Gospel City Church Messages: Recent Episodes
Gospel City Church
Encouraging, informative, and challenging Bible teaching from Jeff Thompson, BJ Chursinoff, and Gospel City Church in Port Coquitlam, Canada.
We all feel it—the brokenness in our world, our relationships, and our own hearts. The Bible explains that this isn’t random or accidental; it’s the result of sin entering the world and corrupting everything it touches. Sin is more than what we do—it’s a condition that separates us from God and leaves us unable to fix ourselves. But understanding the depth of the problem prepares us to see the greatness of the solution.
In a world that constantly assigns value based on appearance, ability, or achievement, God tells a different story. Every human being is created in His image and possesses intrinsic dignity and worth that cannot be earned or lost. This truth transforms how we treat others—calling us to love without partiality. And it reshapes how we see ourselves, reminding us that we are deeply valued simply because we exist.
Every person is living based on what they believe to be true—and those beliefs carry real consequences. The Bible teaches that God created the world from nothing and continues to govern all things with purpose and power. These doctrines aren’t abstract ideas; they shape how we see our lives, our struggles, and our future. When we are anchored in these truths, we find both stability for today and hope for what’s ahead.
Every person is living based on answers to life’s biggest questions—whether consciously or not. But truth isn’t something we create; it must be revealed to us by the One who knows all things. God has made Himself known through creation, through the person of Jesus Christ, and through His Word, giving us clarity in a confusing world. When we build our lives on that revealed truth, we not only find direction—we find unity with others who are anchored in the same source.
What if the most important thing about you isn’t what you do—but what you believe about God? Though He is beyond our full understanding, He has revealed Himself clearly in Scripture, and everything in our lives flows from that reality. When we see Him rightly as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it doesn’t just shape our theology—it unites us as His people.
A divided church confuses the world—but a unified one speaks volumes. Discover how God’s Word anchors us to the same truth and draws us into real, visible oneness.
What if the biggest problem in the church…
is that we’ve been building it our way instead of His?
Jesus already gave the blueprint.
And His desire is clear: “That they may be one.”
Are we building what He designed?
Grace is not permission to sin—it is God’s power to overcome sin. In his letter, Jude warns against antinomianism, the idea that because God forgives us, obedience no longer matters; today this often sounds like, “God knows my heart,” “I can live however I want as long as I believe,” or treating repentance as optional. Instead, Jude calls us to grow in discernment, faith, and perseverance, keeping ourselves in the love of God while trusting that He is able to keep us from stumbling.
If you had one last chance to speak into the lives of people you love, what would you say? In Joshua 23–24, we hear the final words of a faithful leader—and they’re not sentimental, they’re urgent. This message unpacks a clear and timeless call: obey God, beware of compromise, remember His faithfulness, and turn back to Him when you’ve drifted. Because the choices you make today don’t just shape your future—they determine whether you walk in the fullness of what God has promised.
Not every wrong choice is sinful—but some still cost you more than you realize. This message explores how settling for what’s permissible instead of what’s best can quietly shape your future.
You weren’t placed where you are by accident.
Joshua 21 reveals a surprising truth: God scatters His people on purpose—for ministry, for mission, and for something greater than this world.
As a believer, you are part of that plan.
Live like it.
When life is shattered by one irreversible mistake, where do you run? Joshua 20 reveals a God who provides refuge—not just for accidents, but for every soul in need of mercy.
You don’t have to earn what God has already given—but you do have to receive it.
In Joshua 13–19, Israel finally steps into the land they fought for… yet many never fully possess what was theirs. The same is true today. God has given you a specific “lot”—a life, a place, and a purpose. Will you step into it, or settle for less?
Don’t live like a spiritual beggar when you’ve been given a rich inheritance.
You don’t have to learn everything the hard way.
In Joshua 11–12, Israel faces overwhelming opposition but walks into victory by trusting God, not giving in to fear, and dealing decisively with what stood in their way.
In this message, we explore three powerful lessons that can spare you unnecessary pain and spiritual setback:
- Don’t give in to fear
- Don’t put your trust in anything other than God
- Don’t let “giants” remain in your life
The life God has promised is on the other side of these decisions.
Jesus didn’t just promise a better life—He promised to build an unstoppable people. In Matthew 16:18, we discover that the church is not a place, but a powerful movement built on Christ Himself, advancing against the power of death. And here’s the twist: the abundant life Jesus promises is experienced most fully when we join Him in that mission.
Answered prayer isn’t about getting everything you want—it’s about aligning your belief, your heart, and your requests with God’s will. When we truly trust Him, come through Jesus, and pray for what He already desires—salvation and transformation—prayer shifts from wishful asking to powerful partnership with God.
Real freedom isn’t found in better circumstances—it’s found in a Person. In John 8:31–32, Jesus promises that as we remain in His word, we’ll know the truth—and that truth will break sin’s grip on our lives. This message unpacks how Jesus doesn’t just forgive sin, but frees us from its power, inviting us into a life of ongoing, Spirit-empowered freedom.
Jesus promises more than just life—He promises a fruitful life. In John 15:5, we discover that true spiritual fruit isn’t automatic or superficial; it’s produced as we remain in Jesus—hearing, believing, and obeying His Word by the power of His Spirit. When we stay connected to Him, our lives begin to overflow with visible, tangible fruit that reflects His character and brings glory to God.
Because of the resurrection, Jesus doesn’t just offer forgiveness—He offers rest. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites weary, burdened people to stop striving for acceptance and instead receive His perfect righteousness as a gift. This Easter message shows how the risen Christ meets our deepest exhaustion—not by lowering God’s standard, but by fulfilling it for us—and calls us to find true rest by coming to Him in faith.
Jesus doesn’t just offer guidance—He is the light. In a world of confusion, sin, and spiritual darkness, His promise is clear: follow Him, and you’ll finally see—clearly, fully, and truly.
In a world full of financial anxiety, Jesus offers a bold promise: when we put God’s kingdom first, He will provide everything we truly need. This message explores what that promise means—and what it doesn’t.
Just as Israel conquered the Promised Land one city at a time, Christians grow into the abundant life Jesus promises one step at a time. In Joshua 10:28–43, we see a pattern of faithful obedience and steady progress. Rather than being overwhelmed by the size of the promise, God’s people trusted Him and fought the battles in front of them. In the same way, Jesus leads His church to experience His promises—provision, rest, fruitfulness, freedom, and more—as we trust and obey Him daily.
Joshua’s decisive victory over the five kings of Canaan shows the power and confidence that strong leadership produces among God’s people. But Joshua’s triumph points to a far greater King—Jesus Christ. While Joshua conquered enemies in battle, Jesus first came in humility, suffering and dying to make a way for sinners to be saved. Today He reigns with all authority in heaven and patiently waits for people to repent before He returns in power to judge the nations and establish His kingdom. The question for us is simple: Will we trust, wait for, and submit to the true King of kings?
When the odds stack up and the enemy surrounds, God steps in. From supernatural confusion, to heaven-sent hailstones, to the sun standing still in the sky, Joshua 10 reveals a God who overrides nature to fight for His people. But these ancient miracles don’t just display power — they point to something greater: the darkness at the cross, the finished work of Christ, and the miracle of salvation that still changes lives today.
What can a group of ancient deceivers teach us about salvation? In The Gospel According to the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:22–27), we see a powerful foreshadowing of the gospel: hearing God’s warning, fearing judgment, making peace before it’s too late, and becoming servants of the King. This message calls us to face the reality of judgment—and rejoice in the greater reality of a Savior who seeks and saves the lost.
After a mountaintop moment of worship and victory, Israel walks straight into deception. In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites trick God’s people into making a binding oath—because Israel failed to seek the Lord’s direction. The result? A costly reminder that our words matter.
This message explores the danger of relying on our own understanding, the seriousness of truth and integrity before God, and why keeping your word reflects the character of the God of truth. From Joshua’s mistake to the greater faithfulness of King Jesus, we’re reminded: don’t speak lightly—do what you say.
What can you do with the Bible? A lot—but only if you read it. In Joshua 8:34–35, we see Joshua do the most basic, powerful thing with God’s Word: he reads all of it—blessings and curses—to all of God’s people. This message calls us back to that same practice today, showing why reading Scripture is foundational to belief, obedience, and transformation, and culminating in the public reading of Jesus’ own words from the Gospel of Matthew. No commentary. Just the Word—read aloud, heard together, and received as God intends.
God’s Word is more than information—it’s life. In Joshua 8:32–33, we see why preserving Scripture matters, how God has done it through history, and what our role is today.
After Israel’s triumph at Ai, Joshua’s first response wasn’t celebration—it was worship. This message explores what true worship really is: recognizing the one true God, responding to His goodness, and offering Him not just songs or sacrifices, but our whole lives. Victory comes from God, worship belongs to God, and the life surrendered to Him is the life truly gained.
Israel failed at Ai… then God called them to try again. Joshua 8 teaches us that setbacks don’t cancel God’s promises—fear does if we let it win. This message is about courage, obedience, and pressing forward into the life God has promised.
When sin is hidden in the camp, victory stops. From Achan’s failure to Christ’s obedience, Joshua 7 teaches how personal sin can affect the whole community—and why God calls His people to holiness, confession, and grace.
A brand-new year and a new season begin with the same unchanging mission: making Jesus famous. From Joshua 6:27, this sermon reveals how God’s presence, obedience, and faithful people led to fame—not for Joshua’s sake, but to display God’s power. Ultimately, Joshua points us to Jesus, the greater leader whose fame spreads as His people trust and obey Him today. This message casts Gospel City Church’s vision for 2026: lives transformed by Christ so His name is known throughout the land.
As a new year approaches, this message explores the biblical connection between blessing and curse through Joshua 6:26 and the fall of Jericho. It reveals why God set boundaries around what belonged to Him, why people are tempted to rebuild what God has destroyed, and how those boundaries are meant to protect, not harm. Ultimately, the message points to Jesus, who took the curse upon Himself so we could walk in true blessing and live the life God desires for us.
Christmas isn’t unbiblical—it’s a powerful invitation to celebrate the birth of the King of the universe. Drawing from Matthew 2, this message shows how God Himself orchestrated the first Christmas celebration, why the date matters less than the devotion, and what kind of gift truly honors Jesus. The Magi brought treasure, but God invites us to bring something far more valuable: our lives. Christmas is about worship, surrender, and joyfully honoring the Savior who came for us.
Rahab’s story in Joshua 6 shows what happens when faith refuses to stay silent. By counting the cost and taking the risk, she courageously shared the way of salvation, and her house became a refuge amid judgment. This message challenges us to live with the same faith, wisdom, and courage so that others in our life might be saved too.
This sermon wrestles honestly with the difficult verse in Joshua 6:21, showing how its severity reveals God’s justice, impartiality, mercy, and grace. It explains why God judged Jericho’s deep, longstanding wickedness while also giving the city time and opportunity to repent. Even the hardest parts of the passage—including the death of children—are explored through the lens of God’s eternal mercy and the hope He provides. And it asks: What if even the hardest verses of Scripture are meant to reveal more of God’s goodness than we expect?
This message unpacks how God’s promises—like provision, rest, clarity, and freedom—often come with conditions that invite our obedience and perseverance. Through the story of Jericho, we discover three keys to possessing God’s promises: pushing through resistance, claiming only what He has promised, and following His instructions. It challenges us to pursue the abundant life Jesus offers by aligning with His ways, not our own. Are you ready to step forward and claim the promises God has already prepared for you?
This message explores Joshua’s encounter with a mysterious warrior near Jericho and demonstrates from Scripture that the figure is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. By examining His identity as the Commander of the Lord’s army, His acceptance of worship, and His declaration of holy ground, the passage reveals Christ’s eternal presence and authority. The sermon then highlights what this revelation means for believers today—namely that Jesus is not simply “on our side,” but calls us to be on His. Finally, it shows that the battles we face ultimately belong to Him, and we walk in victory when we worship, obey, and align ourselves with the Commander of Heaven’s armies.
This message explores how God reveals Himself as both powerful and faithful through His provision for Israel in the wilderness and in the Promised Land. Drawing from Joshua 5:11–12, it highlights that God provides, invites our participation, and often supplies our needs in different ways. It also addresses the challenging question of why God’s provision sometimes seems absent by offering eight biblical considerations. Ultimately, the message points us to Jesus, the true bread of life who sustains us eternally.
Just as Canadians pause on Remembrance Day to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom, Joshua 5:10 records Israel’s own “Remembrance Day” — the Passover — a sacred reminder of God’s deliverance. In this message, we trace the Passover from its first celebration in Egypt to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Through His sacrifice, death passes over all who place their faith in Him. As the church remembers through communion, we are called to never forget the God who saves, delivers, and remains with His people.
Before claiming the land, Israel had to reclaim their identity. God’s covenant mark reminded them who they belonged to—and who they no longer were. In Christ, we too are cut from our old life and raised into something brand new. The sign has changed, but the call remains: belong fully to God.
We all forget — but God calls His people to remember. Just as Israel set up twelve stones from the Jordan to remind future generations of God’s faithfulness and power, we too need memorials that point us back to what God has done. Remembering shapes who we are, strengthens our faith, and fuels our obedience when new obstacles arise.
Today, the church itself serves as God’s living memorial — a people rescued from impossible situations, set together to declare His strength and faithfulness to the world. When we remember what God has done, we trust Him more deeply, fear Him rightly, and live as a testimony that the Lord’s hand is strong.
This message examines Israel’s crossing of the Jordan River as a powerful moment of transition from wilderness wandering to entering God’s promises. It explains the historical and spiritual significance of the Jordan River and the Ark of the Covenant, showing how God miraculously stopped the river’s flow to lead His people forward. The sermon draws five parallels for the church today: we are always in transition, everyone must move forward together, we follow God’s Word, all believers share in ministry, and consecration prepares us for God’s wonders. Ultimately, it calls believers to be spiritually ready, united, and obedient as God leads them into greater promises.
In Joshua 2, we meet Rahab—a surprising hero who risked everything to align with the God of Israel. As judgment loomed over Jericho, Rahab’s faith and quick action became her family’s path to salvation. This message draws powerful parallels between her story and our own need to be saved from coming judgment. God's mercy is still available today for those who want it.
God promised His people the land—but they still had to go in and fight for it. Why? Because faith takes action, and unbelief is the real enemy. This message explores how the spies in Joshua’s day reveal a deeper truth for us today: it’s not your circumstances holding you back—it’s what you’re believing. Want to experience the life Jesus promised? Start by asking: What’s standing in your way… and are you believing God enough to overcome it?
In this message a striking parallel is drawn between Joshua addressing Israel and Jesus speaking to His church today. It reminds us that when someone speaks to us—especially Christ—our response reveals our heart and shapes the whole community of believers. We are called to hear His clear commands and rely on His strength to obey. In doing so, we discover the life and blessing that come from following Him together.
This message explores the powerful example of the 2½ tribes in Joshua 1 who, though they had already secured their land and rest, were called to cross the Jordan and fight for their brothers until everyone received their promise. In the same way, God calls spiritually mature believers today to use their strength, peace, and victories—not for isolation, but for intercession. Drawing parallels to Jesus’ own self-giving love, this sermon challenges us to give our best, take the lead, and stay in the fight until others are doing okay in Christ too. Because in God’s family, personal peace isn’t enough—we’re called to pursue collective wholeness.
This message unpacks how God moves His people as one through a clear chain of communication—seen in Joshua’s leadership and fulfilled through Jesus and His church. Just like Israel followed Joshua into the Promised Land, the church today follows Jesus through the leadership He’s established. God’s design for unity through His Word and His leaders isn’t just practical—it reflects His very nature. When we move together under His direction, we show the world what He’s like.
