Venture Church: Recent Episodes
Venture Church
Do you ever feel stuck? Like you're dragging around a heavy chain that keeps you firmly tethered to a cold, dark cell? Though you've pulled and struggled, the chain won't budge. But what if those shackles had already been unlocked and the only thing that keeps you in that cell is your tight grip on the chains?
In Galatians chapter 4, Paul tells believers that when we become followers of Jesus, we are no longer slaves to sin and death; the earthly things that once had a death grip on our hearts, minds, and souls can no longer control us. But sometimes, we don't live like the children of God; we forget the freedom we have been given in Christ and choose to cling to our chains. So which are you? Son or slave? Jesus wants you to experience hope and freedom in Him!
The message of the Gospel is good news and hope for eternity - but the tension we face is sometimes the Gospel doesn’t feel like “good news” for right now. In the midst of daily struggles and earthly pain, it can become easy to turn away from truth. However, because of what Jesus did on the cross for us, we have received justification through Christ. Join us to see how this justification makes way for God’s transforming grace in our lives and allows us to live in the truth of the Gospel each day!
Have you ever tried your best but still fallen short? In sports, school, work, or relationships? Sometimes we fail simply because we are aiming for the wrong target, trying to achieve the wrong goal. The Galatians had the same problem, they were trying their best to be spiritual, not spirit-filled. The Gospel has never been about us and our efforts but about the saving work of Jesus. What target are you aiming for? Join us as we unpack the gift of God’s grace through His Son, Jesus.
The gospel we follow shapes the person we become, and there is only ONE true gospel - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we let go of the false promises this world offers and cling to the truth found in Jesus, we can experience real freedom in Him. Join us for the first week of “Free," as we look at the book of Galatians and see that we can experience salvation through the finished work of Jesus.
In 2014, God took an abandoned building with a history of violence and redefined its purpose for His Church. In the same way that God redeemed and restored a place of darkness into a light for the community, God wants to redeem and restore the people of South Mississippi, one person at a time. Join us as we wrap up the August message series, “Salt & Light,” and celebrate the first 10 years of Venture Church’s journey as a multisite church in South Mississippi.
Life is full of different seasons, seasons of change. Whatever season you may be facing, know that God’s grace changes everything. Join us to find out how to experience God’s grace in your life!
Being salt and light in this world requires us to be more than just a fan or follower of Jesus - instead, we have to place our complete faith in Him. When we push past our fears to passionately pursue Jesus, just like the woman in Mark 5, we experience the transforming power of His grace! Join us as we take a deeper look at what it means to truly trust in Jesus.
A few years ago, a study revealed that, on average, people care 40% less about others compared to previous years. Do you feel that in your life? It may not be surprising at all. This trend highlights the importance of Jesus’ call to be people of compassion. Join us as we look to Scripture to learn to live with care and compassion in a world that desperately needs it.
As we start the first message series of the fall, “Salt & Light,” we’ll turn our focus to the life of Jesus. He is the salt and light of the earth, and He has called His followers to be the same. Is that the way people would describe you? Different? Salty? Join us as we look to the words and actions of Jesus and discover the secret to a salty life!
A legacy - someone whose influence transcends a lifetime. It is a true human superpower. While we often think of superpowers as rare and flashy, leaving a lasting imprint with a profound impact is more often the result of seemingly small and simple acts. Kind words. Thoughtful gestures. Generosity. Intentionally living a life more centered on others than self. That is how legacies are made. Today, we want to honor our legacy pastor, Jeff Clark, and his wife, Alicia for their years of faithful ministry in Hattiesburg. Join us to celebrate a life of legacy!
Summer is not over yet! What journeys do you have planned? A fun day at the water park or a road trip out of town? We’re all on different journeys in our lives, and even though we haven’t arrived yet, God is with us through it all. We can have confidence in the presence and the promises of God. There is nothing better than God’s presence, so join us as we wrap up our summer series, “Are We There Yet?”
One thing we know about vacations is that things rarely go as planned. The same can be said about our faith journey, but with God’s promises, we can get our faith back on track. Join us as we study four promises from scripture that we can cling to in every season.
Happy Father’s Day! Thank you, dads, for everything you do! You have stepped into such an important job that requires so much. For that, you have our respect! God has called you to be a better man – not perfect – but better. Join us as we look at what scripture tells us about how to be a godly man worthy of being followed.
Are we there yet? That’s not just a question we ask ourselves on vacation, but one we may ask about our life and faith. As a parent, you may feel the finish line continues to move as your kids face new concerns daily. Though we haven’t arrived yet, we press on. Join us as we unpack how to parent on purpose as we model faith and community for our kids.
When we choose Jesus and begin our faith journey, we quickly realize we are in process. As believers, we are in a period of transition where we are no longer where we were but not yet where we are going. But the good news is that we are never alone on our journey. Join us as we begin a new summer message series, “Are We There Yet?” and unpack how every step forward in this life is fueled by the hope we have in our future.
We love celebrating life-altering moments! But whether it’s a graduation, a wedding, a promotion, or a new baby, even the best changes can be challenging. These moments can make it hard to live by faith. Join us as we learn to look beyond ourselves and let our faith lead the way.
More than 2,000 years ago on Pentecost Sunday, God's Spirit fell on a group of unschooled and ordinary followers of Jesus, and the Church was born. Yes, the world looks very different now, but the Word of God and His plan for His church remain the same! Join us as we learn how God continues to move in and through His Church to change the world.
Making a school lunch, meeting a friend for coffee, or praying for your neighbors may not seem eternity-altering, but God can use the smallest acts of obedience to make a lasting impact. Sometimes it’s not the grand gestures that make the biggest difference; sometimes it's the seemingly insignificant acts that transform people's lives. In Act 9, we can all learn from the example of Tabitha, a devoted disciple of Jesus - her character, impact, and obedience to follow God’s plan. Join us as we celebrate mothers who disciple their families, friends, and neighbors as they go.
Whether it’s choosing your favorite lunch spot, deciding what TV show to watch in the evenings, or how to properly fold a bed sheet, everyone has their own opinions, preferences, and ways of doing things. Sometimes preferences can cause disruptions or divisions, but when it comes to being the Church, Paul’s writings to the church in Corinth teach us that it’s not about what we want. Our mission as a church is about Jesus, the power of God, His movement, and the Holy Spirit. Join us as we talk about why pulling together in unity is essential for everyone, especially the Church.
Though we are connected through apps, social media, and countless electronic devices, we are still divided. We live in a segmented world, but God is calling us to break down every barrier to make His name known! Join us as we learn how to obediently share the hope of the Gospel across every dividing line.
Everyone's story is different, but we all have one thing in common - we ALL need a Savior. What about you? What purpose are you living for? Who are you allowing to influence you? What are you doing with your life? This week, we get to witness people wade into the baptism waters to publicly declare their faith in Jesus! What next step is God calling you to? Join us as we worship an Almighty God who allows our church to be part of celebrating the lives He has reclaimed and repurposed.
What comes to mind when you hear the word, “church”? It’s likely different from what the early church experienced. There was no designated building, no leather-bound Bibles, no band to lead them in their favorite worship songs. What made the early church so special? What propelled them forward with their mission to spread the Good News of Jesus? The early church lived purpose-driven lives because of one thing – they experienced more through the power of the Holy Spirit!
Do you want to experience more? When we have the power of the Holy Spirit and daily seek to follow Jesus, we begin to change how we think and act. We begin to live differently. We begin to look like Jesus. Join us to learn how you can experience more.
Have you ever wondered if there is more? More to your life, your faith, and your church than most people experience or expect? You may feel discouraged and burned out by a faith that has been reduced to an hour on Sunday and a set of rules to follow - But wait! There is more! Join us as we unpack the Book of Acts to discover the “more” we can experience through an abundant life in Jesus.
Spring means everything is in bloom! When planting flowerbeds and vegetable gardens, wheelbarrows make all that hard work easier – carry more, go further, and get done faster. But how does a wheelbarrow help us understand Easter? Join us for Easter at Venture to look at Resurrection Day in a brand-new way and learn how to experience Easter every single day!
What if Easter wasn't just a one-day event, but a personal journey that prepared your heart for something more? Join us for a look at Palm Sunday, as we begin to walk through the sacred timeline of daily events that forever changed humankind's relationship with God to experience the impact of [HIS]tory on your story!
How stressed out are you? A lot of us are too stressed, too busy, too close to a burn out. The truth is that you can experience almost anything in life, but you cannot experience everything in life. Scripture tells us to walk in wisdom and make the most of our time. Join us as we look at how to live a wise life by following rhythms found in God’s Word.
Forgiveness – what does that mean to you? That simple word can be a major source of frustration for many people. Maybe it’s because they don’t know how to forgive. Maybe forgiveness seems impossible because the hurt is just too great. Even in the hardest situations, God has made a way for us to offer forgiveness freely because of the forgiveness He freely gave us. Join us as we look to Jesus’ teachings and bring forgiveness into focus.
Has loss even upended your life? Your plans? Your faith? Dealing with the stages of grief that accompany loss can be incredibly painful, but God doesn’t leave us alone in our sorrow. Though grief is unique to each person and their circumstances, God’s promise of hope and healing is for all His children. Join us as we look to God’s Word to find encouragement in our brokenness.
