Cottonwood Life: Recent Episodes
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Mike Fritscher is pastor of Cottonwood Church near Dublin, TX. Cottonwood focuses on helping people find freedom in Christ, to be conformed to His image, and to love well both God and neighbor - at home, to the ends of the earth, and everywhere in between!
An original theatrical presentation of the Resurrection story! They experienced His life, they endured His death, they witnessed His resurrection - now hear their stories! See and hear the story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the perspectives of those that were eyewitnesses to this incredible, life-changing story - told in word, song & dance!
Paul's mindset, method & message for engaging Greeks (Gentiles, non-Jews) with the Gospel.
Our 10th Anniversary presentation of the Faces of Christmas, which shares the story of the very first Christmas through the perspectives of many of the characters of Christmas, through word, song and dance.
Cottonwood Church & Zion Dance Project present "The Faces of Christmas," our annual theatrical and musical retelling of the story of the very first Christmas. Experience the story of Christmas like you've never experienced it before!
Sermon message, plus an interview with Craig Scoville; featuring testimonies from Baxter Bentley, Chad Sands, Scott Hooper & Pat Wilson, plus video from our overseas partners. Note: the sound will drop out briefly on occasion to protect the identity and location of partners currently serving in closed countries overseas.
Michael Sadovsky, Pastor of Living Israel Church, updates the church on the situation in the Holy Land.
Celebrating 115 years and all that God has done since the founding of the church called Cottonwood
First morning session includes a welcome by Guy Viss, a skit by Scott & Shellie Hooper, a testimony by Gaylon and Janine Williams, a worship set with Chris and Anna Fondacaro, and a message and challenge by Scott Hooper.
This session begins with a worship set by Chris & Anna Fondacaro, followed by their testimony; the session concludes with teaching by Anthony and Cindy Martinez.
This session begins with a hearfelt word from Guy Viss, and concludes with teaching by Pastor Mike Fritscher.
The third session starts with a comedic video skit featuring Chelsea Battenfield and Hannah Oldengarm, then continues with Cottonwood Married Life's version of the "Newlywed Game."
The final session is a lively Q&A panel discussion featuring all the speakers of the day answering questions submitted anonymously by the conference attendees.
The second morning session begins with a comedic video skit featuring Chelsea Battenfield and Hannah Oldengarm; the morning concludes with the testimony of Anthony and Cindy Martinez.
Chance and David change it up this week as they look at one of the miracles of Jesus. When life gets tough, what is our response?
Life will always be full of situations that don’t turn out like we think they should; but it’s our response in those situations that shows where our heart truly is. Chance and David give a few points on how to navigate through these moments in life.
The new year is here! Chance and David talk about their expectations, goals, and their word for the year.
God blesses us over and over again! But sometimes we try to add to those blessings, or take away from them even. Chance and David talk about not letting blessings become stale, and how to get rid of the “if it’s good, it must be from God” mentality.
Are we living a self-directed life or a God-directed life? Mike Fritscher has been in ministry for over 40 years. In this episode, Mike talks about how he's had to strengthen himself in the Lord this year.
Our testimonies should always be growing as we get closer and closer to the Lord. Chance and David share how each of their testimonies have grown, and what it means to them; especially through this crazy year!
It is very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. Between school, sports, video games, and social media, what priorities have we set in our life... intentionally and unintentionally?
We will always have ups and downs in life, but choosing to be thankful is a decision we have to make everyday. Chance and David talk about choosing to be thankful, instead of expecting it to always go bad.
Conflict - it's something we would all rather avoid. Today, Chance and David help us to see how conflict, though unavoidable, is something God uses to show us His love. They give a few suggestions on how to deal with conflict, and also look at what the Bible says about it. Ultimately, it's an opportunity to show the love of Christ through the conflict.
Jordan explains the aspirations of the worship team and the expectations for its members.
Jordan casts a vision for creating 40 original songs from the body of Cottonwood in 4 years.
With the Bible being the best selling book of all time, can we trust it? Chance and David dive into how we can know that we can trust the Bible. They cover the characteristics of God, authoritative authors, and the timeline of the Bible coming together.
Is God’s wrath at odds with his love? Chance and David dive into the wrath of God. We are looking at a few of the misconceptions as well as the truth about it.
Is worship just a slow song we listen to on Sunday mornings? In this episode Chance and David talk about worship and why it is so much more than a slow song on Sunday. With scriptures and personal stories they help you think about the reason for worship and what worship is really about.
This week is a little different. Chance and David talk about their favorite things, from movies to favorite bible characters. Then ending with the biggest debate. Jordan or LeBron!
Loving our enemies is not easy, especially in today’s world when society says just “write them off”. Chance and David talk about a few verses on why we should make every effort to love our enemies!
