despite that, life is full of highs and lows, it's not a matter of if, but when the low moments will come.
It takes courage to become a Christian and to tell the truth about our condition. All of us are sinners in need of God’s grace and Salvation in Christ. Paul was a man on mission, He wrote about His own personal experience in sharing faith with others.
Our world is becoming increasingly filled with distraction. Information moves faster, louder, and brighter than ever before. Entertainment, social media, and marketing have never been so prevalent. They beg for our attention and our focus. In so doing, our minds are diverted from a life that matters.
As parents, we don't like for our kids to see our weaknesses. Especially for Dads, we want our kids to think we are superman, but the older they get, they realize we are not! This week our Trek takes an unexpected turn as this lesson becomes all too real.
There is something so invigorating, soul-awakening, renewing, restoring, refreshing and healing about being in the mountains. There is good reason we call them mountain top experiences.
Regrets. We all have dealt with regret, whether it is the result of our own doing, or the result of holding too tightly, to something that was done by someone else. This week we learn to look differently at the rearview mirror.
Mottos and slogans are important, they can encourage and motivate. On the Appalachian Trail, the unofficial motto is, "Don't Quit On A Bad Day." There is a warning in that statement, "Bad Days Are Coming!" When the weather turns bad, the temperature falls, the food runs out, or pain and injury sets in, a beautiful place can turn ugly quick!
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is over 2,190 miles long, passes through 14 states, eight different national forests, six national park units and numerous state parks, forests, and game lands. All hikers know that to reach a destination they have to keep moving. The life you live is about taking small steps toward a BIG God.
What is it that makes you loose your patience the fastest? Let’s face it. Impatience permeates our entire persona. We all know the high price tag of impatience because we have been wounded by the impatience of others and we also have hurt others with our impatience. We have seen the damage professionally. We have seen the damage relationally. We have even felt the damage spiritually.
The phrase "Elephant in the room" means a major problem or controversial issue that is obviously present but avoided as a subject for discussion. Today we are a people of pride, James 4 warns us about this sin and the downfall it can bring.
If you want to know the direction your life is moving, look at your conversations. In James 2 we are taught that words are powerful, they can build people up or tear them down.
We don't always have to have the "right" words in order to show Jesus to someone. We can show Jesus simply by our actions and choosing to love someone even when it is hard.
Jesus was moved with compassion to help others. When given the opportunity to help someone do we jump at the chance to do it? Or do we find reasons not to?
A trial is not the same thing as a temptation. Both temptations and trials are difficult, but a temptation is brought on by either Satan or our sinful hearts, while a trial is allowed by God in order to refine us and to make us more like Jesus. A faith that can't be tested is a faith that can't be trusted.
Most people get a sense that something bad is coming down the Road. We look around and realize walking down roads in life that we don’t want to be traveling. Creation is looking around asking, "Why are we here and what does the future hold?" The future is uncertain – that is why we freak out, because we don’t know what’s going to happen next.
History has done everything to the Cross, but ignore it. No one can ignore it! You can’t ignore a piece of lumber that suspends the greatest claim in history.
It seems our world is always interested in refreshment. I’m amazed how many different specialty waters or energy drinks there are now! People are thirsty for something to keep them going, awake, and on the move, but only Jesus offers real refreshment; real lasting spiritual energy.
It's funny the things that can inspire a message. An encounter on a recent trip helped reinforce in my mind that we all have ideas about the end of days. Right or Wrong, people are wondering what will happen, when the world comes to an end.
The World had a beginning, and it will have an end. According to the Bible, the next big event on God’s prophetic calendar could happen any day. The World will be traumatized by the fulfillment of what theologians call the Rapture of the church.
Many people don't realize that some of the problems they’re facing today are the direct result of Apathy. People just don’t care about much anymore, unless and until it directly affects their comfort zone. Apathy causes depression, stifles our creativity, stunts our spiritual growth, and drains our energy.
No one who was alive in 1980 can forget the eruption of Mount St Helens. But many have forgotten Harry R. Truman, the man who failed to head all the warning signs that had occurred over a period of many months.
This week we're taking time to talk about various ministries of Pathways Church and what God is doing through Pathways Church in the community and beyond!
How many of us have tried to run away at some point? When you run away, it's about fleeing from something or someone, it's never about what we are running to. 2 Kings recounts the events of four lepers, who had to make a courageous decision.
We have a choice. We can choose to sit with the enemy in defeat or surrender to the Lord in victory.
Nobody likes to raise a white flag. We’ve been taught that more is better, and failure is not an option. The world tells us, “You can do it all!” In reality, we can’t, nor do we need to. But we try. All of this overreaching just leaves us gripping the end of our rope.
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most popular verses in the Bible. In fact, many people claim this as their life verse and have it framed somewhere in their home. But have you ever read Jeremiah 29? Jeremiah was speaking to God's people who were in exile. This week we examine the promise that was made and what it meant to those who originally heard the message.
Guest Speaker: Dan Seaborn, Winning At Home
As we close one year and begin another, we have to wrestle with an important truth with huge implications for our spiritual lives. Change is inevitable, but progress is optional.
There is something about the calendar flip that is hard to explain. The idea that we all get a fresh start together at the beginning of a year, has prompted new year's resolutions & goals as far back as history itself. The Bible tells us something better than New Year Phenomenon.
A teacher asked her class “What is Christmas - a time for?” She got the usual answers—Jesus’ birthday, a time of joy, a time to worship God! One child raised their hand and gave an unusual answer, "a time for sportsmanship, because you don’t always get everything you want."
I believe that the Christmas season is the perfect time of year for us to consider some foundational aspects of our faith. It’s good to ponder what we treasure.
The things that are most meaningful, can be easily taken for granted. What are you waiting on this Christmas? What are you longing for? In Luke, we read about two people who had their hope set on one event, the arrival of Messiah!
This week we intentionally stop to reflect on the many blessings God has given us, along with the challenges of the year that has past.
We like to be liked. We need somebody to look at us and say you are ok, you're beautiful, valuable, you matter, you are worthy! We must be careful what we allow to determine our identity.
Storms, like the recent Hurricanes, can leave a wake of devastation. Sometimes an entire home has to be gutted down to structural walls and rebuilt. This can only be done if "the bones" are good.
It's interesting how we have shifted from a culture that sat on the front porch and talked about life, and shared wisdom, to a culture that sits on the back deck and isolates ourselves. Have we lost wisdom because of the lack of conversation among neighbors? This week we sit on the "front porch" to talk about the future of the family.
Kenny Chesney recorded one of the biggest hits of his career with "The Good Stuff," which gave him his fifth No. 1 hit in 2002. The poignant song was inspired by a tragic story that happened in real life. "The good stuff" is all of the memories you can make with the one you love while they're still here.
TODAY - Everywhere you look there are cracks on the wall. You're seeing cracks in our culture, in our relationships, in our families, and in our lives. And a lot of time and energy — is being spent patching them up. The question that we must answer is what is the foundation that needs to be fixed?
Many of us feel beaten up, and discouraged with the negatives that life can bring. However, God's word gives us a hope and confidence in what the future holds! We choose to stand firm on God's promises, believing that greatest days can still be ahead!
Convictions shape conduct. In other words, what we believe affects how we behave! In our society today, we believe that any conviction we have, must be true regardless of reality.
Wouldn't it be great if all we had to do was walk up to a phone, pick it up and we could talk directly to God? There are so many misconceptions about prayer circulating these days.