What do Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and Mother Teresa have in common? They weren’t just great people; they also had great anxiety or depression. Even in the Bible, we see giants of the faith battle against anxiety and depression. If you have a similar struggle, join us as we look to the life of Elijah to see the wrong way and the right way to fight this internal battle.
What is anxiety? What is depression? What causes anxiety and depression? How can I help those who are struggling? In today’s conversation with a panel of mental health experts, we are going to answer your questions about mental health with hope and wisdom straight from God’s Word. Join us and let this conversation speak into these difficult topics and encourage you in whatever season you find yourself.
Has your life ever crumbled around you, leaving you reeling? In the most difficult seasons of our lives when we are in the middle of destruction and confusion, we can feel isolated and alone. But even in the darkness when we can’t see God, we can cling to the promise that God sees us and gives us a way forward. Join us as we lean into the truth that God is faithful to finish what He started.
What weight are you dragging through life? What are you trying to keep hidden? We’ve all faced the weight of secret shame in our lives, the belief that we are defined by what we’ve done or what’s been done to us. We all have carried jars of shame. The woman at the well was going through life, carrying her jar of shame, trying her best to avoid the attention of others, but then Jesus stepped into her story. Through an encounter with Jesus, this woman was able to see herself the way Jesus saw her. She was able to leave her jar of shame with Jesus and go forth with a new identity – child of God. Learn how Jesus calls us to leave our shame and follow Him.
Most of us are familiar with the Lord’s Prayer. As one of the most well-known passages of the Bible, it is recited before ballgames, in church, and as a mealtime prayer. But what is Jesus teaching us through this prayer? Join us as we learn to pray like Jesus.
What do you want to be known for this year? What kind of legacy do you want to leave? As we look at the leadership of Moses and Joshua, we can see a powerful example of how to influence and develop others for the good of the movement. Join us as we take inventory of our lives and step into biblical leadership this year.
God has a plan for you. Even if you aren’t a preacher or a seminarian, He has called you out as His child. Hear from a couple that understands that we are all called to use our gifts for the mission of the church and the Kingdom of God. Interview with Lee Parish & Elizabeth Parish
The new year is here! New seasons naturally bring about change, but even really good change can be hard. To celebrate the exciting things of the future, we must first grieve the things we are leaving behind. God doesn't leave us alone in these challenging seasons; He wants us to trust in His direction and vision for the future. Join us as we learn how to pray for the next season.
Happy New Year! As the holiday season comes to an end, we tend to reflect back on all that has happened and all God has done in the previous year, as well as look forward expectantly to all God will continue to do in the coming year. Prepare for this coming year with a game plan to remove and release everything that hinders us so that we can run with perseverance and the right perspective.
Christmas at Venture is officially here! We’re excited to celebrate this season with you! For some, this season can be difficult due to anxiety, sorrow, or loneliness, but even in the midst of suffering, God still gives us a reason to celebrate! Come experience His magnificent this Christmas season.
22 Days until Christmas! Amid the lights, the carols, and the presents, maybe you’re just not feeling very festive this year. If you’re struggling, remember that you are not alone. The Scripture offers us help and hope in every season. The secret to an amazing Christmas is not about receiving; it’s about something entirely different.
As we recover from our feasts and prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we can slow down and consider biblical generosity. What is generosity? Why should I give? Why give to the church? Why give now? The answer is simple - ministry is ignited and lives are changed when we are generous. When we take what we have and steward it well, we can be a catalyst for the Good News of Jesus going into all of the world!
As we head into Thanksgiving and the holiday season, there are so many wonderful things to look forward to - food, football, and family! But sometimes gathering with a community even in the best of circumstances can bring about uncomfortable emotions and disagreements. In Romans 15, Paul lays out a path for believers to deal with conflict like Jesus which helps us navigate not only the holidays but any other situation we may face. Join us as we wrap up our fall series, "Romans: Reconstructing Your Faith" with the conclusion, "Unity in Community."
Have you ever been in a situation where you just felt stuck? Have you had habits, thoughts, or challenges that you couldn’t overcome? God hasn’t left us without help. Through the Spirit, He gives us the power and the promise to make us more like Him one degree at a time. In Romans 12, we’ll look at the truths that help us get unstuck and go further in our faith.
Whether you’re scrolling through social media or sitting down to watch the evening news, it’s easy to see the pain and destruction and think, “I can’t do anything to make an impact.” But there is something you can do to give hope to the hopeless right where you are. We may not be able to stop war on earth, but followers of Jesus are called to step into the battle happening in our neighbors' lives. Discover your calling and learn how to speak life into those trapped in the darkness as we continue to study through the Book of Romans.
We can probably all agree that life can be unpredictable, uncertain. There are so many things we don’t understand or know about the things that go on in the world around us. So, in the chaos, what is certain? In today’s message, we explore the truth and certainty of God and how we can put our confidence in Him in even the most uncertain times.
Throughout this series, we’ve learned so much about God’s Rescue Plan for humanity. As we continue to walk through the Book of Romans, Campus Pastors unpack Romans 8:1-17 in local messages.
“Once I’m saved, can I live however I want? How can I live a life that pleases God? Where do I get the power to live the life God desires for me?” All of these are important questions for every believer to answer, and thankfully, God's plan for His children is not a secret. He doesn’t intend for us to figure it out alone. We’ll face battles, but when we have a relationship with Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit to fight for us and guide us. As we continue to walk through the Book of Romans, we can unpack these answers together to live a life of hope.
Have you ever experienced a season of suffering? It can be a painful time to walk through alone. But when we are rescued and justified by Jesus, we received peace with God, access to grace, and the hope of God – even in our pain. When we have a relationship with our heavenly Father, suffering doesn’t end with hopelessness. We can trust God in our suffering and with our suffering. When we are justified, we have full access to God’s peace, grace, and hope in every season.
“Pull yourself up by your bootstraps. No one is coming to save you, so you'll have to save yourself.” We’ve probably all heard a sentiment similar to this about taking care of ourselves and not relying on anyone else. While this may be good advice in some situations, it’s terrible advice when it comes to our eternity. We are all broken; we all fall short; and we are all in need of rescue. But there is good news! The hope of salvation has nothing to do with our own efforts to do good and follow the rules, but it has everything to do with putting our faith in the One who offers eternal rescue for all. Rescue is here!
Have you ever felt sick, and you weren’t sure why? Discovering the right remedy requires that you first find the right diagnosis. And though Google is a great place to find information, it is a terrible doctor! Trusting the wrong source can lead you down some dark and scary paths. The same is true for spiritual matters. There is only one source we can always trust with our spiritual condition – God's Word. Our symptoms, condition, and cure are all revealed through the Gospel to help us build a life founded on faith. Let's look beneath the surface to understand our true condition to discover the right path forward.
Join us as we take another step into the Book of Romans to better understand the Gospel and God's plan for our lives in the continuation of the fall series, "Romans: Reconstructing Your Faith."
Who am I? Where am I going? What does all of this mean? No matter what season of life we are in, we've probably all asked questions like these at one point or another. In Romans, we can begin to find answers. Paul introduces the Book of Romans by introducing himself. His identity wasn't placed in his past or his achievements, but in what God had done. When we become followers of Christ, we can claim the same identity. God has given us a calling and a purpose which are built on the foundation of His Gospel. The question is, how will we answer God's calling to live out the identity of the Christian?
For the last week of the "Welcome to the Family" series, we're hitting the last of the five Venture Church Core Values: We Celebrate Change! Some love the start of something new, but for others, the idea of change can be difficult. Here at Venture, we celebrate not just external changes, but change that transforms a heart for eternity. Join us in celebrating the changes that bring us close to Jesus in our time of need!
How has your attitude been lately? Sometimes when circumstances are too much to handle, your outlook on life can become bitter and bleak. But there is good news! Even when the world is overwhelming, as a follower of Jesus, you can hold on to the hope He has given. Because of that hope, WE CHOOSE JOY. How can we pursue joy? We must look to Jesus' example of serving others, studying the words of the Father, and shining with encouragement, love, and hope to those who have none. When your joy and hope grow, you can be a light in the darkness like the One who is the source of abundant life.
How would you define excellence? Culture tells us that excellence is the pursuit of perfection, but Scripture gives us a better way to measure the word. True excellence is the pursuit of people for the glory of God. As we explore this Venture Church Core Value, let's lean into how we can create excellence together as a faith family for His glory and the good of His Kingdom.
No one voice can perform like a full choir, no one can whistle a symphony, and no single audience member can fill the venue with deafening applause. Choirs need many singers with different abilities, orchestras require numerous musicians and instruments with varying sounds, and the whole audience works together to cheer and encourage to build up a deafening roar! When we work as a team, we can achieve a greater outcome than we ever could have on our own. The Church is better, stronger, and reaches more people for the glory of God when we strive together toward our common purpose with common care for the common good. We are better together!
Who is your hero? Superman? Batman? Maybe someone who changed your life for good? Who has God used to change your heart? These people are the real heroes! At Venture, we have Core Values to help us prioritize how we spend our time. First, we cultivate heroes because we value pointing people to their purposes. When we join God in what He is doing, create space for the unchurched, see people as God sees them, and celebrate spiritual conversion, we foster growth in new heroes in our faith family so that they can embrace their God-given purpose of making Jesus known.
