Jesse Lusko | Audio Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pastor Jesse Lusko
Every organization has a vibe, a culture, a value system, an atmosphere. This month, we are laying out the 5 principles that we want to define OUR team. The first is that we go further together. Listen in!
There are a lot of things we cannot control, whether it's the headlines, headaches, traffic, or tragedies. But there is one thing we can control that will have a greater impact on our lives than almost anything else: our attitude.
In the book of Numbers, we see God's people on the cusp of their calling. Two leaders choose an attitude of faith, while ten leaders choose an attitude of fear, focusing only on the obstacles. Learn how changing your attitude can help you see life differently and take you to greater heights than you thought possible.
Pastor Rick takes us through James 4, and teaches us how letting go of control can enhance our relationship with Jesus and the community around us.
One day each of us will reach the end of our life, what we do each day will determine what that will mean. Paul shows us how to live well and finish well. If we want our time to count for something we will need to get a vision for the long game.
In the penultimate message of the Unchained series, we see Paul in chains, face to face with King Agrippa. The oppressor has become the oppressed. As he finds himself on the other side of the court, will he return to his old ways or respond in a different way -- a new way -- a Jesus way?
Should Christians tithe? Today we hear from Paul's letters to the people of Corinth on what it means to honor that command and how it can actually shape our own character.
In today's message, we explore what biblical manhood truly looks like and how to prepare our next generation's young men to truly reflect the nature of Jesus.
Do you know that there is more to the life of a Christian? Through Paul's visit in Ephesus, we find that God has given us an incredible gift of power through the Holy Spirit and how knowing that can deepen and transform our lives.
Ready to quit? Paul was too. In this message, we look at how Paul found the strength to keep going and discover the power behind one of God's most repeated commands: "Do not fear."
Why would the United States need more churches? Isn't there one on most street corners? Toney Salva of Evergreen Network lays out the data and a compelling vision for why starting new churches is crucial and vital part of Jesus' instruction to make disciples. Learn how you can be a part of something that really matters.
How was Paul able to speak to both the religious people and the secular skeptics while not compromising the Gospel? We find out how in today's message.
We find Paul in prison for preaching Jesus. But even the darkest dungeon couldn't stop the power of the gospel to break chains, unite enemies and ignite hope. If we put this message of Jesus at the center of our lives it can bring peace to our deepest divisions and peace into our darkest dungeons.
Mothers have a profound influence on our lives and the scripture has an exalted view of the role they play. In Proverbs 31 we hear a queen speak to her son with boldness and give him timeless wisdom that rings out and can impact us today.
The church has this amazing ability to shut people out, or change their lives. For Paul, he couldn't get in until someone opened the door. Discover what it means to be a Barnabas: someone who takes risks on people, and believes in grace over perfection.
Excerpts from the book of Acts are: Acts 9:26-27,13:2-5, 15:36-40
On his way to persecute Christians, Saul is interrupted by a shocking encounter with the risen Christ, and his life is never the same. Why would God choose a Pharisee like him to become one of the most influential voices in Christianity, and what does that reveal about how God sees us? Find out in this week’s message, High Voltage.
He hunted Christians, then became one of them. But before his story changed, someone else showed what Jesus really looks like. In the first message of the new series, Unchained, Pastor Jesse unpacks the stark difference between religion and grace.
We all have a story but when someone is too consumed with their own, they can become a monster. The book of Esther invites to step into a bigger story and see that God is always working behind the scenes and has a part for us to play that is better than what we try to carve out for ourselves.
God is on a mission to renew His creation, and the Cross, Resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit are our confirmation that it’s already in motion. The resurrection is our receipt — proof that redemption has been paid for and is on the way. So we can live with hope: our future isn't darkness, but restoration! Happy Easter Church!
In a world full of wolves, thieves, and counterfeit shepherds, Jesus stands alone as the Good Shepherd who doesn’t take — He gives, even laying down His life for the sheep. What if God isn’t trying to restrict you, but to protect you and lead you into the full life you’ve been looking for?
In a world obsessed with quick results and constant novelty, Jesus calls us to go deeper, stay faithful and step into the harvest.
Relationships give life meaning—both modern psychology and the Bible tell us that. But why do so many of them end up hurt, broken, or shipwrecked? Scripture teaches that God is the source of every healthy relationship and until that central connection is right, everything else will go off course.
Join us for the final message of "Shipwrecked" and learn HOW to have a relationship with God.
The word "family" can bring up complicated feelings. What is your relationship with your parents like? What about your kids? As we continue in our Shipwrecked series, Pastor Jesse shares wisdom for being a child, being a parent, and being part of the family of God.
Forgiveness is a command by God, yet bitterness can creep in our hearts so easily and so often. In this message we see how grace breaks the cycle of revenge, and why you can’t live in the kingdom of grace while clinging to resentment. To be a forgiving person, you first have to become a forgiven one.
BOUNDARIES -- Our culture loves to use this term, often as an excuse to avoid responsibilities or prioritize comfort. Biblical boundaries are different. They call us to take responsibility for ourselves, confront others in love for their flourishing and and say “no” to lesser things so we can say a better “yes” to what matters most.
When we stop fearing people and start trusting God, we’re freed to live with courage in all of our relationships.
For many, the teaching on sex is the worst thing about Christianity. Churches have sometimes been cold, controlling, and harsh. Yet when we look around the secular world, things don't feel quite right either, whether it’s abuse and horrors in the headlines or heartbreak and betrayal in our own lives. The biblical invitation offers us a gorgeous alternative to both approaches to sexuality. It presents something that is neither total repression nor expression. Instead, it offers a vision of pleasure, passion, and devotion that flows from God's very essence.
Communication and conflict resolution affect every relationship and they make or break them. Our words can either build connection or do damage. Today we look at wisdom from the book of Proverbs, and discover practical wisdom for speaking life, listening well, and finding healing in Jesus so we can connect more and fight less.
Pastor Josh takes us through 2 Samuel where we learn about the heart of a king who doesn’t seek revenge, but instead restores the broken and invites the undeserving to feast at his table. We see same extravagant kindness in King Jesus, which makes us ask the question -- will we accept the invitation to His table?
As we continue our Shipwrecked series, we dive into several verses from the book of Proverbs to understand how to build and maintain better friendships with intention, empathy and ultimately with Christ as our security.
Some of the best and the worst parts of our lives flow from relationships. When your relationships get better your whole life gets better. In this series we will look at biblical wisdom to improve all of our human connections. The first step is realizing that a connection with God and with people is the real meaning of life and must be prioritized above money, success, or pleasure.
If you don't change your beliefs and break free from lies, behavior changes will never last. The book of Hebrews say the word of God doesn't just affect what we do, it goes to our thoughts and the motives of our hearts.