Compromise is almost inevitable for most of us; so what can we do for it not to rule our lives? Compromise can be in everything from our everyday small decisions, to our life-changing decisions. Listen in as Chance and David share scripture and personal stories as they talk about compromise.
Mentors, parents, pastors, friends...they all play an important role in our walk with the Lord. Whether we know it or not, we are all discipled by somebody or something. It is important to know who we allow in our life to influence and shapes us. We should all learn from those whose faith is working. Hear Chance and David honor those who have invested in their lives.
On average, we listen to music about 4 1/2 hours a day, so it's important to know what music does to us and how to be guided with it. Listen to David and Chance give practical suggestions of what they've tried with music and movies.
Looking For Purpose? Here It Is! Luke 4:17-19 The Inaugural Salvation Message of Christ!
The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me! Because He Has Anointed Me! • To Proclaim Good News to the Poor! God Targets Bankrupt Hearts! • To Proclaim Release to Prisoners; God Targets Our Strongholds! • To Proclaim Sight to the Blind! God Targets Our Darkness • To Set Free the Oppressed! The Shattered! • To Proclaim the Favorable Year of the Lord!
At some point of our lives, we all need to survive as a Christian in an non-Christian environment. So how can we do that? Chance and David point out scriptures to develop points that speak to how God wants us to live our lives in a non-Christian environment EVEN when it’s counter to our society.
We were created to hear God for ourselves! In this podcast hear plain and simple,what scripture has to say about how to hear God. Where do we start? What if we get it wrong? How can we know if it is God? In this podcast, Chance and David lay out a teaching that we all need in our Christian walk. They even throw in a challenge for us about our social media world.
Jude 1:3-4 (NASB) 3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Seven Reasons: 1) God Said it 2) To Silence the Opposition and Restrain Evil
1 Peter 3:15-16 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
Titus 1:10-14 (NASB) 10 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
3) To preserve a legacy of authentic faith for the next generation
2 Timothy 1:5 (NASB) 5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.
Galatians 1:6-8 (NASB) 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
Romans 15:4 (NASB) 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Corinthians 10:11-12 (NASB) 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.
4) To Win the Lost
2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NASB) 24 The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
1 Corinthians 3:5 (NASB) 5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.
5) To Assure the Heart of the Believer
2 Peter 1:10-11 (NASB) 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NASB) 5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith;…
6) To Alert the Deceived
1 John 3:7-10 (NASB) 7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.
Matthew 7:23 (NASB) 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
7) To Protect & Instruct the Vulnerable
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NASB) 5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NASB) 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
2 Timothy 3:1-8 (NASB) 1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self,… 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. 6 For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NASB) 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Jude 1:22-23 (NASB) 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
1 Peter 3:13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
What are we to do if the “normal” Christian Life is to be preserved?
- Jesus Christ must occupy the throne of supreme sovereignty in our heart.
- We must know “what” we believe and “why” we believe it.
2 Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
- We must live in such a way that any accusation leveled against us can only be a false accusation.
What is your default in trials? It can be any combination of things but we should always turn to the Lord in someway or another. Today Chance and David focus on two passages and give practical advice on how to make it through a trail with God.
Where do we stand when it comes to current events? Let’s look throughout the history of the Bible to see how Jesus reasoned over and over to situations very similar to what is seen today. Be encouraged to turn to God’s truth, to Gods example and let him transform your mind.
This is a fun one! David and Chance share their best advice and even some “what not to do” through different periods of their lives. It doesn’t matter what age you are, you can take some wisdom from this podcast.
Is God enough? When things don’t seem to be going our way or life doesn’t seem to get better, is God enough? Can oppression ever be good for us? Is our mind dwelling on the question “why me?”, instead of recognizing what “being blessed “ really means? Is God enough to live upright no matter what comes our way? Listen to David and Chance go through these questions discussing what Gods word says about them.
Gather the family around your TV or device and worship with us, as several members of the Cottonwood praise team lead us in an hour-long worship set featuring some of your favorite worship songs sung at Cottonwood!
Temptation versus sin, what is the difference? Knowing the difference can keep you from some common traps in the life of a believer. Knowing the difference can help you become a man after Gods own heart even in the midst of sin or temptation. Chance and David dissect parts of David’s story to help us understand this and other important details for a believer.
What kind of testimony can somebody have when you have been in ministry most of your life? If you are in ministry, want to be in ministry or maybe decided ministry is not for you, come hear David share his testimony about how God has been faithful to him from growing up in church, to going in and out of full time ministry as an adult. No matter where you are, God wants to transform you from glory to glory. Even when in ministry, the enemy’s goal is always to steal, kill and destroy. Hear how God can always work out everything for those who love and trust Him like He has in David’s life.