Do you ever wonder about your mission in the family of God? In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus gave His followers very specific instructions to make disciples. This mission doesn't always come easy; often it's a fight. This fall, commit to the fight! Fight for your faith; fight to change your rhythms to reflect your mission; and fight for your friends! As we go, fight to follow Jesus in obedience to baptize and teach others! This is your mission! Will you fight for it?
When we look back at the history of our country, we have so many reasons to celebrate! God has moved in amazing ways in the life of our nation to call the masses to radical repentance. The First Great Awakening, Second Great Awakening, the Jesus Revolution - and we believe He is preparing our country for another spiritual revival in the coming years. In the Book of Jonah in the Old Testament, we find one of the greatest spiritual awakenings of all time. As He did through Jonah, God can use our stories and the His power to save a dying world. Every person who has experienced the saving grace of the gospel is called to share their stories with those around them. God is willing to save, but are we willing to share?
The food we eat, the friends we make, the colleges we attend, and the careers we pursue - our life is an accumulation of all the decisions we make. Some of those decisions propel us forward on the right path, and other decisions fill us with shame and regret and weigh us down. When we place our identity in the finished work of Jesus Christ, it affects everything else no matter our past. Our identities inform our decisions, and our decisions determine our destination. Remembering who we are, we can daily choose to intentionally place our identity in the One who gives us new life.
"The glory of God is man fully alive!" - Irenaeus, an early church leader
Have past labels held you back from fully living the life God has called you to? In I Chronicles, Jabez was labeled as a pain and a problem from birth, but he refused to let his label become his legacy. Even in the midst of generational curses and past shame, God can change our future. He can transform our pain into a platform for His Kingdom. Leave your label behind and step into a legacy of faith.
"And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none." Ezekiel 22:30
Who will stand in the gap? How can you use your presence to influence others for the kingdom of God? You might think you're too old or young, that you lost your influence or never had it, but God tells us otherwise. He has a purpose and a plan for each of us to live out. The life of Timothy shows us the importance and impact of learning from those who have walked before you and teaching those who walk behind you. No matter your age, experiences, or season of life, you have the ability to influence others for Christ.
Do you have a strategy for staying fit this summer? Maybe going to the gym, taking a walk, swimming some laps? What about your spiritual fitness? Having a plan is the first step toward success! Paul was a man with a plan, and through his teachings, we can learn how to plan for success in our journey of faith this summer. Together, we'll learn how to create a strategy for self-discipline that puts God first, strengthens our faith, and prepares us for any battle.
"Purpose" is a buzzword we often hear at church, on social media, and even in the business world. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created on purpose for a purpose! God created everyone with intentionality to fulfill a specific purpose in the world. But what does it look like to live your purpose? When we identify certain pitfalls and cling instead to God's principles, they can guide us to a fulfilling life of purpose. The first step in finding your unique purpose is making yourself available!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Many of us have heard this verse at graduations or baby dedications and maybe even know it by heart. But do we know why it was said, who wrote it down, and what struggles he faced? The Book of Jeremiah shows us a man with grit; he was a servant who never gave up, even when things didn't go as expected. Jeremiah was faithful to his calling, and God was faithful to His promises.
Mother's Day elicits so many mixed emotions. Sweet, understanding, bittersweet, hard, toxic, complicated - do any of these words describe your relationship with your mother? Community, loving, missional, healing, hurt, hypocrites - like mothers, the church can evoke vastly different reactions. Through all of these responses, it can be hard to navigate loving others and following Jesus well. But Jesus did not leave us without examples of faith to follow! In His Word, an ordinary woman shows us how to live a life that honors the King through servant leadership, humility, discernment, and generosity. God can do extraordinary things through even the most ordinary of people!
Shepherd, poet, giant killer, king - this is how we usually remember David. But alongside that list stands another - betrayer, liar, adulterer, murderer. The Bible makes no effort to hide David’s failures, yet he is still remembered and respected for his heart for God. When we consider our own lives, our biggest mistakes can quickly bubble to the surface of our minds, but there is good news! Even when well-known and respected people of the Bible messed up, God did not leave them in their failures. God offers a road to restoration for all who seek Him, and He uses these ordinary, broken people to change the world!
One church, multiple locations! Every Sunday, five campuses across south Mississippi and hundreds of individuals around the world on Church Online hear a single, unified message from one of our teaching pastors streamed from our broadcast location. As each campus hears a live message from its very own Campus Pastor, our prayer is that you will be challenged, encouraged, united, and focused on the mission God has for you. Campus Rally may look a little different, but we pray it will be just as powerful!
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about following Jesus, but the reality is that we all need a Savior! There is nothing we can do to earn forgiveness or redemption. When we repent and follow Jesus, He reclaims us from sin and death for eternal life and purpose as part of His Father’s Kingdom! When we are reclaimed, He gives us a brand-new life! Today, as a church family, we celebrate through baptism the lives that have been reclaimed and repurposed for God’s glory! Join us for a celebration of life change at Reclaimed Weekend!
The eggs have been dyed, hidden, and hunted, and the only trace of candy is a basket full of wrappers. Easter may be over for the year, but the celebration of the empty tomb never ends! The same power and victory that burst forth from the tomb when Jesus took His first step into the garden is the same power that now actively resides in each of us who believe in Christ as Savior. Jesus calls us not to be spectators for one day a year, but instead, He desires for us to be ongoing participants in His gospel mission. Because of the empty tomb, we can participate in the hope of His calling, receive the riches of His glorious inheritance, and experience His incomparable power.
Have you ever felt abandoned? Unwanted, discarded, and unworthy of love? The beauty of Easter is that Jesus, fully God and fully human, understands exactly how you feel! On the cross, Jesus was abandoned by God, His Father, so that we would never be. He is a friend who will never let you down. On Easter, believers from around the world lift their worship as one Church to celebrate Jesus' victory over all things- sin, shame, death, pain, trauma, and even abandonment.
As we look toward Easter, don't miss the significance of Palm Sunday, a foundational day in the history of the Church and God's people. This is a celebration of victory just as much as Easter! In Biblical times, Roman generals would ride through the street on a donkey after the war was won to commemorate their victory. On Palm Sunday, Jesus did things differently! He announced His victory before He was ever nailed to the cross. He had already won the war against death, sin, and condemnation! Today, we can celebrate the victory Jesus has already given us which makes us more than conquerors over sin's shame and condemnation. He invites you into this victory, and an invitation to follow Jesus is an invitation to live victoriously!
A devastating assault on Gen Z, a growing battle for men, and a raging war that 1/3 of all people fight. Can we really have victory over anxiety? Anxiety is running rampant, but we don’t have to surrender in defeat. Jesus won the victory over sin, shame, and death when He walked out of the grave, and His victory continues to flow out of the grave and into our lives today. In 1 Peter 5, we find battle plans to defeat anxiety in the midst of our struggle. As we humble ourselves, trust in God's goodness, and throw our anxiety on Him, we can begin to find victory in every season.
Would you sell your future for a bowl of soup just like Esau does in Genesis 25? Your immediate response is probably “Absolutely not!” But the reality is we all have appetites, strong desires that seek total satisfaction in a substance or activity. Just like Esau, we are tempted to trade the ultimate for the immediate, and our responses to these appetites determine the direction and quality of our lives. However, there is great news for us - through Christ Jesus, we can live in victory over all of our temptations!
Do you need renewal and restoration in your life? Are you hungry for revival? Tension in our lives shows where our desires have turned deadly. When left unchecked, those deadly desires can take root and sin enters our lives. The enemy turns sin to shame, but God can cover and redeem even the deepest shame. Revival starts when we realize how broken we are and how good our God is. Press into God, get serious about sin, and ask Him to do a new work in your life.
What legacy do you want to leave? Riches, good morals, wisdom, faith? What will you pass on to the people around you? God has a plan for His people to reflect God’s character in their everyday lives. He has given men four life-giving responsibilities to live a full life of purpose. The glory of God is a man fully alive!
"...Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10. The Lord's Prayer teaches us to pray for God's Kingdom to come to earth as it is in heaven, but how do we see heaven break into the earth? How does this happen? Through us! God has given us the ministry of reconciliation, and we have work to do!
Love warped by hatred, unity broken by discord, peace wrecked by unrest, and truth twisted by confusion. Sound familiar? It’s easy to recognize that our culture has become deeply divided over some very difficult-to-address topics, but the human struggle is not new. It goes all the way back to the book of Genesis, woven through the pages of the Old and New Testaments including Jesus's ministry on earth. Society's views and perceptions may have morphed over the ages, but God's Word has never changed. As we ask for the kingdom of God to move through the Church on earth as it is in Heaven, our prayer is that through His Holy Spirit, all will hear timeless truth from God's Word about His design for creation.
Have you gotten off track in your relationships? In your marriage? When our foundation is built on Christ and there is the mutual pursuit of God in patience and humility, we can live in unity. Join us as we discuss the blessing we receive when we do marriage God’s way.
No dessert until you finish your dinner. Don't wear white after Labor Day. Treat others as you would like to be treated. What are some rules you have to follow? Though rules can seem restricting at times, loving rules act as guardrails for what is good and pleasing. Our heavenly Father has rules for His children as well, and LOVE is number one on His list! Discover how we can invite Heaven to earth and love like Jesus in the first week of the new spring series, "As It Is."
