Worship Center - Sermons: Recent Episodes
Worship Center
Prayer is more than bringing our needs to God. It is God’s way of inviting His people to participate in His kingdom purposes. In this message, we discover how praying, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done,” aligns our lives with the authority of Jesus, unites us with His people, and leads us to faithfully live out our kingdom assignment.
Does Proverbs 22:6 promise that children raised well will never walk away from God? This message explores the biblical context of this well-known proverb and shows how God’s wisdom shapes people as they faithfully walk in His ways, while calling each person to take responsibility for the path they choose.
Proverbs 6 gives a list of seven things the Lord hates. He doesn’t hate these things because they break a rule. He opposes them because they distort who He is, damage our witness, and work against His purposes. Discover how Proverbs 6 calls us to become the kind of people who faithfully represent Jesus in every area of life.
Life is full of decisions, and the choices we make today shape the direction of our tomorrow. Discover how God’s wisdom helps us recognize danger before it becomes destruction, learn how guarding our hearts, establishing healthy boundaries, and walking in God’s wisdom can protect us from the pitfalls that lead us away from His presence.
Wisdom isn't something we achieve—it's something God forms in us. Discover how God grows wisdom through a daily walk with Jesus, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the godly people He places in our lives.
Everyone wants wisdom, but Proverbs teaches that wisdom does not begin with better information or better decision-making. It begins with the fear of the Lord by bringing our lives under God’s authority. In this message from Proverbs 1, discover how the fear of the Lord becomes the foundation for knowing God’s truth, trusting His Word, and walking the wise path.
In Revelation 22, Jesus declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” This message explores what that means and why it matters. Discover how Jesus is the ruler of history, the source of all life, and the King who calls His people to faithful obedience. The question Revelation leaves us with is simple: Is Jesus the ruler of your life?
Many people think heaven is about leaving earth and going somewhere else. Revelation 21 reveals something far greater. Jesus is restoring His people to be His bride, dwell in His presence, and fulfill God’s original purpose under His rule and reign. Discover how the promise of His restoration gives hope and purpose today, whether you’re facing suffering, loss, uncertainty, or simply longing to know Jesus in a deeper way.
We live in a world marked by death, grief, and brokenness. Revelation 21 gives us a glimpse of the future Jesus is bringing, where death is defeated, creation is restored, and God dwells with His people forever. Discover why the promise that Jesus is making all things new gives us courage to remain faithful to Him today.
In Revelation 20, many people focus on timelines and end-times debates about the thousand-year reign of Christ. But this passage ultimately reveals something greater: Jesus is reigning now, Satan cannot stop the kingdom of God, and the church still has a mission to accomplish. This message explores how Revelation gives believers confidence, courage, and hope to remain faithful to Jesus until He returns.
Revelation 19 shows us that the clearer we see Jesus as the victorious King, the steadier our allegiance to Him becomes. This message explores how seeing Jesus clearly anchors our trust, settles our allegiance, and gives us confidence to participate in His kingdom today. We also connect this to water baptism as a public declaration of allegiance to Jesus Christ, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
Revelation 19 reveals Jesus as the One who is returning for a faithful bride. In this message, we explore how the church prepares for His return through worship, holiness, faithful obedience, and unwavering allegiance to Jesus in a world filled with distraction and deception. The purpose of prophecy is not fear or speculation, but to reveal Jesus and prepare His people to remain faithful until He comes again.
Revelation 18 reveals the final collapse of the antichrist system many people trust today. It’s exposing how the world’s values shape our thinking and compete for our allegiance. At the same time, Jesus brings an end to everything that opposes Him and invites His people to live differently. Knowing how this ends changes how we live today, because His kingdom will never fall.
Revelation 17 exposes a powerful antichrist system that promises influence, wealth, and freedom but ultimately pulls people away from Jesus. In this message, we uncover how that system works and why it will collapse. More importantly, we see Jesus as the King who overcomes and what it means to live as His called, chosen, and faithful people today.
Revelation 16 reveals that God’s final judgment is not reactive but measured, just, and part of His plan to deal with evil and human rebellion. This message helps us understand His wrath in light of His holiness and challenges us to examine where our allegiance truly lies. Jesus is coming again, so live ready, stay faithful, and build your life on His unshakable Kingdom.
Jesus reveals Himself as the risen King who calls His church to live with urgency before the final harvest. When you encounter Jesus, your life is changed and your heart is softened toward people. This message from Revelation 14 and John 20 re-centers us on what matters most right now. Love spiritually lost people, align with Jesus and His kingdom, and actively participate in the harvest before His return.
Revelation 14 shifts our focus from fear and confusion to clarity about who Jesus is and what He is doing. While the world competes for our allegiance, Jesus stands as King and gathers a people who belong to Him, calling us to live with urgency and faithfulness. This message challenges us to move from distraction into active participation in the harvest of God’s kingdom, staying anchored to Jesus and enduring in His mission.
Water baptism is one of the clearest pictures of what Jesus does in a human life. In this message, we explore how baptism represents the death of our old life, the beginning of a new life in Christ, and the victory Jesus won through His death and resurrection. If you've ever wished you could start over, the Gospel offers something even greater than self-improvement — it offers new life.
Revelation 13 can create fear when people focus on the beast, the mark, and the number 666 without understanding the bigger picture. In this message, we see that Jesus reveals a counterfeit kingdom that demands allegiance through power, deception, and economic pressure. The real question Revelation 13 raises is not whether we can identify the beast but where our allegiance truly belongs. Followers of Jesus are called to recognize counterfeit authority, remain faithful under pressure, and live with settled allegiance to Christ.
In times of global conflict and uncertainty, many people wonder if current events are signs of the end times. When tensions rise in places like the Middle East, it is tempting to line up today’s headlines with Bible prophecy. But Scripture points us in a better direction.
In Revelation 12, God pulls back the curtain and reveals the deeper conflict behind human history. The passage shows the enemy who opposes God’s kingdom and accuses God’s people, but it also reveals the decisive victory of Jesus. Through His birth, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus defeated the accuser once and for all and made a way for His people to overcome.
In Revelation 11, Jesus prepares His church for life as faithful witnesses in enemy territory. Spirit-empowered testimony will face real opposition, and at times it may look like evil has won. But this chapter shows that Jesus knows who belongs to Him, sustains His people in pressure, and will publicly vindicate their allegiance. The kingdoms of this world will not have the final word. Jesus will reign forever.
Revelation 10 reminds us to live with kingdom-driven urgency. In this message, we explore how Jesus calls His church to feel the weight and privilege of living in this moment. God’s final judgment of sin and evil is real and is moving toward a fixed end. We are called to internalize the gospel and to boldly proclaim the kingdom of God to all nations while there is still time.
In Revelation 9, the sounding of the trumpets reveals that God’s warnings are expressions of mercy to wake people up before judgment escalates. Jesus has authority over evil, preserves those who belong to Him, and exposes the false idea that we can remain neutral toward Him. This message invites us to examine where we have set our gaze and to give our settled allegiance to Jesus.
Revelation 8 reveals that God’s warnings are not meant to produce fear, but to awaken hearts to renewed trust in Jesus. As creation itself is shaken, we are invited to shift our allegiance from systems that cannot save to His unshakable kingdom, anchoring our hope to Jesus who reigns over evil and calls us to deeper trust in Him.
Revelation 6 reveals Jesus as the reigning Lamb who is not reacting to chaos but ruling over it. As the seals are opened, the events described reveal patterns of human power, conflict, and collapse that expose where people place their trust. God’s justice is shown as a measured response to evil so that His creation can be restored. This message will help people learn to trust Jesus, remain faithful, and anchor their lives to His kingdom when the world comes apart.
Revelation 4 shows us who is on the throne. Revelation 5 shows us what God intends to do with His authority. In this message, we see Jesus revealed as both the Lion and the Lamb, the only one worthy to execute judgment on evil and ransom people from sin. It’s God’s final plan to deal with rebellion, pride, and destruction. This message invites us to see history clearly, recognize where evil truly comes from, and examine where our allegiance lies. Jesus is not only Savior, He is the rightful King who will bring God’s kingdom to completion and calls us to align our lives with His rule today.
In this message, we begin a journey through the book of Revelation by looking at what John sees as the throne of God. Before judgment, before timelines, before global events, Scripture reveals a holy, sovereign Creator who governs all things. Revelation 4 reminds us that history is not spinning out of control and the throne of heaven is not shaking, even when the world is. You’ll be challenged to evaluate any area of your life where you are resisting God’s authority instead of aligning with it.
The communion table is more than a ritual or tradition. It is a moment to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and to declare our loyalty to Him. When we participate, we are choosing shared life with Jesus and aligning our hearts with the rule and purposes of His Kingdom.
In this message, we see how the birth of Jesus reveals the depth of God’s love through the arrival of a King. It walks through Luke 1 and Mary’s response to God’s unexpected kingdom assignment, showing that Jesus’ birth was not random or sentimental, but the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise prepared long before Bethlehem. Jesus is revealed as the King and ruler of a kingdom that will never end. Through Mary’s example, we are challenged to examine our allegiance to Him and learn what it looks like to yield to His kingdom instead of building our own.
Waiting can shake your confidence, especially when you can’t see what God is doing. In this message we look at Zechariah and discover that joy is more than a feeling. It becomes inner confidence that God finishes what He starts. As you step into the assignments God puts in front of you, His joy strengthens you to trust Him, obey Him, and keep moving forward even when the path feels uncertain.
In Week 1 of our Advent series "In The Waiting," we learn that hope isn’t something we feel only when life is bright — it's something God forms in us during seasons of waiting. Isaiah 9 promises a great light breaking into deep darkness, a hope fulfilled in Jesus after 700 years of silence.
Through the disciples in Acts 1, we see that hope grows when we choose to trust God, pray, and stay faithful even when the timeline is unclear. Their obedience, unity, and prayer positioned them for the power of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2.
We also discover that hidden seasons are holy seasons. God shapes people in times when no one is watching. Waiting is not wasted; it expands our foundation and deepens our dependence on Him.
Just like a seed growing in the dark soil, God forms us beneath the surface so we can walk faithfully into what comes next.
Advent reminds us that even when life feels dark or uncertain, the light of Christ is already breaking through. Jesus is our living hope, the light no darkness can extinguish.
We all know what it feels like to be asked a spiritual question we were not expecting. Peter understood that tension too. In his letter to early believers, he calls us to live with a hope that people can actually see and to be ready when they ask about it. This message looks at what it means to set Christ apart in our hearts, share the story of what Jesus has done in our lives, and answer with a tone that reflects His character.
Hope is not something we hide. It is something that shows up in the way we live, speak, and love the people around us. When our confidence comes from Jesus, we can welcome questions with courage and kindness because the hope inside us is real.
Jesus confronts the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm, which means spiritually useless because of their pride and self-sufficiency. In this message, we see how Jesus offers an invitation to restore His people, aligning their purpose with God's Kingdom.
Jesus says, “I am coming soon.” In this message, we learn what it means to stay faithful, walk through kingdom opportunities, and live ready for His return. He holds the keys to the Kingdom and opens doors for those who trust and obey Him. Every moment of obedience today prepares us for the reward of living in His kingdom forever.
Jesus gives a spiritual wake-up call to the church in Sardis and to us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He exposes indifference, restores purpose, and reminds His people to stay alert for His return. This message invites us to strengthen our faith and live fully awake to God’s presence and mission.
This message teaches how to stay faithful in a world that often blurs truth and deception. Jesus calls His church to recognize false teaching, guard their minds with His word, and live with courage in enemy territory. When we hold fast to truth, He gives strength, identity, and the promise of victory.
In Revelation 2:1–7, Jesus commends the church at Ephesus for their perseverance and endurance but confronts them for drifting from their first love. This message invites us to examine our own hearts, repent of empty religion, and return to a real relationship with Jesus — allowing His mercy and forgiveness to reignite our love for Him and for others. True mission and lasting fruit flow only from the overflow of first love.