What kind of garden could God plant in our hearts if we learn to abide through prayer? In this message, we are reminded that prayer isn't about getting more from God, but about letting God shape our lives to look more like Him.
We can become numb to the Christmas story, we know it so well that we don't know it at all. The birth of Christ is radical, it isn't meant to do more than warm us, it mean to transform us. It can shock us, shake us and change us but only if we are willing to make room for Jesus in our lives and hearts.
In the final message of the series Liquid Gold, Peter reveals that the true final boss isn't just Rome or Babylon, but the pride within us; and how Jesus defeats it with grace, not power, giving us peace at last.
Peter reminds us that we shouldn't be shocked by suffering, but that we have a gospel that is strong enough to sustain us through the fire. He is not going to let you dissolve in the fire -- will you let him purify you into something beautiful? You can support this work and help us reach more people with hope at https://www.counterculture.church/give
When the world feels chaotic, Peter reminds us that God works through ordinary faithfulness. Clear minds, deep love, open doors, and willing hands reveal His strength in the midst of chaos.
The Bible can seem strange, even bizarre at times, and this passage is no exception. However, the more you know the historical backstory you see that themes of floods, dark spiritual forces, and Jesus' victory aren't random at all, they are profound themes that run through the whole Bible and can effect your life today.
You can support this ministry and help us reach more people with the hope of Jesus at https://counterculture.church/give
Conflict is a part of life and some interactions leave us fuming, it is so easy to fire back and return the rage. But Peter shows us a better way. His message calls us to resist that instinct, listen deeply, speak with wisdom, and let Jesus’ compassion reshape how we respond when people try to provoke us.
Have you ever been in a mess of your own making? In the story of Levi the tax collector, we see that Jesus meets us in our mess and still chooses us to be in his inner circle. How will we respond at his invitation to "follow him"?
In one of the more difficult passages of Peter, we explore how what can seem repressive to women is actually an empowering and loving message of hope and equality -- all from the God who gave His all to show us our worth.
We live in a time where the media is reporting on assassinations, talk of civil war and violent revolution. But Jesus waged a war of peace, love and humility and His revolution has outlasted everyone else's. We must learn to wage a war of peace.
God doesn't want you to have a spiritually stagnant life. He calls you to go deeper -- but how? This week, Pastor Jesse brings us through three ways to flourish in our faith and to experience the fullness of joy in Christ Jesus.
Generational pain runs deep — whether it's trauma, addiction, or dysfunction. But it doesn't have to dictate your life. Through Jesus, you can start a new legacy, a new bloodline, and a new future.
What if the fire in your life isn’t meant to destroy you, but to refine you?
As we continue in 1 Peter, we see that suffering can cause us to question what we put our hope in, and can redirect us to a hope that "can never perish, spoil or fade."
The God who walked into the ultimate fire will carry you through yours.
The road to becoming like Jesus isn’t smooth. It’s full of detours, breakdowns, and restarts. In the start of the series, Liquid Gold, Peter’s story reminds us that our sanctification is a work in progress -- but Jesus is there every step of the way.
Our guest, Pastor Mike Dean, shows us God’s brilliant design for His church: unity without uniformity. Just like a pot of gumbo, the body of Christ is made richer and stronger through its differences.
How did Peter go from cowering in the courtyard to confronting Jesus' murderers in the courtroom? This episode shows us how real power is found in the name of Jesus, why His resurrection changes everything, and how the gospel frees us from pride, counterfeit faith, and the world’s obsession with power.
In a world filled with fear, violence, and uncertainty, it's easy to turn to the quick fixes of this world. But in Acts 2, what looked like drunkenness was actually the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gave the disciples courage, fullness and hope, which was everything they needed. The best part about it? He offers the same to us!
What happens after failure? In John 21, Peter denies Jesus three times—and yet Jesus meets him with breakfast on the beach, not condemnation. This powerful story shows us the God of second chances and the true source of fulfillment.
What if your worst nightmare came true instead of your dreams? Joseph dreamed of greatness but ended up betrayed by his family, a victim of slavery and a prisoner in Egypt. But even when life was a nightmare God was with him and was working a purpose. Listen and learn how hope and faithfulness is possible in the painful parts of life.
In this episode, our guest Carolyn Lu takes us into Luke 12:38, where Jesus paints a picture of servants waiting for their master to return. But this story isn’t just about what we should do, it’s about who God is. Carolyn helps us see this passage through a new lens and asks a deeply personal question: What kind of God do you want to be in relationship with?
Peter swore he’d never deny Jesus — but within hours, he did it three times. In this message from Luke, we look at what things can lead us to crash and burn, and how - even in our failure - Jesus looks at us with love and invites us back into forgiveness, purpose, and community.
In this episode, we dive into the Transfiguration where Jesus’ glory was revealed, not just to the world, but to His closest friends. Discover why real transformation comes from both mountaintop moments and steady, everyday faith — and how the Holy Spirit still moves today.
In this episode, we explore Jesus’ bold claims about himself, his surprising mission, and the question that every person eventually has to answer: Who do you say that I am? If Jesus is who he says he is, the only logical response is to follow him with everything. But is he really worth it?
When life blindsides you, when the diagnosis comes, the relationship ends, or the ground beneath your feet starts to shake: what then? Storms sometimes come out of no where. But what if they have a purpose? This episode dives into a moment where Jesus meets his followers in the chaos and shows us how to walk through the waves of live with faith.
What does it look like to leave the shallows and follow Jesus into the deep? In the kickoff message to a fresh series, Wild Frontier, we explore the moment that God called Peter to do exactly that. God is calling us into a greater life -- what will our answer be?
Everyone wants a village but not everyone is willing to be a villager. In this message, learn about God's true intention for community and how you can help stop the culture of loneliness.
When fear casts its shadow on us, it can be completely overwhelming. Something important to us is under threat, and our minds can begin to question if God is really there and if He has our best interests at heart. In this iconic story, we see the different responses we are so prone to—and are offered a better way forward, through the sea and into God's promise. Exodus 14:5-22
When anxiety over life's difficulties hit, Jesus invites us to live with open hands—not clenched fists. In this message from Matthew 6, we share real stories of God's provision and why seeking His Kingdom first brings peace this world can’t offer.
What you believe about the future shapes how you live today. In this message, we unpack Revelation 18-22, explore the fall of Babylon, the return of Jesus, and the hope of God’s eternal Kingdom. Discover how Christians can endure trials, resist evil, and find unshakable hope in a world falling apart.