God's command to "be strong and courageous" isn’t about self-confidence—it’s about trusting His promises, obeying His Word, and knowing He’s with you. Strength is the ability to do the hard thing; courage is the resolve to do it despite fear. Joshua 1:6–9 reminds us that faith closes the gap between our weakness and God's faithfulness. Because Jesus—the true and better Joshua—led the way with perfect strength and courage, we can follow Him boldly today.
Before Israel could step into the Promised Land, they had to prepare. In Joshua 1, God speaks to Joshua with a blunt truth—“Moses is dead”—and a bold command: “Get ready to go.” Grief, fear, and comfort can keep us stuck, but God’s promises are still alive. He gives us everything we need to move forward: a clear calling, the guarantee of His presence, and the assurance of success—if we follow Him.
Just like Israel, we’re invited to leave behind the wilderness and walk into the life Jesus promised—together, as His people. The question is: Are you ready to go?
This message is a preview of the book of Joshua, showing how its ancient story of leadership, promise, opposition, and obedience mirrors our spiritual journey today. Just as Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, Jesus leads us into the abundant life God has promised. But walking in that promise requires faith, obedience, and trust in God’s Word. This series will explore how we, like Israel, are called to step boldly into all that God has for us.
Paul ends his letter to the Colossians the same way he started it - with the grace of God. This final message in our series looks at how the grace of God to the Colossians is found in the very words that the apostle wrote to them. The entire book of Colossians is an undeserved gift of God's goodness to us. The Word of God to us is the grace of God for us.
Paul is nearly finished his letter to the Colossians. But before he wraps it up he leaves them with some final instructions. He calls them to love the other local churches in their area, to love the Word of God, and to love those in the congregation who need some encouragement - instructions that should still be observed by every local church today.
Luke and Demas - Two coworkers who were with Paul while the apostle was under house arrest in Rome. A few years later only one of them was still found by Paul's side. The other deserted him. In this message we look at why someone would walk away from God and we learn what we should look for in our own lives that would indicate if we will stay faithful until the end.
Paul uses a phrase in Colossians 4:11 when he identifies three of his fellow countrymen who had joined his ministry team; he labels them his "coworkers for the kingdom of God." In this message we take a brief look at the nature of work, the kingdom of God, and how those two ideas are connected.
Failure is a part of life. It is inevitable. Everyone fails. But not everyone recovers from their failures and overcomes them. Mark was somebody who did. In this message we look at what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians concerning Mark and we learn some valuable lessons about overcoming failure.
Paul allocates one half verse to mentioning his fellow prisoner Aristarchus. And he uses these few words at the front end of Colossians 4:10 to relay a message from Aristarchus to the believers at Colossae. And the message is this: Greetings! In this sermon we take a look at the significance of the New Testament greeting and we draw out an implication for our lives by looking at the circumstances that Aristarchus sends his greetings from.
Onesimus comes back home. The backstory behind his leaving Colossae and his return to it is fascinating. And it teaches us a valuable lesson about who we are in Christ.
Tychicus was sent by Paul to deliver his letter to the Colossians. And in that letter, Paul wrote about Tychicus, commending him to the church at Colossae. Why did Paul do that? And what are the implications of Tychicus' commendation for Christians today?
Are you a Christian who wants to be used by God when it comes to leading outsiders into the Kingdom of Heaven? In this message we take a look at how Paul instructed the believers in Colossae to engage with those outside the church. The instructions are timeless. Every believer today would do well to take Paul's words to heart.
Most Christians are not called by God to travel to distant lands to bring the gospel to people who have yet to hear it. But that doesn't mean they aren't called to bring the gospel to people. Because they are! You don't need to hop on a plane to go and share the Good News about Jesus with someone. You can find people in your own backyard who need to hear the message that can save their lives.
In the opening of his letter to the Colossians Paul shared with them how he had been praying for them. Now, as the letter begins drawing to a close, Paul asks them to return the favor - he asks his brothers and sister in the church at Colossae if they would pray for him. Specifically, he asks them to pray for God's intervention in Paul's evangelistic efforts.
Prayer is one of the most important spiritual disciplines in a Christian's life. And yet so many of us go through seasons where we neglect praying. As the Apostle Paul nears the end of his letter to the church in Colossae, he calls them to prioritize this all-important practice. He calls them (and us!) to give ourselves to prayer.
In his letter to the believers at Colossae, the apostle Paul addressed the various relationships that existed in the home. He spoke to husbands and wives. He spoke to fathers and children. And then he spoke to masters and slaves. When we read Paul's words to masters and slaves he doesn't seem to take issue with the institution of slavery that was widespread across the Roman empire in his day. Was Paul pro-slavery? Was he against it? Was he indifferent to it? We unpack those questions and more in this message.
The Apostle Paul continues his letter to the Colossians by addressing the relationships in families. Paul calls the believing fathers and children to live in God's design for the family, a design that reflects how we relate to God and sees the family as a gospel picture.
The Apostle Paul now turns his attention to the foundational relationships in a believer's life - the relationships we experience in the home. And he starts by addressing those who are married. He gives one sentence to wives and one to husbands. Just a few short words, but they will produce a life changing impact upon any marriage if husbands and wives take them to heart.
We used to be clothed with certain attitudes in our old life. But now that we are Christians, we are to put on a brand new way to live... we are to put on Christ. And every one in the church is supposed to be wearing the same thing.
We've been saved by Jesus from out of our old, dead life. And He's saved us into a brand new life with Him. That means that we have to leave our old ways behind us and we begin to learn how to live as His people now. In this message we will look at some of the old practices in our life that have to go if we are now children of God.
On the first Easter weekend 2000 years ago, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion. The implications of His resurrection are intended to shape the way Christians live their lives today.
When someone places their faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ - they die. Jesus' death becomes their death. And that death they experience should impact the way they live.
Occult spiritual practices are nothing new. False teachers attempted to sway the church at Colossae into believing that if a person didn't have these kinds of spiritual experiences then that person didn't truly know God. Paul makes quick work of this false teaching by showing the Colossians that the only spirituality that matters is the one that is connected to Jesus.
False teachers were telling the Christians at Colossae they had to obey commands in the Old Testament Law in order to be saved. Paul tells the Colossians they have no obligation to uphold the Old Testament Law now that they are in Christ. Why did Paul say that? Because the Law was the shadow that pointed ahead to Jesus.
The Apostle Paul warns the Colossians not to be taken captive by the empty deceit and philosophies peddled by false teachers. He reminds the Colossians of the work Jesus did on the cross and the new life that is found in Christ. We were buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God. Jesus is the fullness of God and we have His fullness filling us.
Gratitude is one of the best defenses against false teaching. In this message we learn about the ingredients that make gratitude such a powerful weapon in the Christian life.
The Apostle Paul is aware of the false teaching that is trying to infiltrate the church at Colossae. But instead of getting the Colossians to fixate on the false teaching, Paul calls them to focus on moving forward, continuing to grow their faith in Jesus. Because the stronger one’s faith in Christ is, the harder it will be for false teaching to draw them away from following their Lord.
The Church at Colossae was spiritually healthy. They were doing well. But that didn’t stop the apostle Paul from writing to them about Jesus. Because everybody needs Jesus – both the spiritually sick, and the spiritually healthy.
Every Christian today has Christ living in them – an incalculable treasure of understanding, knowledge, and wisdom. But not every Christian accesses that treasure within them on a regular basis. In this message we will learn that courageous and unified hearts are the key to opening those riches in Christ.
Your Heavenly Father is a good dad. And just like any other parent would, God wants His kids to grow up into maturity.
Although the specific details of each Christian's life will vary from one person to another, the main components of every Christian's life are the same: We all started out alienated from God, Jesus saved us, and then we go on to build the rest of our life upon Him. This is what Paul shares with the Christians at Colossae in the three verses we are looking at in this message.
There are many voices in our world today vying for your allegiance. There are many who are trying to get you to follow them, trust them, align your life with them. But there is only one person worth following. His name is Jesus. In this message we see Paul elevate the person of Christ over and above all other competitors. Jesus is simply the best. There is no competition. And this statement is objectively true.
God has a plan for your life. He wants you to live your life a certain way. And if you give yourself to living how God wants you to live, then you will be blessed. And He will be pleased.
When the gospel was first proclaimed in Colossae it triggered a series of events that culminated with Paul and Timothy giving thanks to God for all that He had done. The things Paul talks about in these verses should mark any group of people who have received the gospel for themselves.
Why should the Christian community at Colossae have cared about the letter that was sent to them from Paul? Why should you care about that same letter if you are a Christian? Paul gives us a compelling reason in the opening two verses of that letter.
We are starting a brand-new sermon series at Gospel City Church where we will be walking through the New Testament book of Colossians. We are spending some time in this introductory message to do the work of tilling the soil of our minds and hearts so that we will be better able to receive what God has to say to us in this book - that Jesus is supreme over all things... including my life and yours.
James uses the final two verses in his letter to highlight the importance of our roles as Christians in the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters. According to James, our involvement in each other's lives could be a matter of life or death.
God loves you so much He came into this world to save you. That love is what Christmas is all about.
*Note: I (BJ) made an anatomy mistake in this message. In one of my illustrations I confused the number of kidneys we have with the number of livers we have. For the record, we only have one liver. I hope that slip up doesn't distract you from hearing the good news I share in this message. Bless you. And Merry Christmas!
On the first Christmas day an angel appeared to some shepherds nearby and declared that the birth of Jesus was good news of great joy for all people. In this message we take a look at how the birth of Jesus can produce joy in our lives today.
Jesus was born into our world to secure for us something much more valuable than a couple extra days off work and school each December. Jesus was born into the world to bring humanity hope. In this first message of a four-part Christmas series at Gospel City Church we explore what hope is, the reason we can put our hope in what God has promised us, and how anyone can access this super-sized hope that we have in Jesus.
"Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. Elijah was a human being as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit." - James 5:13-18
"Come now, you rich people, weep and wail over the miseries that are coming on you. Your wealth has rotted and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have stored up treasure in the last days. Look! The pay that you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields cries out, and the outcry of the harvesters has reached the ears of the Lord of Armies. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and have indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the righteous, who does not resist you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. Brothers and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door! Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience. See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about—the Lord is compassionate and merciful. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “yes” mean “yes,” and your “no” mean “no,” so that you won’t fall under judgment." - James 5:1-12
"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it.
- James 4:13-17
Part One in a Four Part Series of the blueprint Jesus has for his Church. Presented by Pastor BJ Chursinoff.
Pastor BJ Chursinoff continues the walk in part two of Jesus' Blueprint for His church - Jesus' Spirit
Pastor BJ steps into the territory of what Jesus' meant when he referred to His Family. From Genesis to Jesus' word, BJ spares no blushes in the celebration of the eternal family thanks to the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself. Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world. We resume our series on the book of James. Sermon by Pastor BJ Chursinoff.
Pastor BJ walks us along the very fundamentals of Christian faith through Jesus' Mission, the how, the why and the gift of salvation. Worthy is the lamb!
James continues unpacking the profound truth of V.22 that true faith is transformative, leading to observable changes in our lives. We're encouraged to look 'intently' into God's Word, allowing it to reveal our true selves, show us who God is, and remind us of our identity in Christ.
James shares one of the most important verses in the Bible, telling us plainly that salvation isn't just about hearing God's Word, but acting on it. This message urges us to reflect on whether we're merely accumulating knowledge or truly allowing God's Word to change our lives. It's a sobering reminder that self-deception is a real danger, and that the evidence of our faith is found in our obedience to Christ.
In this study, we'll delve into the critical importance of controlling our anger and speech. We'll learn how to handle our anger in a God-honoring way by turning to reflection, rather a reaction, when we're upset. And we'll learn what the power of grace is supposed to do in our lives with regard to anger, as we grow in godliness over the years.
James 1:19 contains three specific commands to believers that profoundly affect how we interact with one another, be it in conversation or conflict. The second and third exhortations are to be "slow to speak, and slow to anger".
Jesus died on the Cross so we could live a life full of His resurrection power. But a lot of us don’t realize that we have to die too before we can experience that power in our lives.
Christians need to maintain spiritual balance as we follow Jesus. And we are able to experience this balance when we live out the implications of the Gospel in our life.
James 1:19 contains three specific commands to believers that profoundly affect how we interact with one another, be it in conversation or conflict. The first exhortation is to be "quick to listen".
After warning us to not be deceived into thinking God is tempting us or trying to set us up to fail with temptation and sin, James exhorts us to instead have a right view of God as the source of every good and perfect gift.
We continue examining the reality of our own evil desires and how they create temptations for us. We'll also look at how James' teaching disproves dangerous lies about LGBTQ+-related issues that are growing in popularity in the Church.
James reveals the shocking source of our temptation in trials and we'll look at ways to live effectively in light of it.
In this study, James gives us clarity on questions like, "Does God ever set me up to fail in a trial?" and "Is God ever trying to get me to sin by tempting me?" We'll also learn why love for God motivates endurance in trials.
In this study, we are reminded that earthly riches and status are fleeting, while our eternal inheritance in Christ is imperishable. As believers, we should find our joy and hope in Him, regardless of our socioeconomic circumstances. The Bible calls both the poor and the rich to focus on the reality of eternity, rather than temporary earthly conditions. This wisdom helps us maintain a proper perspective, especially in the face of trials and an uncertain future.
This message delves into the wonderful promise of James 1:5-8, which assures us that if we ask God for wisdom in our trials, He will generously provide it. BUT... there are conditions. And we'll dig into those in this study.
What is wisdom and how do we get it? In this study, we'll search the Scriptures for answers to these questions and learn why wisdom makes all the difference in our trials.
What is God like in our trials? How does He receive us when we come to Him for help? As we continue examining the subject of trials sent or allowed by God into our lives, we'll spend some more time learning about the heart of God.
God uses trials to test and refine our faith, revealing things like where we find our identity, hope, and sense of security. In this study, we'll illuminate more of the ways God works in our lives to do good through trials.
When our faith is tested, we are invited to draw closer to the God who draws near to us in our trials. In this study, we'll explore more of the ways God works good in our lives through trials.
One of the reasons God sends us trials is to reveal the genuineness (or lack thereof) of our faith. We'll talk about that in this study, as well as a profound perspective on trials that unfold in the aftermath of our failures.
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God sends trials to get our attention and sometimes He sends trials to humble us. Learn why that's a good thing, and how the Lord uses trials to get us to the place where He can bless us.
James shares a shocking command, instructing believers to view their trials with joy. In this study, we’ll learn why God sends trials to His children, and why they’re so good for us.
Despite being a recognized apostle and the half-brother of Jesus, James identifies himself as, "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ". In this study, we'll talk about what it means to be a slave to Christ, and why it's the most blessed and free way to live.
On the first Easter Sunday, we find the disciples hiding together for fear of the religious leaders. Their expectations of who Jesus was and what He came to do were dashed to pieces when He was brutally murdered at the hands of the Romans. But all their unmet expectations evaporated when the resurrected Messiah walked into the room. This same Jesus will still change anyone’s life today when He meets with them too.
Paul continues his journey to Rome being used by God mightily along the way and, according to Church tradition, planting churches everywhere he went. And as we wrap up the Book of Acts, we are reminded that most of the time, the glorious truth of the good God is doing in each of us will only be revealed over time.
The final scene in the book of Acts doesn’t appear to be all that inspiring. The Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome. He’s allowed visitors, but he isn’t allowed to travel anywhere. But that’s OK. Because placing an Apostle under house arrest cannot stop the Kingdom of God from advancing.
Jesus said that He came to give His followers abundant life. But none of us are magically transported into this blessing once we become a Christian. We need to follow Jesus by faith, through obstacles that stand in the way of us experiencing the quality of life that our Lord came to give us.
Paul finally begins his journey to Rome, only to run into a deadly storm on the Mediterranean Sea that threatens to kill him and the 267 other people on board. But amid the chaos and terror, Paul emerges as a leader filled with Christlike faith and an example for us to emulate.