Few books of the Bible stir as much fascination, or fear, as Revelation. This message shows us how Jesus unveils Himself, remains present with His people, and speaks words that both comfort and challenge us to live for His kingdom. Join us as we begin this journey of hearing what the Spirit is saying to the church today.
Freedom in Christ isn’t about doing whatever we want but about choosing to serve others in love. This message unpacks Paul’s warning against “biting and devouring” one another, and shows how the Matthew 25 Project calls us to plant seeds of generosity that will impact Lancaster and beyond.
What does a genuine move of the Holy Spirit look like? In this message, we explore Acts 4 and see patterns of the Spirit’s work. Bold prayers, powerful testimonies, Christ-centered unity, radical generosity, and extreme integrity are all pointing to Jesus and advancing His kingdom. Discover how these same marks can shape your life and our church today.
Generosity in God’s kingdom is never wasted. It’s multiplied. This message unpacks the law of reciprocity from Luke 6, showing how generosity makes room for multiplication. It’s trusting that God multiplies what we release for His purposes. Discover how what you release to God makes room for Him to do more than you could imagine.
Worship Center is launching "Matthew 25 Project" — a goal to give away $2 million in 2 years. Not to expand buildings, but to expand God’s kingdom. Rooted in Jesus’ call to urgency, faithfulness, and compassion, this vision will fuel Bible translation for unreached languages and support initiatives that value the sanctity of human life. Join us as we step into this bold next chapter of generosity and kingdom impact.
This message lays the biblical foundation for Kingdom-Driven Generosity, showing that generosity begins with God, is modeled by Jesus, and is empowered by the Holy Spirit in the church.
From Eden to the early church in Acts, we see that God’s people are called to give joyfully, sacrificially, and strategically to advance His kingdom.
As Worship Center steps into a new season we’re invited to embrace kingdom-driven generosity by investing what God has placed in our hands for an eternal impact.
Life is full of highs and lows but joy doesn’t have to rise and fall with your circumstances. In this message from Philippians 4, we explore how to detach contentment from comfort and anchor joy to Christ. Discover how living with this kind of joy can transform every transition, every challenge, and every opportunity to give, no matter what your circumstance is.
Overthinking is your brain’s attempt to wrestle peace out of uncertainty, but it never works. In this message from Philippians 4, you’ll learn how to break the cycle of overthinking by knowing you belong to the Lord, praying instead of spiraling, and letting God’s peace guard your heart and mind. God’s peace is an inner calm. It’s the security knowing He is with you, He is for you, and is at work even when you can’t see it.
In Philippians 3:12–21, Paul reminds us that Christ didn’t save us to meet impossible expectations, but to transform us completely into His image. We press on not because we’ve already arrived, but because we belong to Christ and are being made complete in Him. This journey of spiritual growth includes knowing Christ deeply, becoming like Him through ongoing transformation, living with a heavenly mindset, growing in Kingdom community, and embracing Christ’s power that will one day make all things new. So don’t get stuck in the past or discouraged by your imperfections — press on, because Jesus is not done with you yet.
Life hands us many challenges. God's Word in Philippians 3:1-11 calls us to courageously rejoice amid these challenges by receiving grace through faith in Christ alone. Such great faith gives us the strength to rejoice, guiding us away from deceitful teachings into a place of joy only God can give.
Jesus came to give us joy. He came so we don’t need to live depressed lives. We can actually have joy in all circumstances. It gives us great joy to know that our salvation is freely given and begins a work in us that flows from our lives and impacts people’s lives we come in contact within our daily lives.
This message from Philippians 2 reminds us that true joy and Gospel impact come when we adopt the humble, others-focused mindset of Jesus Christ. Paul calls us to unity — not just getting along, but being deeply joined in heart, purpose, and love. Jesus, though fully God, chose the path of self-emptying love for our sake. When we think like Him, we live with purpose, serve with humility, and reflect the heart of the Gospel to the world.
We often view suffering as something to fix, but the Apostle Paul shows us a different perspective—one rooted in joy. This joy doesn’t come from our circumstances, but from our identity as citizens of heaven. It comes from trusting that God will finish what He started in us.
As citizens of heaven, we rely on a powerful God, we tell others what He has done, we live with an eternal perspective, we offer comfort to others, and we live lives worthy of the Good News of Jesus.
This Good News is that, though we all fall short, God makes us right with Him through Jesus. Our joy, hope, and purpose are found in Him—even in the midst of suffering.
In this message from Philippians 1, we discover that true joy doesn’t come from circumstances but from allegiance to Jesus. Paul is in prison, telling this church that every time he thinks about them he is thankful and prays for them with such joy. Joy was not a by-product. Joy was their form of resistance and strength. That same joy is available to us today.
When life shakes you, it’s not always to break you. Sometimes it’s how God gets your attention and builds something deeper in you. In this message, we look at how Peter’s failure became the turning point that strengthened his faith and helped him lead others. Real strength doesn’t come from confidence in yourself. It comes from God’s grace. He restores us with renewed purpose to help others
What if we let our adversity help us to know God more deeply? In Job 42:5, Job declares that he has now seen God, showing that hardship led him to a deeper revelation of God’s presence. Similarly, in John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind—not because of sin, but to reveal God’s power—giving him both physical and spiritual sight.
We can choose to see Jesus in our adversity, prepare our hearts by knowing Him in the quiet, and recognize that trials—though painful—can be the very places where God's glory is most clearly revealed.
When God finally responds to Job, He doesn’t explain the suffering. Instead, he gives Job a vision of his power and supreme authority over everything.
Through rhetorical questions and the untamable images of Behemoth and Leviathan, God confronts Job’s limited view and dismantles the idea that He can be controlled, predicted, or judged by human standards. This message explores how God’s power, presence, justice, and grace point forward to Jesus. He is the one who embodies God’s authority over both visible power and unseen chaos.
When adversity strikes, we often ask, “Why?” But in Job’s story, God doesn’t offer an explanation. This message unpacks how God shifts our focus from ourselves to His greatness, inviting us to trust His wisdom, power, and purpose. It teaches us that we don’t need to understand everything to trust the One who made everything.
When adversity hits, it often brings more questions than answers. In this message, we explore how Job’s unanswered questions exposed his misunderstandings of God, and how a humble heart toward Him in the midst of hardship can lead to unexpected spiritual growth. Walking through adversity with humility allows God to shape your view of him and prepare you for His kingdom.
In Part 2 of Awakened By Adversity, we take a closer look at Job’s suffering—not as a detour, but as part of God’s larger story. Job’s faith under pressure exposes Satan’s lie that people only trust God for the blessings they receive. His endurance becomes a living display of God’s wisdom, echoing beyond this life into the unseen spiritual realm. When you trust God in the middle of pain, your story becomes part of the evidence that silences the enemy and lifts up the name of Jesus.
Most people think the book of Job is just about enduring suffering and hoping God restores what was lost. But what if we’ve misunderstood it? In this message, we reframe Job’s story—not as a self-help manual for hard times, but as a signpost pointing to Jesus. Job reveals deep spiritual truths about suffering, the need for a mediator, and the cosmic battle behind adversity. The real blessing isn’t just restoration but a deeper revelation of who God is.
This Easter message explains why Jesus's resurrection was absolutely necessary. Not just as a historical event but as the final step in God’s unstoppable redemption plan. It walks through Matthew’s account of the resurrection and highlights three powerful but unlikely witnesses who point to one unshakable truth that Jesus is alive.
The resurrection isn’t just proof of life after death. It’s the release of our spiritual inheritance of eternal life, freedom from sin, and a restored relationship with God. And, it’s a call to live with spiritual alertness, knowing that Jesus is coming again.
What if the story of Esau isn’t just about a bad trade over a bowl of stew but a warning for our time? In a world racing toward genetic upgrades and AI-enhanced life, we’re being asked the same question: will you trade your God-given identity for something that won’t last? This message is a call to hold on to what’s sacred, to live out your spiritual birthright in Christ, and to step with confidence into God’s unshakable kingdom.
Why did God intervene at the Tower of Babel? In this message, we uncover how human pride clashed with God’s purpose and what that means for us today.
From Noah’s family to Babylon’s defiance, scripture reveals how pride leads to downfall, but grace comes through Jesus who is the true bridge between heaven and earth. Discover how Babel connects to your life today, learn why pride is so destructive and how to resist it, and see how Jesus fulfills what the tower could never do.
God’s plan has always been restoration, but first, there was judgment. The world in Genesis 6 was out of control. Violence, corruption, and people rejecting their Creator. So God hit reset with a flood. But even in judgment, He made a way to preserve life through Noah and his family just like Jesus is the way to salvation from sin and death. Sin still corrupts. Evil still tries to rule. But God is patient, ready to restore, and waiting for people to turn to Him.
Genesis 3 shows us how Satan’s deception led to humanity’s downfall, why God allowed it, and what that means for us today. Love isn’t real without choice, and Satan knew exactly how to twist the truth to pull Adam and Eve away from God. But from the very beginning, God had a plan to not just fix what was broken but to completely restore what was lost. His plan of redemption is found in Jesus.
God’s design for men and women is one of those topics that requires a deeper look. In Genesis, God created order and abundance, but the enemy seeks to bring disorder and confusion—especially regarding gender, marriage, and purpose.
In this message, we explore God’s original intent for the roles of man and woman and how agency (the power to choose) shapes our obedience to God.
If culture determines identity, it leads to disorder. But when we align with God’s order, we experience His abundance.
God creates order in our lives so that it may be filled with abundance to fulfill the purpose God has for us. We see this pattern in the account of creation in Genesis where God remakes what is in formless and void. In the first three days of creation God creates order. In the next three days God fills the order of each those corresponding days with abundance. On day seven God rests and celebrates the fullness of creation.
This pattern is evident in our relationship with God. As we follow the order God has for our lives, God fills it with the abundance of the life and nature of Christ. When Jesus calls us to follow Him, He is calling us to order our lives that we may be led and strengthened by His Holy Spirit. With His order in our lives He makes provision for us, and from our abundance we can be generous toward others.
Why did God create humankind? Genesis 1 records that God created humans in His image and gave them divine purpose and responsibility over His creation. In this message, we’ll discover that despite Satan’s attempt to corrupt it, God’s supreme authority and plan of redemption remain unchanged. Through Christ, believers are restored to fulfill their God given design.
This message explores the first verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” We’ll discover the overarching biblical narrative, focusing on God’s plan for creation, humanity’s role, the ongoing spiritual battle, and how Christ is at the center of it all. The creation account is not primarily a scientific explanation but a foundation for understanding God’s intent for His creation.
Most people want to live with purpose, but few take the time to create a plan that aligns their life with God’s kingdom. Jesus calls us to be good and faithful stewards—not just with our talents, but with our spiritual growth, finances, and good works. In this message, we’ll explore how to seek God’s divine guidance, make a plan, and take intentional steps so that, at the end of our lives, we can hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Jesus made it pretty clear that at the end of the age, we won’t be judged by how much we knew but by how well we loved. In this message, we’ll learn that faith isn’t about checking religious boxes; it’s about who saw the hungry, the hurting, and the forgotten and did something about it. It’s a way of seeing and serving people the way Jesus did. If we follow Him, we’ll live like He matters, and that means every life matters to us too.
Stewardship isn't about waiting for the perfect moment—it's about taking a step with what God has entrusted to you before the opportunity slips away. The third servant in Matthew 25 missed his chance because he mischaracterized the master, allowed fear to paralyze him, and ultimately wasted what he was given. Don't let fear or doubt hold you back. Trust God, step forward, and use what He’s placed in your hands to make a difference!
You’re on assignment, not on accident. God has given you specific talents and a unique assignment to advance his kingdom. Your assignment is to be fruitful with what you’ve been given and stay faithful until Jesus returns. Every moment matters. How can you use your time to align with your God-given assignment?