It's amazing how God can speak even when we don't realize it. Early one morning Bart Millard woke up, frustrated over his immediate circumstances He began to write in his journal. Those words became the lyrics to one of the most moving MercyMe songs ever recorded. They remind us just how important God's word is in our lives.
It's amazing how God can speak even when we don't realize it. Early one morning Bart Millard woke up, frustrated over his immediate circumstances He began to write in his journal. Those words became the lyrics to one of the most moving MercyMe songs ever recorded. They remind us just how important God's word is in our lives.
Join us for a week of personal reflection and challenge as we look back at the first few weeks of the "Faith Strong" series.
Join us for a week of personal reflection and challenge as we look back at the first few weeks of the "Faith Strong" series.
Blake Shelton recently released a song that mostly stayed below the radar, "Bible Verses". When discussing the song, Blake said, "there are times you feel like you just don't measure up. 'Bible Verses' is an honest take on that conflict but, without preaching too much, it's hopeful that everything will all work out in the end.” It seems society today would love to dismiss the Bible as some relic of the past. The question is, "have those efforts worked?"
Blake Shelton recently released a song that mostly stayed below the radar, "Bible Verses". When discussing the song, Blake said, "there are times you feel like you just don't measure up. 'Bible Verses' is an honest take on that conflict but, without preaching too much, it's hopeful that everything will all work out in the end.” It seems society today would love to dismiss the Bible as some relic of the past. The question is, "have those efforts worked?"
On April 21st, in the year 1519, the Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez sailed into the harbor of Vera Cruz, Mexico. He brought with him only about 600 men, and vastly numbered they would face Montezuma and the Aztec empire. Cortez knew from the very beginning that he and his men faced incredible odds. And so, as soon as Cortez and his men had come ashore and unloaded their provisions, he ordered their entire fleet of eleven ships destroyed. His men stood on the shore and watched as their only possibility of retreat burned and sank.
On April 21st, in the year 1519, the Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez sailed into the harbor of Vera Cruz, Mexico. He brought with him only about 600 men, and vastly numbered they would face Montezuma and the Aztec empire. Cortez knew from the very beginning that he and his men faced incredible odds. And so, as soon as Cortez and his men had come ashore and unloaded their provisions, he ordered their entire fleet of eleven ships destroyed. His men stood on the shore and watched as their only possibility of retreat burned and sank.
Have you ever visited your childhood home, after years of being away? The House and block that use to feel so big now seems so small. Things look different, as we go through different stages in our lives. As we mature our perspective changes.
The desire of God's heart, is to draw us into a relationship that is built around absolute perfect confidence.
The treacherous thing about camels is that they will walk a thousand miles with seemingly endless endurance, giving you little indication they are about to collapse. This describes many people in our world today, at any moment, one more trial will bring their demise.
In the sport of NASCAR there are individual drivers for every race car and for every driver there is a spotter. On their own, a race car driver is more likely to crash; but with the help of a spotter they are able to avoid some costly accidents.
“What if you knew for sure that you had limited time? How would live out that time? What things would you do? What would matter enough to focus on and what would suddenly become unimportant?
A Safari is an all encompassing experience. One may think that a trip to Africa is simply just that, a trip, a vacation. However, until one actually arrives and falls into the experience, one cannot understand the deep impact it has on your mind, body and soul.
We all have fears and they vary widely. But what if I told you that many of the things you fear are not your biggest threat?
In our world of Social Media, the share button has become a powerful weapon. People who have large followings have been dubbed "influencers". The truth is, you don't have to be a social media celebrity to be an influencer! Jesus had an encounter with an unlikely person, whom He hand picked to become one of the early influencers for the Gospel.
It’s uncertain when the tradition of the first pitch began, but newspapers have taken note of American politicians throwing a celebratory first pitch as early as the 1890s. The first pitch became a sign of unity, but in present day, it seems we are more eager to throw the first punch!
This week our "Bucket List" takes us to a fun location nearby in order to experience the adrenaline and the thrill of dirt track racing!
Have you ever watched an athlete and thought, "I could do that!" Let me tell you, that unless you have planned and prepared, there is a good chance, what you see them doing, is harder than it looks.
Whether we think about it or not, we all live according to priorities. Priorities are the things that we give higher value or importance. Generosity has got to be a top priority!
What do you do when you visit an aquarium? Just look. For the most part, the fish are oblivious – they could care less that you are there. But what if you went to the aquarium, waved at the fish and they waved back?
Do you have a bucket list? This series is about Living Life Intentionally, Identifying what’s important, Investing in God’s Kingdom.
We can’t glorify God—the chief purpose of our life—without living in the rhythm of faith He ordained. Christianity is truly a dance.
When a FireFighter begins their career, there are certain aspects of the job that are clear expectations. This week as we honor those who serve our community, we look at the spiritual lessons we can learn from our hometown heroes.
The book of Psalms encourages us to continue the tradition of passing on the record of God’s marvelous works from one generation to another. We should encourage them to know God’s Word, and understand the key to success is to know the Lord, to love Him, and to be obedient to Him.
A good life requires a good rhythm—a pattern of movement regularly repeated over time. When we live life in tempo and experience the various harmonies around us, we find true joy and experience lasting contentment.
Rhythm is a part of life. It's literally in our hearts! If we want to thrive in this life, and we have to intentionally develop a spiritual rhythm in your life.
There are so many uncertainties of life. But that is why the Resurrection of Jesus is not only unique, but Great News! The Resurrection which validates every promise Jesus every made! His resurrection brings hope, light and encouragement, when everything else looks bleak.
People during Jesus' time were searching for a military leader to deliver them, not a spiritual savior. But Jesus proved over and again that He had power over even death itself.
Have you ever reached the point of desperation? It doesn't matter your social or economic status, there are times in life where desperation humbles you, and leads you to find an answer. Jesus encountered a man in this exact situation, in Capernaum.
As Jesus is walking from Capernaum, he encounters two converging crowds. One crowd is excited and happy, the other is mourning.
We've all heard it, "Marriage is just a piece of paper." Reality couldn't be farther from the truth! Marriage is a special covenant relationship designed by God for a purpose! Join Pastor Phil Lewis from "Winning At Home" as He shares some Biblical truths regarding Marriage.
With all the problems we see in our world, how can anyone respond, "Good"? Today so many people are tapped out on the mat. We don't have to surrender to the pressure around us, stay in the fight!
We all want life to be easy. If we had our way, we would live life on playgrounds. The Reality, is that we actually live life on battlefields. No matter how easy we may want things to be, a life well lived, takes courage!
Imagine stepping into an MMA Octagon, and complaining to the referee that you got hit! That's how many people live out their spiritual lives! The truth is, whether you want to be or not, you are in a fight!
It's interesting how you can get inspired from a simple meal. My daughter recently brought me breakfast from Chick fil-a, and it came with a side of "potato rounds". I call them "Taters". But that got me thinking, I don't want to be a "Tater Person".
It's amazing how our life experiences tend to influence our view of God more than what is written in God's word! We need to be certain of our relationship with Jesus and how much we are loved.
Too many "Christians" know about Jesus, but don't have a real relationship with him. I grew up in church, knew the songs, and many passages from the Bible. But in my honest moment, it became obvious I still needed Jesus.
In the 1920s the United States saw an enormous amount of change. We became a "consumer society". Tensions rose along political, social and religious beliefs. No one could have foreseen the Great Depression, a Second World War, much less the prosperity and cultural changes that would come, or the threat of nuclear annihilation. The saying that “the more things change, the more they remain the same” has never seemed more accurate and providential.