As Felix, the governor of Judea, is recalled to Rome, a new governor, Festus, arrives. He examines Paul's case and puts on a special audience with Paul for King Agrippa II, allowing Paul to state his case by sharing his incredible testimony.
An imminent assassination plot necessitates Paul being rushed out of Jerusalem by night under military escort. He is taken to the governor's mansion in Caesarea Maritima, where he is placed on trial before Felix. As Paul is afforded an opportunity to share the Gospel with Felix and his wife, Drusilla, we are reminded of the seriousness and urgency of responding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
The Roman commander Claudius Lysias continues trying to figure out why the Jews in Jerusalem are so agitated by Paul. And in the midst of Paul's discouragement, a visit from Jesus teaches us about the nature of His supernatural comfort.
Paul responds to being brutally attacked in Jerusalem by sharing his testimony with those who had just tried to take his life. His testimony serves as an example of how Christians can share their testimony when God provides opportunities to do so.
Paul's attempts to appease the Jewish believers in Jerusalem backfire, as a riot breaks out on the Temple Mount and he has to be rescued by a Roman commander and over 200 soldiers. We'll also dig a little deeper into one of the central issues of the Christian life - our identity in Christ.
As Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he is greeted with the news that he has become a lightning rod of controversy as issues of culture, heritage, ethnicity, and traditions collide with the Gospel. We'll see Paul display incredible humility, as he pursues unity in the Church through the power of the love of Christ.
Paul and his team are making their way to Jerusalem, and they get a lot of help along the way. There was a mission to fulfill and everyone played a part in getting the job done. In this message, we consider what it would look like today for the Church to live on mission together, as we see in the Book of Acts.
Paul leaves the Ephesian elders in Miletus and heads for Jerusalem, which requires a few stops along the way. In this message, we'll witness the special bond between genuine believers and delve into some issues related to the gift of prophecy.
Jesus says it is more blessed to give than to receive. In this message, we'll learn how to experience the blessing Jesus associates with giving, in our lives.
When Paul met with the Ephesian elders in Miletus, he called them to remember Jesus' words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Jesus perfectly embodied these words in His earthly life. And this Christmas season, we are called to remember that He is blessed because He gave Himself for us and to us.
As Paul wraps up his parting words to the Ephesian elders, we'll learn what happened to the Church at Ephesus in the decades that followed.
Paul continues warning the Ephesian elders about the danger false teachers pose to the Church. We'll survey some of what the Bible tells us about the motivations and practices of false teachers, along with some practical examples.
As Paul continues sharing his parting words with the Ephesian elders, he commands them to prioritize their walk with Christ and watch out for "wolves."
Paul continues sharing his final words with the elders of the Church in Ephesus, revealing the incredible power of life focused on Christ.
Paul begins his final missionary journey by visiting churches he planted over the years in Greece. A stop in Troas sees a young man raised from the dead before Paul continues to Miletus, where he meets with the elders of the Church in Ephesus, modeling love for Christ and His Church.
After Christianity cripples the occultic book business in Ephesus, craftsmen worry their miniature silver idols business could be next. The result is a mob stirred up into a frenzy, which teaches us about the response turning to Christ can produce in those who still love the world.
Some traveling Hebrew exorcists learn the hard way that the name of Jesus is not a magic word or an incantation, and "many" Ephesians turn to Christ after witnessing His power through Paul's ministry in their city. The radical and immediate actions of those new believers remind us just how profound the immediate change produced by the Holy Spirit coming into a person's life is.
What are "evil spirits" and demons? Where did they come from? How do they get into our lives? In this study, we delve into the supernatural world and see what God's Word has to say about this very strange and yet very real phenomenon.
We continue to unpack the strange account found in these two verses by looking at the present-day "Prosperity Gospel," how our actions can release faith, and how sin can sometimes cause physical sickness, pain, and suffering.
In Ephesus, a strange phenomenon occurs as people are miraculously healed by touching Paul's sweat cloths and aprons. We'll dig into what was happening, why, and what it can teach us about supernatural healing in the Church today.
In this final message, we'll hear one more biblical argument for the practice of church membership. And what does a person do if they want to become a member of the church after hearing all the arguments laid out in this series? We'll explain that process briefly in this message too.
What does Jesus have to say about church membership? Lots, actually! In this message, we'll see that Jesus tells His disciples to practice church membership. It's a practice that the King prescribes.,
Is church membership biblical? That's the question this series will attempt to answer. In this message, we look in the Bible at how God’s people have always practiced formal membership. It was practiced when it came to belonging to Israel in the Old Testament and it was practiced when it came to belonging to the Church in the New Testament. When we observe this pattern, it should lead us to ask the question: Can a practice be unbiblical if it is practiced all throughout the Bible?
In this study, we’ll continue discussing practical pointers on how to suffer well in life’s difficult seasons.
If we’re going to suffer, how do we suffer well? How can we bring glory to God and experience as much peace, hope, love, and life as possible in our trials?
It is critical that we correctly diagnose the cause of our suffering so that we can respond appropriately. In this message, we’ll look at the four primary causes of suffering in the life of the believer, and how we should respond in each instance.
One of the most frequently raised objections to Christianity is the problem of evil. How can a good God exist if there is so much pain and suffering in the world? I this message, we’ll explore what the Bible says about this classic existential dilemma.
This isn't the first time we're talking about church membership at Gospel City. This introductory message will explain why we're bringing up the topic again and will lay the foundation for a brand-new series by addressing one of the biggest pushbacks some people give - the claim that local church membership is too rigid.
As we begin to follow Paul’s pivotal three years of ministry in Ephesus, we are reminded of the importance of yielding to the gracious revelation of truth by God. The alternative is a hardening of the heart, which produces disastrous results.
As Paul heads home to Antioch to end his second missionary journey, we are reminded to submit our daily lives, decisions, and plans to the Lord’s will.
Despite things going well in Corinth, Paul begins to see a familiar pattern emerging that usually ends with him being beaten within an inch of his life or thrown in prison, and having to flee persecution before he is murdered. But the Lord comes to Paul as he sleeps, speaks encouragement, and intervenes to change the course of events.
Paul moves on to the city of Corinth, where God "shepherds" Paul by leading him into a season of rest before returning him to full-time ministry with wonderful results.
Paul finds himself on the Acropolis of Athens before the Areopagus - the city’s rulers and leading philosophers, who ask him to share the message he has been preaching in the agora (the city’s marketplace).
After being forced to flee Thessalonica due to persecution, Paul moves on to Berea, where he encounters a synagogue of “noble” men and women who receive the Gospel “with eagerness”.
Once again, Paul’s powerful Gospel preaching evokes strong reactions both positively and negatively, bringing new souls into the Kingdom and stirring up a mob that seeks to drive him and Silas out of Thessalonica with the charge that they are “turning the world upside down.”
When Paul and Silas left Philippi, they made their way to Thessalonica. And they didn’t waste any time before they began sharing the Gospel with the people there! As we look back at how Paul evangelized in that city, we can gain some practical insights that will help us share the good news of Jesus wherever He has placed us today.
In this Bible study, we’ll see the aftermath of Paul and Silas’ run-in with the city magistrates in Philippi, how they handled brutal persecution, and how the Philippian church grew in grace and sanctification by supporting Paul’s ministry.
While Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke were sharing the gospel in Philippi, Paul cast an evil spirit out of a slave girl. Their reward for working such a powerful miracle in the name of Jesus? Intense persecution. In this message, we’ll look at what happened in Philippi and learn how persecution is inseparable from the Christian faith.
Paul and his team take the Gospel into Europe for the first time starting with the city of Philippi, where they encounter two very different women - one a picture a freedom, the other a picture of slavery.
Paul and Barnabas have a heated disagreement, part ways, and head out on new journeys to visit the churches they had planted previously and preach the Gospel.
The Apostle James settles the Jerusalem Council with a letter to the Antioch Church that calls Gentile Christians to cut all ties with pagan idolatry and sexual immorality and affirms their identity as full members of the Church.
Paul, Barnabas, and some of the other brothers from Antioch journey to Jerusalem for the first apostolic council to answer the vital question, "What must a man do to be saved?"
The crowd in Lystra goes from hailing Paul as a god one day to trying to stone him to death the next. We’ll look at what causes such dramatic changes in people’s attitudes toward the Gospel, and why it is God’s plan that we go through trials in this life.
After being expelled from Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas head into the countryside and preach the Gospel in the provincial town of Lystra. After healing a lame man, the city responds by declaring them to be gods! We'll learn the Gospel always creates division, and we'll see how godly men respond to unhealthy amounts of praise and adoration.
Paul encourages those who converted to Christianity following his sermon to “continue in the grace of God.” We’ll examine what that means, what it looks like in the life of the believer, and how it proves our salvation.
Paul powerfully preaches the Gospel to an audience of Jews and Gentile seekers in a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch.
Paul and Barnabas set out with John Mark on their first missionary journey after being sent out from the Church in Antioch. They head to Cyprus, where thousands turn to follow Jesus and they end up in a discussion about the Gospel with the Roman governor of the island. However, there is a Rasputin-like figure lurking in the proconsul’s court who opposes the message of Paul, resulting in a clash between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness.
As God calls Paul and Barnabas to be missionaries, we gain insight into how and when God speaks, and learn how every believer can find the power to effectively minister to those the Lord has placed in their life.
As Peter sleeps in prison, scheduled to be executed the following day, he is visited by an angel who miraculously escorts him to safety. We’ll talk more about guardian angels, giving glory to God, and the difficult question of why God works miracles for some but not for others.
In the last lesson of our series and the last choice, we’ll learn the “Y” in our R-E-C-O-V-E-R-Y acrostic stands for “Yield.” It also stands for “You.” God wants you to yield to Him and allow Him to recycle the pain in your life for the benefit of others.
We’re going to answer two important questions in this message: “Why does God allow our pain?” And “How can we use our pain to help others?”
At the end of this message, Rachelle will share a bit of her story with us.
We’ve submitted, trusted, and committed. We’ve made room for God to make major changes in our life. But now, if we’re not careful, the dreaded R-word can creep into our life: Relapse.
If we don’t keep the positive momentum going, any one of us can relapse back into the old hurts, hang-ups, and habits that Jesus has been freeing us from. And this is what we’re going to be talking about in this message - how we can keep the momentum going so that we can experience more and more of the freedom God wants for us, instead of going back to where He saved us from.
At the end of this message, Randy will join us to share a bit of his testimony of how Jesus has been working on this process in his life.
In Choice 6, we’re going to work on making “corrections” in some of our relationships by doing some relational repair work that involves a two-part process. We’ll start by looking at what’s involved in forgiving those who have hurt us, and then we’ll work on making amends for those we have hurt.
At the end of this message, we’ll hear from Heidi as she shares a bit of her story with us.
Because God loves you, God wants to change you. In this lesson, we’ll look at what a character defect is, and why it is so darn hard for us to get rid of them. And we’ll learn how to cooperate with God in His process of changing us.
At the end of the message, we’ll hear from a member of Gospel City Church, Kyle, as he shares some of his story with us.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could live without the fear that our past might catch up with us?
If we are ever going to recover from the hurts, hang-ups, and habits in our lives and know the joy of a pure heart, we’ll have to learn how to let go of our guilt and shame and gain a clear conscience.
In this lesson, we’ll learn about coming clean. It won’t be easy, but it is broken down into steps – and the results will change your life forever.
At the end of this message, BJ invites his wife, Jessica, to join him and she shares part of her story with us.
How do you break out of the cycle of despair?
If you’ve followed through on the first two choices in this series, you’re already moving out of this vicious cycle. You’ve made the “Reality Choice,” where you admitted your need. You’ve also made the “Hope Choice,” believing that you matter to God and that He has the power to help you.
Now you are ready to make the third choice, the “Commitment Choice,” where you make the decision to walk across the line. You take a step across that line of decision – a step toward God that says you are giving it all to Him and a step away from the old way of doing it all yourself.
If you haven’t made this choice as yet, it will be the most important choice in your life – the choice to accept Christ. For others who have already chosen Christ, this choice will mean a renewed commitment to let go of their lives and give them over to Christ’s care and control.
In last week’s message we learned that no matter how hard we try to keep everything under control, we are powerless to control our tendency to do wrong, and that makes our lives unmanageable.
In this week’s lesson we’ll talk about moving out of the role of playing God and into the role of receiving God’s power into our lives. We will also gain a vision of the hope and help God offers us.
Finally, we’ll get to hear from a member of Gospel City Church, Gem, as she shares a little bit of her story with us.
As members of the human race, we all deal with life’s hurts, hang-ups, and habits. In this week’s lesson we’ll look at the cause of these hurts, hang-ups, and habits, their consequences, and their cure.
At the end of the message, we will be joined by one of the members of Gospel City Church, Marnin, who shares a little bit of his story with us.
We’ve all been hurt by other people, we’ve hurt ourselves, and we’ve hurt others. And, as a result, every single one of us ends up with some sort of hurt, hang-up, or habit. And the question we all face is, “Where do we go from here?”
There is one picture that captures the essence of Christmas better than any other. It’s a picture of a scene that took place on the very first Christmas day. It’s a picture that conveys the point of Christmas. And if you listen closely to what this picture is telling you, you will find the greatest Christmas present the world has ever known.
The night before Peter was scheduled to be executed, we find him sleeping soundly in his prison cell. How is this possible? We’ll revisit the storm on the Sea of Galilee in search of answers.
The Gospel explodes in the city of Antioch, as the first Jew/Gentile mixed church is born.
Peter visits the household of Cornelius and preaches the Gospel. What happens next changes the course of history.
God continues moving the Gospel outward toward the Gentiles, as He gives Peter a strange vision and commands him to go to the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion.
The focus shifts from Saul to Peter, and we see God work two remarkable miracles through him as he travels across Judea, ministering to the scattered Church.
Three years after his astonishing conversion, Saul travels to Jerusalem seeking fellowship with the Apostles and the Church. His initial attempts are rejected, as the brothers wrestle with fear and prospect of walking through some very difficult forgiveness.
When Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, everything changed. In this study, we’ll examine the details of one of the most famous events in the Bible, and how it changed the course of history.
The Gospel continues moving outward, as Philip is sent by the Lord to minister one-on-one to a marginalized Ethiopian Jew who is searching for God in one of the greatest Old Testament prophecies, the “Servant Song” of Isaiah 52 and 53.
Persecution crashes down upon the young Church in Jerusalem, scattering her members across Judea, Samaria, and beyond. As they flee, they preach the Gospel and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. This study focuses in on some amazing developments that unfold as the Gospel is preached in Samaria.
As we witness the final part of Stephen's address before the Sanhedrin, we learn what it looks like to follow Jesus in life and death.
Stephen continues his address to the Sanhedrin, highlighting Israel’s tragic history of rejecting God’s messengers and wasting opportunities to be delivered from slavery, exile, and aimless wandering.
Stephen continues his address to the Sanhedrin, highlighting Israel’s tragic history of rejecting God’s messengers and wasting opportunities to be delivered from slavery, exile, and aimless wandering.
Stephen was one of the greatest men who ever lived. In Part 1, we’ll study his rise to prominence in the Early Church, the adversity he encountered, how he answered charges of blasphemy brought against him, and what his message means for us today.
Stephen was one of the greatest men who ever lived. In Part 1, we’ll study his rise to prominence in the Early Church, the adversity he encountered, how he answered charges of blasphemy brought against him, and what his message means for us today.
In this message, we’ll examine 4 marks of a healthy, growing church. We can observe each of them on the Early Church in the Book of Acts. And by God’s grace, we will see these same marks on the local church today.
In this message, we’ll examine 4 marks of a healthy, growing church. We can observe each of them on the Early Church in the Book of Acts. And by God’s grace, we will see these same marks on the local church today.