God has entrusted each of us with specific talents for unique opportunities to advance His kingdom. The question is, what’s in your hand, and how can you use it to make an impact? Discover how to identify your God-given talents, develop them with wisdom, and use them to serve people in need.
This message dives into what it means to live with purpose while waiting for Jesus’ return, inspired by the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids in Matthew 25. It’s about staying ready, not just busy—overcoming spiritual procrastination by embracing our roles as both servants and friends of God. The question is simple: how can the promise of His return reshape your priorities today? Let’s explore how to live faithfully, purposefully, and fully prepared for the moment we meet Him.
Celebrate what God did at Worship Center in 2024 — specifically in Kids Ministry, Small Groups, and Water Baptisms. Hear from a leader representing each of these areas who will share highlights, testimonies, and a prayer for 2025.
The Christmas story isn’t just a sweet tale about a baby in a manger; it’s an announcement that Jesus came to save us from our sins. That’s good news. But here’s the challenge: Jesus’ arrival confronts us with a question—who’s really sitting on the throne of your life? Herod didn’t want to lose control, and if we’re honest, we don’t either. Yet, Jesus, the true King, calls us to trust Him with faith-filled obedience.
The Magi remind us of the importance of our worship to Jesus, showing us we are all invited to worship and surrender our lives to Jesus. Our personal spiritual hunger will open up our lives for God to use us in His Kingdom.
The Christmas story is more than a birth; it’s the moment God came to us. Jesus, called Immanuel, means “God with us,” showing that God isn’t distant but approachable, loving, and present in our lives. Like Joseph and Mary, we’re called to trust and obey God, even in uncertainty, because His presence gives us courage. This Christmas, let’s remember that Jesus is the ultimate reminder that we’re never alone.
In this message, we explore how God’s grace is displayed through the imperfect people in Jesus' family tree. Despite their flaws, God used them to bring His plan of salvation to fruition, showing that no one is beyond His redemption. God’s grace isn’t about earning, it’s about receiving—and no one is too far gone to be part of His plan.
This message concludes our "Unobvious Idols" series, reminding us that idols are anything we prioritize over God. True fulfillment and purpose come from worshiping God alone, not from seeking validation or significance elsewhere. Worship is about giving our deepest love and devotion to God, aligning our lives with His purpose. Romans 12:1-2 calls us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, allowing God to transform us and detach our hearts from idols.
Proverbs 4:23 encourages us to guard our hearts intentionally because our hearts shape our thoughts, actions, and lives. With the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can address distractions and temptations that pull us away from God. Following Jesus' example in Matthew 4, we can rely on Scripture to resist idols and stay focused on worshiping God alone. God challenges us to identify anything capturing our hearts more than him and commit to deepening our devotion this week.
In this message, we explore the subtle ways people and relationships can become idols in our lives when we expect them to fulfill needs only God can meet. By examining the dangers of placing unrealistic expectations on others, we learn how to reorient our hearts toward God, the only source of true significance and fulfillment. Discover practical steps to love people well without making them our ultimate source of identity.
Ever feel that twinge of resentment when someone else gets the promotion, the house, or the life you wish you had? It’s easy to fall into the trap of envy, but longing for what someone else has can rob us of joy.
This week’s message tackles how envy quietly seeps into our lives, breeding discontent and distracting us from the good things God has already given. But there’s hope! By shifting our focus to gratitude, celebrating others and trusting God as our true provider, we can break free from the grip of comparison.
This message tackles one of our culture's favorite unobvious obsessions: certainty. Many people crave stability, predictability—anything that makes life feel less chaotic. But when the quest for control starts crowding out trust in Jesus, it crosses a line and becomes an idol. This isn’t just about being prepared; it’s about what we let sit in the driver’s seat of our lives. Instead of living in a constant state of “what-if,” God’s word calls us to ground ourselves in the “what is” of his promises.
More Americans today than two decades ago rate their hobbies as “extremely” or “very important” to them, according to a recent Gallup Poll. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also says that Americans spend about 5 hours a day on leisure activities and hobbies.
Hobbies are not idols, but they become idols when we run to them as an escape and fail to remain in Jesus.
Food is a gift from God, but it was never meant to satisfy the deepest hunger of our souls. When life gets stressful, it’s easy to reach for food as a quick fix, seeking comfort and fulfillment. But what if your cravings are actually a sign that you're hungry for something deeper? This week we explore how food can become an idol, why it can’t deliver lasting satisfaction, and how only Jesus—the true Bread of Life—can fill the emptiness we often try to satisfy in other ways.
In today's digital age, it's easy for our phones and screens to shift from tools to idols. This sermon explores how screens become idols when their influence shapes our beliefs more than Christ. Just as the Apostle Paul warned about false teachers in 2 Timothy, today we must be mindful of how screens can lead us astray. Practical steps like setting screen boundaries, prioritizing time with God, and pruning distracting apps help ensure that Scripture, not technology, is shaping our beliefs. Be encouraged and challenged to take one step to disconnect from your screen and reconnect with God.
Is the approval of others running your life?
Most of us have fallen into that trap at some point—letting what other people think shape our decisions, how we see ourselves, and even our sense of worth. The reality is, when we hitch our identity to the opinions of others, we're giving them power over our lives.
However, you don’t need anyone’s permission to be who God made you to be.
When your identity is rooted in Jesus, you’re no longer swayed by the constant ups and downs of people’s opinions. God’s approval isn’t something you have to earn—it’s already yours because of Christ.
Unobvious idols are often good things that become ultimate things, taking God's place in our hearts. Followers of Jesus are not immune to these temptations. They promise fulfillment but lead us away from Him. By identifying and replacing these idols with Christ, we can guard against temptation and live in true freedom.
Jesus' mission was bigger than politics; He came to transform hearts, not take sides. As followers of Jesus, we're called to be salt and light—bringing truth and healing into the world, including the political arena. In this message, we’ll discuss how to become involved as citizens of this nation and represent Jesus by learning what it means to be ambassadors for Christ.
Life is short, and as we age, it’s easy to forget what really matters. Ecclesiastes 12 reminds us to remember our Creator while we’re young, guiding our decisions and keeping Christ at the center of our lives. As we honor God, we prepare for the day we stand before Him. The best part? God never forgets us—He created us, loves us, and is always with us. Live with purpose, rooted in a relationship with Him.
Life is short but it can also feel long. How does living life on this side of Heaven prepare us to face death’s inevitability. This week we look at what the Bible says about death by exploring the importance of living a life that prepares for eternity, based on the wisdom in Ecclesiastes, the teachings of Jesus, and the wisdom to focus on what matters for eternity.
Solomon had everything: power, wealth, influence. Yet in Ecclesiastes, he gives us a hard truth—chasing wealth for wealth’s sake is like chasing the wind. It’s empty. Meaningless. Instead, Solomon’s wisdom drives us toward what really matters: invest in your relationships, keep an open mind and heart as you grow, and remember that humility before God is where true significance lies. Jesus set the example—He didn’t measure life by what He could get, but by how He could serve.
King Solomon was granted unparalleled wisdom from God, but over time, he turned away from his Creator, leading to a tragic fall. The pursuit of wisdom, without a foundation in God, is like chasing the wind—it can never fully satisfy. Godly wisdom, however, is a gift that provides true meaning in life, and it is discovered through trusting in God's guidance and Word.
There is an inherent dissatisfaction many people feel, leading to search for meaning in life.
This series on Ecclesiastes is introduced to explore how earthly pursuits like wisdom, pleasure, wealth, and work ultimately fail to provide true fulfillment.
This message emphasizes finding satisfaction in a relationship with God and living with an eternal perspective, recognizing God's supreme authority and the gifts He gives us.
In week 5 of our series, Sermon on the Mount, we heard from Pastor Dustin about loving our enemies. Ultimately, we must love our enemies because God has given us the task of reconciling people to Christ. When we are wronged, Jesus tells us not to retaliate because then we are able to reveal the heart of God to people around us. Our mindset can easily drift toward making it all about ourselves, but in reality God offers salvation for all people - our enemies included. If we are truly followers of Jesus, we will truly want our enemies in the Kingdom of God.
Here are the Bible passages we studied this week: Matthew 5: 7-10, Matthew 5: 38-42, Matthew 5: 43-45, 2 Corinthians 5: 14-15 and 16-20, Acts 7: 52-60.
Spirit-guided relationships in the home come from Spirit-filled people who submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. In part 6 of our series, Pastor Matt takes us through Ephesians 1, 5, and 6 to study how the Holy Spirit can guide family relationships.
In part three of our series, "Holy Spirit," Pastor Matt looks at 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and 2 Corinthians 10 to see how the Holy Spirit gives gifts to each believer to reveal Jesus to others.
In part two of our series, "Holy Spirit," Pastor Matt looks at John 15, Acts 2, and Isaiah 6 to answer the question "Why Does the Holy Spirit Fill People?"
This week we kicked off a new series, "Holy Spirit." Over the next several weeks, we'll be exploring and answering questions about this Person of the Trinity to help us understand and embrace its transformative power in our lives.
In this message, Pastor Matt shares how the Spirit of God reveals Jesus. When we're filled with the Spirit, it transforms us from the inside out. To receive it, we can ask our Heavenly Father with boldness, persistence, and pure motives.
On this Easter Sunday, we continued our journey to be determined like Paul to know nothing except Christ and him crucified.
In Rome the cross was used as punishment to control people, but how would God use the cross to save people?
For Christians, the message of the cross reveals God’s plan of redemption for those who believe through his death on the cross and resurrection life. It's God’s wisdom and power revealed.
In this message wrapping up our series "Christ Crucified," Pastor Matt talks about three ways the message of the cross reveals the power of God to save.
Stop deceiving yourself.
That might sound a bit harsh, but that's the warning Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 3: 1-23.
We can think we aren't controlled by our sinful nature when in reality, we are. And we can think we have wisdom because we are basing it on the world's standards. That's self-deception.
Humans will strive to gain wisdom of this world. That's human wisdom gained by human effort. We know scripture says that's foolishness.
Paul had evidence to show how people were still being controlled by their sinful nature and self-deception. This week, Pastor Matt guides us through that evidence with four questions we can use to examine ourselves to avoid deception.
Ultimately, God's wisdom is revealed, not gained.
In part two of our series, Christ Crucified, Pastor Matt reminds us what we know from Paul's passage in 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16; that we have access to the mind of Christ because God reveals Jesus by the power of his word and his Spirit.
That means your thoughts, opinions, memory, practices, feelings, emotions, and discernment, can all be guided by the mind of Christ.
Drawing from the wisdom of scripture and the empowering guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can see how to align our thoughts, opinions, and actions with the mind of Jesus. Learn how to elevate God's word above human understanding, rely confidently on the Holy Spirit, and discern truth in a world filled with conflicting perspectives.
This Easter, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and we can confidently say, 'The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me.'
But in this new series, "Christ Crucified," we will study the Apostle Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 2:2. where he says, “For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”(1 Cor. 2:2 NASB 1995)
Christ Crucified reveals something about God’s love, wisdom and power that no other knowledge will reveal.
The significance of Christ Crucified is that it's God's plan for us to deeply know him.
In this message, Pastor Matt shares three things Christ's crucifixion reveals about God and three things that knowing Christ's crucifixion reveals about us.
In the 5th and final part of our series, Joseph, Pastor Matt explores the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness is a decision and can happen without reconciling the relationship. Reconciliation is a process of rebuilding trust and you cannot reconcile a relationship without forgiveness.
When we understand how Joseph forgave his brothers for their wrongs toward him and reconciled the relationship by rebuilding trust, it will help us understand how God forgives us for our wrongs through Jesus, and reconciles our relationship by rebuilding trust.
Forgiveness is a gift. Have you received this gift?
Confession takes courage. Is there anything hidden in your life?
Repentance is shown. Are there any selfish behaviors that need to change?