Have you ever had an authority figure hurt you? News headlines glow with stories of nations and people struggling for dominance. These power trips can also hit close to home, with parents, spouses, and bosses often misusing or even abusing their authority. This is the way of Babylon. Today, a different ruler finally arrives on the scene and brings a total revolution to our ideas of greatness. Jesus, the true King, shows us that God is a servant, and He comes not to exploit but to sacrifice. Scripture: Mark 10:32–45
In Daniel’s apocalyptic vision, empires rise like monsters from the deep—violent, boastful, inhuman. This episode explores what happens when we trade God's wisdom for our own, becoming like beasts—and how the Son of Man shows us a way back to who we were always meant to be.
We all face pressure to blend in, sell out, and go numb. But Daniel and his friends didn’t rise up or cave in– they played the long game. They took Babylonian names, learned the system, but drew a hard line when it mattered. Their story can teach how daily integrity in the small things can prepare for the face the blazing furnace when everyone is watching.
In a world that feels like exile, we’re not called to become like Babylon or withdraw from Babylon—but to be a light within it. This episode explores how to live faithfully and seek the good of the city, even when it’s broken.
Solomon started with wisdom but ended in ruin. This episode unpacks how small compromises lead to collapse—and why only Jesus offers true treasure.
When fear rules our lives, we build fragile kingdoms. But in Exodus, two midwives show us that fearing God leads to courage, freedom, and an unshakable purpose. Scripture: Exodus 1: 8-22
Modern day slavery is still taking place right here in Oregon and throughout the world. Listen to Esther Garrett share her own story as a survivor and her work from over 20 years of fighting human trafficking as the founder of Safety Compass.
In our series "Fallen Empire" we begin by looking at the founding of Babylon and its infamous tower. We see the the deeply human tendency to strive to "build a name for for ourselves," how it is often done at the expense of other people and in utter defiance to God's wisdom. We examine why so many societies collapse into violence and dysfunction and learn about the alternative identity and meaning that God invites us into. "Your name in lights" Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9
The gospel of Luke contains a story where Jesus astounds two dejected and hopeless followers and takes them on an Easter Egg hunt through the Hebrew Bible. He shows them that crucifixion was always planned and predicted beforehand. When we actually take time to examine the historical data for the resurrection and see the big picture of scripture we are offered joy, peace and amazement. Listen and learn why nearly 3 billion people still worship him today.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Jesus’s final, defiant entry into Jerusalem—a peaceful protest against corruption and injustice, symbolized by his choice to ride a donkey like a humble king. This dramatic act declared him as the true king, challenged religious and political power structures, and set the stage for the confrontation that would lead to his crucifixion, showing a God who weeps over injustice and chooses to suffer for the sake of the guilty. Scripture: Luke 19: 28-44
Sometimes Christians who are supposed to be known for love are instead harsh, self-righteous and even hateful. What gives? Jesus' friend John helps us see that there is a difference between simply adhering to the message of God's love in Jesus and truly being centered on it so that it saturates and defines your life. When the gospel takes its proper place it can liberate us to take off the masks of pretense and superiority and truly form a beautiful community.
Many of us deal with anxiety, depression or another mental burden on a regular basis. Jesse Lusko sits down with Yemi Fashola, a local licensed therapist, and to hear his story entering the field and stories from the field. Gain some practical insights on how to help loved ones who are struggling and learn the signs of when you might need a bit of professional counseling yourself.
The things we say have the power to burn and harm or warm and empower. Like fire when our words are out of control they can cause serious damage but when our tongue is brought under the guidance of God's spirit we can inspire and bring life to those around us. Scripture: James 3
In the final message of "Error 404: What the Internet Can't Give You," we note that the digital world often leaves us amused but deeply isolated. In the New Testament we vividly see that real life worship and community was always God's beautiful vision. If we amputate ourselves from it we miss out on something vital. God wants to do extraordinary things in community– we just have to be there. Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-4:6
Some churches can stand on a pedestal and look down on people, but the way of Jesus is to build a ramp that is accessible to the spiritually wounded -- but it takes all of us. We have to build it together. Scripture: Romans 15: 1-13
When we spend too much time online the days just blur together. But real experiences tend to be a bit more memorable. Baptism is a profound memory marker that clearly declares new life in Jesus. The water seals the deal. Scripture: Acts 10:44-48
Why do we take communion (eucharist) every week at Counterculture? Is this tiny juice and cracker really all that important? Join us as we unpack the rich legacy of Passover and Jesus' final meal and see how communion can unlock the meaning of the past, allows us to reflect in the present, and invites us into a magnificent future.
Ever wonder why we sing so much at church? Why not just stay home and listen to Spotify? The Bible tells us that when we worship together we can experience God's presence and be empowered to live lives that count and not waste our limited time. Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20
Some objects are just too heavy to carry on your own—they require a team. Some emotional burdens and periods in life are a lot like that. We need a community around us to help us get through our grief and difficulties. Technology often leaves us living in our own isolated virtual worlds, but that can leave us feeling totally alone. Real church community has the potential to be transformative when we show up for each other and love in action, not just in words. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
God's love lives in us and is often described as a mighty lion. Josh describes all the ways we can be impacted when we decide to let the lion out of the cage. Scripture: 1 John 4:10-17
With so much information available to us on the internet, what is the value of committing time to learning the scriptures in person week in and week out? Join us as we explain that when we hear God's word together, it is amplified and we receive living examples, truth in 3D. Scripture: 1 Timothy 4
- Please excuse the audio; we are seeking to eliminate this issue for the future.
What is the point of gathering together as a church? Can't I get the same spiritual results from just doing it on my own? In this message, Pastor Jesse talks about the importance of church and what glory story might just be waiting for us when we assemble. Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25
In the series, "Error 404" we are exploring "what the internet can't give us." People are spending on average seven hours a day online and we are prone to ignore the physical for the digital. In this message we'll see why the physical world matters and is worth prioritizing. Scripture: John 1:1-18
We got to hear a fresh word from Pastor Mike Dean on the power of saying YES to God, no matter what role you're in or what odds you're up against. Scripture: 1 Samuel 17
We are advocates for the things we care about the most - whether it be our favorite restaurant, what coffee is better, or which sports team is the best in the world. In the new year, we're exploring how to do the same for Jesus, the best news there is. Acts 1:4-8
One of the main messages of the Gospel is that it brings peace for all people, everywhere. Join us for this special Christmas Eve message.
Luke 2:1-20
For the final addition in our Songs For Anxious Souls series, join us for an invitation to bring our real and honest selves to God.
Psalms 129 & 130
Join us for a short message about praise & worship and how the Psalms invite us into a different way of being.
Psalm 98
For this addition to our Songs For Anxious Souls series, we take a fresh look at what it means to be rooted.