Why are so many people uninterested in the Church today? Why do unbelievers stay away? Why do a lot of believers seem indifferent? What if part of the reason is that much of the time, the Church is boring? But what if people experienced the Church today as it is recorded for us in the Book of Acts? “Boring” would be the last word you would use to describe the Church back then! And I think that this “un-boring” expression of the Church is what everyone in our world needs. And it’s the way that the Church should be. In this message, we'll take a peek at what the Early Church looked like and wrestle with what would need to happen for us to experience that same kind of life in our churches today.
Why are so many people uninterested in the Church today? Why do unbelievers stay away? Why do a lot of believers seem indifferent? What if part of the reason is that much of the time, the Church is boring? But what if people experienced the Church today as it is recorded for us in the Book of Acts? “Boring” would be the last word you would use to describe the Church back then! And I think that this “un-boring” expression of the Church is what everyone in our world needs. And it’s the way that the Church should be. In this message, we'll take a peek at what the Early Church looked like and wrestle with what would need to happen for us to experience that same kind of life in our churches today.
How are Christians today supposed to view the issue of financial giving to the Church? Is there a difference between the old covenant commands given to Israel and the instructions given to the Church by Jesus and the Apostles? We’ll tackle these controversial questions by (as always) looking at Scripture and seeing what the Lord has to say to His people.
The joy of the Church’s first few weeks of life is interrupted by two shocking deaths, as God sends a clear message to His Church about the seriousness of lying and hypocrisy.
As the Early Church continues to grow, the Holy Spirit stirs her members to radical financial generosity. As we study this move of God, we’ll discuss social justice, the mandate Jesus has given His Church, and how we can discern who we’re called to help as individuals, couples, families, and a church.
A boldness marks the Church in the Book of Acts that was necessary in light of the persecution the Church faced back then. And this same boldness needs to mark the Church today if we are going to continue to follow Jesus faithfully in a world that stands in opposition to Him.
God works a miracle through Peter and John, who direct all the glory back to Jesus and call the gathering crowd to repent. Their example reveals the one thing those who desire to be used by God need to understand.
How should Christians view the issue of abortion? Is it reasonable to expect non-believers to share our views? Is abortion sometimes necessary? Jeff dives into these important questions from biblical, ethical, logical, and medical perspectives to provide some answers.
the early church devoted themselves to. We’ll contemplate how and why disciples of Jesus are to devote themselves to those same things in the Church today.
The work of making disciples is not finished after someone is born again. Jesus didn’t commission His Church to go and make converts; He commissioned us to go and make disciples. The real work of discipleship begins after a person becomes a Christian. In this message, we begin examining what discipleship looked like in the first months of the Early Church.
After Jesus rose from the dead He gave His disciples the command to go and make disciples. Then Jesus ascended to Heaven. And then His disciples waited and prayed for 10 days in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them. That was the day the Church was born. And on the very first day the Church was born, we see the disciples of Jesus begin to do the very thing Jesus commanded them to do - make disciples.
As a gathering crowd reacts with astonishment to the supernatural phenomena occurring on the Day of Pentecost, Peter preaches the incredible first sermon of the Church Age.
Acts 2 reveals the gift of tongues for the first time in Scripture. But what about the other gifts of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in his epistles? This study will provide an overview of those gifts and their purpose in the Church today.
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Jeff brings clarity to a subject too often made confusing, and explains why it is essential for every follower of Jesus.
What is the gift of tongues? Let’s look at what the Bible has to say and how it applies to us personally and collectively as the Church.
Jeff walks through the miraculous events in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost, explains the differences between being saved, regenerated, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and discusses what happened when Jesus breathed on the Disciples in John 20:22.
As the followers of Jesus wait in Jerusalem to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, Jeff highlights two vital ingredients that always precede a powerful move of God - obedience to Jesus and prayer.
After Jesus rose from the dead, He spent 40 days with His disciples before ascending to Heaven before their very eyes. During these 40 days, He taught them about the Kingdom of God and shared some final words that not only shaped the rest of the disciples' lives but the Church itself for the past 2,000 years.
The opening 3 verses of the Book of Acts set the stage for the incredible story of the Church.
Our study through the Book of Revelation concludes with a few more glimpses of the glorious New Jerusalem, followed by closing comments from John and Jesus.
John is shown more details of the glorious and eternal future home of all who love the Lord, the New Jerusalem.
Jesus reveals to John His incredible plan to once again create an earth and heavens from nothing, as we look to the Scriptures and dream together about the wonders of Heaven and the ages to come.
At the end of the Millennium, the universe ceases to exist and unbelievers are gathered together in the heavenly realms for the Great White Throne Judgment…
As Jesus inaugurates the thousands years of His reign, we learn more about what life on the earth will be like in the Millennium.
The moment of Jesus’ return has finally arrived! This study sees Jesus return to the earth with His saints at the Second Coming, to rule and reign from the throne of David in Jerusalem and usher in the thousand years of the Millennial Kingdom.
Heaven rejoices over the destruction of Babylon and prepares for the Second Coming, including the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Continuing God’s destruction of Babylon which began in Revelation 17, chapter 18 details the destruction of economic Babylon.
Before the Second Coming in chapter 19, John is shown the destruction of mystical and literal Babylon, beginning with religious Babylon.
It’s a sad reality that if you’ve been around Christianity for more than 10 years, you’ve probably seen a pastor or ministry leader fall into moral failure. It can be shocking, deeply hurtful, and raise all kinds of difficult questions. In this special message, Jeff looks at some of the theological and practical issues around this subject, and the lessons we should learn for ourselves and our churches.
In the final message of this miniseries, we shift our focus to some essential truths God’s Word reveals about marriage.
In this message we’ll identify 4 lies many people believe about singleness, and then tackle a question for the ages: How can I know if God has called me to be single or to be married?
God designed our relationships to flourish, and yet we all experience brokenness in our relationships. What happened? Why is there such a big gap between what God intended for us and what we experience in our relationships today? In this message, we’ll look back at where it all went wrong, and see some of the ways we’ve been experiencing the fallout in our relationships ever since. But don’t worry - we’ll also discover that God has always had a plan to fix everything.
We open this message miniseries by examining God’s original design for the relationships He created for us to enjoy. It’s a study that takes us back to the beginning, and Genesis 1 & 2…
We move into the final few weeks of The Great Tribulation as the Lord unleashes the 7 bowl judgments in rapid succession, in preparation of The Second Coming.
Before the main narrative resumes with the bowl judgments, John fills us in on various details from various times, to help round out our understanding of Revelation…
The infamous mark of the beast and the number 666 come into focus as a second “beast” emerges in the Great Tribulation…
In this unprecedented time of pandemic, public health orders, health concerns vs. civil liberties, how should the Christian and the Church respond? In this special message, Jeff looks at some key truths in the Scriptures that can help guide us through the coming days.
One of the Gospel’s great mysteries is that God comes to dwell in His people the moment they are born again. God is love, and His love is poured into our hearts by way of His Spirit. We are meant to enjoy this love, but it is not meant for us alone. In this final message in our “Love” series, we’ll explore what it looks like to love other people with the love God has poured into us.
John receives a vision that corresponds with a vision Daniel received hundreds of years earlier that is packed with shocking details regarding the rise of antichrist in The Tribulation.
As we read of Satan’s enraged state in The Great Tribulation, we’ll learn about his 2 favourite tactics and the 3 powerful weapons God gives us to counter them.
Why has Israel, a relatively tiny people group and country, been such a lightning rod across the centuries? Where does anti-semitism come from? And what does it have to do with The Great Tribulation? In this study, we’ll dive into the enigma that is Israel, and find some answers.
God doesn’t love His people from a distance. God, who is love, takes up residence in every Christian the moment they place their faith in Jesus. If God’s love is in us, then why do we have such a hard time experiencing His love in a tangible way? If God is in us, then why does it feel like He’s not in us a lot of the time? We’ll wrestle with these classic questions of the Christian life in this message.
As John continues filling us in on other events that have been unfolded during The Tribulation, we learn about two mysterious miracle-working prophets who appear in Jerusalem to preach for 3.5 years…
Before the final wave of judgments hit the earth, Revelation takes a breather to fill us in on some other developments that have been unfolding during The Tribulation - including something currently unimaginable being built in Jerusalem...
After the angel's ominous warning of "Woe, woe, woe" at the end of chapter 8, trumpets 5 and 6 wreak exactly that upon the inhabitants of the earth, delivering horrific supernatural judgments.
As the wrath of The Tribulation resumes, we discover that the 7th and final seal judgment consists of 7 trumpet judgments. In this study, we'll look at the first 4 - The Judgment of the Thirds.
Everybody loves the idea of love. But if we look around the world today, we see a lot of lovelessness. Why the disconnect? Perhaps we are confused about what love is and how it works. In this message, we will lay a foundation for understanding love. We pray this understanding will enable you to experience the love that we all desperately long for – the love we were made for.
Before the final seal judgment is opened, God pushes the PAUSE button to do something amazing involving the mysterious 144,000 and the greatest revival the world will ever see…
With the Church safe in Heaven, the Day of the Lord arrives. As Jesus, the Lamb of God, opens the scroll that is the title deed to the earth, The Tribulation begins...
Revelation 5 explains how our world became so broken and why it's stayed that way, before looking ahead to the glorious moment when things will begin to change as the only One who can make things right takes back ownership of the earth.
After being raptured in Revelation 4:1, John finds Himself in the Throne Room of Heaven with the Church, where he witnesses the indescribable glory of God.
Let's talk about how we will practice church membership at Gospel City Church. As always, the Word of God guides our steps...
This message tackles 2 questions - "What is church membership?" and "Is it biblical?" We'll build a definition of church membership and then lay out the biblical case for it...
In this series, we are laying the foundation for church membership at Gospel City Church. We're starting with the question, “What is the Church?” because we cannot talk about membership in the Church until we have a good understanding of what the Church is!
Speaking of the doctrine of the Rapture, the late Chuck Missler said, “It’s the most preposterous doctrine in all of Christianity. The only thing it’s got going for it is that it’s unquestionably true.” In this message, we'll take a look at the Rapture's place in the Book of Revelation and what the rest of Scripture says about it.
In His most scathing assessment, Jesus writes to the church that will define the last days. The fact that we are living in the age of this church means we need to pay especially close attention to these serious warnings.
Philadelphia is the church that every Christian should want to be identified with. In this study, we'll learn why Jesus loves this particular church so much, and how we too can bless Him by living the same way.
Jesus addresses a church that was once vibrant and thriving but is now merely going through the motions, living off the reputation of their founders, traditions, and history. They claim to be alive but Jesus reveals the sober truth in no uncertain terms, telling them, "you are dead."
The 7 letters now reach the final 4 churches, which still exist (prophetically) today. Easily the most controversial of the 7 letters, Thyatira speaks of the Catholic Church.
After enduring horrific persecution, the Church at Pergamos is forced to contend with the temptation to compromise and split their devotion between Jesus and the world.
Jesus writes an encouraging letter to strengthen a church enduring intense persecution, and in the process encourages, challenges, and focuses us on what it means to be truly faithful to the Lord.
Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation contain letters written by Jesus to 7 churches. Each letter has multiple levels of application, and addresses different aspects of the Christian life. In this first letter, we learn just how much Jesus values relationship over religion.
John's incredible visions begin with an encounter with the King of Kings, Jesus. We'll learn how Jesus is at the centre of the Book of Revelation, how we can be blessed by studying it, and how the Old Testament is the key to understanding it.
Before we dive into the Book of Revelation, it's worth taking a moment to understand how we're going to approach the text and why we're going to approach it that way, and to familiarize ourselves with the differing primary views on this amazing book.
Pictures are powerful teaching tools. In this message, we look at two pictures that help us understand the new life that God wants to give to every single person. And at the end of the message, we hear the testimonies of six people from Gospel City who followed Jesus through the waters of Baptism on Sunday, June 13, 2021.
The local church doesn't have to come up with a fancy, new, cutting-edge mission statement. We already have a mission. It was given to the Disciples after Jesus rose from the dead, and it’s been the mission of the Church ever since. Jesus calls His followers to make disciples. In this message, we'll discuss what fulfilling that mission statement can look like for Christians today.
Love for God. Love for people. These are the two main things that Gospel City Church wants to be known for. But how do we actually do it? When it comes to loving God and loving people, it is often a case of “easier said than done.” In this message, we'll learn some truths that help make this kind of love possible.
Gospel City Church is a brand new church, and we don’t want to waste any time letting everyone know some of the most important stuff about us. In this first message, we start unpacking what we believe as a church by talking about what we mean when we say, "We believe the Bible."
Much of the final chapters of Exodus is a repeat of earlier chapters. Why? We'll dig into that question, learn a few other lessons, and examine some of the many ways Moses is a "type" who points ahead prophetically Jesus.
When Moses comes down from Mount Sinai the second time, his face is glowing. In this study, we'll look at how we can radiate God's mercy, grace, patience, goodness, and truth to those around us.
As Moses steps into the role of mediator between God and the Israelites, we see an example of what Jesus has done for each of us. We'll also understand why God loves Moses so much, and grants his request for mercy toward the Israelites.
After looking at Aaron and his role in the golden calf incident in our previous study, we now shift our focus to Moses. Is it really true that in this chapter, Moses is able to convince God to change His mind? What's really going on? And what can we learn form it?
The infamous "Golden Calf Incident" is shocking and puzzling. Perhaps strangest of all is the behaviour of Aaron - a godly man who, seemingly out of the blue, leads the nation of Israel into idolatry. Why? Let's dive into the text and find out...
After Jesus rose from the dead, He met His disciples at a mountain in Galilee. There He shared some final words before returning to Heaven. And from His final words, we draw our final message in our series on the Gospel of Matthew as we learn about some good things know for the Christian life.
Easter Sunday is also known as "Resurrection Sunday" because on the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus Christ rose from the dead. In this message we will learn why the resurrection of Jesus was unstoppable, and we will also see how the ripple effects of His resurrection are still being felt in our world today - 2,000 years after He walked out of the tomb.
A lot of bad things happened on Good Friday. But we don’t call it "Bad Friday" - we call it "Good Friday". In this message, we'll examine both the bad and the good that took place on the very first Good Friday and we will see why we ended up calling this Friday “good” instead of “bad.”
As God continues instructing Moses on the construction of the Tabernacle and its various aspects, we pull out several practical lessons for us as modern day believers.
The Lord's instructions for the Tabernacle continue, as He gives specifications for the priesthood - illuminating for us the glorious ways in which believers are the priesthood of God on the earth today.
The New Testament tells us that the Tabernacle was a "picture" of greater Heavenly realities, Jesus, and the Gospel. In this study, we'll take a tour of the Tabernacle and highlight some of the most powerful imagery it employs.
Sometimes we need to get back to basics. In this study, we'll look at some of the instructions God gave Moses as He met with him in the cloud on Mount Sinai. And in so doing, we will learn what it means to worship God.
The Lord begins His instructions for building the Tabernacle by sharing with Moses the specifications for the famous Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat. In this study, we'll see how these precious items pointed to Jesus and His saving work on the Cross.
As the Lord instructs Moses to build Him the Tabernacle, we learn some important truths about giving, why we sometimes find ourselves in the wilderness, and why personal holiness matters.
"Covenant" is not a word normally used in our everyday lives. We may not even know what a covenant is! But we need to know because covenants are a central theme that runs through the entire Bible. The Bible is actually made up of two covenants, or "testaments" – an old one and a new one. In Exodus 24, we witness Israel enter into a covenant with God. And in this message, we'll learn what that meant for them back then, and what it means for us as followers of Jesus today.
In God's plans for Israel, we find much encouragement and insight into how God works in our lives in His way and His timing.
In this study, we'll pause for a moment to look at where Jesus is, in His life and mission, at the end of Matthew 26. We're going to look back and look ahead. And in all this looking, we are going to see the incredible hope that is available to every person who places their faith in Jesus. It's a hope that we desperately need today because of the darkness that we too face in this life.