Do you ever just quietly sit with no distractions and no agenda? How does it work in your prayer life? Psalms 46:10 tells us, “Be still and know that I am God.” When we come to God to sit in His presence, we get the opportunity to connect with Him and surrender our struggles to Him. In all circumstances and every season, we can be still, know God, and just pray.
What is the best gift you’ve ever received? How do you respond when you receive a blessing? It’s natural to feel grateful, but how often do you stop to show your gratitude? Stop and think about all the things God has given you and all the ways that God has blessed you. There is power in gratitude, and God deserves our praise for all He has done.
Why do you pray? For comfort, help, and guidance? To give thanks and praise? As we bow our heads in prayer, some may even be asking, “Why should we pray?” The answer is not in what we ask for but who we approach. Today we’ll discover the primary purpose of prayer – to be in the presence of our Father.
New Year, new you! January is often filled with lists of things to do and habits to change in hopes of living a better, happier life. Happiness is the emotional response to your current outcome, but joy isn’t found in our success, achievements, or circumstances. True joy starts with an attitude of gratitude towards the Lord. We need to begin this year with a plan, not to DO something but to BE something. Be grateful. Be joyful. Be prayerful in 2023.
A new year means fresh, unique opportunities to reflect and set new priorities. Before you spend too much time making goals to be a whole new you this year, slow down to consider what your next best step could be. We can let fear and past patterns drive our plans, or we can instead trust in the future God has for us. Remember who holds the future, and find a reason to praise Him for His presence in 2023.
When you lose power during a storm in the middle of the night, the wait for the light to return can seem scary, isolating, and hopeless. In the period from Malachi to Matthew, the Jewish people waited in silence and dark hopelessness for God to send a Savior, but even in that darkness, they had a promise of hope. Hope was delivered to all mankind through Jesus after 400 years. Jesus came as a man so that He could understand how every human feels. There is no limit to what He would do for you. If you are feeling hopeless, just know there is hope and light in Jesus.
As we continue to celebrate advent and anticipate the arrival of Christmas, we are reminded that Christmas is so much more than presents and parties; it’s an invitation to live with deep joy and satisfaction regardless of our circumstances. Advent is about choosing the hope of Jesus over hate. As we look to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded that although following our Savior will cost us everything, we will find limitless, eternal joy and comfort in the promises of God.
The holidays can bring so much joy, excitement, and anticipation! Other times, the holidays approaching can feel like getting caught in a torrential storm. Maybe it’s a storm of grief, of loneliness, or of anxiety. No matter what season, our lives hold a forecast of 100% chance of storms. In these storms, our perspective becomes limited, and we are often led to ask “God, are you there?” By looking at an account of a storm from the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, we see that Jesus hears us when we cry out to Him and that focusing on the truth of His Word rather than the circumstances around us anchors us to His promises and His peace.
You've eaten your fill of turkey, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce, and now, the Christmas season has officially arrived! As you enter this season of joyful anticipation, you'll have plenty of practice waiting for gifts and gatherings. But waiting is not always as enjoyable as our favorite holiday festivities. Sometimes seasons of waiting bring frustration. Today, we'll discuss three ways to make the most of every season. Whether you're feeling anticipation or frustration, don't waste the wait.
Family, friends, food - there are so many blessings from the Lord to be thankful for! We’ve been blessed beyond measure, and we have the opportunity to give back from the overflow. In the book of Haggai, Haggai encouraged others to put the Lord first in all things. Likewise, we can show gratitude by giving back the first fruits of our God-given time, money, and dreams to further the gospel. Our simple act of worship becomes God's exponential blessings as He works in and through us to impact the world around us!
What makes you want to hide? Unwanted attention, unannounced visitors, or unbearable anxiety? When faced with danger and uncertainty, Gideon hid. God didn't leave Him in his fear. Gideon's story teaches us that a connection with God is the beginning of a change with God. Connection leads to confession and a commission to do God’s work in His power. Little becomes much in the hands of God! We can be a part of what God is doing and have a turning point today.
There are some topics that seem off-limits because they seem too personal or too difficult to unpack. Our relationship with God and money is often at the top of that list. How we view God affects our view of money, and our view of money affects our view of God. In today’s message, we’ll reveal how the right mindset allows us to rejoice with those who rejoice, invest in what lasts, and become a Kingdom-builder.
As we wrap up the “Plot Twist” series, we’ll hear one of the most influential and memorable parables of Jesus, The Parable of the Lost Son. Though our focus is often on the sons, the parable is ultimately about the father and his love and perspective of his children. Just like the father in the story, God has a celebration in store for His children. No matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been, our Father is generous with His grace, joy, and presence.
Do you feel like you are living a life of hurry? Are you simply trying to check off the items on your list and get your job done? Through a well-known parable, Jesus teaches that the opposite of love isn’t necessarily hate – it’s hurry. Jesus calls us to be neighbors who love, serve, and meet the needs of the hurting. Instead of asking "who is my neighbor," we should be asking "whose neighbor am I?" When we slow down and live an unhurried life, we can begin to see people and show mercy.
What have you been waiting for? A phone call about a job, test results, or the person of your dreams? Have you been waiting for what seems like an eternity? Sometimes even when we wait for really great things, our desire for future events can feel like a burden. The question isn’t how to avoid waiting, but how to wait well. Jesus answered this question in The Parable of the Talents with the promise of an incredible reward and a terrifying warning. To wait well is more than looking to the future; it’s being faithful with what God has entrusted to us in our current situations. When we invest in God’s Kingdom NOW, we can bring a taste of eternity to everyone around us.
Have you ever been hurt in a way that seemed unforgivable? Maybe it was a long ago in your childhood, maybe it was last year, or maybe it was this past week. When we carry the burden of hurt through life, we are unnecessarily weighed down. Jesus gets you, and He specifically taught about this topic. Through the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, we can learn how to move forward in life without the weight of unforgiveness.
Have you ever watched a movie and confidently thought you knew where the story was going? And then – BAM! – out of nowhere a plot twist completely changes everything! In the new October series, “Plot Twist,” we’ll begin studying the stories with unexpected endings that Jesus told His followers. This week, we’ll specifically look at the Parable of the Sower and examine the authority of God in our lives. How we perceive God’s Word determines how we receive God’s Word in our lives.
From the Garden of Eden, we see that limitations have existed since the beginning of time and that human nature wills to push against them in pursuit of all that life offers. The limitations we experience in life might not seem like a good thing, but they are actually a part of God’s design for His children. As we dive into the promises of scripture, we’ll discover that when you and I embrace the grace of God’s limits for us, we experience abundant life and freedom.
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Such wise words from the book of Proverbs. What we give our time, our thoughts, and our attention to will ultimately be the direction in which our life grows. The challenge for most of us is that with more than 6,000 thoughts a day, research shows that at least 80% of our thoughts are negative. Thankfully, the Bible has a lot to say about how to protect our minds from the battle within so we can cultivate peace of mind and grow in our faith.
What do you invest your time in? Exercise, sports, work, family? Whatever you are pouring your time and energy into will begin to grow and develop. We have an opportunity and responsibility to invest in what matters. When we take the time to dig deep, uproot the dark sins hidden beneath the surface, and cultivate God’s spirit within us, we will defeat our enemy and reap a lasting, eternal return.
What does it look like to develop other people for Christ? Do you wonder if you are knowledgeable enough? Experienced enough? Good enough? We aren’t required to have it all together to develop others. Matthew 28 tells us that we have already been given the ability and the authority to lead others in the way of Jesus. When God pours into us, we are able to pour into those around us from the overflow.
Do you ever feel lonely and disconnected? A recent study shows 61% of Americans feel lonelier now than ever before. We weren’t created to do life alone, and we can’t grow where we aren’t known. But when we come together in an intentional biblical community, we can share our burdens and joy in the way God created us.
Major changes in our life can completely disrupt our routines. Whether it’s a full schedule, an illness, or a life-altering event, these changes can easily knock us out of our rhythms of following Jesus, including corporate worship on Sunday. Our rhythms determine the quality and direction of our lives, and the first step to establishing and improving our rhythms is to show up.
As we move through our daily routines, how can we live in the Way of Jesus? What does it look like to be generous and serve others like Jesus in 2022? Mark 6 helps us unpack what generosity and serving truly look like, not to earn God’s favor but to be a conduit of His Kingdom into the lives of others. We can reframe generosity in our own lives with the right posture, intentional practice, and understanding of the privilege of being a part of God’s work.
There is something special about a personal invitation. Birthdays, weddings, church - no matter what the event, it feels good to have someone say, “I want you to come.” Jesus offers us a personal invitation to follow Him in His Way and into a personal relationship with Him. Don’t miss the start of “The Way of Jesus” message series as we take a closer look at daily essentials or habits that deepen our relationship with God.
In Matthew 28, Jesus gives His followers The Great Commission, a command to “Go and make disciples…” Was Jesus saying that in order to follow Him, we must pack up, sell the excess, and travel across the world to fulfill our calling to share the Gospel? Don’t miss this important introduction into the life of a disciple as Lead Pastor Jeff Clark teaches us what it looks like to live as a Christ follower “As You Go.”