Psalm 112
In an age where almost everything seems to be negative, why has it become so hard to remember the good things? In this addition to our Songs For Anxious Souls series, we hear from our Worship Director Bekah Lusko about the importance of praise.
Psalm 66
In this week's addition to our Songs For Anxious Souls series, we're taking a fresh look at thankfulness & gratitude. Join us as we look at this concept and what it means both biblically and through the social sciences.
Psalm 50
We live in an anxious age. So many fears, anxieties, and worries dominate our internal worlds. Is fear all there is? Does religion actually work? What if faith has a better answer than we could imagine?
Psalm 46
As we grapple with turbulent times in our nation, we're choosing to lean into the comfort, peace, and provision of God. We'll dig into a classic and iconic text and see what it has for us.
Psalm 23
Continuing our series through the Psalms, we're stepping back to take a look at the inherent beauty and dignity within God's creation.
Psalm 8.
Continuing in our series through the Psalms, Songs For Anxious Souls, we're digging into Psalm 1. Are there better or worse ways to live? What does thriving look like? And how do we do it?
Psalm 1
Join us for the first message in our new series through the Psalms called Songs for Anxious Souls. How do we navigate pain & anxiety? Is peace even possible? And if so, how can we get there?
Psalm 13
For this week's message, we're hearing from Counterculture's operations director, Spencer Bassett. We'll look at the biblical concept of fullness. What is it, why does it matter, and how do we get there?
Ephesians 3:14-19
To close out our Adult Swim series, we're talking about anger. Why Jonah was so angry, what anger does to us, and how forgiveness can end the vicious cycle of evil.
Jonah 4
This week we're taking another step into our "Adult Swim: Jonah for Grownups" series. In the third chapter of Jonah, we talk about God's compassion & justice and how, if we're not careful, the oppressed can easily become the oppressor.
Jonah 3
In this week's addition to our series Adult Swim: Jonah For Grown Ups, we get into a part of the book that has made it stand out to countless readers. Far more than just being about a fish, our passage takes us deeper into the human story and how we find more of ourselves in Jonah than we may think. Jonah 1:17 - 2:10.
For this week's addition to our series "Jonah for Grownups", we look at another movement in the first chapter of Jonah. There's more to the beginning of Jonah than you might think. Jonah 1:4-16.
This week we're kicking off a new series through the book of Jonah. We'll start by looking at the context and why God wanted to send Jonah to Nineveh as well as what Jonah's response tells us about his character. Jonah 1:1-3.
This week we're talking about community. Why it's so important, what it means for us, and how we can create more of it in our lives. John 13:31-38.
This week we're exploring the intersection between art & faith. Beauty has an eternal and divine quality... join us as we look for the source. Ecclesiastes 3:9-14.
Join us for a message our of Zechariah 4:6-10. We're getting into what we do: working, parenting, studying, etc. and how God cares so much about it. Whatever we do, we're called to do it well and with God.
This week we have a standalone message from a special guest. Our friend Gabe Garcia brings a message out of John 2:1-12 about God, miracles, and what it all means.
In this week's standalone message, we're getting into worship. What it is, why it matters, and where we go wrong along the way. Join us for this teaching out of Jeremiah 2:11-13.
This week we have special guest Josh Bowers bringing a timely message from Acts 2:1-13 about the Holy Spirit and its special power to unite and bring restoration to individuals and communities.
Join us for this standalone message out of Psalm 65. We'll look at the beauty of the Earth, how God feels about it all, and what He invites us into.
For our final message in our IRL series we'll be looking at the the popular story of doubting Thomas. Teaching out of John 20:24-31, we'll see what this passage has to tell us about the nature of reality, what it means for skeptics, and how we're called to live in light of this.
Join us for another week of our IRL series where we look at the story of Jesus and and the criminal from Luke 23:32-45. We'll see what this passage tells us about the cross, what it reveals about God, and how it subverts the empire.
Jumping back into our IRL series, we're taking a look at the story of Mary & Martha from Luke 10:38-42. Join us as we explore this passage and see what it teaches us about Jesus, ourselves, and what it means to be human.
This week we're taking a break from our IRL series and have a special guest, Dr. Nijay Gupta! Join us for this standalone message out of Philippians 2:1-11 where we'll learn about the spiritual worldview of Jesus, how it made Christianity unparalleled in its time, and what keeps it so today.
In this week's addition to our IRL (In Real Life) series, we look at a unique story and what it shows us about faith, fathers, and the spiritual realm. Mark 9:14-29.
In this week's message of our IRL (In Real Life) series, we look at the story of Jesus and the pharisee from Luke 7:36-50. In this passage we find a savior who upends our expectations, who fights for those we'd least expect, and who responds to brokenness in ways we didn't know were possible.
In this week's addition to our IRL Series, we take a look at the iconic biblical passage of the woman at the well. Using John 4:4-26 as our text we'll see how Jesus is drawn to the unwanted and how when our desires are our everything we're bound to be disappointed. Only He satisfies, and when He is our everything we'll never thirst again.
In this week's addition to IRL (In Real Life), we're getting into the story of Jesus and the tax collector from Matthew 9:9-13. We'll look at how God's grace is radical & shocking, how Jesus has a lot more fun than we expect, and how knowing God truly leads us to love those who don't even more.
Join us as we look at the story of Jesus and the fisherman from Luke's gospel (Luke 4:42-5:11). We'll look at Jesus' ability to find us and His invitation to follow Him & leave everything behind for better things than we could imagine.
In this week's installment of IRL (In Real Life), we see how Jesus confronts death, comforts us in the midst of it, and how He brings about hope in the midst of these dark moments.
To kick off our new series, IRL (In Real Life), we're venturing into the profound compassion of Jesus. Preaching out of Matthew 8:1-4, Jesse Lusko makes a case for the relevance of Jesus while appealing to His radical and boundary-breaking compassion that has changed the course of human history.
Our God is the God who chose to enter time and to be with us, who fights for us & advocates for us, and who works through us. Join us as our friend Josh Butler takes us into the story of Jesus from John chapter 1.
When it comes to suffering & hardship, the question isn't if, but when. From the heartbreaking & horrific things that take place throughout the world, all the way down to losing loved ones, no one is exempt. This is one of the greatest reasons cited by those who simply cannot believe in God. How can we navigate the hard things of life not just for ourselves, but for others, too? Join us for this week's standalone message where we'll gain practical framework for the hard things of life. " From Poison To Potion" 1 Peter 4:12-13
Join us as our friend Michelle Jones invites us into the whimsy & beauty of the Jesus story. Teaching out of Mark 1:4-11, she weaves deep insights with a beautiful story, arriving somewhere profound.