Jesus is betrayed by Judas, and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is then taken to the house of Annas, who sends Him on to the house of Caiaphas (the acting high priest), who has summoned the Jewish religious leaders for illegal night trial of Jesus...
It’s an emotional scene. Jesus is on His face in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is hours away from His upcoming crucifixion, and He is praying to His heavenly Father, begging Him for a way to circumvent the cross. In this one verse, we get a glimpse into the most passionate love that exists - the love between the Son and the Father. And in this message, we will learn how we can experience this kind of love in our lives too.
Jesus leads His Disciples into the Garden of Gethsemane on the night He will be betrayed, where we see His Disciples fail Him in His hour of need. And we'll come face-to-face with the reality that we fail Jesus too. But there's good news in our Saviour's response to our failures...
Throughout the 4 Gospels, Jesus constantly makes shocking and awesome statements. When we hear Jesus’ words repeatedly, we can easily grow numb to just how scandalous some of His statements are. His words can begin to sound almost normal to us. But His Words are anything but normal, and we'll look at an example in this message that takes place during the Last Supper, the night before Jesus is crucified.
There are places in the Bible that give us a sneak peek into the life of Jesus and allow us to see the various ways He interacted with people. When given this kind of access, we would do well to pause and observe what God is really like. Be careful, though - if you spend enough time looking at the Saviour, you just might end up having your life changed forever!
Almost every aspect of the year 2020 has been negatively affected by the Corona virus. It has impacted our heath, economy, politics, education, and various religious practices. It has even altered the way we enjoy some of our favourite Christmas traditions due to the social distancing and health restrictions that have been put in place. Almost everything has been touched by COVID-19 this year.
But do you know one thing that a virus can never touch? It can’t touch the true meaning of Christmas. In this short Christmas message, we will be reminded of the untouchable, unshakable, unchangeable heart of what Christmas really is.
In the midst of COVID-19 and a world increasingly spinning out of control, hope and peace are found in remembering what we still need most.
Why did Judas betray the Son of God for 30 pieces of silver? For the same reason that some people today spend a portion of their life following Jesus, then come to a point where they too decide it’s not worth following Him anymore.
In this message we will explore what lies at the heart of a decision to give up on Jesus – and what Christians can do to make sure we never “pull a Judas” at some point down the road in our own life.
One woman’s extravagant display of affection shows us what love toward God and others really looks like. And we are reminded once again that nobody loves us like God does.
In this special update, Jeff discusses the current state of the world and shares some Biblical insights to help Christians make sense of everything that's going on. We'll touch on COVID-19, climate change, the looming global debt crisis, the Great Reset, United Nations Agenda 2030, and more, and highlight some important things for Christians to remember in the days ahead.
If you find this video useful, please share it!
The Great Reset (World Economic Forum): https://www.weforum.org/great-reset/
United Nations Agenda 2030: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/
Full List of Agenda 2030 Indicators: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/indicators/database/
In these 5 verses, Jesus tells His disciples that in just two days He will be killed. And He was killed - just as He said He would be. In fact, everything that God says will happen ends up happening exactly as He declared. And in this message we'll learn how we can build our lives on that kind of certainty.
As we wrap up our study of the Book of the Covenant, God continues to give His people guidance on how represent Him rightly to each other and the surrounding nations. This final study touches on issues like priority, enemies, and worship.
God's civil laws in the Book of the Covenant address topics such as pre-marital sex, marriage, social justice, and doing the right thing even when everybody else is doing the wrong thing.
Through the Book of the Covenant, God continues to reveal His character and values, including principles like restitution and community responsibility.
Continuing through the Book of Covenant, we come across the issue of restitution and the difficult subject of abortion...
As the Book of the Covenant moves to deal with 4 capital offences, we gain some profound insights into things God cares deeply about. In this study, we'll examine the value of human life, how we are to relate to our parents, and why God has ordained certain offices of authority that may or may not be occupied by godly people.
Pastor BJ discusses the controversial issue of slavery in the Bible, and why God doesn't seem to condemn it in the Book of the Covenant.
As we prepare to study a section of Exodus known as "The Book of the Covenant", Pastor Jeff shares challenges raised by scholars and walks us through some key concepts to keep in mind when studying Scripture.
As we rejoin our study on the Book of Exodus, Pastor Jeff reminds us of what's happened up to this point. We then finish out chapter 20 by looking at Jesus as our Mediator and the importance of worshipping God as He desires to be worshipped.
As we wrap up chapter 25, Jesus has already explained that those who are saved have the Holy Spirit (the "oil"). But how do we know if we have the Holy Spirit? There's a definitive behaviour that shows up in the life of every true believer...
In light of the reality of eternity, how should we spend our lives? Jesus shares a compelling parable that helps us understand the most profitable way to live...
After sharing astounding prophecies with His Disciples in chapter 24, Jesus teaches them what they should do with this incredible information - beginning with the most important thing...
Jesus shares more with Disciples about what the days leading up to the Rapture will look like, and then transitions to teaching on how we should live in light of these truths.
Jesus wraps up His Olivet Discourse prophecies by talking about when He will return to the earth again at the Second Coming, and how Israel's miraculous return will mark the beginning of the end times "season".
As Jesus continues His Olivet Discourse, He issues a warning that will save Jewish lives in the middle of the Tribulation...
Jesus begins the Olivet Discourse by prophesying about things that would happen in the lifetime of His Disciples, as well as the signs that will tell believers the end times are approaching.
Transitions happen in our lives, and they happened in Jesus’ life too. In this message, we'll highlight 3 transitions that took place in Jesus’ ministry after He left the Temple, and discover the lessons they teach us today.
As Jesus wraps up his famous "woes" teaching, he hits on the heavy subject of how we react when God sends a messenger into our lives.
Pastor BJ breaks down two of Jesus' "woes", levelled at the hypocritical religious leaders of His day and their feeble attempts to fix themselves through behavioural modification.
As the Ten Commandments draw to a close, they conclude in a unique way: with a commandment addressing our internal thoughts and motivations...
The 9th commandment forbids bearing false witness. What does that mean? Why do we do it? Pastor Jeff dives into the details...
“Do what makes you happy.” You’ve probably gotten this advice at some point in your life - but is it good advice? And did Jesus ever say it? Pastor Craig Groeschel gets to the bottom of why it’s so hard to find true happiness on Earth, why holiness and happiness aren’t mutually exclusive, and what Jesus really said in John 8 about joy and happiness. It wasn’t “Do what makes you happy.” It was far better!
Why do people sometimes leave the Christian faith? In this message, Pastor Jeff dives into some of the main reasons and causes, showing a better way forward for believers and their families.
2020 has been so crazy, many people are asking, "Is this the beginning of the end of the world?" Join Pastor Jeff as he takes a look at what the Bible says about this, and why it deserves your attention.
Pastor Jeff tackles this heavy subject by looking at what the Bible teaches about ethnocentrism, why the world looks so different from the Bible, and what we need to do next.
The 8th commandment tackles one of the most prevalent evils in our society, and one that we engage in far more often than we probably realize.
The 7th commandment deals with the devastating issue issue of adultery. The fact that we don't like to talk about this issue in church is exactly why it's so important that we do. Join Pastor Jeff as he looks at why God considers marital faithfulness to be such a serious subject.
In this classic message from 2013, Ravi Zacharias talks about the Resurrection by blending philosophy, storytelling, and Scripture as only he could.
In this study we dig into the heart and meaning behind the 5th and 6th commandments: "Honor your father and your mother" and "You shall not murder".
We take a look at the heart and meaning behind the 3rd and 4th commandments, regarding taking the Lord's name in vain and observing the Sabbath.
God opens the Ten Commandments with, “You shall have no other gods before Me." We'll dive into what this means, as well as the second commandment to not worship idols.
In this message, we dig into the Apostle Paul's masterful explanation of our current relationship to the Law. We'll learn why we're secure in the work of Jesus, and why the change that occurs at salvation is final.
God gives the Israelites the famous Ten Commandments as timeless moral laws. In this message, we'll look the purpose of the Law; what it reveals about who we are; and what it reveals about who God is.
The Book of Exodus shifts gears as the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, and prepare for an unprecedented encounter with God. And in the Lord's instructions, we find instruction for ourselves on how we can prepare for the Lord's imminent arrival.
Moses finds himself exhausted by the task in front of him. In kindness, God sends help, and teaches us about how we can avoid falling into the same weariness that beset Moses.
Why does God allow us to go through times of spiritual dryness? Why doesn't God respond to all prayers immediately? Pastor Jeff digs into these questions and more, as we see God continue teaching His people to trust Him in the wilderness.
God continues teaching Israel (and us) vital lessons about the life of faith, this time through the provision of a miraculous food source known as "manna".
In the same chapter, we see the Israelites move from praise to complaining. In the process, we learn about the power of praise and discover a sure-fire way to make any bitter situation sweet.
As the Israelites find themselves find themselves pinned down in an impossible situation, with disaster bearing down upon them, God works one of the great miracles of the Old Testament and teaches us about faith in the process.
As Israel finally leaves Egypt, the Lord institutes two feasts to help them remember what He has done for them. We'll also learn why the Lord often takes our lives along the "scenic route", rather than the most direct path.
It’s difficult to build a life of righteousness on a foundation of sin. In the fourth and final installment of "The Vow", Pastor Jeff offers marriage help regarding sexual purity.
Your marriage will be as good as you both decide it will be. In Week 3 of "The Vow", Pastor Jeff discusses the importance of marriage partnership and commitment.
To get what you once had, you must do what you once did. In Week 2 of "The Vow", Pastor Jeff offers marriage advice about the importance of continually pursuing your spouse.
Right priorities are the key to a healthy life. A healthy relationship with God produces a healthy marriage, and a healthy marriage produces healthy children.
The Passover Lamb is the Old Testament picture of Jesus. In this study, we'll dive deep into the imagery and parallels that help us understand just how precious Jesus' sacrifice for us truly was (and is).
As plagues 5-9 hit Egypt, Pharaoh continues to tempt Moses to compromise - just as Satan tempts us to compromise...
As the plagues begin to fall upon Egypt, we see much of ourselves in Pharaoh's irrational behaviour...
Moses' response to discouragement reveals one of the major reasons God used him so greatly...
“I forgive you.” How is it so hard to say that sometimes? In this message, Pastor Craig Groeschel takes a look at letting go of our grudges, loving the people who have hurt us, and learning to say “I forgive you” - and mean it.
In this special Christmas devotional, Pastor Jeff shares on a hope that never disappoints.
God tells Moses that He wants His people set free to worship Him but Pharaoh has other ideas. What do we need to remember when we step out in faith to obey God... and everything seems to get worse?
Pastor Jeff tackles two challenging sections of Scripture - God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart, and the bizarre "bridegroom of blood" incident.
As Moses continues to converse with God at the burning bush, it becomes clear that he really, really does not want to accept the assignment God is calling him to...
After living in Midian for 40 years as a fugitive, Moses has a life-changing encounter with God, who calls him to take on a seemingly impossible task...
As the epic of Exodus opens we find Israel in Egypt, centuries after the death of Joseph, in bondage and slavery...
How should Christians respond to the famous Gandhi quote, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."? Was Hitler a Christian?
Are you only a Christian because you were raised as one? Is it arrogant to believe that only Christianity is right, in a world with thousands of "gods"? Is it delusional to believe all those other gods are fictional but Jesus really is God? Pastor Jeff tackles these classic modern objections to the Christian faith using reason and logic.
Why is the Cross of Jesus worth boasting about? As Paul wraps up his letter to the Galatians, he reminds us of the blessings we enjoy because of what Jesus has done for us...
Paul wraps up chapter 5 by giving us some profound insights into the way conceit affects us, and then opens chapter 6 by tackling the difficult question, "How is the Church supposed to respond to a church member who refuses to repent of their sin?"
Paul wraps up chapter 5 by giving us some profound insights into the way conceit affects us, and then opens chapter 6 by tackling the difficult question, "How is the Church supposed to respond to a church member who refuses to repent of their sin?"
After calling believers to walk in the Spirit, Paul presents us with 2 lists of behaviors and attitudes - those produced by the flesh, and those produced by the Spirit. Both lists help us to evaluate ourselves and the path we want to pursue in life.
If all our sins are forgiven... why not just indulge in sin? Paul answers this question, and illuminates a better way, in this practical and helpful study.
Paul warns the Galatians not to tolerate even a hint of legalism, and explains why it's so important to stand in the radical freedom of the Gospel.
How do you hold onto faith when there seems to be no hope or answer? In this special guest message from Pastor Craig Groeschel of LIFECHURCH.tv, we'll find out.
In this special message, Pastor Jeff takes a look at what the Bible says about the evidence of salvation in a person's life.
While the Judaizers harassed the Galatians with the question, "Are you a real son of Abraham or not?" Paul posed a more important question: "WHICH son of Abraham are you?" The answer is the difference between freedom and bondage...
After laying out his ironclad case for salvation by faith alone, Paul shifts gears and goes out of his way to make sure that his love for the Galatians doesn't get lost or overlooked in the midst of the difficult conversation they're having. Paul's example has a lot to teach us about loving people well, during times of necessary conflict.
Paul continues working his way through the implications of the Gospel by revealing the incredible truth that in addition to salvation, we have also received adoption into the family of God through faith in Jesus. We have been made full sons and daughters of God!
After explaining why the Law is powerless to save anybody, Paul tackles the obvious question, "Then what is the point of the Law?"
Reaching back to Habakkuk 2:4, "the just shall live by faith", Paul shares how God has saved us from the curse of the Law and instead won us the blessings of salvation by faith.
In this special guest message from Pastor Craig Groeschel, we'll look at what to do when you're waiting on God... and nothing seems to be happening.
In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul moves on to his teaching on grace. Specifically, justification by faith - the glorious truth that we are not saved by anything we do but solely by faith in what Jesus has done.
When Peter visits Paul's church in Antioch, he falls back into a works-based salvation doctrine, and Paul has to get in his face to lovingly set the record straight about how we are saved.
Continuing his personal testimony, Paul shares with the Galatians what happened when he went up to Jerusalem to meet with the Apostles and settle the issue of whether we are saved by grace or by works.
To encourage the believers in Galatia and refute the false accusations of the Judaizers, Paul shares his testimony and the story of his personal encounter with the radical grace of God.
You can please people or please God. You can offend people or offend God. Using the example of a bondservant, Paul encourages and challenges us with what it means to truly live for Jesus.
Paul comes out firing, right off the bat, in his passionate letter to the Galatian believers. Because they had begun returning to a performance-based belief system, Paul reminds them of the true Gospel - that God has done everything to secure our salvation.
In this message we dive into the subject of family identity and values, and look at the vision statement that every Christian family is called to...
In this message we talk about the best approach to take when it comes to parenting, guiding, correcting, and disciplining the children God has entrusted to us.
In Part 1 of this series we check in on our marriages, and a couple of the most important things couples can do to keep their relationship healthy...
As Paul wraps up his his second letter to the Thessalonians, he includes some challenging yet practical commands regarding the believer and work, and one of the great encouragements in all of Scripture - "do not grow weary in doing good."
After reminding the Thessalonian believers that the Day of the Lord will not begin until the Church has been raptured and Antichrist revealed, Paul goes on to explain exactly why the world will follow after Antichrist and respond positively to his claim to be God.
In this overview of how the Bible describes reality, we'll examine the Christian worldview in the format of a story...
Paul seeks to clear up the Thessalonians' confusion over the timing of end times events by reminding them that 2 very specific things must take place before the Day of the Lord can begin...
Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians begins with him encouraging them that the trials they're persevering through prove the authenticity of their faith. We'll take a look at how we're to approach trials in our own lives, and learn why we might need to change the way we pray in those difficult seasons...
As Paul closes his first letter to the Thessalonians, he reminds them of several instructions - "commandments" - that he previously shared with them. Simple, yet profound, they contain some crucial counsel on how to have a healthy church and a vibrant individual relationship with the Lord.