Regardless of what you may believe, most of us have heard of Noah's Ark. We often equate this Biblical event to a children's story, but it is far from it! What can we learn from Noah's faith, and what is there in the account of God's judgment that we need to share with the world?
Do you have a Bucket List? This whole idea of creating a list of things to make sure we get done while we still have time isn’t original – but there aren’t enough people who do it. One thing everyone should add to their list, is to “Do something that requires faith!”
It's interesting how a song written by Sting in 1993, seems as though it could have been written today! We all place our faith in something. The question is what are we placing our faith in, and what do we do with the faith we have?
There is a road that is infamous, just 60 miles south of Pathways. The Tail of the Dragon with 318 curves in 11 miles: America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road. It’s best to be cautious as the turns are tight, but the Tail of the Dragon, full of twist and turns, is guaranteed to be the ride of your life.
A recent survey suggest that Americans have over $15 Billion dollars in unused Gift Cards! As shocking as it is to think that so many gifts have gone unused and unredeemed, the truth is that we all have been given a gift! But not everyone has chosen to use it to its potential!
In the world today, Peace is allusive! Although the Bible tells us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace! As the Prince of Peace, He is the one who rules over peace. We might say that there is no real peace outside of having faith in Jesus Christ.
What’s your hope this Christmas? There are two different kinds of Hope, the "wishful thinking" kind and the "unshakable" kind.
Interesting how the Bible comes to life today, and speaks to us in modern day, with the same relevancy to our lives like it did when the words were first written! Before the birth of Jesus, the people of the day were living in a time of darkness and despair! But God did not leave them that way, He sent his only Son to save mankind and be a light into our lives!
It doesn't take much for our worst behavior to appear these days. If things don't go the way we want or expect, we are quick to get upset! What's worse, this behavior has become normal in our society! What if we lived in a way that people saw something different in us, simply by how we react to life's surprises?
Have you ever felt stuck? Like you've drifted far from God? Our lives are surrounded by rhythm. Rhythm of the music we listen to, but also the rhythm and routines of our everyday lives. The question this week is, what song are you listening to?
It's amazing how we get so caught up in the noise around us, yet justify its existence like it is beneficial to our lives. I thought I had an above average handle on certain habits in life, but it took an eye exam to prove me wrong!
Our phones have become part of our everyday life. We measure social status by how many “friends”, “followers”, likes and shares we have. The problem many of us have in life today, is that we're listening in to the wrong notifications.
We are starving for stillness and silence in our culture. The truth is, the world is not going to slow down or get less noisy simply because you want it. You have to commit to taking time to pause.
There is no doubt, despite the challenges that have come our way, we are part of an unexplainable movement of God. We cannot settle, we can't be a play it safe church.
We're all given resources by God, some more than others. Regardless of what we are given, God expects us to be good managers of what we have, and make the greatest impact we can!
Are you prepared? The parable of the ten bridesmaids in Matthew 25 is a powerful warning to us today.
25 years is a milestone! Whether it's your Birthday, a Wedding Anniversary or the Anniversary of an organization, like a Church! 25 years can be an exciting time, but it can also signal something else. At 25 years old, insurance rates drop, simply because... you start taking less risks!
The last seven weeks, we have covered alot of ground! This week before we move forward, I want to pause and look back on this series and be reminded of who we are, and place in which we should be living.
Questions about heaven and hell are too important to leave to our feelings or assumptions. Many people give lip-service to hell, but when push comes to shove, they don’t want to believe it.
There's alot of misconceptions about Heaven. But there is nothing whatsoever in the Bible about sitting on some dumb cloud and playing a harp, nor is there any sense that Peter is going to be at the gate like all those jokes we've all heard. So what will Heaven be like and why are so many false ideas repeated?
Our lives are marked by the choices we make. There are some areas of our life in which we may need to move over, change our mind, back up, adjust course, and give in. However, there are also times in life when we must choose to stand.
How do you see God? Despite how amazing the Universe is, the universe is not as amazing as you are! The Universe was not made in God's image, but you were!
Voyager 1 was a great technological achievement for mankind. However, even in this notable moment in history, we proved we're searching for something more.
Ever since the fall in the Garden of Eden, mankind has been searching for satisfaction and fulfillment. Since Adam & Eve left that place, we have all been chasing the place.
In the United States before Covid, about 70 percent of meals are consumed outside the home. More than half of American families rarely had a family dinner. However, one good thing that has happened since Covid, more people are eating at Home, with family around the table.
We are at a crossroads. Only one road that will lead you to the right destination. This is a road less taken. Choose your path wisely.
Any dog owner, or any pet lover for that matter, knows that you get the good with the bad. There will be things about that animal that are bad, that perhaps drive you crazy. But the reason we love our pets, and call them family, is because of the many redeeming qualities.
This week's destination takes us to a popular street corner, and the birthplace of a legendary rock song. While you will recognize the name of the town, we need to remember is the song's counter-intuitive message.
This week along our road trip, we're stopping at a place that is more than a restaurant, its a destination! As good as the food at this particular location is, perhaps it should be known for something other than what the steak that made it famous.
This week along Route66, we stop in Catoosa, Oklahoma to visit the Blue Whale. We look at just how relevant a familiar Biblical passage is thousands of years later.
This week along our Summer RoadTrip, we stop at a special location where lives were lost and a community was changed forever. But perhaps the greatest impact on the community and our country, was not the tragic event in itself, but the thousands of people that rose to the occasion to help those desperately in need.
This week we're stopping at another unique destination, where the choices abound. Having options in life, is not a bad thing. But sometimes, there are so many options available, if you're not careful you may end up picking the wrong one.
It’s amazing the stuff that stands the test of time. This week along Route 66, we visit an iconic yet quirky destination that asks a very poignant question, "How will you be remembered?"
It appears in the midst of the desert like a great blue gem. Now it’s a destination meeting site for everyone from brides to office staffs. A place that draws everyone from hours around, truly an oasis in a dry place.
We need to remember the sacrifices many have made for the freedoms we enjoy. We are their witnesses. We can’t let the sacrifices they have made disappear, go unnoticed because we simply take them for granted.
We live in a culture without honor. We devalue people by being dishonoring them. Our culture is louder than ever before and as a result, standards are changing, and we've become desensitized. Could it be that we have become calloused to things that we once stood against? This week we continue this discussion on Honor, as we show our support to those keeping our communities safe.
This world tries to honor, but it only seems to honor those who are great, those who gave to a great cause, or have done some great feat, but what about the rest?
Being a Mom in today's world isn't easy! There are so many things pulling you in different directions, as well as attempting to tear us down. This week we're looking at a passage of scripture that has easily been considered the "standard" for Christian women. Today, some might even argue it is controversial, but the Bible tells us what really matters above all else, strength & dignity.
There are many misconceptions about love but there are two things we must do to keep love alive.
The problem with life, is the problems. You can’t get around them, eliminate them, or wash them away. They are looming large everywhere we turn. What is it that can make me a consistently joyful person?
"Live Laugh Love", this saying is everywhere right now, we have it in our homes, on t-shirts and lots of other strange places. Our obsession with "Live Laugh Love" is evidence that we are all just searching for a glimmer of hope amid the desolate wasteland of modern life, modern politics and the aching chasm of human waste that is social media.
A College Professor told his class, that after re-evaluating the syllabus, He thought it was harder than intended. So the Professor told his students the final would be a take-home open-book exam. How could anyone go wrong under those circumstances?