Growing up in a dogmatic religious background, our friend Alex Maksimov walks us through his faith journey. Navigating doubt & atheism, his is a story worth listening to. By hearing about the road he's walked, we hope that it might help navigating yours, too.
Join us for an Easter Sunday message where we remember the resurrection of Jesus, the hope beyond the grave, and how what was meant to be a crushing loss turned into the victory heard round the world. "Memento" 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Jesus Christ has arguably been the most significant figure in all of history. People spoke of Him centuries before He was actually born, and continue to thousands of years later. Why is this? What's been so compelling about this person? How has he stayed relevant for this long? Join as we look at these questions and explore what made and keeps Jesus so compelling.
These days we're more outraged than ever. We're provoked. Over politics & affiliations, global events, or even just different opinions. The way we handle conflict & disagreement contribute not only to our own well-being, but to that of those around us, too. Join us as we explore politics, disagreement, and how to navigate & resolve conflict.
In many ways, our world is more full today than it ever has been. Full of activity. Full of noise. Full of things to accomplish. Full of opportunities to prove that we matter. Amongst this fullness, though, is a frantic and dehumanizing hurry and anxiety that robs us of what we need the most: rest. Join us for the final message in our "Modern Issues, Ancient Answers" series where we'll look at how the Gospel sees the idea of rest.
Throughout "Modern Issues, Ancient Answers" we've talked a lot about various complex and personal issues many of us deal with. To tie everything together, we thought it may be helpful to bring in a licensed professional counselor & therapist. Join us as our friend Jessica Greenwell shares her story, answers questions, and offers thoughtful & compelling wisdom when it comes or our mental health.
For this week's installment of "Modern Issues, Ancient Answers" we explore the concepts of justice, rest, and how the two intersect. Why and how should we pursue justice? And what does any of this have to do with rest? Join us as we explore how the good news of the gospel makes justice possible and how we can rest as a result.
Addiction of all varieties are common and prevalent in our lives today. Sometimes these seem small and manageable and under the surface. More often than not, though, these tend to be destructive forces that tear our lives apart. For this week's installment of "Modern Issues, Ancient Answers" we'll look at the problem of addiction and the hope and good news within the Gospel for those struggling with it.
For this week's installment of "Modern Issues, Ancient Answers" we look at what the Bible has to say about loneliness. Loneliness is so pervasive not only in our lives but in our world at large, each of us dealing with it in some capacity. How do we navigate it? How can we find community? What does good news look like for the lonely? Join us as we explore thoughtful, ancient, and life-giving solutions to our loneliness.
Join us for this week's installment of "Modern Issues, Ancient Answers" where we take a good look at the topic of depression. Through a compelling story from the life of Elijah, the scriptures show us how to effectively navigate despair, depression, and intrusive thoughts.
Anxiety. You & I know it, maybe a little too well. We live now in one of the most anxious eras in recorded history. How do we process & live with anxiety? And how can we follow Jesus in the midst of this? Join us on this week's installment of our "Modern Issues, Ancient Answers" as we thoughtfully approach anxiety.
We now have access to more innovative technology than ever before. In many ways, this has made our lives much easier. In other ways, though, this has made things infinitely more complex and overwhelming. Join us as we begin a new teaching series where we explore the ancient answers that Christianity offers for many of our modern issues.
Why does Counterculture exist? Why start a church in Portland? The answer is tied to the purpose of life itself. This is a special snow day online service, from our homes to yours. Stay safe and stay warm!
We want to follow Jesus not because we want to be loved, but because we already are. This simple shift in our thinking has the potential to change not only our lives, but our whole world. Join us as our friend and guest Erik Morales shares from Colossians 3.
For many of us, the idea of following Jesus and becoming like Jesus can seem unrealistic and daunting. How does it happen? What if I try and fail? How can this happen in a healthy way? Join us for the final message of 2023 as we look at what the Bible says about the spiritual life and how we can have a sustainable vision and approach to our life and walk with God.
When God became human, everything changed. Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, what it means, and how we’re invited to respond.
In our day and age, it feels like there constantly is something to fight over. Whether it’s politics, religion, or opinions, the fighting can be unending. In the final installment of our Spellbound series, we break down the war that wages within, in our spiritual lives.
What are the fruit of the Spirit? Following Jesus produces tangible fruit in our lives. In this week’s installment of our Spellbound series through Galatians, guest speaker Michelle Jones digs into chapter 5, verses 15-26, exploring the fruit of the spirit.
What does it mean for God to "set us free"? Our culture's widespread obsession is with a freedom from restrictions but even influential secular thinkers have noted there is another deeper freedom. Join us as we dig into Galatians 5:1-14 and examine exactly what freedom looks like according to the Bible.
What does it mean to have a relationship with God? Spoiler: it might not be like how you think. Join us for this week's installment of our Spellbound series. We are covering Galatians 4:8-31 and talking about relationship with God. What it is, what it means, and how Jesus subverts our assumptions.
Human rights can be a buzzword in today’s world. Where did this concept originate in history? Jesus and the writers of the New Testament have more to say about this than you may think. In fact, this was their idea before it was adopted into our wider culture. Come with us as we unpack the landmark passage of Galatians 3:19 - Galatians 4:7 and the effects of which we are still witnessing. Human dignity has always been God’s idea.
Special Guest Joshua Butler explains that we sometimes think we have to pursue God with our religious devotion and that after we have given him our best effort he will give us his acceptance and blessing. Jesus actually says it is the exact other way around, God is the one pursuing us in his grace. He is seeking to find us and lost means loved.
Religion can be used to oppress, manipulate, and push people to the margins. Paul was fiercely resolved to stop that from happening in Galatia. He takes them back to the beginning of the Jewish story to show that God had always planned to include all nations. Galatians 3:1-18
Is Christianity racist? Paul has a showdown with Peter over his racist behavior but we see the reason behind the racism was that Peter had forgotten the message of grace. We are all prone to forget the gospel but continually remembering our acceptance in Jesus will lead us to love and accept others. Galatians 2:11-21
The ancient world was full of hierarchy dividing people by both class and race. False teachers crept into the church to "spy on their freedom in Christ and make them slaves" attempting to bring in that same class system. Jesus shatters hierarchy and when we are really moved by his grace it will change the game. Galatians 2:1-10
Our screens have again been bombarded with horrific images of religious violence tearing lives apart. What causes this? Is a belief that you have the truth what divides our world and drives us to war? In Galatians 1:11-24 Paul explains how he was once a brutal religious zealot but an encounter with Jesus led him to serve the very people he used to exclude.