As we celebrate the anniversary of our nation, we also are faced with questions - Does God care about America? Are we really a blessed nation? How can our country unify under Christ? When we look at the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham, we see that answers are found in the movement of a God who is equally just and merciful towards His people. This movement begins in our own hearts as we seek to live in the truth of God’s Word and His grace.
Most of us feel the tension that comes with living in a scattered world, but how do we find purpose and meaning in the chaos? To see beyond the scattering requires setting our eyes on the living HOPE of Jesus. Accepting God's call to make a difference in the scattering requires becoming HOLY. And, experiencing freedom from the anxiety created by the scattering requires HUMILITY. Humility is a choice that can cover a multitude of situations. When we learn how to walk in humility, we can lead, learn, and live well from a place of powerful endurance!
What if the change we really want to see in our families, our communities, and our country began with building better (godly) men? Through the story of Elisha, we can learn what it looks like to pursue the greater purpose God has for all of us. Elisha accepted God's call, he said goodbye to distractions, he embraced the adventure, and he dedicated his life to building a legacy rather than an inheritance. Imagine what could happen in a broken world impacted by, through, and in one person totally dedicated to God!
Do you ever feel like you’re just going with the flow? We’re all just trying to do our best in this scattered life, but we’re called to live our lives differently from the culture around us. It’s hard to live a life set apart for Jesus when culture pulls us in the other direction. As believers, we are being molded into the image of Christ one degree at a time, but we have to choose between culture and Christ every day. By guarding our minds, honoring God, and embracing the truth of God's Word, we choose Christ and allow Him to mold us into something different and set apart.
Where have you placed your hope? In your job? Your relationships? Your talents or achievements? When we haven’t placed our hope fully in the Living Hope of God, we will be let down time and time again. But with the imperishable, incorruptible, and undefiled inheritance of our faith, we can face anything. It’s not just about what we have in this world, but the hope we have in our eternal home.
School is out and everyone has already started moving in different directions. Beach trips, ball tournaments, and family reunions - summer and all its activities can make us feel completely scattered, but in the chaos, we are not without purpose. Summer doesn’t have to pause our mission. Even in our scattering, God sees us, works in us, and gives us a purpose and a plan. By slowing down, using our stories, and making a difference where we are, we can live “sent” in the scattering.
Have you ever spent a rainy day putting together a jigsaw puzzle? You know what the final image should look like, but it takes time and consideration to put the pieces in the correct spot. Families can be like puzzles with their own joys and challenges. Some may feel like they don’t fit into the puzzle that is their family, but there is always room in the family of faith. In the last message of the “Picture Perfect” series, Lincoln Road Campus Pastor Craig Curtis shares encouraging principles that can help you build a family that lives on mission.
We may buy into the illusion of the perfect family, but the reality is that every family is made up of broken people who function in dysfunction. So how can dads effectively lead and positively influence the trajectory of their families? Kids will see God as their Heavenly Father when they see God directing the steps of their earthly father. From Psalms 23, dads can learn to model the provision, leadership, protection, and vision of our Heavenly Father.
Becoming a mom is one of God's greatest blessings! So if motherhood is such a gift, why are so many moms anxious, discouraged, or overwhelmed by the feeling of failure? Moms, rest in the freedom of knowing that your anxiety is not a sin; it is a challenge to be managed. Rather than faking your feelings, confess your weakness to a strong God, and find hope in His promises. God sees you; He hears you; and He is with you!
Smile for the camera! Everyone wants to project a picture-perfect image, but no family has it all together. Whether single or married, we all face struggles to build and grow relationships that honor God. In this introduction to the "Picture Perfect" series, singles will receive encouragement and principles to help live their lives with the right people. In every season of life, we can believe the truth that even though we can't do anything about the past, with God, we can do everything about the future.
Do your desires, dreams, and direction reveal a life designed to impact self or a life designed to impact others - to ensure their eternal destination is Heaven? Sin is selfish, and its salary is death. Thankfully, faith opens the door for God's grace to come in and give life to what was dead. This new life doesn't indicate perfection, but it does indicate a new priority to pursue God and His ways. Have you believed in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord? If so, you never have to fear the sting of death again! Join us for Reclaimed Weekend, a special time when lives that have been reclaimed by God and repurposed for His glory are celebrated through baptism!
In the Old Testament, two kid goats were used for the cleansing of the people's sin. One goat was used as a sacrifice to pay the penalty of their sins, and the other goat (the scapegoat) was released into the wilderness, taking with it the blame and condemnation for sins of the people. Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, fulfilled BOTH roles. Jesus took all of God's righteous fury so that we could have all of God's grace and mercy. He took both our blame AND our death penalty for sin, because He is truly the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Is He the greatest of all time in YOUR life?
Have you ever been in a situation where all hope seemed lost? Your job? Your marriage? Your kids? Your addictions? Your health? Our circumstances can rob us of almost everything including our joy. But there is one thing our circumstances can not steal - our hope. Biblical hope is the confidence that a better day is coming because of the finished work of Jesus. So how do you know you have this hope? How can you live with an assurance that your momentary troubles will one day be diminished in the light of God's promise to restore ALL things?
What if you worry more than you worship? What if you harbor resentment and anger toward that person who hurt you? What if you give in to that temptation even when you know better? Are God's promises really true for the broken, the flawed, and the sinful? As human beings, we tend to perceive God through a false lens of extreme justice or extreme redemption, but He is neither out to get us nor unaffected by our sin. To truly understand God's character and how He responds to our shortcomings, we must look to the truths found in His word. As we dive into James chapter 4, we gain an understanding that God meets our humbled brokenness with grace, dignity, and His healing presence. He does not want our perfection. He wants our heart!
I would be happy if… Do you ever find yourself thinking that life would be so much better if only you had more? What do you think is the key to your happiness? More possessions, new experiences, and better circumstances? This world promises us happiness but will leave us disappointed and wanting more. More doesn't bring the great joy and lasting happiness we thought it would, but when we trust God’s promises, we can find deep happiness, joy, and contentment even in the worst of circumstances. As we read Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we can trust that God will supply all our needs through the riches of Jesus Christ.
When did you last experience a season of blessing? What about a season of burden? Maybe it feels like you are in one of these seasons right now. Often our circumstances shape our perspective and life either feels like a feast or a famine, but what if there are blessings taking root in your season of burden? The blessing that endures forever is connecting in a relationship with the Blessing Giver, God. As we look at the life of Moses, we can learn that when we release the blessing we want in order to receive the blessing God intended for us, His ways are better than anything we could have ever imagined!
Have you ever expected a plan to lead you to a mountain-top experience only to be detoured through an unexpected valley, instead? Sometimes it is in the detours that God develops our character the most. Regardless of where we find ourselves, it is important that we stay the course on our journey of faith in both the highs and lows of life. By looking at the life and experiences of Joseph, we can learn how to stop fighting for position and rest in God's promises!
Do you ever feel like you have to pretend, present perfection, or please others to climb the ladder of success? What’s your measure for success in life? Do you sometimes think you’ll never measure up? The world constantly bombards us with the message that if we just present ourselves a certain way, we can have all the success we could ever want. Today we will look at three people who were chasing their own plans and desires until they realized God is the only one who can give true fulfillment. When we see ourselves as a child of God, we can put our trust in what Jesus did for us on the cross. We no longer have to walk in the shadows as a faker, poser, or wannabe—God allows us to be leaders in His kingdom for His purposes and His plans.
Without an understanding of how God created us, it can be easy to place our identity in fleeting things that give us a false sense of security. Men and women were created in the image of God, but when sin entered the world, it caused death, pain, and conflict. Through the work that Jesus did on the cross, death surrenders to life, pain turns into purpose, and conflict becomes a calling. When our identity is based on following Jesus, we find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that no amount of self-discovery can ever give us.
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the launch of The Jones County Campus, it's a perfect opportunity to celebrate the covenant relationship that binds God's followers together as a family - The Church. Our faith may be personal, but it is not meant to be private. We are called to join His movement and with purpose, to go and rescue others as we go! Too much is at stake to ever settle for reaching a destination and staying there. For the tens of thousands of unchurched, seeking, searching souls in the communities around us, we will continue to say, "In obedience we follow. In faith we go."
We all wear different hats and fulfill different roles in life - from son or daughter to father or mother; from employee to boss; from acquaintance to intimate friend. Among these roles, many also serve as a husband or wife. Not only is marriage God's unique design, but within a marriage, spouses have both a unique purpose individually and as a couple to advance their impact in the Gospel story. Statistics prove that even the best marriages can become messy, but are they worth fighting for? When we understand God's design for marriage, we can invite Him to transform a floundering marriage into flourishing marriage!
Have you ever found yourself just going through the motions of life? Ever wondered who you've become or where your life is going? Maybe you've even questioned your worth and value as a human being. Most of us have a self-view that is a product of our cultural and social influences and life experiences. Whether we've religiously followed the rules or tried to write our own, we can either construct a false identity or collide with an identity crisis. When we turn to the Gospel for answers about who we are, we don't find a bunch of books about rules and rebellion, but instead the story of Good News that God himself wants a relationship with us! Not only that, but He created each of us uniquely with an identity, plan, and purpose priceless beyond measure!