Have you ever considered how many times the number three is used in order to help us understand or remember something? Think about it, every form of advertising, our common phrases in life, we use patterns of three.
A Nurse working with the terminally ill asked her patients if they had any regrets and recorded their responses. Her patient's reflections became a pattern, which can teach us alot about how to live. One in particular brings us to a moment in time, with an eternal consequence.
Let’s look an encounter with someone who had a tremendous moral struggle with his conscience. His struggle begins when providence/fate brings him face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ.
We all go through life hoping that our baggage is never exposed. There are things either in our past or present that we pray are never made public. So what happens when the situation seems hopeless? Would you be willing to take the issue public, in order to find restoration? What would you do if once the situation became public, it seemed like no one could help?
From the time we are young, we seek the education and skills necessary to land a dream job, build a business or land a contract that will bring riches, prestige and authority. For most people, even if theses dreams are archived, it simply ends in misery. We realize the things we were chasing, does not bring fulfillment in life. This week we examine a conversation Jesus had with someone, who simply couldn't let go of the dreams he was pursuing.
During this series you have two choices. You can choose to continue to watch your baggage go round and round, or you can claim that baggage, pick it up and lay it down.
The memorial of 12 stones was to be a constant reminder of the day the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. Their children would see the stones, hear the story, and learn about God. Retelling your story will help keep memories of God’s faithfulness alive in your family.
We use expressions all the time, that really mean... nothing. They're impossible! We say we're going to do things like, "make time". Reality is Time is limited, and all of us only get 24 hours in a day. No matter how hard we try, we can't "make time". So instead of trying to make the impossible, it's time we look at how we invest our time.
You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to bed with satisfaction. Don’t live life seriously, Live it sincerely.
We live in serious times, with serious challenges today. While we may be masters of seriousness, we have lost something vitally important along the way, our sincerity. This week we examine the importance of friendship, and how it dramatically impacts our spiritual lives.
Who remembers the song, "Morning Has Broken?" The song is an English hymn from the 1930’s, written in midst of great depression. The lyrics tell us that a new day has begun, breaking through the darkness of the previous day. It was a reminder to stop and give thanks for each new day, in the midst of trial. Unfortunately, many of us are not finding success in our daily lives today, because our morning routines are "broken". If we are honest, most of us are not starting our day with a determination to make our days "count".
Some simple principles every believer must embrace in a new year, in order to make each new day count.
This week we stop and look back upon some of the moments from 2020, and see how they challenged and prepared us for the year that was ahead of us.
If your uncle from the 1950s was magically transported to 2020, what gifts would you give him in order to thrive today?
Complicated living is killing us. It’s keeping us from experiencing life the way our Creator meant for us to enjoy it. Too much of the time we’re anxious and worried. We’re exhausted and stressed out. We don’t know which way to turn.
Over half of us will receive unwanted gifts this year – a staggering $16 billion wasted on unwanted gifts. Eighteen percent of gifts are never used by the person who receives them and 4 percent are immediately thrown into the trash! The Good News is, we have all been given a gift from God, that we celebrate this Christmas season! It is through that gift, we can find hope and assurance for our lives. Regardless of why our life is the way it is today, where it goes from here is primarily up to us.
While many may be relieved to be in the Christmas season, the truth is, it has been a long year! So, as we begin a brand new Christmas season, let's go back and see just how much things have changed, and what hasn't changed in thousands of years.
This year more than ever, most conversations have been affected by one question, "How can I avoid death?" The question all of us should be asking, is far more important.
I recently had the opportunity to get away and spend some time with my son. During that time, I learned several important lessons that are proving to be critical for our lives today.
So many of us spend our lives running around looking for something that will finally satisfy our desires, and set our minds at ease. However, this pursuit usually leaves us lacking, because we run to the wrong things.
Do you ever feel like you are just a pawn on a board game? Sometimes it feels like someone is just playing a giant game with all of us being simple pieces on the board. Games like Life, Monopoly and Battleship are iconic, but did you realize there is a board-game called Pandemic?!?
It’s easy to get discouraged. Throughout the pages of scripture we learn that we are not the only the people who lived in insane times. God’s people find themselves in crazy circumstances but God shows up and guides His people and His Word shows us that God is in control!
Knock Down the small things in life, big things can & will fall. Our decisions, actions and even our words, can have consequences we never considered. This week we take a look at the vivid imagery the Bible uses when talking about the importance of our words.
The Domino Effect is produced when one event initiates a succession of similar events, once the first one falls things just keep going faster and bigger! Another way to look at it, is to recognize it is a chain reaction. The outcome is predictable, and today we are watching dominos fall all around us.
Anyone who has ever "closed" on a home sale, knows its not always so simple. There are steps involved, a process. I recently went through this process, including a home inspection. I was later informed, the house had some issues that needed to be resolved. When entering the home again, all I could see was the brokenness, clearly identified. In life, we can easily focus in on what's broken.
There aren’t a lot of other ways that show a stronger dedication to something than to have it tattooed. Have you ever feared that your faith might fail? Have you worried you might not be able to “hold out” or “hold on” in the long, arduous journey of the Christian life? Join us as we reflect on the last few weeks, and what it means to Hold Fast as a Christian.
If a scary movie keeps you awake at night, then you will love this week’s message... To say the events of the tribulation will be horrible is an understatement. The years we will talk about will be nothing like the world as ever known.
What happens when I die? What happens when this world finally comes to an end? It’s time to start thinking about your life and the world and how they’re both going to end. Not trying to be morbid, we're not focused on death, we're focused on death and far beyond. The Bible speaks to the final reckoning. There will be a day the world will be shaken, a day that Jesus Christ will return.
Everybody has doubts. We all have a tendency to second guess ourselves and say, "Did I do the right thing? Did I make the right decision? Should I take it back to the store? Who can I trust?" We all struggle with these kinds of questions in our lives. The important thing, is what do we do with our doubt?
Another Brick In The Wall, the deep meaning of the song is that the teacher actually represents the government and the students are the people. The government doesn't let people do what they want and the government wants to control everyone. One of the oldest cities on earth, Jericho was 2000 years old when the famous "Battle of Jericho" took place. It was a symbol of military might; the Canaanites thought that Jericho was invincible.
Sometimes the feelings of overworked and burned out get the best of us. We become weary and tired of continuing to fight on. It is during these times that we need "spotters" in our life. People to lift our hands up and cheer us on.
Having conviction means to stand for something, to trust in something. And we said that true conviction comes from truth. Once our convictions are tethered to truth, then and only then, do we have true convictions.
There aren’t a lot of other ways that show a stronger dedication to something than to have it tattooed. Weeks ago I was watching the movie, "Master and Commander". In that movie there is quick scene where a deckhand flashes his hands and says to a sailor, with the words "Hold Fast" tattooed across his fingers. Hold Fast means to stay tough or dig in, the phrase means to never letting go of the ships rigging, even in the midst of the worst storms.
Hear from our Middle & High School students, as they lead out in worship, baptism & life change. Challenging all of us, to be passionate about sharing our faith!
Personal Question for you, "How do you smell?" Okay, that's an odd way to start off, but when the church is united, Psalm 133 says we are like a pleasing fragrance.
What do you do when something happens that is beyond your control? What do you do when you find yourself wanting to help, but are completely helpless to correct the situation. Panic has set in as you try to figure out what to do. “Of course”, you dial 911 and ask for help. When you dial 911 help is immediately dispatched to your location. This week we look at a "Biblical 911".