In our series "Spellbound" we look at Paul's letter to the Galatians and see that religion can be used as a tool for oppression where fear and anxiety is used to control others. Only the message of grace can break the spell. Galatians 1:1-10
Identity Crisis: Individual vs Communal - There has never been a greater emphasis on self-expression and individual identity than there is today. Jesse Lusko explains that this obsession with self-fulfillment has made our world deeply lonely. Looking at 1 John 4:7-13 we see a different source of identity that transforms us into people of profound love.
Identity Crisis: Fragile vs Indestructible. How do we become the kind of people who can handle difficulty? Jesse Lusko explains that when we build an identity on career, romance or money it leaves us completely vulnerable to circumstance and devastated by suffering. In Romans 8:28-39 we see that when we build our lives on Jesus we have an identity that is indestructible.
Identity Crisis: Available vs. Unattainable - In this series we are comparing and contrasting an identity that is achieved through career, experiences, romantic relationships and other secular pursuits to an identity that is received through God's love and grace. Jesse Lusko looks at Isaiah 57:10-21 and explains how an "authentic identity" became a fixation of our society and how it can lead to an unattainable need for recognition and affirmation.
In the founding message at Counterculture Church in Portland, Oregon, Jesse Lusko looks at the story of "the Pharisee and the Tax Collector" and explains that we may be surprised by who Jesus most often criticized. It is possible to have all the right beliefs and the right behavior but we doing it for all the wrong reasons. We will become a counterculture when we admit our own bad motives, come to Jesus for mercy, and then extend that mercy to the city around us.
Jesus said his followers were to go to the ends of the earth as witnesses, but for many today the whole idea of evangelism is problematic. Are all conversion efforts imperialistic and wrong? If you are going to be carry the message of Jesus to world in 2023 you need the Holy Spirit to make you a different kind of witness.
What are you seeking in 2023? You are going to seek something. Jesse Lusko teaches from Colossians 3:1-17 explaining that if you give your heart and mind to anything other than Jesus it will bring drivenness, anxiety, and anger. But if you seek Jesus above all else you will become a person of peace. Given at Imago Dei Community in Portland, OR.
Knowing the right thing is often easy, knowing the the right time and the right way to say it is hard. If we are on social media or in person using our thumbs and tongues like chainsaws we will kill the patients that we are meant to heal. Paul commands us, "to be gentle to all" and "to have nothing to do with stupid arguments," so that we can become like skillful surgeons. Then people will actually listen to the things we have to say. This message was given at a Men's event at Calvary Chapel Beaverton in Oregon.
Some of us live our lives constantly in the yellow or the red, never in the green. We go for so long on empty that we barely remember what it feels like to be full. This constant hurry and worry can have a devastating effect on our mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Jesus came not to condemn and burden us, but to offer us deep rest for our souls.
When the news headlines are full of Christian leaders who say one thing but do another, our disappointment can easily become total disillusionment. Fortunately, the Bible addresses these inconsistencies head on depicting failure in vivid reality. No one ever rose as high or fell as far as King Solomon. By examining his life we can find out how such a contradiction can exist in someone so wise and learn how to avoid his fate.
Many times both the believing and the non-believing are guilty of drawing caricatures of each other, constructing straw men arguments that are easy to ridicule and defeat. Biblical Christianity calls us to something higher where we engage opponents with both love and logic. The more we take objections seriously, the more our answers will be taken seriously.
Someone that you will see today has been the victim of rape, molestation or assault. It could be the person you see in the mirror everyday or the stranger you buy groceries from. More than 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys have been traumatized in this way and the consequences are profound and devastating. Jim Williams of ABQ Connect interviews Jesse Lusko about how he was raped as a small child and how Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and to bind up their wounds.
Matthew 20:29-34 - There are people in our world who are pushed to the side and kept out of sight, out of mind. When the invisible God became visible these were the people he put front and center. Preached at Cross and Anchor Conference in downtown Detroit.
Prior to the pandemic clinical depression and anxiety was already surging; the Washington Post reports that now 50% of Americans are experiencing depressed moods. Jim Williams of ABQ Connect interviews Jesse Lusko on how technology and ultimate meaning factor into these critically important issues.
Porn addiction has long been a pandemic in and of itself; but the Covid-19 quarantine has driven porn production and consumption to all time highs. These private sessions can seem harmless but data shows that they have devastating long term effects on the mental health of the user and perpetuate human trafficking on the other side of the screen. Jesse Lusko compassionately talks with Jim Williams of ABQ Connect about how you can be set free from this enslaving trap.
Jim Williams of ABQ Connect interviews Jesse Lusko about the murder of George Floyd. Standing for justice and against racism and oppression are not sideline issues for Christians, they are a central part of following Jesus. We must allow the Bible to shape our views not the selective righteousness of political parties.
Jim Williams of ABQ Connect interviews Jesse Lusko about how Christians faced pandemics like Coronavirus in the past and how the message of the resurrection can give us the courage to follow their example today.
In this time of social distancing we are feeling the effects of being alone more than ever before: Addiction and depression thrive in isolation and the cure is meaningful connection. We impress people with our strengths but we connect with people through our weaknesses. Only the cross will set us free to be truly vulnerable.
One of the greatest obstacles to belief in God in our culture is the Christian teaching about sex. It is simply out of style to believe what the Bible says about sexuality and marriage. But when we take time to actually look at the results, sexual liberation has led to exploitation and oppression. Hugh Hefner flung open the door and Harvey Weinstein walked in.
What do you do when you are a loyal member flying high with Jesus but instead of being upgraded to first class, you get a massive downgrade? What do you do when you are doing everything right, but everything thing goes wrong? Welcome to the book of Job.
What do you do when the thing that is out of order is you? According to Johns Hopkins University, 1 of 4 Americans have a mental health disorder and 91% of Generation Z have experienced anxiety or depression this year. Having faced manic depressive bipolar disorder, pastor Jesse shares the wisdom that has kept him alive.
We are living in tremendously divided times. Politics and racism fracture our nation while divorce splits apart our homes. At almost every level there is tension and animosity. The gospel of Jesus came into an world that was even more full of hostility, and brought a humility and unity that we desperately need today.
Our culture tells us that each person must be free to decide what is right and wrong for themselves; we don't want anyone to tell us how to live our lives. But what looks and feels good to us in the moment, often does not end good. The Bible offers a very realistic view of what happens when people do what is right in their own eyes, but what is evil in the eyes of the Lord.
1 Peter 4:12-13 - The world we inhabit is full of pain, injustice, and suffering. Tragedy and difficulty often take us completely by surprise. We feel that if we live a good and godly life, then God should protect us from harm. The Bible gives an incredibly realistic view of suffering, and tells all of us to expect that it will come. But it also gives us the guarantee that God is able to turn suffering into salvation and that from Jesus' agonizing death He brought us eternal life. He can take poison and make it a potion.