Do you know why 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by the beginning of February? Because most of us aren't prepared to battle our temptations and the pool of desire. We all have an enemy (the devil), and he takes what is true and distorts it so that we fall for his lies. Knowing how to fight the battle is the key to finding the strength to push back the darkness. Yes, it can sound scary to face a battle, but there is something we should fear more - not fighting the battle. Why? Because with God, every battle comes with a victory!
There is a dirty four-letter word that many feel is an evil necessity or a means to an end - WORK. Did you know that God created us to work? As a matter of fact, Genesis tells us that God, who is the author of everything, worked six days and then rested. That means we are like God when we work. But for many of us, we hate work because it can be a pit of difficult circumstances and destructive coworkers. Daniel's work was the same, but his work was a testimony beyond reproach. From Daniel's example, we can ask ourselves four key questions regarding work, and invite God to turn our pit into a platform!
Have you ever wondered where the saying, "The handwriting is on the wall" came from? It actually came from the story of King Belshazzar in the book of Daniel in the Bible! The King of Babylon, King Belshazzar was prideful and flagrant against the Lord, idolizing comfort, pleasure, and materialism. If you want to have an amazing 2022, you need a plan, place, and process that will help you grow in your personal relationship with God. Learn how God's Word, the elimination of pride, and relationships with other believers lead to a deeper faith.
Pride is like a cancer that slowly and silently destroys us, but there is a danger in using God to build your kingdom instead of being used by God to build His kingdom. If you want a better year than the year before, examine the pride in your life and root it out with the help of Jesus. When you walk in humility with a grateful heart, you'll develop a deeper relationship with God and discover you're living your best life yet!
Happy New Year! Doesn't the promise of a new start sound like a breath of fresh air after the past 24 months? If you want 2022 to be the best year ever, we've got a word for you from the book of Daniel that will equip you to march into the new year with a confident faith.
Christmas presents have been opened, and new year resolutions are within sight. As we sit between the craziness of the holiday season and pressures of a new year, contemplating a new diet plan or self-improvement goal, know that there is a better option. Let PEACE be your focus and your aspiration for 2022. Walk through scripture with us to find God's plan and begin the journey towards peace.
The countdown to Christmas is on, and so is the pressure that comes with it! Feeling financial stress? Family stress? Or even the stress of not enough faith? Assigned to be the earthly father of Jesus on that very first Christmas, Joseph gets your stress! When we look at Joseph and how he responded in midst of his fear, we discover a hope that promises to deliver us from our chaos.
Do you feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Work stress, marriage, comparison, loneliness—we weren’t meant to carry the weight alone. Learn what it looks like to lay your burdens at the cross and receive God's promise of rest when you walk with Jesus.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Right? For some, this holiday season may be a season of more stressing than blessing. From minor inconveniences to deep emotional pain, we are all faced with pressure. While it might be tempting to just hide your suffering, there is a better way. God sees us and will not leave us alone in our distress. Find out how to change your perspective on suffering as we head into the holiday season.
Turkey feast, friends, family, football—there are countless reasons to be thankful this week! But in this season of hustle and hurry, anxiety and depression begin to overwhelm so many people. Instead of letting these lies captivate our minds, let’s learn to be captivated by the glory and goodness of God.
Feeling the pressure to follow the crowd? Facing opposition can be intimidating, but one person with God is the majority. Learn to overcome the pressure to kneel by standing with God and on His promises!
Felt under pressure lately? Does it feel as if the pandemic, politics, and personal problems are all bearing down on you? If we aren't careful, the pressure we face on the outside can trigger an unwanted response because of issues we haven't dealt with on the inside. Dealing with the shame we carry from deep hurts allows us to step into the pressure-filled moments with faith that God will meet our needs.
For children, dressing up and playing pretend can bring hours of entertainment and fun. But what happens when we grow up and continue to hide behind a mask? What happens when we hide our insecurities behind authority, our doubts behind knowledge, our pain behind happiness, our fear behind success, or our faith behind religion? If we aren’t careful, we can live a lie for so long that we lose a clear picture of reality. Like a white-washed tomb, we can look pretty on the outside, but be hollow on the inside. Thankfully, God turns empty tombs into temples of life!
Have you ever desired for your life to have more meaning? Maybe the time, talents, and treasures God has blessed you with are the building blocks to discovering and stepping into a greater purpose? When we realize that God's plan to change the world is to use us and the gifts He has given us, we can begin to make an impact with eternal value!
Where are you finding your purpose? When we live for the upside-down kingdom of God, we can find our eternal purpose and truest fulfillment through serving others.
Have you ever wondered why life pursuits are not as fulfilling alone? We all crave purpose in life, but we were also designed to crave community. When we align our calling with biblical community, we can experience the full life that God wants to give us.
When you understand that one invitation has the potential to change a life, restore a marriage, and reshape a future, your mind will be blown by God’s power.
How would you like to slow down and be present in the moment? To enjoy the day you’re in? Join us as we discover how to be available to God and be present as we follow Him.
You can have hope no matter what circumstance you’re in. When you believe in the resurrection and life everlasting, you’ve got a living hope that trumps all of your circumstances, feelings, or fears.
Since Covid began, you might have picked up a few bad habits, and dropped a few good ones - including going to church. But when you understand the importance of the Church and the communion of saints, it’s a habit you’ll be rushing to pick back up again.
The Holy Spirit may bring up visions of Halloween ghosts. But when we look at who the Holy Spirit is, not just what, we see a connection to God that provides clarity on who God is and what God has called us to do.
It feels like there are a lot of pain, hurt, and hopeless situations right now. Maybe you’re living in one. Join us as we unpack a truth, a hope, that changes everything about our story.
Are you ready to heard what the Bible says about dealing with people who are totally lost, broken, and have no hope? It’s not what you think; it’s something a whole lot better.
In the midst of an uncertain world, we’re saying “Welcome Home.” Join us as we take a deep dive into looking at who Jesus really is. We may know a lot about him, but have you taken the time to really know him and see how he can change your life?
The early church was built on the idea of inviting ourselves into relationships with one another, to meet needs, to build relationships, to use your gifts. Are you ready to make a powerful impact in the life of someone else?
It’s not news that there is a lot of chaos and uncertainty around us. But, there are truths we can dive into that will sustain us and compel us to move forward in discovering the purpose God has for us.
The story of David and Goliath is not just a story of David's victory, but God's victory. Campus Pastor Byron Malone challenges The Hunt Club Campus to place the focus on God instead of the giants in life.
In order for the church to be effective, it has to be prepared to go out in faith. Campus Pastor Kyle Warren challenges The Jones County Campus to "go and be."
What does it mean to be the church? Campus Pastor Blake Houston invites The Gulf Coast Campus to bring others into encounters with Jesus.
Are you tired? Worn out? Campus Pastor Tyler Eggers invites The Stone County Campus to discover the grace found in season of rest.
Lead Pastor Jeff Clark and Church Online Campus Pastor Vincent McMurtery lay out a vision for Venture Church Online in 2021 and beyond.
When we give all that we are to God, He gives all that He is to us. Next Gen Pastor Timmy Ruhnke asks The Lincoln Road Campus to live a life where God comes first in everything.
On Father’s Day at church, it feels like dads are constantly told to tighten up. But in this week’s message, Jeff Clark has an encouraging word for dads and a challenge for sons and daughters to maybe lighten up a little.
What if you had the chance to sit down with the wisest person in the world and ask them for advice? Well, Craig does just that as we continue our look at the book of Ecclesiastes.
Are you already bored this summer? There may be a reason why. As we take a dive into Ecclesiastes, come discover the why to life.
So far, we’ve looked at why bad things happen to good people and the importance of who you invite to sit at your table. As we finished the “Why?” message series, don’t miss a look at the reality of how sometimes, good things can come from pain.
We continue reading through the book of Job, be encouraged and challenged as we learn about biblical friendships with the question, “Who is sitting at your table?”
Have you ever been through a season where something rough happened, and you’re left wondering why? Get ready to discover powerful truths on how not to just survive, but to thrive.
Are you feeling tired and discouraged? When you learn how God sees you, it will change the way you look at yourself and your family.
What is the thing in your life you most desire? That you can’t live without? This week we're talking all about desires, and how, with God, we can keep our desires in a healthy place.
One of the best ways to know if you’re being wise is by looking at your friends. Are you ready to discover how to find and keep great friends? Join us as “Life Hacks” continues.
What are your dreams? Your passions and pursuits? God’s word speaks into those. While he cares about what we want, He cares more about why we want it. Ready to discover more?
We can all agree it’s never been harder to parent. How can you encourage and train your kids up in being wise and making wise decisions? Join us for “Life Hacks” to find out!
The past year has been full of interruptions. But, when viewed through the lens of the cross, interruptions can be one of the best things to happen to your life.
As we begin looking at all of the incredible things that happened during Holy Week, discover how God has called us to be more than just part of the crowd.
As we finished “The Wonder Switch,” come find out how it’s not just about you, it’s about how you can turn the wonder switch on in other people’s lives.
Nothing can kill the wonder in our lives faster than the idols that we are so quick to cling to in our lives. Come look at Psalm 96 to see how destroying our idols and worshiping the one true God can bring us back into a right perspective.
Feel like you've lost the wonder in your life? Take a look at Psalm 63 to see how to begin to build it back through seeking God.