This week's destination, is actually part of the journey. Driving along Interstate 9, as you approach the Delaware Bay, all drivers are forced to make a decision. Will you stop and wait for the Ferry Boat to arrive, and carry you across the bay or will you stay in your car and drive the highway around the bay?
No one intentionally visits a dismal place on vacation. However, so many times in life, people find themselves in a place that is exactly that! The good news is, just because a place is dismal, doesn't mean it will never become more. In fact, one of the lessons this swamp teaches us today, is redemption is possible.
It's time we look to the writings and intentions of our nation's founders, to learn the truth about the intent and foundations of America.
I’m optimistic about our nation’s possibilities for the future, but I think we should be realistic. And part of loving America is wanting to save it from a corruption that most people are seemingly ignorant of… or indifferent towards.
Have you ever walked into a Casino to people watch? If you stand back and look at what is taking place around you, you will see different types of gamblers. There is always the "boring" table with the dollar bets, but what about the person who decides to risk it all? The ones who push all their chips in on one bet? There are some serious lessons to be learned about life, and going "All In". Join us this week as we revisit Atlantic City!
Life is like a river, full of twist and turns. If we are not careful we could be drifting without realizing it.
It seems that Jackson Browne didn’t have far to go from his residence to the studio where he was making his 1976 album The Pretender, so he rarely stopped to gas up his car. “I was always driving around with no gas,” Browne recalled to Rolling Stone. “I just never bothered to fill up the tank because — how far was it anyway? Just a few blocks.”
This week as we kick-off the Roadtrip Re-ignition, we are going back to a place that meant so much to our church over five years ago. A place with a little known secret, and dangers all over. This spot captured the heart of a young man who inspired a community to "Live Like J".
Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted. With rare exception, most people take the most important things in life for granted. As that famous line from that Joni Mitchell song so correctly warns: You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.
The Philistines were on one side of the valley, the Israelites were on the other... the battle was on!
Behind every great man, is his Mother! The truth is, it’s never been harder to be a godly parent. As parents we feel overwhelmed, and confused as we navigate the "new normal". Join us as we look at Psalm 78, and see how these words come to life for parents everywhere.
Enjoy a 30-minute praise and worship break in your day, as we stop and give God more of our day!
“When it comes to gardening, it’s easier to grow weeds than in it is to grow crops and flowers. The same goes with your brain. You have to weed brain every day.” - Rich Life Planner
Join us as several staff members reflect on week 2, of the Rich Life Series, and talk about forgiveness and relationships.
There is something worse than being an atheist - it is believing in God, but having an erroneous concept of God. There are many religions in the world that present many differing pictures of God and they all may contain a little truth.
Join us as we look back on Week #1 of the Rich Life series, and reflect as a staff on Proverbs Chapter 3.
These days we are redefining our priorities. We need to redefine what it means, to be RICH. "Wealth" is more than a number in an account, it means life satisfaction.
Join us for a unique service as we reflect on what it was like Easter weekend, with no one in the building.
Face it, there is a lot of uncertainty today, and in life in general. Our health, death, the our kids future, our purpose or even what might be around the next corner. There are so many uncertainties of life, and that is why the Easter story, is such good news!
Ask people to describe life and most will depict it in the same way, as a path or road. The reason is simple: life is like a journey. It’s a voyage from one experience to the next – from one tribulation to triumph and back again. Jesus knew where the journey would end: today, crowds shouting Hosanna! By Friday morning, crowds yelling “crucify.”
Tonight we are revisiting a series from almost one year ago, "Lonely Planet". In light of COVID-19 and many around the world on "lockdown", its appropriate that we talk about loneliness and how we can find hope in the midst of it.
Have you ever been thirsty? I mean really thirsty… Where your tongue sticks to the roof of your mouth and you have to peel your lips off of your teeth and all you can think about is water?
What is it that makes you loose your patience the fastest? For some, it is when you are at a drive through line at a bank, and the person in front of you is negotiating a second mortgage on his home, from the front seat of his car!! MOVE IT!!
In the Gospel of Luke 17, the writer records Jesus walking on the outskirts of a town. Some lepers were a distance away. Leprosy today is known as Hanson’s disease. It’s a horribly disfiguring illness in which nerve endings die, causing severe damage to the extremities. It should be no surprise, that Jesus healed the lepers, but it is their reactions, that we must focus on!
I know I’m not supposed to worry. I try not to worry, but sometimes it’s hard. Worry is bad for our health. In fact, our word worry derives from the Old High German wurgen, literally “to strangle, constrict, choke.” That sounds like worry feels, doesn’t it? Worry absolutely strangles the life out of me.
In just a matter of a few days, our outlook on the world has changed. Interestingly, the very topic we entered into 2020 talking about, is the very thing we need to put into our lives this week, in the midst of chaos and confusion.
Beyond the heart’s capacity to reason, 6,046 were killed every day in the Great War — a war that lasted 1,566 days. If we gave each fallen soldier thirty seconds of silence, we would be sitting still for nine unbroken years. Right in the middle of humankind’s greatest parody of hell on earth to date, a song broke into the darkness of World War I. The war had not ended, but light had dawned for a night. This moment in time, has become known as the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Imagine, you're at a wedding, starring at the Bride and Groom whom have just concluded their ceremony. Now freeze frame that moment. Everything seems so perfect. This man and this woman have just exchanged vows and rings and kisses. It is for keeps. Right?
While I was away, I ended up in a place called Brocato's. They are known for their cuban sandwiches and deviled crab. But the experience I had while at Brocato's left a lasting impact on me, that I believe is a warning about the way most of us go through life.
When we think of War, we tend to think of physical flesh and blood wars, with deadly weapons and ammunition. However, the Bible tells us clearly that a spiritual war is raging around us every single day. We will be able to stand our ground, or will we become another casualty?
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In modern times "No Man's Land" is commonly associated with World War One, to describe the area of land between two enemy trench systems. The Bible offers some words on this "No Man's Land", when it comes to our spiritual lives as well.
One of the exciting characteristics of the New Testament Church was that they really enjoyed what they were doing and did it with fervor.
When you are involved in the battle, God will provide. God will see to it that you have the provision you need to accomplish His will. You may be empty handed right now. However, if you will get in the fight God can fill your hands with provision.
In Gideon's own eyes, he was less than nothing. He had no power within himself, no knowledge of warfare and tactics. He had no education in the use of weaponry, and no ability to lead men into battle. In other words, he was just a common citizen trying to make it the best way he knew how. But God saw something in this man Gideon that no one else could see!
The setting is that the Midianites had prevailed against the land of Israel for 7 years. Bondage had become so bad the children of Israel had begun to make houses and dens in the mountains to stay hidden from the Midianites. Every year the Midianites would come and take the crops and the fields that the Israelites had worked so hard to plant and tend. Gideon was is in hiding. He was fearful of the Midianites, and that is when God comes to Gideon, the man He calls a "mighty warrior!"
Have you ever felt that God has left you? You know what I mean – you are in desperate need and He seems to have just abandoned you?
It is not always easy to speak truth but if we love someone we must speak truth to them. Think of John the Baptist and Herod. John spoke truth to Herod out of love even though it would ultimately mean his life.
It’s important to reflect and review our lives. To look back on a great year of growing in Christ, allowing our faith and life to collide.