In Part 3 of our study on the Rapture of the Church, we'll learn about "the day of the Lord". We'll also read an incredible statement from the Apostle Paul about the wrath of God, which will clear up all kinds of confusion related to the end times.
In Part 2 of our study on the Rapture of the Church, we'll look at some other key Bible passages, and tackle some of the most popular objections to the doctrine of the Rapture.
What is the Rapture of the Church, and why does the Apostle Paul say that it should be a comfort to believers? In the first of 2 messages on this often-misunderstood doctrine, we'll walk though Paul's explanation to the Thessalonians.
As Paul thanks God for the faith of the Thessalonian believers, he also encourages them to persevere in their trials and follow God's will for them. Specifically, Paul addresses the area of sexuality with his trademark clarity...
As Paul reminds the Thessalonian church how he and Silas behaved when they were with them, he also gives us some meaningful insights into how we can love people in the best possible way.
As we learn about Paul, the author of 1 Thessalonians, and the young church in Thessalonica, we also learn about the 3 characteristics of genuine Christian faith - the 3 marks of an authentic conversion.
The Bible talks a lot about the peace of God but how do we actually experience it? In this message we'll look at what God's Word tells us about the practical steps we can take to live in the peace of God.
While you can't control what happens TO you, you can control how you FRAME it - 'how you assign MEANING to the things that happen to you. In this message, we'll learn how to harness the power of framing and process things through the lens of God's Word.
If we want to change the way we think, what sort of daily practices do we need to start adding to our lives?
How do change our thinking so that our thoughts line up with the truth of God's Word? In this foundational message, we'll look at what the Bible says about how we can capture our thoughts and begin to change our old, negative ways of thinking.
As the lives of Jacob and Joseph come to and end, we are given an incredible prophetic glimpse at the future of the Children of Israel, as well as some practical advice about family and relationships.
As Jacob lies on his deathbed, he blesses Joseph and his 2 grandsons and offers words that point to the greatest comfort any person can have in this life...
In this special guest message from Pastor Craig Groeschel, we'll talk about what to think and do when life starts getting incredibly difficult but God doesn't seem to be doing anything about it.
While the idea that peace came to the earth along with Jesus, our everyday experiences tell us that isn't true! So, is peace possible for and I?
How do you move when you've been deeply hurt or wounded by somebody? How do you break free from bitterness caused by things that took place in your past? The incredible story of Joseph and his family shows us that God can heal and restore like no one else can...
As Joseph continues orchestrating events and testing his brothers, they finally reach the point of true repentance where restoration can begin to take place. Join us as this incredible story continues unfolding, teaching us invaluable lessons of faith along the way.
As improbable as Joseph's rise to the throne in Egypt was, even more remarkable is what happens next - the same brothers who sold him into slavery end up bowed down before him, seeking food from him, completely unaware of who he really is...
As God moves in Joseph's life yet again, he undergoes the most incredible transformation - rising from prison all the way to the palace of Pharaoh, where is he is placed in charge of the entire country of Egypt! We'll also continuing looking at all the amazing ways Joseph's life points to Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
Just as Joseph's influence and reputation are growing to amazing heights, he finds himself in prison after being falsely accused of attempted rape. His story gives us some incredible lessons on faith, perseverance, dealing with sexual temptation, and continuing to trust God through life's up downs.
Our story takes a strange left-turn away from Joseph in order to use his brother, Judah, as a contrasting figure. The result is a chapter packed with hard lessons and difficult truths regarding judging, hypocrisy, and repentance...
As we begin studying Joseph, it quickly becomes apparent that his life points ahead, prophetically, to the life of Jesus. The parallels are absolutely incredible and give us reminders as well as fresh insights into the earthly ministry of our Savior...
With his life falling apart, God calls Jacob back to Bethel - the house of God. In this message, we'll discover what we can expect when we return to the Lord after a time of wandering from Him, and how we can start getting back to that place of relationship with Him.
As Jacob comes face-to-face with his brother Esau, we are treated to a lesson in reconciliation and how we can experience it in our own fractured relationships...
As Jacob wrestles with confronting his brother, Esau, after 20 years, he ends up wrestling with God Himself - in the flesh and in prayer. And we are blessed with some life-changing insights into praying powerful prayers and God's purpose in allowing pain in our lives.
As his situation sours, Jacob has to make a move. And as he does, we gain some encouraging reminders that the Lord is able to cause us to come out blessed, even from difficult situations.
In this study we're reminded that everybody looks to something for hope and purpose. And when that something is anything other than God, the result is always disappointment...
Jacob, our resident trickster, finds himself deceived by his own uncle in a way that will cost him 7 years of his life. But along with the deception comes the invaluable lesson of sowing and reaping - a principle that dramatically affects everything about our lives...
Sometimes the only way God can get us to move is by giving us no other option. As Jacob faces this exact scenario, he discovers the glorious truth that God is with him wherever he goes...
As Jacob and Esau's relationship heads toward disaster, we given some valuable lessons on family, relationships, and the all-important truth that God does not need our help!
As our story shifts to the lives of the twins Jacob and Esau, the familiar theme of the flesh and the spirit comes up yet again to reveal more about the daily struggles we face within ourselves.
After solving a fascinating mystery from the last few chapters, our study moves to revealing the key to restoring broken relationships and some vital lessons for every marriage.
As Abraham, the Father of Faith, reaches the end of his earthly life, we take a closer look at the issue of faith and how it works in the life of the believer...
How should a believer deal with the death of a loved one? In these 2 chapters we'll watch Abraham walk through the loss of his wife, Sarah, while his son, Isaac, receives the comfort of his own wife, Rebekah.
There aren't many more shocking and disturbing accounts in the Bible than God asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. So, what's really going on in this strange tale? Dive deep as we discover the incredible truth layered in Genesis 22...
As the birth of Abraham's long-awaited son, Isaac, finally arrives, we learn about the importance of trusting God's promises across long periods of time. We'll also gain a deeper understanding of what the war between our flesh and spirit is all about, and what we can do about it.
After 25 years or miracles and God's favour, Abraham effortlessly slips back into an old sin. In this study, we'll dive into how this happens in our lives, and we'll also be encouraged by what we can still do for those we can't minister to.
As we examine the train wreck of Lot's life that is laid out in Genesis 19, the New Testament commentary on his life reveals a shocking, almost unbelievable truth...
As we reach one of the strangest and most controversial chapters of the Bible, we parallel a very specific and fascinating End Times prophecy given by Jesus with the circumstances surrounding the destruction of the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In this encouraging chapter, we're reminded just how wonderful our God is, and that it's never too late for Him to do something incredible in our lives. We'll also see why the character of God clearly points to the Rapture of the Church in the End Times.
As we make our way along the journey of faith, we'll inevitably reach a point where our next step will involve cutting something out of our life that is holding us back from where the Lord wants to take us. In this study, we'll be reminded of some fundamental truths about obedience to the Lord and how it can radically change our lives.
As Abram encounters his next faith test, he's faced with a choice between making something happen now or waiting on God's timing. It's a situation we all face sooner or later, and there's a lot we can learn from Abram's mishandling of it...
The greatest hope we have is that our salvation and future were provided for and secured by Jesus, not us. We'll see an incredible example of this unfold all the way back in Genesis, as Abram encounters the God who doesn't meet us halfway but takes care of everything instead.
As Abram's faith grows, we see it transform his into a man of courage, grace, and wisdom. We'll also encounter the mysterious figure of King Melchizedek - a man who far more than a man...
The Genesis narrative now shifts to "The Father of Faith", Abram/Abraham. Be encouraged as we follow his first few stumbling steps of faith and learn about the importance of responding to God's call quickly, as it always leads to unexpected blessings...
Genesis 10 reveals the tragic generational fallout of Ham's sin from the previous chapter, while Genesis 11 tells the strange and disturbing tale of the construction of the Tower of Babel under the leadership of "antichrist version 1.0", Nimrod.
As Noah and his family settle into life on the post-Flood earth, God shares with him the importance of society and government being built on the principle that life is sacred. And as Noah gets comfortable, he becomes vulnerable to sin... and gets involved in a disastrous situation.
As the Flood recedes, a new world is revealed and Noah teaches us about the importance of honoring God as our must urgent priority.
As the Great Flood destroys the earth, the entire future of planet earth huddles together inside the Ark. In this study, we'll dig into all the stories behind one of the most well-known and fantastic accounts in the Bible, and be amazed by how much of it speaks to us today.
In one of the strangest chapters in the Bible, we are told the real reason for the catastrophic Flood of Noah - and it's not what you were taught in Sunday School...
Chapter 5 takes us back to the first wedding ceremony, with God Himself officiating, and into the family line of Adam - all the way up to Noah. Hidden inside that genealogy is a mind-blowing surprise which points to the inarguably supernatural authorship of the Bible...
As the tragic story of Cain and Abel unfolds, the Lord presents 2 paths that every person much choose from when they've made a significant mistake. As we examine both options, we'll learn some crucial life lessons about bitterness, forgiveness, taking ownership, repentance, and more.
Why do we live in a world full of violence, suffering, and pain? Where do evil, diseases, and natural disasters come from? We'll find out in this study...
As God creates Eve for Adam, He creates the institution of marriage and the model for all of our romantic relationships. In this message, we'll take a look at God's design for men and women, the differences between us, and what the Bible has to say about the foundations of a great marriage.
God chose to end the first week of the universe's existence by resting for a day, and instructing us to do the same thing at the end of our week. Join us as we study through why we all still need the Sabbath.
As we wrap up day 6 and chapter 1 of Genesis, we'll explore some more basic reasons why evolutionary theory fails basic tests of logic and science. We'll also witness the pinnacle of God's creation, humanity, and examine just what makes us so unique among God's creation. God's mandate for couples to have children, stewardship of the earth vs. environmentalism, and more are all packed into this fascinating study!
As we move through days 4 and 5 of creation, we'll take some time to reflect on the glorious enormity of the universe and the purpose of its vastness. We'll also begin looking at the incompatibility of Genesis 1 with neo-Darwinianism, and discover some of the logical and scientific problems that are causing present science to rapidly move away from the theory of evolution.
Should you change for your marriage? Can you change your spouse? How do affairs actually happen, and how can we build a marriage that's protected from those dangers? Join us as we dive into these critical questions and more...
Are you resenting your spouse for not being psychic, while treating them as though you are? Find out what we're talking about, as we dive into the minefields of assumption and unspoken expectations in marriage...
One of the greatest dangers in any marriage is the issue that never comes up until it's too late. In this message, we'll take a look at the importance of bringing up difficult issues, and dealing with them head-on...
As God unfolds the second and third days of the Creation Week, we'll take a look at the controversial issue of the age of the earth...
In these verses, God speaks for the first time in the Bible, and calls light into being. We'll also parallel the first 5 verses of Genesis 1 to God's work in our lives, and delve into one of the greatest mysteries of quantum physics...
In this study, we take a look into the Moral Argument - the second major evidence for God's existence, mentioned by Paul in Romans 2. We also examine the strange and compelling Gap Theory, which creates some intriguing possibilities and explanations between the first 2 verses of Genesis...
As we tackle the first verse of Genesis and the evidence for a God who created the universe, we talk about the Kalam Cosmological Argument, the Teleological Argument, the Multiverse, and more.
In this special guest mesage from Pastor Craig Groeschel, we'll take a look at the dangerous prayer, "Break me, Lord" and discover that life's greatest breakings often lead to God's greatest blessings.
Why all the talk about "peace on earth" around Christmas - especially when it seems so disconnected from the reality of life in this world?
In a messy and surprising chapter 4, we see Jonah's response to the revival in Nineveh... which leads us to wrestle with the critical question, "Why do I believe that God is good?"
As Jonah finally gives in to God's instructions, we learn a valuable lesson about how God works in our lives. And as revival miraculously breaks out in the city of Nineveh, we are reminded about what it takes for each of us to live in a state of revival, individually.
As Jonah finds himself buried alive inside a great fish, he cries out to God in prayer... and reminds all of us that we have a Heavenly Father who is always listening, and always ready to respond to us.
Jonah, a prophet, gets a message and instructions from God that he doesn't like... so he runs. And as he does, we are reminded of several important truths about how our sin affects both us and others...
One of the most incredible facts about Christianity is that it can be verified. Because the ministry and death of Jesus were public, we can actually examine the evidence and test the claims that He rose from the dead, and is therefore God...
In this study, we'll examine the evidence in the Gospels and the lives of the Gospel writers that points to one overwhelming conclusion - they were telling the truth about Jesus.
How do we explain all the differences and variations between the Gospel accounts? Are there contradictions? We'll dive into those questions and also examine the criteria that determined which Gospels made it into the Bible we have today...
The Gospel writers used a wealth of additional sources to ensure the accuracy of their work - including an abundance of oral traditions about Jesus. But how do we know that these additional sources and oral traditions were reliable? How do we know that people didn't simply make things up and pass them along?
In order to find out if Jesus really did rise from the dead, we have to first determine if we can trust the accounts of the Biblical Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In the first part of this miniseries, we begin our examination of the surviving Gospel manuscripts by looking at their age, number, and variations...
As Jesus prepares to return to Heaven, He shares some final instructions and encouragements with His Disciples and all believers - including what it means to be a Christian.
Jesus visits His Disciples at the Sea of Galilee, where He performs a miracle that takes them all the way back to the day He first called them to follow Him. We'll also see an unforgettable meeting between Jesus and Peter, where Jesus deals the lingering issue of Peter's denial on the night He was arrested... and brings total restoration to their relationship.
As 2 men make their way from Jerusalem to the town of Emmaus, they are joined by an unexpected guest - the resurrected Jesus! As He leads them through a Bible study and joins them for dinner, we see the effect communion with Jesus has on each of us...
As the greatest day in history dawns, the world awakens to news that seems to be too good to be true - Jesus is alive!
As Jesus' body is taken down from the Cross and laid in a tomb, His death quickly begins to affect those around Him in different ways...
In this study, we'll bear witness to the most shocking event in the history of the universe - the death of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. We'll also marvel at the incredible prophetic precision of Psalm 22, which was written more than 900 years before Jesus' death, and more than 400 years before crucifixion was even invented...
As Jesus is nailed to the Cross, we examine why all of this happened. Why did the Son of God, our Maker and Creator, choose to die such an awful death?
As Jesus is dragged back to Pilate, who will finally sentence Him to be crucified, we encounter the strange character Barabbas, whose situation has much to speak to us about our own, and the incredible love Jesus has for each of us...
As the day of Jesus' death arrives, we see Peter deny Him, Pilate interrogate Him, and Judas confess His innocence...
Following His arrest, Jesus is put on trial - illegally. Join us as we continue to marvel at what He went through, by choice, to save you and I...
Before Jesus is arrested, He spends some time in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He wrestles with the overwhelming anguish of what lies ahead, we see His courage and love revealed...
As Jesus continues allowing His Disciples (and us) to listen in on His prayer to His Heavenly Father, we find ourselves blown away by the love God has for us, and the incredible future that awaits us in eternity. We're also encouraged to learn an amazing truth - Jesus Himself is praying for us...
Every Christian has an individual calling to give their life to a great work. Find out why the work Jesus has given you is the greatest work you could possibly be doing with your life right now!
Sharing our faith is good for US! Find out why in this special guest message from Pastor Craig Groeschel of LIFECHURCH.tv...
If Christians still face difficulties, sickness, persecution, and even earthly death, what does Jesus mean when He says, "I have overcome the world"? Join us as Jesus gives His Disciples, and us, the answer...
What does it mean when the world hates Christians and the Church? Are we doing something wrong? Is it to be expected? Jesus tackles this increasingly timely issue as He talks with His Disciples about what they should expect as they live for Him...
Jesus shares with His Disciples, and all believers, that He wants love to be the defining characteristic of His Church. In this message, we'll dive into what it means and looks like to follow this radical commandment of Jesus...