Reconciliation is restoration. Are you resting in a restored relationship with Jesus?
C.S. Lewis said "True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less."
This week we saw how, like Jesus, Joseph honored God by walking in humility. In God's timing, he elevated Joseph to a place of honor and authority.
Reading Genesis 41, we see how Joseph remained dependent on God, giving him all the glory for interpreting dreams despite his own dreams from years prior still not coming to pass. In God's timing, Joseph was promoted to second in command of all of Egypt.
God tests our humility and character right where we are, so we are ready when he promotes us to where he wants us to be.
In part four of our series on Joseph, Pastor Don gives us five ways we can all grow in humility.
Have you ever been in a season of waiting that felt like a prison? What does it mean to wait patiently?
In Genesis 40, we read about Joseph's time in prison and how he stayed ready for the fulfillment of his dream. We also learn how, like Jesus, Joseph honored God by serving others while waiting for his purpose to be fulfilled.
In this message, Pastor Matt shares how waiting is not wasted when we trust God's timing and focus on what we can learn and who we can serve.
In week two of our Joseph study, Pastor Eric Scott shares about Joseph's faithfulness to the Lord despite temptation.
In Genesis 39, Potiphar's wife tempted Joseph into sexual sin but because of his closeness to God, Joseph was prepared to answer with integrity.
Pastor Eric reminds us what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
In part one of our new series, Joseph, we look at how Joseph was like Jesus in his submission and obedience to the Lord. Pastor Dustin shares how the life of Joseph powerfully displays God's sovereign ability to impart his purpose in the life of an obedient person.
We honor God not only through what we say, but our actions of praise, submission, and obedience. Submission is not always easy, and it's not always pretty. But it's glorious, wonderful, and freeing.
Have you ever stopped to consider how you might be spiritually blind?
In his sermon, Pastor Matt delves into the story of Jesus healing a man born blind, exploring not only the physical miracle but also the deeper message about spiritual sight. There are four types of spiritual blindness that can easily go unnoticed: False assumptions that cloud our judgment, Ignorance that leads us to rely on human authority over God's word, Insecurity that fuels fear and hinders discernment, and Self-importance that blinds us to the truth and the needs of others. Join us as we explore these themes and discover how to cultivate spiritual insight through a steadfast commitment to worshipping God and doing his will.
Seasons are a constant cycle of predictable change. The season you’re in has a God-given purpose.
Unexpected problems in life are inevitable disruptions to help you grow. Jesus gives us wisdom for how to navigate these situations and struggles. Pastor Matt talks about the wisdom it takes to reframe our circumstances with biblical truth. Some things never change and we'll always encounter struggles. But God's Word and his truth stays the same!
God’s word never changes but your willingness to listen and accept is essential for it to change you.
Jesus entered a cold world of grief and loss to bring joy. Trusting God’s wisdom is the key to unlocking the promise of indescribable joy.
Discover the transformative power of God's unfailing love. In this message, Pastor Matt reflects on the promise of God's love as revealed through the life of Jesus, emphasizing how even in the face of personal failures and unexpected tragedies, his love remains constant. We'll explore the proof of God's unfailing love through Jesus throughout scripture, encouraging a deeper understanding of love as an enduring attribute of God's nature. The message highlights the challenges and rewards of loving imperfect people, drawing on biblical teachings about loving neighbors, enemies, and oneself.
Offer continual unconditional praise to God because he deserves it, and it will keep you aligned with his will.
Running our race well requires embracing God’s discipline and allowing Him to deal with our stuff.
In this message, Pastor Matt explores the profound impact of keeping your eyes on Jesus for maintaining a faith that endures. There is transformative power in a Christ-centered faith.
Trusting God's wisdom and timing is challenging, especially when you cannot see his plan clearly. In this message, Pastor Matt explains how you can gain a deeper understanding of how faith plays a crucial role in trusting God in your daily life and the importance of believing without always seeing.
Avoid the dangers of isolation by being anchored to hope in Jesus while meeting together and motivating one another to love and good works.
Jesus Is the Great High Priest who intercedes for believers and invites them to approach God boldly.
The practice of stillness is learning to withdraw from the noise, trust the Lord to direct your steps, and stay the course.
The God of everything wants to interact with us personally through His word - the Bible.
The story of Elijah helps us understand the character of God and is an example for us to learn how we can grow in obedience, faith and courage.
The story of Elijah helps us understand the character of God and is an example for us to learn how we can grow in obedience, faith, and courage.
The story of the Good Samaritan challenges us to grow in compassion towards our neighbor.
A challenge and an invitation for all followers of Jesus to be involved in the harvest of the Lord bringing healing and hope to others.
We can find and recieve Godly counsel in scripture, from others, and from the Holy Spirit.
Our words are powerful & bring life or death to those around us. The content of our hearts is shown through the words we speak to those around us.
God gives us the ability to earn money, the responsibility to manage money, and godly wisdom for both.
Walk in Godly wisdom to make the most of every opportunity by learning to be productive, not just busy.
Pilate spent time face-to-face with Jesus and yet we have no idea where he stood. Some people think he was sympathetic to Jesus, some people don't -- We don't want to do that.
What might be your one thing God is asking you to surrender? What is keeping Jesus from being the center?
God hasn't stopped moving. God hasn't stopped working. But if we’re focussed on the wrong character we will miss what he’s doing.
Stand firm in the face of persecution by being bold with your beliefs and wise in your approach.
Life is hard. We all face difficult times. Pain, hurt, grief - but in this we also experience mercy.
Be a marketplace leader who works willingly, prays with an alert mind, and speaks with boldness and kindness.
Biblical community is built on the commitment to connect with others through shared interest, shared experience, and shared priority.
Biblical community is built on the commitment to practice fellowship by being the friend you’d love to have.
Being a growing follower of Jesus takes listening to instruction and putting it into practice while engaging in relationships with other followers of Jesus. But we must learn how to be devoted to sound Biblical doctrine. Without sound Biblical doctrine, we stay spiritually immature and susceptible to false teaching.
Feelings of overwhelmedness, lack of motivation/excitement about life, fatigue more than usual, increased depression/anxiety, and loneliness are some of the signs that we might be feeling empty. It's so important that we recognize when and why we're running low so we can properly care for our souls. When we're feeling empty, it's easy to turn to things that will not actually fill us but continue to drain us. But when we look to the life of Jesus, we find a perfect example of how to practice soul care. If we want to pour out and love others like Jesus, we need to spend time filling our souls like Jesus.
In the book of Jonah, we see that God is good because he pursued Jonah even in his disobedience. God saved his life. Jonah did not want to tell the city of Ninevah about God because he did not think they deserved it. It can be easy for us to do the same – to judge others, become self-righteous, and ignore what God is prompting us to do. But when we look to God, we see the one who pursued us and saved us even though we did not deserve it. God calls us to show this same love towards others that he continues to show us.
When God called Jonah to preach to the city of Ninevah, he ran in the opposite direction out of fear of what God was asking him to do. He struggled to trust God's plans. When God calls us to do things for his Kingdom, it can be tempting for us to respond similarly. As we relate to the story of Jonah, some of our Global Partners at Worship Center share how they have learned to trust and follow God's plans even when they are afraid and face unknowns.
Is God really good? This is a common question that many people ponder. We find the answer to this question when we read the book of Jonah in the Bible. In the book of Jonah, we see a God that pursues lost people and gives them the opportunity to turn from their ways to experience his loving and life-changing presence.
Jesus came to this earth and performed many miraculous signs and wonders so that we would know he is the Son of God, has the power to save our souls, and so that we would put our faith in him. It can be easy to get wrapped up in looking to Jesus for what he can do for us and how he can solve our temporary problems. But, Jesus didn't come to this world to solve temporary problems; he came to deal with our biggest, eternal problem – Jesus came to save us from eternal separation from God. Deciding to follow Jesus doesn't mean that he will keep us healthy, wealthy, and wise. Following Jesus means we have the hope of an eternity in his presence and a God who promises never to leave or forsake us.
When we look back on our lives, we want to know that we've made an impact on others. We want to know that we've left a legacy behind us. We can build a powerful legacy by pouring into the next generation.
What did God intend marriage to look like, and how do I experience true joy in every season with my spouse? Every married couple wants to know what they can do to experience high levels of satisfaction in their marriage. Every season of life causes new reasons to find stress and difficulties in daily life, which can challenge our marriage. When we look to God's word, we see God's heart for married couples to experience joy each day alongside one another. We see the value in choosing to laugh with one another and not always taking life so seriously.
Learning to be religious like Jesus means choosing humility like Jesus. Humility requires being aware of self-centered ideology and refusing to let it become our way of life. God's word says he opposes the proud, but lifts up the humble with honor and sets their feet on solid rock.
Jesus came to introduce a new kind of religion. Different from any other religion – where all people can have a family. God sees the unseen, remembers the forgotten, and provides a family for the lonely. Followers of Jesus show that they love God the Father by caring for his children like he does and helping those in need.
"Religion" is not a bad word; it's a set of beliefs and practices. Jesus himself was religious. Every follower of Jesus is called to be religious – but religious like Jesus. Every follower of Jesus is called to build beliefs and practices on the foundation of his teachings and reflect them in what we say and do.
When we accept Jesus into our lives as our Savior, he promises us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Having God's presence means we have the Holy Spirit as our helper – helping us in our weakness, helping us pray, helping us know God's will, and helping us follow Jesus with confidence.
Romans 8 reveals that when we first accept Jesus into our hearts, we receive the Spirit of God and the right to be his children. But what does it mean to be a child of God? What does it look like to live as a child of God? Through God's word, we can understand what it means to be a child of God with his Spirit living within us.
We do not need to understand everything in the Bible before we believe the resurrection of Jesus happened. The resurrection is the foundation of faith in Jesus. The empty tomb is proof that the debt of our sin has ben paid in full. The empty tomb is proof that Jesus carried our weaknesses, and heals all sickness and disease. The empty tomb is proof Jesus makes all things new!
The Bible reveals that Jesus healed people all throughout his time of ministry on Earth, and he is still healing people today! Jesus heals our minds, hearts, and bodies from painful wounds, memories, habits, and addictions and makes us NEW. But have you ever wondered why Jesus heals us? Through the miracle of healing, we see that only Jesus is capable of completely transforming our hearts and lives. When Jesus heals, our faith builds, and we gain a story to tell. When we tell our stories, we influence others to put their faith in Jesus!
A traumatic life experience at any age can have a long-lasting impact. When something traumatic happens, it causes pain, and we can feel stuck. Maybe you feel it's too late to get better, or you're hesitant to confront the pain. Or maybe you feel like you're hurting too much to move forward. If you feel stuck, there is a way out. JESUS is the way out! He offers a pathway to healing from our painful life experiences and helps us move forward.
You might have questions like: "Can God still heal?" Or "Why does it seem like God heals some people and not others?" Maybe you've prayed for healing and it seemed like God never answered. So how do we approach passages of scripture where Jesus healed people? And what that mean for us today?
In this message, Pastor Matt looks at how we can approach Jesus in a moment of need with boldness and persistence, trusting in his faithfulness.
In our culture, there's a war on truth. There is only one way to identify lies and know what's actually true. So what is truth? Truth comes from God's word alone. Real freedom comes from seeking to know, understand, and stand firm in God's word.
How are you tempted? Are you tempted to doubt God’s goodness? To question his love? To stay angry, eat too much sweets, use your phone too much? Temptation is inevitable, but the Bible says that we have the ability to endure temptation instead of being led astray by it when we identify our temptations and replace them with truth. God’s word says that he blesses those who patiently endure temptation.
What you believe matters. More specifically, what you believe about God and his word matters. As followers of Jesus, God's word is the foundation of our faith. To live out our faith and be ambassadors of Christ, we need to know what God's word says and why it is accurate. As we grow in our knowledge of who God is and act in a way that consistently honors him, it ensures that we are regularly delivering the correct message about Jesus to those around us.