Why should we be diligent with God's word? Sometime perceptions we grow up with can skew truths about God. Chance and David open up and talk about being raised in a Christian and non-Christian homes and give us direction on how to come back to His word and Know him.
What is the Church? In these very uncertain times where we are unable to meet at a church, David and Chance discuss and remind about what "the church" is. What perspective should we have of the church? What is our role in the church? How does worship play a part of the church? These, among other questions, will be answered during today new podcast.
Chelsea and Chance take us through their story from dating to marriage, sharing practical advice and biblical perspectives of marriage. They discuss subjects like "getting to know you" advice through dating, points about communicating and conflict in marriage, how important having the right biblical perspective coming into a marriage is, among other topics.
What does sanctification mean to us and how does keeping God's word help us in the sanctification process? Chance and David go through Jesus' prayer in John 17, breaking down each part and showing how we can apply it to our lives.
What Jesus Prayed For He Died For! John 17 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
I. What Jesus Prayed For! John 17! A John 17 People Who Glorify God and His Son!!
John 17:1 These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee,
A John 17 People are Eternal Life People!
- An Eternal Life People Who Know Jesus! 3 Philippians 3:1-3
- A Joyful People! 13
- A Kept From the Evil One People! Verse 15 Free!
- A Sanctified People! Verse 17
“Sanctify them in the Truth, Thy Word is Truth!” Psalm 119
- A Sent People! 18
- A Unified – One In Christ people! 21-23
Philippians 2:1-12 It’s How the World Knows!
His Body and Blood Makes Us One!
What Jesus Wants He Died For! Reconciling the World to Himself!
II. What Jesus Prayed For He Died For! 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
This is My Body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.
- The Body of Jesus Bore Your Grief! Isaiah 53:4
- The Body of Jesus Bore Your Sins! 1 Peter 2:21-25
John 1:29 Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!
This Cup is the New Covenant in My blood: do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me!
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His Blood Cleanses and Forgives You! Hebrews 9:14 – The Blood of Christ Cleanses your conscience form dead works to save the living God! Verse 23: Without the shedding of blood there is not forgiveness of sins!
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The Blood Provides Constant Access to the Father!
Hebrews 10:19 Since therefore brothers we have confidence to enter in to the Holy Place by the Blood of Jesus!
- The Blood Makes You Holy and Blameless!
Hebrews 13:12 Therefore Jesus Also ;that He might sanctify the people through His own blood suffered outside the gate!
- The Blood Made Way For Your Redemption!
Ephesians 1:7 In Whim we have redemptions through His bood the forgiveness of our trespasses according the riches of His Grace!
- The Blood Justifies You! Romans 5:9
- The Blood Provides Victory! Revelation 12:11
• The Reason For this Supper!
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To Remember, for Faith, For Comfort, For Inspiration!
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To Proclaim His Death!
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me!
V. The Examination!
Chance and David visit the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4 and outline 3 main points to helps us see the current crisis in a different light. We get to hear Chance and David use very personal experiences to encourage us and see how the Lord works in the midst of any and all circumstances.
Living The Last Words of Jesus! The Dying Words of Christ Are the Living Words of the Believer!
First Word: “Father Forgive Them” Luke 23:33-35 Be Forgiving even In Your Worst Circumstances.
Second Word: “Today You Shall Be With Me In Paradise” Luke 23:29-43
Desire To Populate Heaven With The Very People You Come into Contact With.
As illustrated in the response of two criminals, some will choose life, and others will continue to choose death!
Third Word: “Behold Your Son, Behold Your Mother” John 19:26-27
Even Under Duress Make Certain Your Life is in Order.
Fourth Word: Matthew 27:46 “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
Understand the Severity Of Your Sins. Isaiah 53:4-6
Jesus’ Fifth Word: “I Am Thirsty!” John 19:28 Desire The Complete Will of God.
Psalm 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and Thou dost lay me in the dust of death. Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. Jesus’ Sixth Word: “It Is Finished” John 19:30 Live Your Life As To Finish Strong!
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Jesus’ Seventh Word: “Father, Into Thy Hands, I Commit My Spirit”
Luke 23:46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit." And having said this, He breathed His last.
Commit Your Entire Life To The Lord! 1 Peter 2:23
Join in as Chance and David cover different topics like dating, online dating, and a man's role in his family. With a few laughs and lots of encouragement, we hope you enjoy.
Luke 5:1-11 describes the calling, the struggle, and the command! Jeff Fritscher, founder of Legacy Outfitters, shares about his struggles with clinical depression, and how he found the way out!
Out of a dusty, old box of tapes from the mid 1980s, a hidden gem was uncovered - a sermon delivered at Cottonwood by pastor Mike Fritscher to less than 30 members, not long after his arrival. In it he cast a vision for Cottonwood - a vision still strongly in evidence today!