The world is full of good things for us to enjoy, but when we love things more than we love people it leads to oppression and breakdown. Jesus showed us a radical and generous love, the more we realize how much He loves us, the more we will show that kind of generous love to one another.
For the first time ever "no religion" is the biggest religion in America. In the last 20 years, millions of young people have left the church. In this atmosphere your faith will experience turbulence, you will go through storm clouds of doubt. Christians must address the questions raised by skeptics and give them both love and logic.
Many religious people have created an atmosphere that is hostile to anyone who doubts. But the churches that stifle questions create skeptics. The Bible tells to us "to be merciful to those who doubt." Church should be a safe place to bring your doubt, because you will never find answers until you start asking questions.
Forty percent of Americans say they have found no purpose in life. But Jesus came to save us for something not just from something. There is an all consuming mission you are meant to go on. When you see Jesus giving Himself totally for you, the only response is to give yourself totally to Him.
When you follow someone famous on social media you have to follow the verified account or you might end up getting played by an imposter. The same is true spiritually, there are fakes out there. Are you following the real Jesus or are you follwing a fraud?
Christianity promises freedom but it also says that Jesus is Lord and Master. How can we be free when we have to obey somebody? Many Americans are obsessed with a kind of freedom that answers to no one. The Bible gives us a different and deeper freedom; not the freedom to do just anything, but the freedom to become something.
When an inventor invents something there is an intention for the invention. When you ignore the intention you misuse the invention. God designed us to worship Him; when we worship anything else we get "user error."
Jesus is a master builder and you are His workmanship but the plan that He has for you is really a plan that He has for us. He wants each of us to move from "me" to "we." Find out why it is His grand design for church to be essential, not optional.
Jesus told us to expect this world to be full of problems and trouble, but if you only focus on the problems you will become less and less capable of seeing solutions. Complaining will black out your calling but holding firmly to the word of life will make you radiate light.
The words you say reveal who you are and what you really worship. If you have the mouth of sailor it's because you have a heart like a pirate. The only way to tame your tongue is to change your treasure.
We all have something to contribute but if we have a salty attitude no one will swallow what we have to say. It isn't just what you say, it is how you say it : Our tone conveys our real motive.
Words can either be a weapon to kill or medicine to heal. We each possess some wisdom and some knowledge of what is right but if we use that wisdom to demean others or damage their reputation and display our own superiority, then we do the Devil's work.
People say "talk is cheap" but when the mic is hot it can be very expensive. A few words have ended careers, destroyed reputations, pushed people to suicide and even started wars. Everyone has said things that they regret later. Just the words we say to ourselves can alter the course of our lives. We need voice control.
Some experiences defy explanation, even when you see them coming they still catch you off guard. The message of the resurrection sounds unbelievable but when we investigate the facts and think out the implications, we see it's the hope that our hearts ache for.
Sometimes the smallest things can steal our joy. But when we realize that God is a God of joy and He wants to give us joy we can find a satisfaction that circumstances cannot shake.
We talk about love as if it was totally involuntary like falling into a hole or catching the flu. The Bible has a completely different take on love where it is active, underserved and unrelenting. If we learn to lead our hearts instead of following them we will find a devotion that is infinitely richer and deeper than the sugar rush of infatuation.
We desire to build great things but we often feel discouragement and disdain toward the small and insignificant things in front of us. But if we would learn to apply the plumb line to what is right before us, we would discover that throwing our whole hearts into the small things is the way to do tremendous things.
Many people have left Church and Christianity because of the evil committed in the name of Christ. But Jesus ends His most famous sermon warning us about the wolves in sheep's clothing. There are infiltrators and imposters but we can't let that keep us from the King. The best way to stick it to the fakes is to get real.
Our culture tells us all day, every day that "what you wear is what you are worth and what you own is who you are." But when our identity is wrapped up in our wealth it leads to vanity and anxiety. If we find our security in temporal things it always brings out insecurity. In the sermon on the mount Jesus once again cuts to the heart, showing that our problem isn't having things, it is that our things have us.
Judge not lest you be judged is the favorite line of our times but it brings along another command to forgive that you may be forgiven. When we hold a grudge we put ourselves in the place of God and hold ourselves back from the healing He offers us.
The Lord's Prayer is repeated millions of times daily around the world but Jesus teaches that it's empty to honor God with your lips but not with your life. When we discover what this passage means we see that prayer isn't meant to change God, it's meant to change us.
Many people pretend to love God just so they can impress other people, but if you serve God to be seen by others you're just using God. We know what it feels like when someone uses us, but we often don't notice when we're the ones who do it. What can make our motives right?
So much of what Jesus says about His kingdom seems weird and counter-intuitive. But in time we learn that we are the ones in the dark, this world is "The Upside Down." Jesus came to turn us right-side up.
Flakiness is as common as dandruff but it damages our relationships and limits our potential. The cure for your flakiness is head and shoulders for your soul. Jesus loved us fully when were unfaithful, believing that fully will make us faithful.
To say open heart surgery will leave you sore would be a massive understatement, but it can save your life. Jesus cuts to the core and calls out our bare minimum morality. If we are going to follow Jesus we must ruthlessly root out sin and deal with the attitudes not just the actions.
In a day where religion was stale, dull and rigid; Jesus came bursting on the scene in living color. Those in the kingdom should be like the King; if your Christianity is colorless and tasteless then something isn't right.
There was Messiah fever in the first century but when Jesus shows up He defies all of their ideas about the kingdom. In the opening words of His manifesto for His followers, He us tells what it takes to enter the kingdom and to live a truly happy life.
As we go into the new year, amidst New Years resolutions and plans, it's easy to be focused on and worried about many things. But the Bible promises many things for us "In Christ", one of them, a purpose and good works for us in whatever season we find ourselves in.
Christmas brings out joy and generosity for a few weeks out of the year, but does it really change anything? What if there is more to it than just cheer? What if it could bring us a peace that never ends? That is exactly what the scripture promises, if we would take a closer look.
We can grow numb to the Nativity story–Mary, Mangers, Magi, but when we look behind the scenes we see something beyond description that takes us to the very heart of all existence. There is more to Christmas than what meets the eye.
Over twenty-five different Holy books claim to be scripture, why should we believe that the Bible is the word of God? We know it makes the claim, this week we'll see if it can bring the game.
We hate to wait, but there some good things you can only experience if you stick it out. The work will be worth it, but if we lose heart we lose the harvest.
It is easy to feel thankful when you are winning but what do you do when you are catching "L"s? If we learn to live for the long game we find our suffering cannot outlast God's love and even in our pain He has a purporse.