The truth will set you free. But how do you know what is true? How do we know what's not true? We can learn to develop a lens when reading scripture to know what is true. To build a lens, we need to acknowledge the four important influences on our lives that affect us: truth, the devil, deception, and discernment.
Jesus was moved with compassion for the people around him. As believers, we're called reflect his heart of compassion and serve others, but what does that actually mean? In this last sermon of our series Why Church? we'll take a look at how we can help people the way Jesus did — through seeing them with his eyes, showing compassion, sharing the gospel, and cultivating a willingness to be sent.
"I love Jesus but not the church." Have you ever heard anyone say this phrase? Maybe you've personally said or felt this way. Maybe you've experienced disappointment in the church. Maybe you've experienced hurt from the church. The word "church" can bring up a variety of understandings and expectations, which can lead to misunderstandings and unmet expectations. God's word helps us understand the purpose of the church how he calls his followers to be a part of the church.
Do you actually know Jesus? Not just know him, but do you believe in him as more than just a historical figure? To know Jesus means to believe in him as the son of God, follow him, live like him, and be transformed to be like him. Do you know Jesus?
What do you treasure? Jesus said, "Wherever your treasure is, the desires of your heart will also be." God isn't after your money, he's after your heart. When we practice generosity, our hearts become aligned with the mission of Jesus.
What's the purpose of the church? Church is not just a gathering that happens on Sunday mornings. The church is a gathering of people aligned with and actively participating in the mission of Jesus. We find the mission of Jesus through his great commandment and the great commission in the Bible. When we align our lives with the great commandment and the great commission, we continue the mission of Jesus.
Do you feel like you never have enough time to get things done? Do you feel pulled in a million different directions, making it hard to focus on what's important? We are surrounded by a sea of distractions every day, but that doesn't mean we have to be over-ruled and consumed by them. But deciding to rule over our distractions will help us maintain a healthy soul and have a focused relationship with Jesus – the one thing we need most.
If we don't choose to take time to rest, our bodies will eventually force us rest. Our bodies were designed to rest. That's why God created a day of rest, The Sabbath, in order for us to find time to restore our souls and minds to find strength for the tasks we do throughout the week. The Sabbath is not a ritual to follow, but is designed to be away to enjoy the fruit of our work, have time away from our regular tasks, and give us extra time to pray and worship God. Ultimately, following God's rhythm for work and rest will help us to live a more fulfilling life with God and minimize our stress.
What's God's design for work and rest? What's our purpose here on Earth in the eyes of God? Through his word, we discover the answer to all these questions and to what God has called each and every human being. Each of us were created in the image of God to be used for his purposes. Is your life aligned with God's design for work and rest? God wants to use your time.
Do you have a restlessness in your soul? Peace is something we all long for but don’t always experience. St Augustine’s noteworthy prayer captures the tension well, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until we find rest in you.” The good news of Christmas is the gospel of peace. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” In Jesus, we find peace for our restless souls and can share this gospel of peace with others.
The good news of Christmas is the good news of the redemptive love of God. In the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew Chapter 1, we discover that it took generations for God's promise of a Messiah to be fulfilled. We might think that this long list of names is an unexciting way to start the Christmas story, but each name represents an imperfect, flawed individual. Each individual represents a story of God's goodness, mercy, and unconditional love. It's the same for us today. Knowing God's love should lead us to show it to others. 1 John 4:9-11 says, "God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other."
Want to know more about Jesus? Text ALIVE 717-366-7226.
New to Worship Center? We'd love to meet you: https://www.worshipcenter.org/newhere
Joy to the world the Lord has come. How can we live with lasting joy all throughout the year? In this sermon, we learn how Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a model for us in how to respond to God’s invitation to receive his promise, participate in his plan, and experience lasting joy. Our response to Jesus should not be for what he will do through us or in us but to simply love him for what he already did for us, giving us joy that will last.
Hope can be an expression of confidence or it can be an expression of doubt. Hope, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is "to expect with confidence." Another definition by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is "to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true." Measuring our level of hope is like taking our temperature. It reflects something going on deeper below the surface. Just under the surface, many people have deep mistrust or doubt in God. When God doesn't show up in the way we want or expect, our hope in him starts to waiver. When we experience what feels like silence from God, our doubt meter starts to rise. But in the midst of our doubts and questions, he is a God who keeps his promises. We don't have to walk away from our faith or the church to work through our doubts. We can have full confidence in God's ability to do the impossible in our lives. We can cling to the promise of his faithful, constant presence in our lives that will see us through whatever circumstances we are facing. When we look back on our lives and God's word, we begin to see a pattern of his faithfulness towards us and his people, all throughout history. From the darkest, most hidden, and unseen places, the hope of Jesus shines.
Are we living in an age of unprecedented anxiety or has this always been a problem throughout history? Is anxiety an inevitable consequence of simply being alive? Many books have been written about this topic. The stats of people in our nation who are dealing with anxiety, fear and worry are staggering. Many are looking for answers. Jesus addresses anxiety and gives the pathway to breaking free from the chains of anxiety. In John 14:1-6 Jesus addresses his disciples who were experiencing anxiety, fear, and worry by saying, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.” In other words, there will be trouble in this world but that trouble does not need to control our hearts. Find out how Jesus can set us free.
In the sermon on the mount, Jesus addressed lust explicitly by dealing with the attitudes and intents of the heart, not just external behavior. He taught that looking at a person lustfully treats them like an image to satisfy your own desires rather than a person created in the image of God.
This sermon will help you understand God’s intent for sex, addresses pornography, and will give you the pathway to freedom by not just running from sexual sin but running to a savior.
Depression is complex. There are spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, genetic and circumstantial factors that can cause us to fall into the grip of depression, pull us away from those we love and impact our ability to deal with every day life. There is hope. We can find confidence in Jesus and encouragement from one another.
Breaking free from depression does not mean you will never have a down day again. Breaking free from depression does mean that you do not need to be imprisoned by it. To help us understand the scriptural truth on breaking free from depression, we’re going to get to know Elijah, one of the greatest old testament prophets who experienced incredible spiritual victories and dealt with depression and thoughts of suicide. God met him and walked with him to find confidence and encouragement. God will do the same for you.
Have you ever heard someone say ‘your past does not determine your future?’ That sounds good, but for many people, past decisions and experiences can turn into regrets which can easily keep people stuck in the shame of their past. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus announced freedom to the captives, accomplished it, and invited every person to experience it. Following Jesus leads to finding freedom.
We may not be able to erase past experiences, but we can learn from them. We may not be able to forget the past, but we can be free from our past determining the future. Only Jesus can set us free to walk in this new life in him.
Want to know more about Jesus? Text ALIVE 717-366-7226.
New to Worship Center? We'd love to meet you: https://www.worshipcenter.org/newhere
Most of what we do in life starts with a prompt. There are people in our lives or situations that we go through that inspire us to action. Hunger prompts us to eat. Paying bills prompt us to get a job. What prompts us to know Jesus? And, what does obeying Jesus prompt us to do? Throughout scripture we find patterns to help us understand that obedience to God is the evidence of faith in God. Faith prompts action.
In this sermon we learn from the story of Abraham how his faith prompted courage, worship, and confidence in God. We also look at how the Apostle Paul explains that God gives the ability to accomplish what our faith prompts us to do.
What does your faith prompt you to do?
A popular axiom in our world today says, ‘pursue your happiness.’ That may sound good on the surface but consider where that leads. If a person is not happy with what they have, they’ll pursue buying something or doing something that they think can make them happy. There’s a different way. In John 15:1-11, Jesus uses a word picture of a vine to help us understand what it means to be a disciple. Jesus mentions the word ‘remain’ 11 times. What does it mean to remain in him? There is a privilege of knowing Jesus and a responsibility to obey him.
A disciple of Jesus is someone who chooses to remain connected to him, grow in producing fruit in their lives, and find true joy from practicing what Jesus taught. Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” He invites every person to pursue Jesus and find joy.
Division is everywhere we look — in our social spheres, political arenas, and especially our churches. We can sometimes tend to blow up bridges with other people instead of building bridges.
According to Paul, unity within the church is of utmost importance. So how do we pursue it in a world where beliefs and opinions differ wildly? Pastor Chris Lautsbaugh talks about being a bridge-builder within the church and the steps we can take towards unity.
God created us to think. Scripture teaches us how to think clearly. Everyone can have and should have the experience of thinking clearly but so many don’t. Life is hard and can be complex. Thinking clearly is learning to control our thoughts so that our thoughts won’t be out of control.
Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul gives a filter that will help us determine what thoughts to eliminate and what to dwell on. Most research agrees that the average person has about six thousand thoughts per day. It may be unrealistic to filter every thought but we can start by practicing in the area where we are most vulnerable.
In this sermon, we will discover what scripture teaches about our thoughts and how to change our behavior so we can think clearly in any and every situation.
We’ve all made mistakes in our faith journey and experienced regrets, but does God really want to help us or is he disappointed in us?
In John 21:15-22, we see how Jesus restored one of his most passionate and influential disciples, Peter, by addressing three specific areas: pride, regret, and comparison. Maybe you can identify with Peter. His pride caused him to stumble, he experienced regrets that kept him stuck, and he dealt with comparing his faith to others which so easily became a distraction.
Discover how Jesus came to restore our lives by pursuing us when we’ve fallen, giving us grace, and inviting each of us to follow him. In Jesus, we see the God of restoration. If you want to know what God is like, get to know Jesus.
The church should be known as people who love with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. The Bible clearly calls us to honor our parents, leaders, bosses, children, spouses, government officials, people we lead and work with, friends, and dating relationships. If they are human we should honor them. Just like David and Saul, we have a choice when it comes to honoring others. How will you live out a culture and attitude of honor today?
One of the most predictable aspects of the life of faith is that there will be opposition. How do we respond when other people insult us? How do we press on when we get weary or encounter setbacks and disappointments? How do we counter fear?
In the story of Nehemiah, the Jewish people experienced opposition in their mission to rebuild the walls of their city. They encountered insults that could have become a distraction, weariness that could've led to discouragement, and fear that tried to shake their faith. The life of faith requires determination which means standing firm in the face of opposition. Nehemiah’s determination is an example to us for how we can strengthen our faith in who God is and focus on what he’s called us to do.
Imagination is the ability to picture what is not actually present. Scripture reminds us that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask, think, or imagine according to his power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20). God wants to work in us so that he can work through us to accomplish his purpose. Yet sometimes fear or lack of confidence can keep us from fulfilling the plan God has for our lives. We see evidence of this truth in the story of Nehemiah. He aligned his heart with God’s will through prayer. This alignment with God gave him confidence and clarity of vision to rebuild what was broken, even in the midst of being afraid.
Jesus did not build his church to be a crowd of spectators but to be a team of participators. Imagine for a moment, if every person in the church was in alignment with God’s will for their life, walked in the confidence that he gives, and had clarity in their assignment. What kind of church would we be? God is able to do immeasurably more than we imagine when his power is at work within us.
When God wants to accomplish a work, he always prepares a man or a woman and positions them for his purpose. Yet many times, life changing extraordinary events will take place in what looks like an ordinary moment. This is the story of Nehemiah who was a cupbearer for the king. When he learned of the news that the walls of Jerusalem were completely destroyed, he had a choice to make: ignore or inquire. The tension in the story is not that the walls were broken down, it’s that the people who were already living there were indifferent. There is a hidden danger of indifference which means uninterested, apathetic, and unconcerned for what’s most important. There is a similar tension in our world today. It’s not that we can’t identify brokenness in our world, but it’s that many people are indifferent to do anything about it. Nehemiah’s response was to pray and then act.
Prayer is a call to action not a last resort. Prayer with participation leads to God’s power.
What moves you with compassion? What drives you to your knees? What causes you to pray, “Lord, send me?”