In what is possibly His most important teaching on Christian living, Jesus shares with His Disciples the secret to the abundant, free, and joy-filled life He offers all who follow Him...
Jesus continues comforting and encouraging His Disciples by sharing with them the gift of peace He has for all who love and follow Him - a peace that cannot be stolen by anything that happens in our lives...
As Jesus seeks to comfort and assure His Disciples, He shares 5 reasons we have for hope - reasons that can't be taken away, stolen, or changed by any circumstance life can throw at us...
As events continue to unfold at the Last Supper, we see 3 of the Disciples exhibit 3 different heart responses to Jesus - rejection, resistance, and rest...
Jesus was the most radical, free-spirited, and genuine individual who ever walked the face of the earth. In this study, we'll learn how greatness is defined in His Kingdom, as He gives His Disciples a shocking demonstration of what it looks like...
As the angel continues his prophetic message from chapters 10 and 11 into chapter 12, he shares some incredible information about the end times and the destiny of Israel. Through it all, we are reminded that no matter how dark the day may seem, our God has a plan that will result in us being blessed beyond anything we could ever imagine...
The angel who spoke to Daniel in the previous chapter continues his message here in chapter 11 as he prophesies what will happen to Israel during the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments, commonly known as "the silent years".
As Daniel encounters an angel bringing him a message from Heaven, we learn some critical lessons about prayer, the nature of true reality, and how conflict in the spiritual realm affects us here in the physical world.
The Bible tells us that "God is love". When we get up close and personal with Jesus the man, we discover that love looks startlingly different to what we might expect. It's better, more amazing, and more incredible than any human imagination could conceive...
Discover the single most incredible prophecy in the entire Bible! It spans hundreds of years and is verifiable to the day! In this study, Daniel will be given a prophecy that deals with the totality of Israel's destiny - past, present, and future...
After learning about what caused Israel to end up in exile in Babylon... and that God had promised that exile would last for 70 years... Daniel is moved to pray one of the greatest prayers in the Bible - a prayer that has much to teach us about how to pray effectively.
Daniel is shown a second vision, in which he is given even more details about the coming Persian and Greek Empires. But this vision will also zoom in on 2 incredibly dark figures - one from history (from our perspective) and one that is yet to come...
As we begin the back half of the book, the focus shifts from Daniel's autobiography to a series of prophetic visions he received that span human history, the world's greatest kingdoms, and the everlasting kingdom that is soon to come - the Kingdom of Jesus.
Faithfully and radically serving God will lead to both uncommon favor and uncommon hatred among men. Listen in as we study Daniel's incredible example of how to handle both...
After 20 years, Daniel is brought out of retirement to interpret another dramatic event for another king...
Discover the incredible lengths God will go to in order to reach those who belong to Him! In this amazing chapter, we'll hear directly from a king about how the Lord worked miracles in his life...
3 godly men have a trap set for them that put them in an impossible and doomed situation. Find out how they handle it, what God does, and how it teaches us to handle the fires in our own lives.
When the king is haunted by a dream he can't understand, Daniel and his friends are faced with certain death unless God works a miracle...
Meet Daniel and 3 of his friends in the faith - teenagers ripped from their homeland and thrust into the godless capital of the greatest empire the world has ever known. Their incredible example of faithfulness will inspire and challenge your faith!
What if the true measure of success is NOT the results we get in life? Discover how GOD views success and failure and be encouraged by what HE is looking for in the lives of His children!
Are you setting yourself up for success or sabotage? Discover 4 crucial keys to making real change in our lives...
Before we look at what or how to change, we need to ask the question, "Why?"
In this message, we'll examine what the example of Jesus teaches all believers about what should be the driving force behind our desire to see change in our lives.
In this special guest message, LifeChurch.tv's Pastor Chris Beall walks us through confronting the challenge of trusting God fully with our whole lives.
As Jesus gets ready to sit down for His last meal before being arrested and crucified, what was going through His mind? Find out as we witness the beginning of The Last Supper...
Do you ever feel like you've wasted your potential? Be encouraged and realize that you have more potential today than you ever realized! Why? Because of what Jesus is looking for from each of us...
In this message we'll learn where the Doctrine of Imminence comes from, why it matters, and why Jesus desires every believer live in light of it.
Jesus talks with His Disciples about His Second Coming, and gives one of the most incredible prophetic predictions in the Bible - one that came true just 68 years ago!
Continuing with His famous teaching on the future and the end times, Jesus predicts events that will unfold 38 years later - with stunning specificity - as well as events that will unfold in our own near future. Find out why Luke 21 and Matthew 24 aren't talking about the same events, and why that matters so much...
Why does God care whether or not we tithe and trust Him with our finances? In this study, we'll find out the answer and also begin one of Jesus' most important teachings as He shares on the signs and timing of the end of the world...
In Jesus' final public teaching, He tears apart the religious leaders of His day for turning a relationship with God into empty rituals - something that is far too easy for us to fall into as well. Find out how you can avoid taking the paths that lead to dead religion, and instead choose a life-giving relationship with the living God!
What does it mean to truly be "all in" as a follower of Jesus? Be challenged in this message from LIFECHURCH.tv's Craig Groeschel.
When it all comes down to it, how does God want and expect us to live? Listen in as Jesus boils everything down to just 2 commands...
Who gave Jesus the authority to roll into Jerusalem, kick people out of the Temple, and call the religious leaders liars and thieves?
Find out in this message, as Jesus breaks it down in 3 parables...
What motivated Jesus as He faced down His darkest hour? What was He thinking about? What kept Him going? What became most important to Him?
The answers we'll discover in this study will provide an incredible example and perspective for us, as our role model Jesus shows us how we should handle our own anxiety.
Discover the staggering implications of the reality that we, as disciples of Jesus, are His Temple!
Discover the single most amazing prophecy in the Bible!
As Jesus presents Himself to the public as the Son of God for the first time, we learn some amazing things about who He is and why it's so important that we receive Jesus as He is - not as we think He should be.
Learn why there's really only one question that matters when it comes to the subject of worship: "Was JESUS blessed?"
What does Jesus expect us, His servants, to be doing until He returns?
And how do we make sure that we don't waste our lives in the meantime?
Find out the one thing we need to be great at in order to live a fruitful life.
As Jesus continues discussing the Kingdom of God with His Disciples, He shares a defining teaching on how to be truly great, and shows us why we sometimes have to brought to the place of desperation before God can move in our lives.
Everything in life falls into its proper place when we remember that Jesus loves us, has saved us, and has secured a glorious future for us.
Take some time to rest and rejoice in the words of Jesus as He reminds us of these amazing truths...
What does it really take to be saved? To get to Heaven? What does it cost? Grace, faith, and our actions all collide in this study of the incredible interaction between Jesus and the rich young ruler.
What do Jesus and His Word teach about divorce and remarriage? In this message, you'll get clear, practical answers and an understanding of God's heart toward the marriage and family.
Do you feel like your prayers don't make a difference or you're just no good at praying?
Let Jesus encourage you with some incredible insights on prayer, and learn some practical, easy ways to take you prayer life to the next level!
Discover the prophetic implications hidden in Jesus' comment that the season of history leading up to the Rapture of the Church would be as "the days of Noah". We'll dive into the strange business of fallen angels, Nephilim, and how the strange events of Genesis 6 parallel events unfolding before our eyes today.
Is there a link between faith, obedience, and God moving in our lives? What's God's part? What's our part? Join us for a powerful lesson in this vital area of Christian living, as well as a fascinating reminder from Jesus on the reality of the coming rapture of the Church.
As Jesus raises a man from the dead, we discover the incredible work that Jesus has done for each of us, and desires to do in each of us. Take some time and rediscover the miracle of salvation!
In this challenging and freeing teaching, Jesus shares why faith is needed even more than love if we are going to forgive others in the radical way our Savior has forgiven us.
In a frank, powerful, and surprising set of teachings, Jesus dispenses the best financial advice we will ever receive - a guaranteed strategy for acquiring wealth that will last for eternity...
If there's one person we can trust to tell us about the afterlife, it's the one person who has truly been there and back - Jesus.
Tune in as we unpack the mystical implications of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. We'll learn some incredible things about Heaven and hell that will enlighten us and bring understanding to some some difficult corners of the Bible...
Considered by even secular literary scholars to be the greatest story ever told, the Parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us some incredible things about our Heavenly Father and the way He loves us. Even if you've heard the story a hundred times, you'll be amazed all over again as you rediscover the radical grace of God.
What's the difference between a believer and a disciple? Find out how Jesus defines it in this challenging message...
We all want recognition and we would all love to be great. So what is a follower of Jesus supposed to do with their ambition and desire to be recognized in this life?
Listen in as Jesus gives us the life-changing answer, and truth, on this incredibly practical issue...
How secure is our salvation? Tune in as Jesus explains who He is, what He came to do, and how He continues to do it.
If we truly believe that God is who He says He is, then our lives will reflect that belief. So what does a real fear of the Lord look like in the life of a believer?
Listen in as Pastor Craig Groeschel speaks into this important issue that affects every believer...
Discover the amazing true story of man born blind who was miraculously healed by Jesus, and learn why HIS story is also OUR story - a hopeless situation invaded by the grace and goodness of a loving Savior.
How should we live when we find ourselves waiting years without a prayer being answered? What hope do we hold onto? Meet an elderly woman who is an incredible example to you and I...
How do you make it through the valley when it's not just a single event or a dark day... but a season of life?
Discover the steps we need to take in order to keep the faith, have peace, and not lose hope during life's difficult times.
Everybody is going to have one - that day when the hurricane hits, the bottom falls out, and you're left just trying to catch your breath.
When that day comes, what do you do?
And what can you be doing today that will help prepare you?
It's one of the biggest questions posed by believers and non-believers alike: "If God is good, why is there pain and suffering in the world?"
In this message we'll journey to the origins of pain and suffering and tackle this difficult question head-on.
Jesus wants us to know that He is coming back, and He wants that knowledge to radically change the way we live!
Discover the promised blessings and teachings Jesus wants His Disciples to know about this incredible future event.
First Jesus gives an incredible command to His disciples: Do not worry or have an anxious mind.
Then, Jesus gives an incredible offer to His disciples. What is it? Listen now, find out, and discover that His offer still stands for you and I too!
In this powerful parable, Jesus shares with His disciples that which matters in eternity... and that which does not.
The bottom line? Don't waste your life on meaningless things!
There are 5 big myths that Satan wants us to believe because each one will lead down the path of hypocrisy. In this teaching, Jesus warns His disciples about each myth and shares a truth that will set them free and keep them from fear.
What does God's Word have to say about sex?
It's meant to be one of God's greatest gifts to a married couple, so why is it so often a source of tension and frustration?
Every marriage has it and will have more of it. But why do some marriages grow stronger despite it, while others crumble because of it?
In this message, we'll take a look at where conflict comes from and how to handle it in a healthy, God-honoring way.
Marriage is meant to be the most intense friendship we ever have. But what does it take to become genuine best friends with your spouse? Find out in this message...
Jesus cares deeply about how His Heavenly Father is represented on the earth. Find out why and how it affects you, as we listen in on Jesus' conversation with the religious experts of the day.
If Satan and demons are real... and they desire to bring destruction to our lives... how should we respond?
Listen in as Jesus teaches us in the subject of spiritual warfare.
When Jesus' disciples ask Him to teach them about the deep things of prayer, His response is both encouraging and surprising...
In the classic Christmas scene - Jesus in a manger - the question needs to be asked, "What is He doing here?"
In this Christmas devotional, we'll take a quick look at the reason Jesus came to earth as a baby, all those years ago...
What's more important than serving God? What's the "one thing" Jesus said was better than anything?
Through a simple interaction, Jesus teaches us everything we need to know about our priority in life...
In one of Jesus' most famous teachings, we are challenged to live out a seemingly impossible standard of love.
But there's a profound second level to this teaching, which reveals our hope that we too can live out this impossible standard.
Get a fascinating insight into how Jesus grows disciples, as we listen in on His instructions to the 70, who are about to be sent out on a short-term missions trip with the Gospel. Discover the huge priority Jesus places on faith and what He wanted His followers to know about evangelism.
When Jesus claimed to be "the light of the world", He was talking about something much deeper than simply good and evil. Find out what Jesus really meant when He delivered His 2nd "I am" statement in the Gospel of John.
What is God like in the worst moment of your life? When you're drowning in a mess of your own making?
Find out what grace and mercy really looks like as Jesus has a woman caught in adultery thrown in front of Him and is asked, "What should we do with her?"
What do you do when you find yourself in the place of spiritual dryness? You may love the Lord, take following Him seriously, be in the Word... and yet still find yourself dry. For those who are thirsty, Jesus has an incredible invitation!
As Jesus continues His tense exchange with the religious rulers of the day, we gain some insights into the balance between practical wisdom and God's plan, and the importance of balancing knowledge with relationship.
Is following Jesus really that urgent of an issue? And what do you do if you've missed out on a call God previously put on your life? Find out in this study!
We know that Jesus wants us to forgive... but how do you forgive the unforgivable?
Does God really expect us to forgive everyone, no matter what they've done to us?
Jesus confronts this difficult and emotional issue with a classic parable in Matthew 18.
How are believers supposed to handle their issues with other believers?
In this study, we'll hear from Jesus as He gives instructions on how He desires the offender and the offended to handle things, so that the end result can be restoration, healing, and wholeness.
What is the love of God like? Learn more about the incredible love of Jesus as we unpack the parable of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to look for one that has strayed.
The root word of "disciple" is "discipline" because you cannot be an effective disciple without discipline. But what is God's design for discipline in the family? How should it be done and you should it not be done? In this message, we'll tackle a difficult topic by revealing what the Bible has to teach us about this controversial subject.
From the Trinity, to the Church, to the family, honour is one of the foundations of God's Kingdom. Find out why it matters so much in parenting!
In part 1 of this parenting series, we examine 3 vital principles - parental unity, beginning with the end in mind, and parenting your child's heart over their behavior.
In God's Kingdom, Jesus tells His disciples to aspire to be like little children. Find out what that means and looks like as Jesus shares an intimate teaching on discipleship with those closest to Him...
The Transfiguration gives us a glorious preview of just how glorious Jesus really is, and leads us to ask, "What does it mean for us to transformed here and now, in this life?"
It's the most famous rebuke in history, so what's going on when Jesus tells Peter to, "Get behind me, Satan!"?
We'll also Jesus ask the heaviest question ever recorded, as He calls us to weigh what we prioritize in life.
Abraham and Sarah show up in the famous "Hall of Faith" chapter of the Bible - Hebrews 11 - as shining examples of faith... and yet their lives included some glaring failures with huge consequences. So why do they enjoy the legacy they do? Tune in as we find out!
So you've repented... but you're still haunted and ashamed of the worst parts of your past. How do you get free?
Find our what God's Word shows us in through the life of Saul/Paul about this very issue!
An affair, a murderous conspiracy, an illegitimate child... all from the greatest king the world has ever seen? The famous "man after God's own heart"?
Dive into David's season of greatest failure and discover the one thing he did in that time that changed everything.
It's the single most important question that every human being will answer: "Who is Jesus?"
Discover the powerful answer that Peter gave when asked this question, and the incredible promise Jesus gave to His Church.
Did you know that the Lord heals 3 different ways? Find out what they are and learn some valuable lessons about creating an atmosphere of faith in your life.
As this amazing book draws to a close, what does Jesus most want us to know about the Book of Revelation?
What does it mean that "there will be no curse" in eternity?
This powerful last chapter will leave you too longing for the moment we arrive in the presence of Jesus!
Get a sneak preview of our eternal home, the New Jerusalem, as we unpack this incredible chapter!
What will happen at the moment Jesus finally speaks the words, "Behold, I make all things new"?
Join us as we get our first glimpse of a new Heaven, a new earth, and the New Jerusalem. In this message we'll take some time to dream and imagine what it will mean for us to be gloriously "made new" in every sense of the phrase.