We are living in very unstable times; our nation is divided. Protests fill our streets and our headlines. We can choose to live in fear or shift our focus and redeem the time.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying material things, but when your things have you they strangle your soul. We are the most prosperous society to ever live, but we are also the most anxious. Generosity will break the grip of greed and free us to live for the long game.
There is nothing more certain about this life than our departure from it and yet many of us never take our death into consideration in our daily decisions. Think about your death and it will change the way you live.
Sometimes the way that feels right in the moment turns out to be a dead end road. Temptation always talks in the present tense but it takes us to a future we won't want to be a part of. God wants good for us that lasts; learn to live for the long-game.
There is no such thing as not worshiping. No matter where you find yourself Sunday morning you are a worshiper. We all look to something to give us worth and make life worth living, but when we worship the wrong things they're never quite enough. Learn to sing a song that circumstance can't silence.
People crave significance— to make a mark, go viral, and break through. Jesus says the problem is not our desire for greatness but our definition of greatness. He revolutionizes our whole picture of what it means to be a leader and lead a life worth following. Where is your life leading?
Many people say they are into Jesus just not into church, but when we look at the words of Jesus we find that the church was His idea. What He is building is too big for us to accomplish on our own—assembly is required.
We are going to suffer in this life. No one comes through unscathed. The Bible offers an extremely realistic and hopeful view of suffering. When Christian community is genuine there is a power to lift even the heaviest burdens.
Countless Christians live lives in solitary confinement; imprisoned by sins they can't seem to shake, shackled by shame and deeply alone. But if we want to get free we have to get together. The deepest connections come from sharing our vulnerabilites not our abilities and in the context of trusting relationships we find freedom from the habits that hold us back.
Technology has us more connected than ever and yet lonliness is a growing epidempic in our society. God made us for community and Jesus saved us into a community: When we live out His plan for the church, we find the love to cure our loneliness and fill us with a purpose greater than ourselves.
Jesus came to earth on manhunt for the worst of the humanrace. But His missions was seek and to save not capture and kill. When we see He came for the worst parts of our hearts as individuals, His mercy will enable us to go beyond the bare minimum in our Christian lives.
This election cycle has brought hopelessness and pessimism to our nation. But if we have a Father in Heaven then we always have a reason for hope, regardless of what happens on Earth.
The dirtiest scoundrel of all went to the absolute depths of human depravity and discovererd there are no limits to the love of God. We'll see that Jesus' offer is boundless, but it is not endless.
We know there is hope for sinful outsiders but what about a failing insider? Often times it’s the fallen Christian who feels the most condemned and forsaken. We see from the life of David that no one is impervious to tempation and yet no one is too far gone to be forgiven.
For some of us our origin story feels like a horror story: coming from nowhere headed to nothing. The love of God does not have the same limits we see for ourselves. Rahab was a protitute born on the wrong side of history but she was given a part to play in the story of salvation.
When take an honest look at the Biblical heroes we find that they are more stained than they are stained glass. They are flawed and failing; human like we are. If God can bring redemption to these dirty rotten scoundrels then there is hope for filthy hands.
What will you do when the unthinkable happens? Pastor Levi Lusko explains that when he learned to view impossible pain through the right lens, it unlocked incredible power.
Pastor Levi Lusko shares there is God given potential within you waiting to be unlocked, but you can’t get over what God wants under you, until you get under what God has put over you. God prepares His people for authority with authority; the sooner that we learn that, the sooner we can lead lives worth follwing.
If we are honest some texts in the Bible seem crazy at first, but when we keep reading and researching we find that they hold transformative and profound truths. In this text from Mark 11 we’ll see that Jesus wasn’t just hangry or having a bad Monday, He was making a statement that we cannot afford to ignore.
Many people today would say that truth is unknowable. The Bible says that truth is a Person, and when you know Him you will humbly proclaim Him.
Many people think the message of forgiveness will lead to indifference and apathy but when we truly grasp the message of grace we see it makes the deepest difference.
God’s word promises that it never comes back empty, it always bring back good returns. We can be confident that that if we let it flow things will grow.
Jesus came to rescue the sick not those who think they are well. Prejudice can creep into any church but closer we hold to the purpose of Jesus the more we will be a rescue center for the lost.
It’s possible to have a head full of biblical facts without having any idea how any of it fits together. When we come to see the heart of God in the big picture of the scripture our hearts burn within us and we become a part of the story.
When life is at it’s absolute darkest we begin to realize need a light we can look to. The Bible says it is the light-source to lead us, but with so many competing holy books, how can we know that it’s actually reliable?
The Bible brings a big claim of being breathed by God and able to equip us for both this life and the one to come; but can it bring the game?
For thousands of years Christians have practiced baptism. What’s the point? What does it symbolize? What does it communicate?
We have an calling and a destiny promised to us in Christ but we have to enter into what He has given to us. Are you marching forward or falling behind?
Growth really begins when we begin to see our calling as an opportunity not an obligation. Are we going to play our part and jump in? Or will we sit back and miss out?
The average American will spend over 90,000 hours on the job! Is it possible for the Monday morning grind to be just as meaningful as Sunday morning worship? Find out, as Jesus becomes unrivaled in our work place.
Family is a great gift but if we put fallen people at the center of our world they will break our hearts. Only when Jesus rules our ring can we find the grace to walk in our role.
We will never follow Jesus fully if we try to follow Him alone. We were saved into a community. We are better together!
God has a completely new life for us and it all starts with a new mindset; as we align our mind with Heaven it will change everything on Earth.
Men love rules and laws—a criteria to see who is in and out—but God in Jesus has something brighter for us. Step out of the shadows and into the sun.
We can live on a different level free from guilt and accusation. Jesus paid the ultimate price to make that possible, and came out the other side…
Christian growth is moving further into Jesus, not going beyond Him. The struggle to prove value and get affirmation can end; we are complete in Him.
The message of the gospel cannot be taken for granted; when we it truly grips us we will do the hard yards for others to grasp it also.
If Jesus really is God, then the center of the universe is a being who serves and sacrifices for His enemies.
Before we ever think of what we have to do, we need to remember what has been done. Before we can do anything for God, we need to know God is for us.
Tap out to the name of Jesus and He’ll fill you with hope that can’t be tamed or contained.
Is lasting love possible in a landscape with so many fragmented and broken relationships?
Our culture says our deepest beliefs should be kept totally private but good news must go public. We might just have to break some rules…
So many people think Jesus came to restrict our lives when He really came to bring rivers of living water.
You can keep the rules with out being real; God is after our hearts. Don’t let false Christians keep you from the true Christ.
When the religious right said “Don’t drink, don’t chew and don’t go with those who do.” Jesus, the friend of sinners, told a timeless story of what it really looks like to be lost.