The story of Nehemiah is the story of how each of us can be a part of God’s work of rebuilding brokenness in our world and resisting the hidden danger of indifference.
Following Jesus is a decision to listen to his teachings and put them into practice. Jesus said, “anyone who hears my teachings and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who built their house on the rock.”
Jesus made some radical statements in his teachings like love your enemy, pray for those who wrong you, and turn the other cheek when someone slaps you in the face. In other words, let our enemies bring out the best in us. Why? Because we can show others what God is like by practicing what Jesus lived and taught.
It’s a high standard, but these statements that Jesus made in the sermon on the mount are not just commands or laws to obey, but the illustration of a life shaped by God’s kingdom. Practicing these teachings make them permanent in your life which builds a foundation that will withstand any storm you face.
The Esau syndrome is trading God’s lifelong gift to satisfy a short-term appetite. In other words, we can learn how to live in a way now that creates fewer future regrets.
When Esau traded his God-given birthright for a bowl of stew, it shows us the power of appetite. An appetite is an instinctive desire to satisfy a craving. Esau’s appetite was satisfied for a moment but he regretted his decision in the end because he didn’t value the gift from God.
Are you controlling your appetite or is your appetite controlling you? Have you identified and valued what God has given you? We have an appetite for all kinds of things like food, sex, money, influence, and more. The Bible shows us how to take control of our desires by first taking delight in the Lord. Psalms 37:4 says "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” If we value what God has given us, then we will not trade it away to satisfy a short-term appetite. What satisfies your appetite?
How do you respond to the storms of life?
When we face troubles of many kinds, we have a choice in how respond to our circumstances and who we look too for help. This weekend, Pastor Sam Smucker takes us through four ways Jesus can be anchor our souls in the storms of life.
Following Jesus is a decision to listen, learn, and apply. As we listen, learn, and apply God's Word, we become more like Jesus.
What songs constantly get stuck in your head?
Paul and Silas were captured, flogged, and thrown in prison after freeing a slave girl from an evil spirit. There are so many ways they could've responded, but what they chose was prayer and singing hymns. What's the song you sing in the middle of the darkness? Does it bring your heart back to God? Does it strengthen the people around you? We can be bold no matter what suffering or injustice we face when we remember that God is with us.
Are you a good test-taker?
There are many examples of faith being tested in the Bible, but Joseph's story is well-known. He was mistreated, falsely accused, and encountered many setbacks. Still, he understood God's sovereignty and his faith was firm. So how can we follow his example? How do we handle the tests of life?
We know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, steadfastness, patience, and endurance.
What do you do when you’re lost?
Today, Pastor Matt is talking about the parable of the prodigal son and God’s extravagant love toward us. In the parable of the prodigal son, who was the “good” one — the older brother or the younger brother? Both of them were spiritually lost and struggled with sin. But both of them were offered the opportunity to repent and change the posture of their hearts. We all have either the older brother in us or the younger brother, but God invites us in anyway to experience his love and forgiveness.
Have you wondered if God cares about you? Or if you’re worthy to experience his love?
This morning, Pastor Eric will be talking about how Jesus pursues each and every one of us to show his personal love for us. Jesus values each of us so deeply that he takes whatever means possible to seek us out, so that we might recognize his love and choose to have a relationship with him. His love for each of us runs so deep that he gave his life up for us and Jesus desires to use his followers to help draw people to himself to experience this love and new life through him.
What is weighing you down? What do you want to be set free from?
Jesus came to free you from the weight of your burdens and troubles.
This past weekend, Pastor Matt talked about how we can experience freedom from what is oppressing us through Jesus. Whatever is weighing you down 一 depression, feelings of insignificance, feelings of invisibility, addiction, shame, stress, anxiety, unmet expectations, physical sickness 一 Jesus wants to restore you. Jesus wants to set you free from the weight you can’t remove on your own.
Are you questioning what your life purpose is? Or if you even have a purpose at all?
Maybe you have dreams and desires but you feel inadequate.
The truth is that if you have breath, you have great purpose in Jesus. This past weekend, Pastor Matt talked about how we can discover our purpose and potential as we seek a relationship with Jesus. If you are tired, worn out, confused, waiting, doubting, or feeling inadequate, seek a relationship with Jesus. He has intentionally created you for just a time of this. If you let him, God will use who you are and what you have, to be a part of his eternal Kingdom.
What do you value most in life? Are you satisfied?
This past weekend, Pastor Don discussed something that we all deeply long to grasp: Contentment. What do you most deeply treasure? What are you chasing after to experience greater satisfaction? In life, we will always find ourselves seeking deeper fulfillment. When we're following Jesus, we discover where true contentment is obtained. Seeking the treasures of this world: riches, titles, power, and more "stuff," will always lead us to wanting more, but a rich relationship with Jesus will always fill us with purpose, peace, and security in Him.
How do you trust God when life becomes uncertain?
This past weekend, Pastor Matt wrapped up our series in the Psalms as he discussed how we can find confidence in Jesus, when the uncertainty of life fills us with doubt. It’s not unusual that we find ourselves shifting from moments of great confidence to moments of great uncertainty. When things look different than we may have pictured, our questioning can lead us down a path of further discovery of Jesus.
How do we seek God when we’re feeling lonely?
Pastor Matt Mylin continues our series, When Faith and Feelings Collide, as he looks to the Psalms to show us how to seek God when we’re feeling lonely.
Everyone experiences feelings of loneliness at different points throughout life. What does God have to say about our loneliness? Loneliness can lead to deeper feelings of abandonment, emptiness, betrayal, or feeling unneeded or unwanted. In the midst of our loneliness, the Psalms remind us of the truth of who God is: He has not forgotten you, He will never abandon you, and He will fill every lonely place.
How do we deal with our frustrations while following God?
Pastor Matt Mylin continues our series, When Faith and Feelings Collide, as he looks to the Psalms to help us address our feelings of frustration. Is it wrong to be frustrated? Is it wrong to be honest with God? God gives us permission to express our frustration to Him, but He doesn’t want us to stay there. In the midst of our frustrations, we can take control of our thoughts. Ultimately, the direction of our thoughts determine the direction of our actions. When we encounter frustrations, we can either act out or we can turn to God’s word for guidance. If we turn to God’s word, The Psalms can teach us how to act and filter our thoughts, even in our greatest frustrations.
How do we deal with our guilt while following God?
Pastor Matt continues our series, When Faith and Feelings Collide, as he looks to the Psalms to help us address our feelings of guilt. How do we face our guilt without feeling stuck in shame? Avoiding our guilt can weigh us down with shame and regret, but when we confess our guilt to Jesus, we experience freedom, joy, and peace.
How do you deal with disappointment while following God?
Pastor Chris Lautsbaugh continues our journey through the Psalms as he discusses the challenge of following God while dealing with discouragement and disappointment. How do we continue trusting and depending on the Lord as we face our disappointment? The Psalms act as a guide and show us how to pray when our feelings and life of faith collide. God sees you, loves you, and wants you to bring your disappointment to him.
How do we deal with our fears while continuing to have faith in God?
As we launch our new series journeying through The Psalms, Lindsey Lautsbaugh talks about how to pray when our fear and faith collide. Many times, the challenges we face lead us to feeling stuck. God’s word acts as a guide by giving us insight on how to respond when we feel fear, anger, sadness, guilt, loneliness, and doubt.
Jesus is alive and gives us new life.
Our savior is named Jesus and he’s NOT dead, he is ALIVE! Through his resurrection life, we are given a brand new life in Him. This Easter, Jesus will meet you right in the middle of your disbelief, disappointment, and fear and exchange it for hope, life, and the gift of salvation.
The great injustice Jesus experienced shows us how great His love is for us.
When you see injustice, what kind of emotional response rises in you? In this message, Pastor Matt recounts the unjust events that took place during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. We cannot soften what actually happened to Jesus in the hours leading up to his death. If we soften it, we won’t understand just how great His sacrifice was. We won't understand the depths of his love and mercy and His great gift of eternal life. As we follow Jesus' journey to the cross, may our eyes be open to what Jesus's death and resurrection really mean for us
What actually happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?
Pastor Shannon Kann continues the "Remember: Servant. Savior. King." series as we follow Jesus's passionate journey to the cross. In the Garden Jesus encounters solitude, sin, and submission. But is it possible to fully understand the anguish Jesus experienced as he prayed in the Garden? Jesus’s struggle in the Garden can be understood only in the light of what would happen to him on the cross.
Have you ever wondered what it meant when Jesus called us sheep?
Sheep are not the sharpest or brightest animals. Jesus used this analogy, though, to show just how lost in sin we are before being rescued by his grace and salvation. Even after our salvation, we need Jesus to lead and guide us — we need him to shepherd us. Pastor Matt talks about leadership, humility, anxiety, and our spiritual enemy in this last part of our series "Made for This Moment."
What does it mean to guard your life?
Peter uses this phrase to emphasize the brevity of life. He's not asking his readers to hold onto their lives, but protect their lives, or treat their lives as gifts. But how do we guard this gift of life? In this message, Pastor Matt talks about 1 Peter 4:7-19 and how we can protect our lives in the way the Bible asks us to — by determining how to live and examining our lives to make sure they line up with the high calling of Jesus.
Do you know the reason why you have hope? Do you have hope?
Pastor Don Neff digs into some difficult verses in 1 Peter 3:13-4:6. In this message we learn more about Peter, who encourages us to do good and be ready to respond when people ask us about our hope. We can only do that when we make it all about Jesus and arm our minds with his attitude, being willing to suffer, stop chasing our own desires and instead pursue his will.
Pastor Matt digs into what biblical marriage looks like in 1 Peter 3:1-12. This passage of scripture describes what husbands and wives can do to honor each other and God. We will all fall short of God’s standard for marriage at some point, but we have mercy and grace available to us through Jesus Christ.
When the Bible says we need to submit to authority, there must be some exceptions, right?
Pastor Matt continues our series Made for This Moment in 1 Peter 2:13-25. In this passage we explore what it means to submit to authority and why we do it.
"When you believe that Jesus is the son of God and understand what it means to follow him as your Lord and Savior, it will transform who you are."
Pastor Matt continues our series Made for This Moment in 1 Peter 2:1-12. In this passage of scripture there are three areas that will help us understand that what we do affects who we are and who we are affects what we do.
How do we live out our living hope?
Pastor Matt continues our series in 1 Peter and he talks about running our race in life. We all struggle with something, so how do we go through life and stay mentally strong? We can start by being steadfast, set apart, and grateful!
What's the difference between hope and hype?
The hope we find in Jesus Christ is eternal — and we need it! Christians will look different from the rest of the world, but our faith secures our hope.
Pastor Matt kicks off the series, You Were Made For This Moment, as he talks about three words that will help our faith grow stronger no matter what we face. Hype is temporary. "You were made for this moment" isn't just a catchy phrase meant to create hype. It's a promise that God is sovereign and he created you on purpose for a purpose. You can have hope!
Everyone is waiting for something. Who are you becoming while you wait?
The nation of Israel spent hundreds of years in darkness, just waiting for the promised Messiah to come. Yet, God had specific instructions for his people in the meantime. So what do we do while we wait?
Pastor Matt continues our Christmas series In the Beginning with a message on being faithful in the waiting, even when it feels like all is dark.
If you asked your family what you are known for, what would they say?
We're wrapping up "What Are You Known For?" with a two-part message from Pastor Brad Aldrich and Debra Fileta, LPC. Brad talks about shame and how it correlates to intimacy, and Debra will talk about unhealthy patterns and behaviors and breaking them through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do you ever know exactly what you should do but you just can't seem to do it?
Sometimes we know what we’re supposed to do but we don’t do. We know what we’re not supposed to do, but we do it anyway. Because of this, it’s easy to feel defeated. That defeat can lead to regret, shame and, even worse, apathy.
Pastor Matt talks about the last fruit of the spirit, self-control, and examines how love and self-control work together.