One of the biggest hurdles for many people, when they come to Christ, is... themselves. If you were to visit the church of nativity in Bethlehem, you would discover the entrance to the Church of Nativity, is a bit unique. This simple doorway can teach us all an important lesson this Christmas.
We often make statements like, "If i had just seen it for myself, if I could have just seen Jesus face to face" or "if I could just visit this sites in Israel personally..." However, even if you go to Israel, it’s sometimes hard to visualize life during the time of Christ. In life whether in Israel or at home, we all must put your faith lens on and see what God has truly done for us! It is surreal to know that still today, there is an exact place, where love was born.
It's a simple truth, over time the more familiar we are with something, the less fascination we have with it. We get tired of things very quickly. Things that once fascinated us, now bring little emotion.
God wants to do a new work in your life and staying stuck in the past can keep us from the new thing God wants to do. Christmas can either be the most difficult time of the year, or it can become the season that brings excitement and springs us into a new year and new spiritual season in our lives!
Have you ever truly considered the journey that Mary and Joseph took to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem? They had to travel 80 miles to the city of Joseph’s ancestors: south along the flatlands of the Jordan River, then west over the hills surrounding Jerusalem, and on into Bethlehem. It was a grueling trip. This trip traveled up and downhill. It was not simple.
Most people are well aware that Jesus was not born on December 25th. Yet we use this time every year to celebrate the greatest gift ever given, Jesus. We live in times of serious economic concerns, political unrest in much of the world, drug abuse and domestic violence run unbridled. The world around us quakes and our hearts cry out for certainty in uncertain times. God did not settle for an illusion of identification. He didn’t send Christ to earth for a couple of minutes, pose for the cameras, flash a smile, and go back to the heavens. The Bible is clear, God became Emmanuel, He walked with us!
D.L Moody said it best, “Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian.” Put simply, you are either the most or least effective tool, to share the gospel to others. So the question is this, who's counting on you?
In fiction, asking “What if?”, can create dozens of plot possibilities. But in real life, can asking “What if?”, steal your joy or bring you inner peace?
What is your idea of the perfect day? Imagine it. Each of us have a different idea. Imagine being there with no pressures and enjoying it. Some of us can’t imagine that it will really happen. When we dream we at the end think that it’s great but that will never happen to me.
Then one day it occurred to me that I was always looking off to the future and not really living for today. It occurred to me that my life is happening right now, not some day!
We have great resources at our disposal, one of those resources is the YouVersion Bible App. I recently looked to see what was the most popular, most viral verse in scripture, based upon the usage of their app. To my surprise it was NONE of the verses I would have thought it was going to be, but when I realized what the most viral verse was, I quickly understood why so many people resonate with this verse.
Today, more than ever it’s easier to distract ourselves from a world that’s jacked up! We don’t want to think about death and misery, don’t want to feel pain or hardness of life so we run to a virtual world in order not to deal, and life passes us by.
Decades of research have shown that children who regularly eat dinner with their families at home do better on a number of health measures. Sharing a table is one of the most uniquely human things we do, as no other creature consumes its food at a table. And sharing tables with other people reminds us that there’s more to food than fuel. We don’t eat only for sustenance.
So much life happens in bed. In fact, we spend about a third of our lives in bed. Living life on top of the bed and not in it. Today, because the distractions, and the "stains" of life, we miss out on God's best. When it comes to marriage, God intends us to live in the marriage and not on it or around it.
Our world is becoming increasingly filled with distraction. Information moves faster, louder, and brighter than ever before. Entertainment, social media, and marketing have never been so prevalent. They beg for our attention and our focus. In so doing, our minds are diverted from a life that matters. If we are NOT intentional with life and family, our culture will pull you & I in a direction that you and I really don’t want to go.
It wasn’t that many years ago someone would say, “Hi, how are you doing?” Our typical response would be, “I’m fine, how are you?” I’m fine, I’m fine. Now someone says, “How are you doing?” What do we say? “I’m busy. I’m busy.” Simple living should be our goal, the complicated life is killing us.
It is amazing what has happened in the last 12 years, and how different technology has changed our lives. Think about the power and resource that is now in the palm of our hands. Technology was intended to give us infinite knowledge and entertain us while we "solve the world's problems". While technology can be a wonderful tool, we have become addicted to technology and disconnected from each other.
Most people won’t come right out and say it, but you’d better believe they’re thinking it. They’re not interested in committing their lives to Christ unless they observe attractive and consistent patterns of living in the Christians they know. Christians are to be good news before they share the good news.
“What if you knew for sure that you had limited time? How would live out that time? What things would you do? What would matter enough to focus on and what would suddenly become unimportant? What would consume that time and what would be discarded?
“What if you knew for sure that you had limited time? How would live out that time? What things would you do? What would matter enough to focus on and what would suddenly become unimportant? What would consume that time and what would be discarded?
If there is one emotion that I can't stand, it's probably frustration. I hate the feeling of being frustrated, knowing things could be so much better than they are, but nothing seems to be going in the right direction. If you turn on the news, it's easy to quickly become frustrated with the evenings headlines. So the question is, how should we be dealing with frustration when it appears in our lives and what are our frustrations telling us?
In our world today, it is easy not to care isn't it? In fact, this has even become a joke in our society, almost to the point that we celebrate our lack of caring. God created us for so much more than to slip through life in an apathetic fashion.
This week we're going to take a look at Prisons. Naturally, your mind likely went to being locked in a physical prisons, but more than those, I want to talk about the prisons we put ourselves into.
Once again we stop to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in the United States. But as we celebrate we must also take time to stop and take an honest look at what is taking place in our country.
Have you ever met those people, the ones who seem to rehash the past forever? The ones who seem to live in their memories more than in the present? The ones who can’t seem to get past some issue, some hang-up, some roadblock in their past? As if they are still chained to something years ago.
The Bible has a lot to say about money, wealth, greed, contentment and a variety of other topics as they pertain to our financial and spiritual lives. Yet churches are often unwilling to talk about the subject because people are funny about money. Yet at the same time most of us are drowning in credit card debt, reaching $423.8 billion in early 2019, according to NerdWallet’s annual analysis of U.S. household debt. That’s an increase of almost 5% over last year! I want you to listen to what the Bible has to say about Money, as its not about prosperity and getting rich, and it's certainly doesn't say you have to live in poverty as well. My goal is not to guilt anyone or get something for you, but to see you find God's best in your life and finances.
I almost died! While visiting family in Florida, I found myself in an unexpected situation, in which my life was literally in Jeopardy. This situation got me thinking about the choices that we all make. Too many of us have made decisions based upon what we think is a good idea, only to find out everything is on the line.
There are a lot of verses that have conflicts in fighting, WHY? Just because God thought He needed some gratuitous violence in His book. I don’t think that’s what that’s about. It’s in there because he knew you and I would be in a fight one day. He knew you and I would have to know how to spiritually fight.
When you hear the word worship, what comes to mind? Singing songs? A Church service? Reality is worship goes beyond that, worship is... a mirror.
Recently, while doing some Bible research, I discovered something in the life of Jesus that brought me to a full stop. It stunned me, and I’m still trying to process it. There is very little in John that is present in the other three Gospels. There is no teaching of Christ contained in all 4 Gospels, with only one exception.
Mother's Day in many ways is tough. While Mother's Day is dedicated to celebrating "Moms", in many ways it can be a day of hard emotions. For some it is the reminder of a loss, for other's it may be tied to the struggle and desire to become a Mother. Wherever you may be on the spectrum, one thing is true, being a lady in today's culture is hard! Everywhere you look, women & men are told that they do not measure up, aren't important enough, etc... God's word tells us something very different, that each person is uniquely and beautifully made in God's own image. The choice we have to make, is whether or not to believe it.