Feel like you've lost the wonder in your life? Take a look at Psalm 63 to see how to begin to build it back through seeking God.
Do you find yourself surrounded by worry? Discover how you can flip the switch to see your problems as small in light of a big God.
For many of us the word repentance can be a dirty word. So, how do we repent? We recognize, reflect, and respond to the goodness of God.,
The beginning of any great movement is prayer. While prayer may seem like a simple act, it is rarely safe. Join us on a journey for “21 Days of Prayer.”
Are you carrying the weight of past shame? Learn how to find freedom in the forgiveness of Christ.
A love of Christ that compels us to find a way to get involved in people’s lives who are different than us. Join us as Pastor Jeff Clark sits down with Pastor Marcus Cathey of West Point Baptist Church for a frank discussion on race and the unifying power of the Gospel. This will be a memorable, impactful conversation that you won't want to miss.
When you face trials, does it feel like your faith falls to the wayside? Jesus is in the business of bringing what was dead back to life - including your faith.
Regardless of how 2021 turns out, you can still have the best year you’ve ever had, by finding God’s purpose in your life. "RESET" your focus from the same old resolutions to a life defined by God.
If you've found yourself in the midst of a mess, trying to keep the threads from unraveling, rest in the fact that God can turn your mess into a masterpiece.
2020 has been one of the toughest years many of us have faced, but it doesn't have to be all dark. Join Lead Pastor Jeff Clark this Christmas season as we discuss some ways that just a little bit of light can change everything.
You're in for a treat as Campus Pastor Tyler Eggers shares what God has placed on his heart for The Stone County Campus during "Campus Rally".
You're in for a treat as Campus Pastor Byron Malone shares what God has placed on his heart for The Hunt Club Campus during "Campus Rally".
You're in for a treat as Campus Pastor Blake Houston shares what God has placed on his heart for The Gulf Coast Campus during "Campus Rally".
You're in for a treat as Campus Pastor Craig Curtis shares what God has placed on his heart for The Lincoln Road Campus during "Campus Rally".
We've heard it said over and over that Jesus loves you. But what does that really look like? As we wrap up "Sincerely," join us for a look at 1 John to learn how the love of God wants to change our lives and give us confidence of character.
Do you feel like something is going on that you can't explain? Like there's someone behind the curtain pulling levers? Watch today to discover how you can be an overcomer as "Sincerely" continues.
It feels like we live in a toxic culture. At times, even church culture has been a part of that toxicity. Are you ready to help change our culture? Join us today as we discuss how.
With the upcoming election, it feels like tensions in our country are at an all-time high. In this message, we look at a passage of scripture that talks about everything we're dealing with, but it's not what you think.
Feeling knocked down, bruised and battered? There are a lot of people who have been in the same place, and God has continued to use them to do amazing things. Be encouraged today as we dive in to Hebrews 11.
Are you worn out? Tired? Wondering why you can't rest? The Bible has a lot to say about that. Watch more to discover how you can find deep rest today.
Comfort leads to complacency, and there is no time for complacency when the task is unfinished. ready to stand in your calling to accomplish the unfinished task of sharing the gospel?
As vital as breathing air is, we also need breath with regard to our spiritual lives. The Word of God brings breath to our soul when we're willing to pick it up and put other things down.
“It’s no secret that life can sometimes get overwhelming, so how do we respond with a posture of praise? Take a look at 1 Timothy with us to see how prayer and thanksgiving remind us of God’s goodness in every circumstance.”
“What does it look like when we are changed from the inside out? Check out the book of 1 Thessalonians with us to see how true transformation happens when we encounter the Gospel.”
How can we begin to have a “new fight” when it comes to dealing with the sin in our lives? Join us as we take a look at Colossians 3 and see what it looks like to be victorious in battle against the sins we are facing.
How can you develop the mindset of Christ in our relationships and in our lives? The key, in Philippians 2, is humility – when we begin "Finding the Upside of Down."
Pandemics, hurricanes, unrest...it feels like the whole world is shaking. But what if, instead of trying to stop the shaking, we leaned into the unshakable nature of God?
Nobody likes their schedule to be inconvenienced. But what if we're spending energy trying to avoid things that God is calling us to do? Are you ready to discover how to "Move Towards the Mess"?
The Church from the very beginning wasn't about a building. It was about intentionally meeting together, forming real relationships, because the quality of our relationships affects our spiritual, mental and physical health. How's your health?
The early church was built on the idea of inviting ourselves into relationships with one another, to meet needs, to build relationships, to use your gifts. Are you ready to make a powerful impact in the life of someone else?
Last fall, Lead Pastor Jeff Clark said that the next ten years for Venture Church would be a shift from “come and see” to “go and be.” Are you ready to see what that looks like? Then don't miss "House Church."
When we get ready to set the sail in our lives, it may not make sense to a lot of the people in our lives. But obedience to God, setting the sail when He calls us, is never a waste. Real obedience is an act of worship.
If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy. On the other side of COVID-19, how will we keep the distractions and busyness out of our lives?
"Set the sail, and trust God to send the wind." This challenge is especially relevant in these uncertain times – not only for our church as a whole, but for us as individuals. When we set the sail in our habits, marriage, family, work, etc., we prepare our hearts for God to send direction, energy and momentum that propels us in the right direction no matter how rough the waters might be.
The way we make a difference is one tiny moment at a time, a moment that can have significant results. Join us on this journey to discover some of the most unsung heroes of the Bible and what we can learn from them
Change is inevitable.But creating lasting change that allows your life to tell the story God has for you is a choice that takes real work. As we celebrate Father’s Day, don’t miss your chance to choose change.
Jairus was a man who was willing to risk everything to encounter a God who could restore everything.
During chaos, confusion and stress, it is inspiring and even life-changing to see how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Join us on this journey to discover some of the most unsung heroes of the Bible and what we can learn from them.
How do we respond when it is time to be a part of a movement of the Lord? We “see a need” and we “meet a need.” Check out this message to see how a few unsung heroes in Mark 2 did just this.
During chaos, confusion and stress, it is inspiring and even life-changing to see how God can us ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Join us on this journey to discover some of the most unsung heroes of the Bible and what we can learn from them.
During chaos, confusion and stress, it is inspiring and even life-changing to see how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Join us on this journey to discover some of the most unsung heroes of the Bible and what we can learn from them.
During chaos, confusion and stress, it is inspiring and even life-changing to see how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Join Lincoln Road campus pastor, Craig Curtis and discover that when we feel like there is no other way for our lives to go, God has made a new way for us. The Jesus Way.
During chaos, confusion and stress, it is inspiring and even life-changing to see how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Join us on this journey to discover some of the most unsung heroes of the Bible and what we can learn from them.
During chaos, confusion and stress, it is inspiring and even life-changing to see how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Join Gulf Coast Pastor, Blake Houston and discover that when we feel defeated, God has a another word for our life.
Chaos has a way of peeling back the layers of our lives and exposing our core.
Jones County Campus Pastor, Kyle Warren talks about how being surrounded by a world thrown into unexpected turmoil can make you feel haywire. When we learn how to leverage what we believe about God to empower a response of faith, God can use us to ignite a global revival!
Chaos has a way of peeling back the layers of our lives and exposing our core.
As Christians it's important for us to choose to give our "yes" to the things that matter most. To move our "yes" from "yes, I'm a Christian," to "yes, I will serve." In this episode, Pastor Jeff Clark takes a deep dive into how we can have courage to give our "yes" even during a troubling time.
Chaos has a way of peeling back the layers of our lives and exposing our core.
If being surrounded by a world thrown into unexpected turmoil has you feeling haywire, this series is for you. When we learn how to leverage what we believe about God to empower a response of faith, God can use us to ignite a global revival!
When we stop and think through the last words of Jesus as he hung on the cross, we can begin to understand powerful, life-changing lessons from God. Join us as we take a look at what it truly meant when Jesus said "It is Finished."
When we stop and think through the last words of Jesus as he hung on the cross, we can begin to understand powerful, life-changing lessons from God. Join us in the lead-up to Easter for "Prayers of Jesus".
Speaker: Jeff Clark
Learn more at venturechurch.org.
When we stop and think through the last words of Jesus as he hung on the cross, we can begin to understand powerful, life-changing lessons from God. Join us in the lead-up to Easter for "Prayers of Jesus".
Speaker: Jeff Clark
Learn more at venturechurch.org.
When we stop and think through the last words of Jesus as he hung on the cross, we can begin to understand powerful, life-changing lessons from God. Join us in the lead-up to Easter for "Prayers of Jesus".
Speaker: Jeff Clark
Learn more at venturechurch.org.
Rock bottom can be a dark and scary place of perceived isolation, but the truth is, while the battle is real, God never intended for us to struggle alone.
Speaker: Jeff Clark
Learn more at venturechurch.org and venturechurch.org/peace.
Rock bottom can be a dark and scary place of perceived isolation, but the truth is, while the battle is real, God never intended for us to struggle alone.
Speaker: Timmy Ruhnke
Learn more at venturechurch.org and venturechurch.org/peace.
Rock bottom can be a dark and scary place of perceived isolation, but the truth is, while the battle is real, God never intended for us to struggle alone.
Speaker: Blake Houston
Learn more at venturechurch.org and venturechurch.org/peace.