Have you ever met an angry Christian? Were you inspired to be more like them? Were you drawn towards them or away from them?
Pastor Matt is talking about the fruit of gentleness today in part 9 of What Are You Known For? Gentleness is disarms anger and it leads us to be at rest in our soul. It builds bridges instead of barriers. It's reflective of Jesus Christ.
It's easy to point at other people and argue why they should be more gentle, but have you looked at your heart lately?
Why is being faithful so important for followers of Jesus?
Growing in faithfulness starts with knowing God's faithfulness. Pastor Matt is talking about how keeping commitments and keeping your word, which builds the foundation for the fruit of faithfulness.
Would you say that you're a good person?
Pastor Don Neff is talking all about goodness as he continues "What Are You Known For?" Our human goodness is not enough. But when we have God's pure goodness in our lives because of the power of the Holy Spirit, the whole world will know him better.
No one needs to be convinced that kindness is a good thing. The world needs a little more kindness, right? But what is it?
Kindness is compassion in action. Kindness begins with seeing people the way God sees them. The opportunities to show kindness might come in the form of an interruption, but when we understand that what we have is from God, it inspires us to live with an open hand.
Pastor Matt continues "What Are You Known For?" with this message on the fruit of kindness.
How do you respond when you're provoked?
Do you write people off? Do you explode? When we walk in patience with others in the same way God is patient towards us, we live lives of gratitude toward God and love toward each other. But being patient when provoked doesn't come naturally. We need a plan to be patient.
Pastor Matt continues "What Are You Known For?" with this message on the fruit of patience.
How would you define peace? Do you have peace in your life right now?
Founding Pastor, Sam Smucker continues "What Are You Known For?" with a message all about peace. When your heart and your mind are aligned with the promises God has for you, you can have peace in the midst of life's circumstances.
What is your default? To be a jerk or a joy? A follower of Jesus Christ who is filled with the Holy Spirit should produce this kind of fruit: JOY.
Pastor Shannon Kann talks all about joy in Part 3 of our series "What Are You Known For?" Joy should be our default when we're filled with the Holy Spirit, joy is our strength, and real, genuine joy is life-changing.
So, is joy your default?
Do you actually know what it is to love and be loved? So often we are told to love each other, but if we don't actually know the love of God how can we truly love other people?
Pastor Matt continues this series (What Are You Known For?) on the fruits of the spirit by talking about love. We can truly know Jesus' love because it is an undeserved invitation, he demonstrates it unconditionally, and he sacrificed his life to reach us with his love.
What does it look like to have the Holy Spirit lead your life? The outcomes will be the fruits of the Spirit.
Pastor Matt begins our new series "What Are You Known For?" and talks about who the Holy Spirit is and how he leads us.
Is there a different way we can look at life? God wants us to see our lives, culture, and circumstances through his perspective, not our own.
Pastor Matt speaks on Daniel's godly response to unreasonable situations and people. There are three reasons why Daniel was able to interpret God's perspective: humility, stability, and credibility.
What would it look like to interpret our own lives through the lens of faith?
Our culture is continually pushing God out and bringing sin in. How can our faith thrive in a godless environment?
Pastor Matt speaks on Daniel's life and courage in the midst of Babylon — a kingdom marked by moral decay. So what would Daniel say if he could speak to us today?
No matter where we live, or what our culture says, when we identify with Christ and live with integrity, we will influence the people around us.
How has the faith of someone you know inspired you to live by faith?
As believers, we have the opportunity to live out faith that outlives us. And one way we can live out faith is not in isolation but in the context of relationship. That’s what makes community so important.
We all need a small group of people to engage our faith in order to help grow our faith.
We know that the Bible tells us to love our enemies, but what does that actually mean?
In this special service, Pastor Chris Lautsbaugh speaks on loving our enemies, what that looks like, and explains what Christians all over the world face when it comes to persecution.
The Bible says we were once enemies of God before coming into relationship with Christ. Jesus's response to us, his enemies, was to die on a cross for our salvation. What would you do for your enemies?
God calls us into life with him, but what does that actually look like?
In Part 6 of Greater, Pastor Matt talks about how the presence of God can influence the way we live and who we are.
Life can throw us many curveballs, and it might not look exactly how we expected. Through God's gifts of spiritual wisdom, confident hope, and incredible power, we can see and know that life with God is better than life without him.
What does justice and judgment mean to followers of Jesus?
In Part 5 of Greater, Pastor Matt talks about justice in the Kingdom of God. Our ambitions, allegiance, and authority need to come in line with God's heart for people.
Laws and systems of this world are in place to try to bring order, but only God’s kingdom can bring about the lasting change that this world’s system cannot.
Have you ever thought your failures were too big for you to go on? The Bible is full of stories about people who failed over and over again, but in God's kindness, he restores them.
In Part 4 of Greater, Pastor Matt Mylin explains how God's goodness is greater than our failures through the story of Zacchaeus, a notoriously bad person. But in an encounter with Jesus's goodness changes Zacchaeus's life in a big way.
There is nothing we can do that God's goodness can't bring us back from!
What are you afraid of? It's easy to live our lives in a state of fear. Fear of other people, fear of decisions being made for us, fear for the people we love, fear of our future.
But in Part 3 of Greater, Pastor Ryan Zook walks us through a story in the Bible that showcases the amazing love that Jesus has for us and how that love cancels out fear. In John 8:2-11, a woman is caught in the act of adultery and the religious leaders in her community are angry, ready to punish her in the way she deserves. But Jesus has a different, unexpected response.
Our fears can bring out the worst in us, but God in his unending grace covers our fear with the greatness of his love.
Is it possible to find certainty, when we live in a world with so much uncertainty?
The whole world is facing uncertainty right now. It's hard to know who you can really trust when people on every side disagree. But the God who is greater than anything we will ever face offers us clarity.
In Part 2 of Greater, Pastor Matt walks us through Psalm 19 and talks about the three ways to discover God’s steadfastness so that we can find clarity in our uncertainty.
God has extended an amazing invitation of grace to all of us.
When we truly understand what God's grace actually means, the invitation is irresistible. Grace is what draws us closer to God, and as we draw closer to him, we understand who he is and what he's like more and more.
In Part 1 of Greater, Pastor Matt takes a look at Hebrews 4:12-16 and talks about the three different ways we can understand God's grace.
Do you find it easy or difficult to forgive?
Forgiveness is a cornerstone of the gospel. But it’s one thing to just know the definition of forgiveness. It’s much more important to make the decision to forgive.
In Part 5 of Decision Point, Pastor Matt takes a look at what Jesus says about forgiveness, communication, and bitterness. In a world that's so divided, Jesus-followers should be an example of what it's like to communicate with love and remove bitterness from our hearts.
**Principle of Worship
We were created to worship; to set our affection on someone or something. We choose the object of our worship. When we lavishly pour our worship to the one true God, the blessing for obedience is his lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations.
The blessing for obedience is lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations.**
Our current series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
Our current series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
Our current series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
Our current series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
Our current series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
Our current series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
Our current series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
Our current series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
Our current series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
Starting a series, Glad You Asked, dealing with questions. Is there absolute truth? Is there only one way to God? What about healing? What's the deal with Heaven/Hell?
The DADDYs is a time to celebrate fatherhood. We'll hear some inspiring stories of dads and kids as well as have some laughs along the way.
God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Son of God came to reveal God the Father. Jesus directed His followers to go to the Upper Room to await the promised Spirit of God. Learn about this third Person of the Godhead in this new Worship Center series.
God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Son of God came to reveal God the Father. Jesus directed His followers to go to the Upper Room to await the promised Spirit of God. Learn about this third Person of the Godhead in this new Worship Center series.
God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Son of God came to reveal God the Father. Jesus directed His followers to go to the Upper Room to await the promised Spirit of God. Learn about this third Person of the Godhead in this new Worship Center series.
God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Son of God came to reveal God the Father. Jesus directed His followers to go to the Upper Room to await the promised Spirit of God. Learn about this third Person of the Godhead in this new Worship Center series.
Did you ever wonder where the phrase "mother load" came from? It's actually from a mining term, "mother lode," which simply refers to a principal vein, a main source, or zone of veins of gold or silver ore. Miners drill to find this main wellspring of treasure from which all other veins flow. Sherlyn discusses and "mines" some of those treasures that mothers have stored in their "gold mine" that affect our lives.
Everyone has a story. As Pastor Sam and others begin the new series called "Once Upon a Time," we encourage you to consider sharing your story of how God changed the course of your life when he became the Author of it.
Everyone has a story. As Pastor Sam and others begin the new series called "Once Upon a Time," we encourage you to consider sharing your story of how God changed the course of your life when he became the Author of it.
Everyone has a story. As Pastor Sam and others begin the new series called "Once Upon a Time," we encourage you to consider sharing your story of how God changed the course of your life when he became the Author of it.
Everyone has a story. As Pastor Sam and others begin the new series called "Once Upon a Time," we encourage you to consider sharing your story of how God changed the course of your life when he became the Author of it.
With his incredible high wire walks and other stunts, Nik Wallenda inspires people all over the world to "follow their dreams and never give up."
In the final days of Jesus' earthly life, he was both celebrated as a king and put to death as a criminal. But the story doesn't end there. For three days later, and for all eternity, Jesus, the risen Christ is hailed the King of all kings. Join us during WC's Easter 2013 series as we Receive Him as King, Reflect on what His death provided for us, and celebrate the fact that, because He rose, we will Rise with Him one day.
In the final days of Jesus' earthly life, he was both celebrated as a king and put to death as a criminal. But the story doesn't end there. For three days later, and for all eternity, Jesus, the risen Christ is hailed the King of all kings. Join us during WC's Easter 2013 series as we Receive Him as King, Reflect on what His death provided for us, and celebrate the fact that, because He rose, we will Rise with Him one day.
"The Letter to the Ephesians" is a new seven-part message and small group series studying Paul's writings to the church in Ephesus. Following his prayer for the church, Paul speaks of our identity with Christ - in his death and in his resurrected life. Then, he offers practical guidance in how Christians are to live life in four areas: unity, purity, love and respect, and spiritual strength.
"The Letter to the Ephesians" is a new seven-part message and small group series studying Paul's writings to the church in Ephesus. Following his prayer for the church, Paul speaks of our identity with Christ - in his death and in his resurrected life. Then, he offers practical guidance in how Christians are to live life in four areas: unity, purity, love and respect, and spiritual strength.
"The Letter to the Ephesians" is a new seven-part message and small group series studying Paul's writings to the church in Ephesus. Following his prayer for the church, Paul speaks of our identity with Christ - in his death and in his resurrected life. Then, he offers practical guidance in how Christians are to live life in four areas: unity, purity, love and respect, and spiritual strength.
"The Letter to the Ephesians" is a new seven-part message and small group series studying Paul's writings to the church in Ephesus. Following his prayer for the church, Paul speaks of our identity with Christ - in his death and in his resurrected life. Then, he offers practical guidance in how Christians are to live life in four areas: unity, purity, love and respect, and spiritual strength.
"The Letter to the Ephesians" is a new seven-part message and small group series studying Paul's writings to the church in Ephesus. Following his prayer for the church, Paul speaks of our identity with Christ - in his death and in his resurrected life. Then, he offers practical guidance in how Christians are to live life in four areas: unity, purity, love and respect, and spiritual strength.
"The Letter to the Ephesians" is a new seven-part message and small group series studying Paul's writings to the church in Ephesus. Following his prayer for the church, Paul speaks of our identity with Christ - in his death and in his resurrected life. Then, he offers practical guidance in how Christians are to live life in four areas: unity, purity, love and respect, and spiritual strength.
"The Letter to the Ephesians" is a new seven-part message and small group series studying Paul's writings to the church in Ephesus. Following his prayer for the church, Paul speaks of our identity with Christ - in his death and in his resurrected life. Then, he offers practical guidance in how Christians are to live life in four areas: unity, purity, love and respect, and spiritual strength.