Throughout this series, we have talked about different people who were radically changed after encountering Jesus. Paul may be the most extreme example, as someone who once persecuted and killed Christians, then became one of the greatest evangelists in human history! Aside of Jesus himself, the church owes much of its foundation and the spread of the Gospel, to the apostle Paul.
Isn't it amazing how one moment, one mistake, can brand you for life? We can doing incredible things throughout our lifetime, yet one moment can stick with us forever. This is the case for the man we're looking at today.
While there are many opinions about Jesus, no matter what your personal beliefs are, even secular historians teach that a man named Jesus that really existed. Jesus really was put to death through the cruelest form of capital punishment. Interestingly enough, no one believes that Jesus is buried somewhere in the middle east! No one has ever tried to claim that a particular tomb is now the resting place of Jesus today. The world seems to agree on some basic facts surrounding Jesus. So the question is, if the tomb is empty what does that mean?
Join us as we mark the greatest gift ever given, the willing sacrifice of Jesus for mankind.
Most of us have heard of the encounter on Pilate's balcony, when the angry mob decided to set a man name Barabbas free, while condemning Jesus to die. The Bible doesn't tell us much about Barabbas, but have you ever stopped to consider how He felt in that moment?
In 1987, my High School Basketball team, was a pretty good team. We had a record of 4-1, and we were facing Lakeland Kathleen, a school we have never played before. When we walked in, the team was watching the girls game. They were small & unassuming. While students were coming up and looking at our two 6’7 players in awe. We thought, this will be fun game! As the game got going, you could hear the cheerleaders chanting, "You got it... now use it! You got it... now use it!" Well, Lakeland Kathleen got, used it and destroyed us like were weren't even on the court! We got incredibly humbled in that experience, because We thought we were better than we really were!
Have you ever done anything embarrassing before? Have you ever had an Embarrassing moment in your life? If we are honest, we have all had some embarrassing moments before. The woman found in John 8 had an embarrassing experience. Unfortunately, her embarrassing moment was exposed in a public way.
There are two types of people in the world. Peacemakers and Peacetakers. Our world has taught and conditioned us to look out for ourselves, and in many ways, embrace conflict. Part of being like Jesus is living the type of life that Jesus lived. Although Jesus spoke the truth, He did so in love. Jesus was a peacemaker.
Loneliness now crosses generations. Now we are seeing preteens and teenagers battling loneness. Today we are really battling against insignificance.
Ever feel like your situation is so hopeless that the only thing you can possibly do is leave? Just walk away, head out the door and never come back? In extreme circumstances, people can feel so much emotional pain that they take their own lives. Perhaps you’ve even considered that yourself. But the real reason people commit suicide isn’t the pain. It’s the loss of hope.
Our World perpetuates that we are just a number, credit score, dress size, test score, just an employee, defined by the car I drive, just a face in the crowd. God wants a personal relationship with you!
Like most things in life, loneliness is a subject that our culture still doesn't know or speak the truth about. So once again, let's look to God's word and see what the Bible has to say on the subject.
When it comes to the idea of loneliness, I can think of no where that better fits the description than one place. Journey with me this week as we look at the prophet Jeremiah. God called the prophet Jeremiah to live a very lonely life, and his loneliness came as a result of his commitment and obedience to God.
I was reading an article the other day that suggested some ideas individuals can take when they begin to feel lonely. This list of "creative ideas" didn't really seem to offer anything that I would consider to be great advice. So what can we do about loneliness in our lives and what does it mean?
Loneliness is an epidemic. Recent studies show that more than 50% of people say they struggle with loneliness at any one time. Looking at those studies and having honest conversations with people, it seems that all of us deal with loneliness at one time or another. The fact is that loneliness not only affects us spiritually but physically as well. So what do we do about it?
When you think of Risk, what do you think about? Extreme sports, skydiving, free-diving to the depths of the ocean? Those are definitely risks, but do you know who’s really taking the biggest risk? The most risk-laden recreational sports in the world today are the "armchair Olympics" or the "couch-potato championships."
About the most difficult thing that any of us has to do, on a regular basis in life, is to make decisions. And some of those decisions can be more, or less, difficult, sometimes even depending on the day. Sometimes, it’s all we can do to decide which size coffee and what we want in it at Starbucks. At other times, we can quite easily make decisions that might be life-altering.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you knew if you remained where you were, you wouldn’t survive, but the risk of changing your situation was also high? Join us as we unpack an incredible and obscure event in the Bible and see how it can radically affect all of our lives.
This year I believe we received a special gift, an "extra" week before the calendar flip to examine ourselves as we begin a new year.
Who would have thought the TV show "buying Hawaii" would have so much to teach us during the Christmas season. Join us for "Christmas With Family" as we celebrate the greatest gift ever given!
For all of us it’s the same, Life gets unstable. It drifts, it pulls us toward instability. It’s like cars on an icy road. That’s how life is, it looks like everything is going ok then BOOM! The most frustrating parts of our lives are the parts we can’t control.
I Listened to a podcast from a pastor from Toronto. A glimpse in the future. What culture is like in Toronto? Toronto is truly post Christian, very European in culture. The rate of Christianity in Toronto is only around 2%. So for about 100 people in Toronto you meet you will run into 2 evangelical Christians. Obviously that’s way less than it is in the US. But we here in America are certainly moving that direction. So can we learn something that is going on from this glimpse into a culture that is walking away from Christianity, so we can be prepared to reach people for Christ.
There are a lot of people floating around this world who say they are okay, but underneath the smiles, the laughter and the “I’m doing just fine” is a huge amount of hurt.
Join us as we take a week to break our routine, stop and be thankful for the blessings we all share.
The motivation for this message occurred last week in Atlanta, Georgia at Mercedes Benz Stadium, of all places. Giovanna and I took Mason to a concert to see the British wonder, Ed Sherran.
There is nothing wrong with pleasure, possessions and prestige, but they are not worthy to be pursued as the true source of happiness. Why? Because the happiness they provide is temporary.
Are we just like the culture? Being just like the culture, will not give us the answers we are looking for. Instead, it will only bring death in the details of our lives & the hope we need to face life. This week we are looking once again at technology and some practical steps to ensure we have balance in our relationship with technology.
The purpose of Camouflage Series is to ask the question – are we just like the culture? Being just like the culture will not give us the answers we are looking for. It will only bring death in the details of our lives & the hope we need to face life. Why blend in when we are called to stand out?
There are two reasons why Camouflage exists in nature, to blend in to our surroundings and for a predator to hide in order to bring death. Today as we blend in to our culture, we are not finding answers we are looking for and in reality we are bringing death in the details of our lives.
On July 16th at 3:21am, God gave me the words that would form this series. To focus on what's right takes a FIGHT! Life is full of hills and valleys. It can sometimes be hard to keep the right attitude and mindset when things aren't going right. We can easily become distracted by what is happening around us.
From the time we were children listening to a fairy tales we learned that life has its beginnings, middles and endings . . . childhood, school, fleeting friendships, Super bowls . . . many events in our lives have all come to an end. No problem, right? There are those times when we discover that THE END is not easy to accept at all.
Faith is a common denominator. Every one alive daily expresses faith in something. No one can live a single day without exercising faith. The difference between the faith we exercise in our daily routine and our religious faith is the object of that faith.