Rock bottom can be a dark and scary place of perceived isolation, but the truth is, while the battle is real, God never intended for us to struggle alone.
Speaker: Jeff Clark
Learn more at venturechurch.org and venturechurch.org/peace.
Rock bottom can be a dark and scary place of perceived isolation, but the truth is, while the battle is real, God never intended for us to struggle alone.
Speaker: Jeff Clark
Learn more at venturechurch.org and venturechurch.org/peace.
Rock bottom can be a dark and scary place of perceived isolation, but the truth is, while the battle is real, God never intended for us to struggle alone.
Speaker: Craig Curtis
Learn more at venturechurch.org and venturechurch.org/peace.
Rock bottom can be a dark and scary place of perceived isolation, but the truth is, while the battle is real, God never intended for us to struggle alone.
Speaker: Jeff Clark
Learn more at venturechurch.org and venturechurch.org/peace.
Part 4 | How do I live for Christ's exultation and not my self-gratification?
It is far easier to make resolutions than it is to actually keep them. So when it comes to making lasting change in our lives, how do we actually follow through? How do we quit chasing fads and start chasing The Father? Throughout this series, we will look throughout the Bible to better understand how intentional prayer can bring about lasting change that will ultimately help us shape our habits and lives to better glorify God.
Part 3 | How do I handle money in a way that glorifies God?
It is far easier to make resolutions than it is to actually keep them. So when it comes to making lasting change in our lives, how do we actually follow through? How do we quit chasing fads and start chasing The Father? Throughout this series, we will look throughout the Bible to better understand how intentional prayer can bring about lasting change that will ultimately help us shape our habits and lives to better glorify God.
Part 2 | How do I grow in my faith?
It is far easier to make resolutions than it is to actually keep them. So when it comes to making lasting change in our lives, how do we actually follow through? How do we quit chasing fads and start chasing The Father? Throughout this series, we will look throughout the Bible to better understand how intentional prayer can bring about lasting change that will ultimately help us shape our habits and lives to better glorify God.
Part 1 | How do I make real change happen?
It is far easier to make resolutions than it is to actually keep them. So when it comes to making lasting change in our lives, how do we actually follow through? How do we quit chasing fads and start chasing The Father? Throughout this series, we will look throughout the Bible to better understand how intentional prayer can bring about lasting change that will ultimately help us shape our habits and lives to better glorify God.
Walmark Christmas | Part 3 | Jeff Clark
"True obedience requires a step of faith."
We may love the happy endings on the Christmas Hallmark movies, but most of us feel like our real lives remember Wal-Mart on Black Friday. In this series, we explore what Christmas is truly about- the birth of a savior into a broken world.
Walmark Christmas | Part 2 | Jeff Clark
"God came as a person because you needed Him. He came as a person to live with you."
We may love the happy endings on the Christmas Hallmark movies, but most of us feel like our real lives remember Wal-Mart on Black Friday. In this series, we explore what Christmas is truly about- the birth of a savior into a broken world.
Walmark Christmas | Part 1 | Craig Curtis
"Sometimes God changes our circumstances to change us before he changes our circumstances."
We may love the happy endings on the Christmas Hallmark movies, but most of us feel like our real lives remember Wal-Mart on Black Friday. In this series, we explore what Christmas is truly about- the birth of a savior into a broken world.
Part 3 | The Next Generation
God has done incredible things in the life of Venture Church over the past ten years, but we know the best is still yet to come. We did not know exactly what was in store when we said yes to God's calling to be a church for the unchurched. Join us as we celebrate what God has done in the life of Venture Church and cast vision for what the future holds.
Part 2 | Built for Community
God has done incredible things in the life of Venture Church over the past ten years, but we know the best is still yet to come. We did not know exactly what was in store when we said yes to God's calling to be a church for the unchurched. Join us as we celebrate what God has done in the life of Venture Church and cast vision for what the future holds.
Part 1 | A Church for the Unchurched
God has done incredible things in the life of Venture Church over the past ten years, but we know the best is still yet to come. We did not know exactly what was in store when we said yes to God's calling to be a church for the unchurched. Join us as we celebrate what God has done in the life of Venture Church and cast vision for what the future holds.
Part 9 | The Peacemaker
When we discover our enneagram type, we position ourselves to examine difficult matters of the human heart as we take a deeper look at our core motivations and fears. Join us as we begin to see opportunities for God to work in and through us to bring Himself glory.
Part 8 | The Challenger
When we discover our enneagram type, we position ourselves to examine difficult matters of the human heart as we take a deeper look at our core motivations and fears. Join us as we begin to see opportunities for God to work in and through us to bring Himself glory.
Part 7 | The Enthusiast
When we discover our enneagram type, we position ourselves to examine difficult matters of the human heart as we take a deeper look at our core motivations and fears. Join us as we begin to see opportunities for God to work in and through us to bring Himself glory.
Part 6 | The Loyalist
When we discover our enneagram type, we position ourselves to examine difficult matters of the human heart as we take a deeper look at our core motivations and fears. Join us as we begin to see opportunities for God to work in and through us to bring Himself glory.
Part 5 | The Investigator
When we discover our enneagram type, we position ourselves to examine difficult matters of the human heart as we take a deeper look at our core motivations and fears. Join us as we begin to see opportunities for God to work in and through us to bring Himself glory.
Part 4 | The Romantic
When we discover our enneagram type, we position ourselves to examine difficult matters of the human heart as we take a deeper look at our core motivations and fears. Join us as we begin to see opportunities for God to work in and through us to bring Himself glory.
Part 3 | The Performer
When we discover our enneagram type, we position ourselves to examine difficult matters of the human heart as we take a deeper look at our core motivations and fears. Join us as we begin to see opportunities for God to work in and through us to bring Himself glory.
Part 2 | The Helper
When we discover our enneagram type, we position ourselves to examine difficult matters of the human heart as we take a deeper look at our core motivations and fears. Join us as we begin to see opportunities for God to work in and through us to bring Himself glory.
Part 1 | The Perfectionist
When we discover our enneagram type, we position ourselves to examine difficult matters of the human heart as we take a deeper look at our core motivations and fears. Join us as we begin to see opportunities for God to work in and through us to bring Himself glory.
The Gulf Coast Campus | Blake Houston
We, as Venture Church, seek to lead South Mississippi to know, love, and follow Jesus. Join our campus pastors as they cast vision on the direction the Lord is leading us to make the Gospel known in our communities and what it looks like to be a "church for the unchurched".
The Lincoln Road Campus | Craig Curtis
We, as Venture Church, seek to lead South Mississippi to know, love, and follow Jesus. Join our campus pastors as they cast vision on the direction the Lord is leading us to make the Gospel known in our communities and what it looks like to be a "church for the unchurched".
The Stone County Campus | Tyler Eggers
We, as Venture Church, seek to lead South Mississippi to know, love, and follow Jesus. Join our campus pastors as they cast vision on the direction the Lord is leading us to make the Gospel known in our communities and what it looks like to be a "church for the unchurched".
The Hunt Club Campus | Byron Malone
We, as Venture Church, seek to lead South Mississippi to know, love, and follow Jesus. Join our campus pastors as they cast vision on the direction the Lord is leading us to make the Gospel known in our communities and what it looks like to be a "church for the unchurched".
Week 4 | Elisha - How do we live our calling?
When life gets tough, do you throw in the towel? Or do you get gritty? Throughout this series, we will be highlighting different characters from throughout God’s Word to show us how to use our faith to drive us to have the passion to persevere.
Part 3 | Hosea - How can we have grit in our marriages?
When life gets tough, do you throw in the towel? Or do you get gritty? Throughout this series, we will be highlighting different characters from throughout God’s Word to show us how to use our faith to drive us to have the passion to persevere.
Part 2 | The Prodigal Son - How can we leverage God’s forgiveness?
When life gets tough, do you throw in the towel? Or do you get gritty? Throughout this series, we will be highlighting different characters from throughout God’s Word to show us how to use our faith to drive us to have the passion to persevere.
Part 1 | Caleb - What is grittiness?
When life gets tough, do you throw in the towel? Or do you get gritty? Throughout this series, we will be highlighting different characters from throughout God’s Word to show us how to use our faith to drive us to have the passion to persevere.
Source Code | Part 3 - Craig Curtis
How do we take hold of the responsibilities the Lord has given us?
If you're into technology at all, you might know about coding – putting together a string of numbers– instructions – to build something. Life is like that, too. The choices we make and the habits we being to shape our lives.
Legacy League 2019 - Jeff Clark
How do we leave a godly legacy for our families and those around us?
Join us for this special Father's Day message as Jeff Clark discusses what leaving a legacy that glorifies the Lord looks like. How do we impact our families, workplaces, and ultimately, everyone we encounter for the sake of the Gospel?
Source Code | Part 2 - Jeff Clark
How do we handle the temptation that enters into our lives?
If you're into technology at all, you might know about coding – putting together a string of numbers– instructions – to build something. Life is like that, too. The choices we make and the habits we being to shape our lives.
Source Code | Part 1 - Jeff Clark
God has written a perfect code for our lives. Difficulties arise when we try to change things to our liking.
If you're into technology at all, you might know about coding – putting together a string of numbers– instructions – to build something. Life is like that, too. The choices we make and the habits we being to shape our lives.