It's a new year. A fresh start. A white canvas. So, what do you see? During this new series at Worship Center, we'll explore ways you can test your vision, see past obstacles that may distract, and see the direction God has for you come into focus in 2013.
It's a new year. A fresh start. A white canvas. So, what do you see? During this new series at Worship Center, we'll explore ways you can test your vision, see past obstacles that may distract, and see the direction God has for you come into focus in 2013.
It's a new year. A fresh start. A white canvas. So, what do you see? During this new series at Worship Center, we'll explore ways you can test your vision, see past obstacles that may distract, and see the direction God has for you come into focus in 2013.
It's a new year. A fresh start. A white canvas. So, what do you see? During this new series at Worship Center, we'll explore ways you can test your vision, see past obstacles that may distract, and see the direction God has for you come into focus in 2013.
This "Family Service" at Worship Center features Ryan & Friends: a side-splitting comedian and his crazy sidekicks.
At Christmas, churches all over the world will tell the Christmas story - the greatest story ever told. But why is it the greatest? During this series, we will take a look at three main reasons: it had the Greatest Price, it required the Greatest Rescue by the Greatest Hero. The series finishes with The Greatest Story on Christmas weekend with five service times to choose from. Come and invite your friends.
At Christmas, churches all over the world will tell the Christmas story - the greatest story ever told. But why is it the greatest? During this series, we will take a look at three main reasons: it had the Greatest Price, it required the Greatest Rescue by the Greatest Hero. The series finishes with The Greatest Story on Christmas weekend with five service times to choose from. Come and invite your friends.
At Christmas, churches all over the world will tell the Christmas story - the greatest story ever told. But why is it the greatest? During this series, we will take a look at three main reasons: it had the Greatest Price, it required the Greatest Rescue by the Greatest Hero. The series finishes with The Greatest Story on Christmas weekend with five service times to choose from. Come and invite your friends.
At Christmas, churches all over the world will tell the Christmas story - the greatest story ever told. But why is it the greatest? During this series, we will take a look at three main reasons: it had the Greatest Price, it required the Greatest Rescue by the Greatest Hero. The series finishes with The Greatest Story on Christmas weekend with five service times to choose from. Come and invite your friends.
Sometimes reaching out to people can seem daunting. We don't always feel like an evangelist. The thrust of this series is to allow the Holy Spirit to instill in us a heart for those without Christ so we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.
Sometimes reaching out to people can seem daunting. We don't always feel like an evangelist. The thrust of this series is to allow the Holy Spirit to instill in us a heart for those without Christ so we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.
Sometimes reaching out to people can seem daunting. We don't always feel like an evangelist. The thrust of this series is to allow the Holy Spirit to instill in us a heart for those without Christ so we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.
Sometimes reaching out to people can seem daunting. We don't always feel like an evangelist. The thrust of this series is to allow the Holy Spirit to instill in us a heart for those without Christ so we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.
Sometimes reaching out to people can seem daunting. We don't always feel like an evangelist. The thrust of this series is to allow the Holy Spirit to instill in us a heart for those without Christ so we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.
Sometimes reaching out to people can seem daunting. We don't always feel like an evangelist. The thrust of this series is to allow the Holy Spirit to instill in us a heart for those without Christ so we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.
Sometimes reaching out to people can seem daunting. We don't always feel like an evangelist. The thrust of this series is to allow the Holy Spirit to instill in us a heart for those without Christ so we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.
Ted Cunningham is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, MO. He is the author of Trophy Child and Young and In Love and coauthor of four books with Dr. Gary Smalley. Ted enjoys teaching on marriage and family straight from Scripture. He and his wife, Amy live in Branson with their two children, Corynn and Carson.
Children of the World International Choir performs followed by a message by Dan Smucker.
The world is a big place with many challenges. Spiritual emptiness. Global financial crisis that brings discouragement and despair. Poverty, homelessness, and hunger. Catastrophic disasters. People who are hurting because of sickness or disease. Children losing their innocence because of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. The fabric of the family is unraveling. As a local church, we can't possibly meet every need, but we can do our part. God is calling us to help bring His provision, healing, and restoration to as many as we can. We have a mission!
With the development of technology, the world is getting smaller. While we see the power in connecting globally, there is much value in people connecting one-on-one and face-to-face.
How do we love people right in the midst of their personal, political, social, and moral choices?
This summer, we learned about Weeds, those sins that pop up in our lives and cause us to stumble on our walk with God. Now it's time to take action! With the right approach, we can uproot what doesn't belong and cultivate the things in our lives that help us grow.
This summer, we learned about Weeds, those sins that pop up in our lives and cause us to stumble on our walk with God. Now it's time to take action! With the right approach, we can uproot what doesn't belong and cultivate the things in our lives that help us grow.
Christopher and his wife, Britta, are founders of Dynamis World Ministries holding Gospel crusades, planting churches, and training pastors in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Every year they see over a million people come to Christ in their crusades. Christopher has spoken at Worship Center several times and we look forward to another powerful and challenging message from God's Word.
Weeds can be subtle. They grow in the cracks, and, when left alone, they eventually take over! They're unwanted but often hard to get rid of. Sin in our lives is a lot like weeds. It pops up unannounced and can cause us to stumble on our walk with God.
Weeds can be subtle. They grow in the cracks, and, when left alone, they eventually take over! They're unwanted but often hard to get rid of. Sin in our lives is a lot like weeds. It pops up unannounced and can cause us to stumble on our walk with God.
Weeds can be subtle. They grow in the cracks, and, when left alone, they eventually take over! They're unwanted but often hard to get rid of. Sin in our lives is a lot like weeds. It pops up unannounced and can cause us to stumble on our walk with God.
Weeds can be subtle. They grow in the cracks, and, when left alone, they eventually take over! They're unwanted but often hard to get rid of. Sin in our lives is a lot like weeds. It pops up unannounced and can cause us to stumble on our walk with God.
Weeds can be subtle. They grow in the cracks, and, when left alone, they eventually take over! They're unwanted but often hard to get rid of. Sin in our lives is a lot like weeds. It pops up unannounced and can cause us to stumble on our walk with God.
Weeds can be subtle. They grow in the cracks, and, when left alone, they eventually take over! They're unwanted but often hard to get rid of. Sin in our lives is a lot like weeds. It pops up unannounced and can cause us to stumble on our walk with God.
Weeds can be subtle. They grow in the cracks, and, when left alone, they eventually take over! They're unwanted but often hard to get rid of. Sin in our lives is a lot like weeds. It pops up unannounced and can cause us to stumble on our walk with God.
Special Father's Day Service with Tim Keller and Josh Simmons. Featuring "The Dad Game," an interview with Kurt Kline, and a dance/drama to the song "There Goes My Life" by Kenny Chesney.
God so loved the world, He not only sent His Son to die for us, He promised more. Jesus said that after He would leave this world, He would send someone else in His place. This One - the Holy Spirit - would be with us and would help us grow in the things Jesus taught and so much more. Join us as we take a fresh look at the Hole Spirit, His work in our lives, and how we can experience MORE!
God so loved the world, He not only sent His Son to die for us, He promised more. Jesus said that after He would leave this world, He would send someone else in His place. This One - the Holy Spirit - would be with us and would help us grow in the things Jesus taught and so much more. Join us as we take a fresh look at the Hole Spirit, His work in our lives, and how we can experience MORE!
God so loved the world, He not only sent His Son to die for us, He promised more. Jesus said that after He would leave this world, He would send someone else in His place. This One - the Holy Spirit - would be with us and would help us grow in the things Jesus taught and so much more. Join us as we take a fresh look at the Hole Spirit, His work in our lives, and how we can experience MORE!
God so loved the world, He not only sent His Son to die for us, He promised more. Jesus said that after He would leave this world, He would send someone else in His place. This One - the Holy Spirit - would be with us and would help us grow in the things Jesus taught and so much more. Join us as we take a fresh look at the Hole Spirit, His work in our lives, and how we can experience MORE!
This Mother's Day Weekend, guest speaker Maribel Landis, Worship and Creative Arts Pastor at Lifechurch, Allentown, shares an encouraging message for moms, "Stay at Your Post."
Personal finances aren't a game. Money, or the lack of it, impacts our lives in real ways. So don't roll the dice - learn what the Bible says about managing your finances and living a generous lifestyle!
Personal finances aren't a game. Money, or the lack of it, impacts our lives in real ways. So don't roll the dice - learn what the Bible says about managing your finances and living a generous lifestyle!
Personal finances aren't a game. Money, or the lack of it, impacts our lives in real ways. So don't roll the dice - learn what the Bible says about managing your finances and living a generous lifestyle!
Personal finances aren't a game. Money, or the lack of it, impacts our lives in real ways. So don't roll the dice - learn what the Bible says about managing your finances and living a generous lifestyle!
Jesus was God's love personified. We see it in the interactions he had with people. He faced individuals with real trouble, and he forgave and released them. Nothing expressed love more than when he gave up his life as payment for another's wrongs - not only for one person, but for mankind. That's what Jesus did. But he didn't stay dead. He rose from the dead to proclaim the very salvation he brought to mankind. This is love!
Jesus was God's love personified. We see it in the interactions he had with people. He faced individuals with real trouble, and he forgave and released them. Nothing expressed love more than when he gave up his life as payment for another's wrongs - not only for one person, but for mankind. That's what Jesus did. But he didn't stay dead. He rose from the dead to proclaim the very salvation he brought to mankind. This is love!
We see in the life and works of Jesus how God met practical needs with miracles and wonders. To those who were without God, He brought provision, healing, deliverance, and LIFE. In this series, we look at the various recorded miracles of Jesus and see how Only God gives faith to move mountains.
We see in the life and works of Jesus how God met practical needs with miracles and wonders. To those who were without God, He brought provision, healing, deliverance, and LIFE. In this series, we look at the various recorded miracles of Jesus and see how Only God gives faith to move mountains.
We see in the life and works of Jesus how God met practical needs with miracles and wonders. To those who were without God, He brought provision, healing, deliverance, and LIFE. In this series, we look at the various recorded miracles of Jesus and see how Only God gives faith to move mountains.
We see in the life and works of Jesus how God met practical needs with miracles and wonders. To those who were without God, He brought provision, healing, deliverance, and LIFE. In this series, we look at the various recorded miracles of Jesus and see how Only God gives faith to move mountains.
We see in the life and works of Jesus how God met practical needs with miracles and wonders. To those who were without God, He brought provision, healing, deliverance, and LIFE. In this series, we look at the various recorded miracles of Jesus and see how Only God gives faith to move mountains.
We see in the life and works of Jesus how God met practical needs with miracles and wonders. To those who were without God, He brought provision, healing, deliverance, and LIFE. In this series, we look at the various recorded miracles of Jesus and see how Only God gives faith to move mountains.
We see in the life and works of Jesus how God met practical needs with miracles and wonders. To those who were without God, He brought provision, healing, deliverance, and LIFE. In this series, we look at the various recorded miracles of Jesus and see how Only God gives faith to move mountains.
We see in the life and works of Jesus how God met practical needs with miracles and wonders. To those who were without God, He brought provision, healing, deliverance, and LIFE. In this series, we look at the various recorded miracles of Jesus and see how Only God gives faith to move mountains.
This "Sanctity of Life" Weekend, Pastor Sam shares about the value and potential of each person's life. We also hear a story of a tragic circumstance and God's incredible redemption in the life of a WC pastor.
Pastor Sam shares about Stepping Into 2012 with renewed vision, taking a closer look at the theme scripture for the year: Mark 9:23 (NKJV) - Jesus said to him, "If you believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
Pastor Sam shares about Stepping Into 2012 with renewed vision, taking a closer look at the theme scripture for the year: Mark 9:23 (NKJV) - Jesus said to him, "If you believe, all things are possible to him who believes."