We all want answers to our questions. But we don't really want just any answer, we want the RIGHT answer! One of my favorite tv shows is Family Feud. It's fun to watch people when they are put on the spot to come up with a "good answer". This week we look at the book of Habakkuk, as He was seeking an answer from God.
Complicated living is killing us. It’s keeping us from experiencing life the way our Creator meant for us to enjoy it. Too much of the time we’re anxious and worried. We’re exhausted and stressed out. We don’t know which way to turn so we don’t do anything. We become apathetic and depressed when we have so much that ought to make us enthusiastic and happy!
In 79 A.D. the ancient city of Pompeii was transformed instantly into a graveyard of ashes when Mount Vesuvius erupted, raining fire and brimstone on to the unexpected inhabitants. One of the more chilling archaeological findings of the 18th century was uncovering these ruins, revealing thousands of people frozen in time. Do you feel chained to the past? If so, you do have a choice. You need not remain frozen in a moment or season during which you were hurt, disillusioned, offended or shattered. You can move on!
A momentary glance at the past can be motivating, but a constant gaze could be paralyzing. If you don’t remember where you have been, you wont remember where you need to go.
Everything we do at Pathways Church is built on the fact that this is the very Word of God. If a church does not believe that the Bible is the word of God, then it has become nothing more than a social club…dedicated to the betterment of the community, always trying to make the world a better place to go to hell from!
People always have battled against insignificance. We have tried to live our whole life based on others approval or standard. We have tired to live up to expectations, desires of others, and not wanting to disappoint. What it ultimately leads to is depression, anxiety, and a lack of understanding that God has a plan and purpose for my life.
We all know how to ask for things, but how do we respond when the answer to our prayer, isn't the one that we wanted and are there really things we shouldn't pray for?
Have you ever wondered what Heaven will be like? Perhaps fat little baby angels with wings, floating on clouds and playing harps? Maybe we will all have choir robes and hymn books? That sounds a little boring to me...
You have heard - There are only two things certain in life, death and taxes. But in reality this is a falsehood... One out of one people die. We find that death is also without prejudice; it comes to each and every individual on its own terms.
No more pretending, no more hiding, no more secrets. Be honest. Coming Clean, and confessing to God, what is it that has mastered you?
We have all heard the sayings...If you mess with bull, you'll get the horns or if you play with fire, you'll get burned. But we continue to play with sin. There are consequences for the sin that comes into our lives.
Jesus knew He had a limited time frame, He knew He only had about thirty-six months for His public ministry. At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus called upon several men who were not religious teachers or leaders, they were fishermen.
Our culture has many wrong ideas about marriage. In fact, Marriage has become little more than a punch-line or better yet, a punching bag in today's culture. But God's design for marriage, looks very different.
The people in your life, they can be the greatest spiritual asset, or they can be your worst spiritual curse. When the right people are around you, they can be a tremendous spiritual asset; people who lift you, encourage you and equip you spiritually. The wrong people can be incredibly distracting, destructive and poisonous in your life, if you are not careful.
Memorial Day is not simply a day to mark the beginning of Summer or another day to extend the weekend. Memorial Day is a day to stop, to show respect and remember the lives to so many that were sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States. Every headstone is a marker, in memory of a person and a family with a story to tell.
People often feel as though they haven't done enough of the right thing, or perhaps too much wrong to become a Christian. However, God's word and one man's journey teaches us that no one is too far from God's grace. The apostle Paul started out as a Jewish Zealot who murdered Christians. He went from a persecutor of Christianity to a proclaimer of it.
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary, He said she was highly favored. The fact is that there were many things that the Angel didn't exactly explain to Mary in that moment. How many times in life do we get frustrated because we cannot see the bigger picture, can't see God's timing or purpose?
In life we all make many choices every day, more than we likely realize. No matter what our DNA or pedigree, even those from the best family lineage, can make some very bad choices.
We like to organize our lives around ideal situations, when things aren't going perfectly, life becomes stressful and chaotic. However, Daniel lived his whole life in Babylonian captivity. He made the very best of a bad situation, in fact He bloomed.
Some people simply drift through life. Their choices, when they can muster the will to choose, tend to follow the course of least resistance. Lot, Abram’s nephew, was such a person.
"Sometimes you're better off not knowing the truth!" When it comes to our physical health, it is amazing how many people really believe that statement to be true. Since the very beginning of man's existence, a battle has raged between truth and lies. Satan appeared to Adam & Eve and used a distorted truth, to lead the first couple into sin. This created a wedge and distrust between man and God.
It's amazing just how far science and technology have come. What was science fiction, has in recent decades become science fact. However, when given the option to know the truth about their genetics and more specifically possible health issues, many people would rather not know.
In our current culture, people don't unify anymore. We spend more time talking about the things that tear us apart then the things that bring us together.
Jesus knew where the journey would end: The Palm Sunday Road, crowds shouting Hosanna! By Friday morning, crowds yelling “crucify.” Sunday, we see crowds laying palm branches before him. By Friday, women follow behind him with tears, his blood and sweat dripping as he struggles under the cross. Jesus knew the journey. Still, he went forward.
This week we journey back to a familiar place to take another look at an important question. Jesus took the disciples to a place of pagan worship to have them answer an important question, we all must answer today.
God forbids us from using His name in a pedestrian or casual fashion. Because names are mediums of communication, and God’s name is different from every other name. He is distinct from man. God is sovereign, He is transcendent, He is Holy. And He tells us over and over again to hold His name in high esteem. Taking this a step further, this commandment goes beyond what we say.
I believe it was Billy Graham who said, "You cannot help the first look, but the second is sin." We all have ideas about adultery, but yet again God's standard is higher than our own. The good news is, God's grace is also greater than any we show. Like the other commandments, God offers his grace to us, and it is not about the past but about what we do moving forward that matters.
When you look at the Ten Commandments, it is easy to see how each one was important enough to God, to include in the "top ten" so to speak. However, when you come across commandment number four, at face value it almost begs the question, "why was this one included?" It doesn't seem quite as important as the other nine.
No one's parents were perfect. In fact, some may have been cruel. That said, God's word gives us a clear command in how we are to relate to our parents. As Christians, sometimes doing the hard things, like showing grace and forgiveness are what make us stand out the most to others. So the question is how does this commandment look in our culture today?
What do you say when your back is against the wall? What do you say when you have to close the deal? What do you say when you really want to impress somebody? Feeling challenged already? How about this question... How many of you have ever stolen something in your life?
The battle lines were drawn in the sand. The Philistines were on one side of the valley, the Israelites were on the other. David, a young boy came onto the battlefield to face a 9 ft, 400+ pound behemoth, Goliath.
There they were, all of those posters, those mug shots of the hardened criminals. I stared into their scary eyes and read about the different crimes they had committed. Armed robbery. Mail fraud. Assault. And the worst, murder.
The Tenth commandment is different. This last one hits on our attitude, our disposition if you will. It is easy to pinpoint nine specific behaviors but it is another thing to get our arms around our disposition. It is difficult, also, to call number ten a sin because this deal is so tethered to our times.
I don’t know about you, but I have not had the burning desire this week to melt down my wedding ring or to carve some image on my garage and bow down and worship it. So it's easy to read the second commandment and think, "this message is going to be an easy one this week."
If you think about it, life is a bunch of choices and decisions. And they come to you and to me at such a rapid fire pace that oftentimes we make decisions without even thinking about them. We need a base. We need a foundation. We need some absolutes.