The Second Coming has taken place and the Millennial Kingdom has begun!
What is it? Is it a literal thousand years? What will it be like? Who goes into the Millennium?
Find out in this fascinating study!
The 7-year Tribulation is ended by the return of the King, as Jesus comes back to the earth with all of us and all the angels of Heaven.
On His way to His victorious arrival in Jerusalem, Jesus will run a quick "errand" at a place called Armageddon.
After witnessing the collapse of Babylon's false religious system, chapter 18 shows us the coming day when the world's corrupt economic system will fall in just "one hour". It's the ultimate reminder to live for the treasure of Heaven, rather than the doomed-for-destruction wealth of this world!
Who is the infamous "Whore of Babylon"? Find out as we delve into the origins of all paganism and false religion, and get a preview of how it will collapse...
In this special message by guest speaker Pastor Craig Groeschel of LIFECHURCH.tv, we are reminded of the amazing power of prayer and our calling to serve our great God by praying bold, big prayers.
In this special message from New Hope's Christmas service, we look at the perfect timing of Jesus' arrival on Earth and marvel at His timing in our own lives - which is always working to draw us closer to Him.
Discover the powerful connection between living in faith in the present and recalling God's faithfulness in the past. When you're drowning in fear and doubt, there is a habit you can develop that will keep you full of faith and focused on Jesus. Listen in as Jesus teaches His Disciples this life-changing principle...
In this study we learn the glorious truth that Jesus in concerned with our personal needs - not only our life-and-death situations. We'll also see Jesus perform a miracle of abundance and challenge the way we think about Him and our Heavenly Father. It's a message that can radically change the way you view God, pray to God, and relate to God!
What kind of request moves the heart of God? In contrast to the powerlessness of religious traditions, Jesus takes us back to the truth that our hearts drive everything in our lives - including our relationship with Him. Listen in and discover why there's hope for every single one of us - no matter what we're facing.
Why do we follow Jesus? And what does Jesus expect in return? Listen in as Jesus lays out the greatest offer ever made - all of us for all of Him.
Our most pressing need is almost never our greatest need. In this message, Jesus shares with us the greatest news we could receive! We also dive into eternal security and God's part vs. our part in salvation.
In this study, we'll see Jesus perform multiple miracles - including feeding thousands of people one one boy's dinner, walking on water, and inviting a Disciple to join Him! Join us as Jesus teaches some powerful lessons on how you and I can experience the miraculous in our own lives.
Jesus, in His own words, is worth EVERYTHING. In this study, we'll hear Jesus tell His disciples what to remember when they're facing fear and death for following Him.
In this special message, we discuss the mission of New Hope Church and the values that define who we are.
The disciples become apostles as they learn the vital faith lesson that you'll never know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.
If praying in faith is no guarantee that God will answer our prayer - why do we bother? Dig into this tough question as God's Word reveals answers that may change the way you view prayer forever!
Faith has the power to move mountains, while unbelief has the power to limit even Jesus! Learn why faith is the key to the Christian life, the miraculous, and the power of God in our lives.
Jacob was a man who spent his whole life trapped in an identity of deception and manipulation. Powerless to break the cycle of destructive behaviour in his own life, everything changed when he encountered Jesus.
Get an overview of the incredible life of Moses - the man God chose to free an entire nation from slavery. How did he do it? By learning over and over again the greatest truth there is - that if God is with us, nothing else matters.
Gideon was a man who literally the least of the least of the least! And yet God did something great IN HIM and THROUGH HIM. Learn the story of one of the heroes of the faith and discover the amazing truth that no matter your starting point in life, God will do incredible things when we simply start saying, "Yes" to Him.
Do you realize that Jesus asks us to play a role in the miracles He does in our lives? Find out what it is and discover why there is hope for your life, no matter what type of season you may be in!
Jesus reveals His matchless spiritual power by freeing 2 demon-possessed men that nobody else could reach, commissions the first missionary of the Gospel, and shows us how simple it is to be His witness.
Sooner or later, we all go through storms. Why does God allow them? How do we handle them? Discover what Jesus modeled for us and you'll never confront a storm the same way again!
Jesus continues teaching on His Kingdom using profound parables - warning us of dangers to come and blowing us away with the incredible price He paid to save us.
According to Jesus, every single one of us responds to God's Word in 1 of 4 ways. Find out why and what it means. Also - Jesus reveals the key to constantly growing in your understanding of God!
In a world where there are so many voices claiming to be teaching the truth, how do we discern what's really true?
Join us as we journey through the Bible and see for ourselves, in black and white, what the truth is and how we can avoid being swept up in things that aren't.
Grab your Bible, a pen, and let's go!
2 shockers - all sin has already been forgiven, and there is only one unpardonable sin. Jesus also explains why the Gospel is urgent and gives us a lesson in the reality of spiritual warfare.
Jesus teaches us where to find rest for our souls, while a dinner interaction between Jesus, a prostitute, and Simon the Pharisee teaches us how we lose it.
Where do you find comfort when the world doesn't make sense? When you're plagued with doubt? When God doesn't seem to be coming through like you thought He would? Find out as the man Jesus called, "the greatest man who ever lived" confronts Jesus with his doubts.
Discover the mind-blowing 2,600 year-old prophecy that precisely predicted Russia's rise to military superpower status... and find out what the Bible says will happen next!
What kind of faith makes even Jesus marvel? Find out! You'll also learn how authority works in the Kingdom of God, and why God's Word is so absolutely incredible and precious to us.
Jesus teaches us how to not be deceived by false prophets, and warns us of one of the great dangers that even Bible-studying believers face. The bottom line? Build on the Rock!
Did you know that Jesus actually commands us to judge each other?
Listen in as Jesus teaches us the right way to exercise judgment and helps us understand why we need to do it.
Jesus speaks on 2 of the biggest issues that challenge almost every believer - dealing with money and the stress over money. Learn why we should be the most carefree, un-stressed, un-anxious people on Earth!
Jesus continues to reveal the incredibly high standard of the Old Testament Law as He unpacks a radical and shocking way of dealing with one's enemies and being wrongfully persecuted.
Jesus also blesses His Disciples with the model prayer we've come to know as, "The Lord's Prayer". Find out how you can use it to connect with God throughout the day in just 30 seconds!
Jesus continues one of His most famous messages by revealing what God's standard truly is... and shattering the myth that anybody can be "a good person" on their own merits. Discover incredible hope at the end of this journey and also hear from Jesus on the subjects of murder, anger, divorce, adultery, and more.
Jesus opens The Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes - 9 attitudes that lead to true and lasting happiness. Jesus deals with our character and reveals the incredible blessings that accompany doing things His way.
Meet the 12 unlikely candidates that Jesus chose to be the foundation of Christianity, and learn how Jesus handled making huge decisions. The great news is that it's simple and we can do the same thing!
What is the Sabbath and why does it matter to us? Find out and also learn why your greatest burdens may be your greatest blessings.
Because Jesus is the Son of Man, He is able to enter into our suffering and sympathize with us. Because Jesus is the Son of God, He is able to change our eternal destiny and overcome the power of death on our behalf. Join us for this special Easter Bible study as we remember what Jesus has done for us and why it changed everything!
Dig into one of the most important portions of Scripture in the entire Bible and discover the secret to Jesus' incredible joy, authority, and confidence.
Are you prepared to receive your miracle from Jesus? Find out if you're ready, as we follow Jesus' healing of a man who's been crippled for 38 years.
Jesus changes the life of a cynical sell-out, has a party thrown in His honour, and answers a question from some puzzled onlookers...
What is our deepest need? In this study, we'll see Jesus come face-to-face with a leper and a paralytic. What He does for them tells us much about what He's done for us.
How does Jesus react when His ministry begins gaining massive momentum? How does Peter's response to the realization that Jesus is God reveal the truth of the Gospel? In this study, we're invited to renew our sense of awe and gratitude toward Jesus and our salvation.
What does it look like when Jesus crosses paths with the powers of darkness? Learn how Jesus handled spiritual warfare and why His authority should fill us with confidence today.
When Jesus said it would be like "the days of Lot" just before His return, what did He mean?
Learn how one of the most politically incorrect chapters in the Bible shows us that we're living in the End Times.
What is The Rapture? When will it happen? What will it be like? In this fascinating study, we discover the incredible destiny of the last generation Church!
Join us as we study the amazing letter that Jesus wrote to the Laodicean Church - the church that represents the period of history that you and I are living in.
Discover one of the most incredible prophecies in all of Scripture and the amazing statement Jesus made about how it relates to the end of the world!
What does it mean to be chosen by Jesus, the Rabbi? This study will forever change the way you view Jesus and the Disciples, and will fill you with awe at the realization that Jesus has said to you and I, "Follow Me."
In this study, we see Jesus teach in the Nazarene synagogue and reveal the difference between His First and Second Comings. Jesus also unveils the mandate of His Earthly ministry and answers the question, "Who is the Gospel for?"
A panicked man leaves a miraculous encounter with Jesus completely changed. Find out what it means and looks like to really walk by faith!
What happens when Jesus has a one-on-one conversation with a social outcast and reveals that He knows all of her darkest secrets? We'll also hear Jesus explain the key to finding satisfaction in life...
Find out why embracing the truth that everything revolves around Jesus, and not us, is the key to joy and happiness.
What does it mean to be "born again"? Jesus addresses the most important question of them all as he clearly and directly explains how you and I can be a part of His family.
Everybody worships something, and only worshiping God leads to real & lasting joy. In this study we'll find out how Jesus works in our lives to bring us to a place where we're full of that joy.
Find out what happens when ordinary people encounter an extraordinary God. In this study we see Jesus change a man's name and his future along with it, and we learn of the incredible hope we have in Jesus... regardless of what's in our past or who we are today.
What does it look like when the Holy Spirit moves in the church service? Discover how the Bible gives clarity to issues many believers are confused about...
Every follower of Jesus has been given a primary motivating spiritual gift. Learn about them all and discover yours, so that you can live an effective life, focused on the things God created you to do. We'll also examine the manifestations of the Holy Spirit and learn the different ways that He uses believers to minister to each other.
In Part 2 of our message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we see the Apostle Peter explain that this new work of God is for everybody and will continue until the Second Coming of Christ. We'll also tackle the gift of tongues and find out how we can be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
In Part 1 of our study on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we discover what happened to the Disciples in Acts 2 and what the purpose of this gift was - power to live as Jesus' representatives on the Earth!
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Meet the third person of the Trinity, God who lives inside of us, the Helper, the gift of the Father to us, the One who teaches us all things...
This study provides an introduction to the Holy Spirit. Cut through all the rumours about Him and discover what Jesus told His Disciples the Holy Spirit would do for them.
Despite the fact that He was God in the flesh, Jesus overcame the most trying of temptations using only tools that are available to us. In this study, we discover how we too can have victory and freedom in our lives by resisting temptation as Jesus did.
Jesus' baptism models many great truths for us, including the fact that love for The Father will always result in obedience to The Father. We also find Jesus moving straight from a spiritual mountaintop experience into the wilderness and being lead there by The Holy Spirit. Find out what's going on in this week's message.
Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:4-8, Luke 3:1-18
Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest man who ever lived (other than Himself) and gave him a very specific message to preach. Today this day, John's message still accomplishes its purpose - getting us ready to meet Jesus.
Who is God? How can we relate to Him? How should we interact with Him? What is He like? Jesus shows us as He speaks the first recorded words of His ministry on the Earth.
In the middle of the most chaotic seasons of life God is still in control, writing a story for our lives that is full of His blessings.
When Jesus shows up in your life, how will you respond? We'll study the different responses of King Herod, the religious scholars, and the "wise men"... and find ourselves in one of the 3 responses.
God almost never reveals His entire plan plan to us but He's revealed enough for us to trust Him completely with all of our lives.
What does it mean to have peace? What does it mean to be blessed? Find out how the birth of Jesus brought us both.
In this message, we tackle why the doctrine of the virgin birth matters & jump back into our story by examining Mary's pregnancy from Joseph's perspective.
We serve a God who keeps His promises... every single time. But how do you make it through the gap between receiving the promise and the promise being fulfilled? How do you keep the faith?
This week, we meet the parents of John the Baptist and the mother of Jesus. Both families have some vitally important things to teach us about speaking and acting in faith - in agreement with God.
John's Gospel opens by revealing Jesus Christ as God. In this study, we explore truths about Jesus that stretch beyond our intellectual capacity as human beings and find out what it takes to ultimately be saved.
Jesus is the only man who ever chose his family tree. Who He chose reveals a God who loves to claim broken people and redeem their lives.
Predictive prophecy provides irrefutable evidence that Jesus was exactly who He claimed to be - God in the flesh. Dive into just a few of the amazing Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus Christ.
What is worship? Who is it for? How does it work? Why should we do it? Dive into this study on the one spiritual discipline we'll do forever!
Behind every great man and woman of God is a disciplined and powerful prayer life. Discover how you can learn and apply this spiritual discipline to your own life and see radical growth in your relationship with your Heavenly Father.
The Bible is a direct connection to Jesus and the most reliable way to meet with him on a daily basis. Find out how you can get God's Word built into your life!
Discover what Jesus wants most from His people and His Church, as well as the cure for spiritual dryness and apathy.
Jesus empowers us to stand strong in every situation and circumstance we face in life! Find out what His plan is and what it means to apply it to our lives as we put on "The Armor of God".
Find out what being lead by Christ in marriage, parenting, and work looks like. Paul gives us practical instructions on how we can honor God in each of these important relationships.
How can we make everything we do meaningful? Find out what happens when redemption touches every part of our lives as we study what God has to say to us about living a life of significance.
What is the Fruit of the Spirit? What causes it? What stops it? We'll also discover the importance of accountability in the life of the believer and the Church.
How do you sum up living the Christian life in a single verse? Paul does just that and has some very direct things to say about living clean in a sexually-obsessed culture.
What does it look like to live in the new life that Christ has given us? We'll dig into the details, including God's plan to keep us free from bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness.
In this study, Paul reveals the different gifts that Jesus has given to Church and encourages us to be lead by the Holy Spirit in all things at all times. We also learn how a mature believer evaluates prophecy and "new" movements that blow through Christianity.
Before you can walk out your faith, you need to understand where you sit in relation to Christ. In this study, we are taken back to the only reason we do anything for Christ - because He loved us first.
Our relationship with Jesus affects our entire being. Discover the practices that will help you grow in the most important relationship you'll ever have! Paul also reveals what God desires to do with, in, and through our lives. Hint - it's bigger than your imagination.
In this special Easter message, we encounter Jesus performing his last great miracle before His crucifixion - raising Lazarus from the dead. Find out how this powerful event reveals what Jesus wants to do for every single one of us!
Jesus has authority over all things... and that changes everything for us! We also discover the incredible comfort that God offers us in our times of greatest need.
Hear Paul's incredible conversion story, discover why grace is the only way we can relate to God, and learn how God calls us all to ministry!
Paul addresses the question, "What defines us?" His answer reveals our new identity and the new citizenship we've acquired in Christ!
What are we "saved" from? What are we saved for? The answers to these questions will leave you in absolute awe of God's kindness and grace toward us!
God's plan is for the sex life of married couples to be amazing, exciting, fun, and fulfilling! Join us as we learn more about God's design in this crucial area of married life.
God uses marriage as one of His greatest discipleship tools! Find out what real unity looks like and if you're single, find out what a makes a match made in Heaven...
Marriage was God's idea! In this teaching, we explore His design and plan for building an amazing marriage. We'll also discuss how to break relational deadlocks and impasses, and why grace changes everything.
Follow Paul's example in prayer, and discover the incredible power that's available to us!
What's so great about being a Christian? Discover the incredible blessings that we have in Christ and prepared to be completely overwhelmed by the goodness of God!
Find out more about the callings God has placed on your life and why they are vitally important.