LW Church Podcast: Recent Episodes

Living Water Church

Messages and conversations that are relevant for your life. It's our hope these messages will set a fire in your heart for Christ and relentlessly pursue new life.

This sermon explores the theme of compassion as the defining characteristic of Jesus and a call for His followers to live it out in practical ways. Drawing from Mark chapter 8 and the feeding of the 4,000, Pastor Jason highlights how Jesus was moved in His gut (the Greek word “splagchna”) by the needs of people around Him, including those considered outsiders or enemies. Compassion for Jesus was never just a feeling but always an action that moved from his heart through His hands to meet real needs.

In this sermon, Pastor Mark explores the concept of vulnerability through the lens of Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42). He challenges the common perception that vulnerability is weakness, arguing instead that it is a form of strength. Jesus modeled vulnerability by openly sharing his distress with his closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, and by bringing His deepest fears and sorrows before the Father in prayer. The value of vulnerability is the connection it creates, both with God and with others.

In this sermon, Pastor Jason explores the theme of rest through the lens of Mark chapter 6, where Jesus and His disciples seek a quiet place to recover after an exhausting season of ministry. Using the story of Jesus being met by a crowd even as He sought rest, he draws out four key lessons: recognizing the need for rest, accepting that life happens, finding rest when you can, and understanding that spiritual rest is the greatest rest of all. The sermon challenges us to see rest not as laziness but as a God-given gift, rooted in the concept of Sabbath and ultimately fulfilled in a relationship with Jesus.

This sermon, drawn from Mark chapter 4, explores the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Pastor Jason uses this passage to help us understand how Jesus sees the storms of life differently than we do. Rather than simply offering relief from difficulty, Jesus offers something deeper: a shalom, or fullness, that fills us from the inside out regardless of what is swirling around us. The message challenges us to say yes to Jesus’s invitation to follow Him, even into uncomfortable and unknown territory, trusting that He is present and powerful in every storm.

In this sermon, Pastor Mark continues a series called “The Jesus Filter,” focusing on how Jesus approached interruptions during His earthly ministry. Drawing from Mark chapter 2, he walks through the story of four friends who lowered a paralyzed man through a roof to get him in front of Jesus. Rather than being annoyed by the disruption, Jesus saw their faith and responded with both forgiveness and physical healing. The core message is that Jesus consistently said yes to the very interruptions and people that most of us are inclined to filter out.

The sermon focuses on Mark 1:29-39, where Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law and then ministers to a crowd of sick and demon possessed people. After an exhausting stretch of ministry, Jesus rises early the next morning and retreats to a solitary place to pray. He uses this moment to highlight that Jesus modeled the spiritual discipline of solitude, not as a way to escape responsibility, but as a way to rest, reconnect with the Father, and receive direction. He also draws an important distinction between healthy solitude and unhealthy isolation, reminding the group that solitude is a temporary discipline meant to recharge us for community, not a permanent withdrawal from it.

In this sermon, Sara Taylor explores how we honor God through what we say, drawing from Colossians 4:2-6 and the surrounding final greetings of Paul’s letter. She focuses on two key areas: our prayer life and our personal relationships. Using relatable stories from parenting and everyday life, she challenges the congregation to examine whether their words bring life or death, and whether they are devoted and alert in prayer or distracted and drowsy.

In this sermon from Colossians 3:18 through 4:1, Isaiah Stepney walks through the relational roles that Paul addresses: wives and husbands, children and parents, and bondservants and masters. Using the analogy of an understudy stepping into a lead role in a musical, he frames the central question not as how we can make others fulfill their roles better, but how we can be faithful in the role God has placed us in.

In this sermon from Colossians 3, Pastor Jason explores what it means to live out a new life in Christ. Drawing on the truth that believers have spiritually died and been raised with Christ, He emphasizes that genuine transformation does not come from trying harder or following a list of rules. Instead, it begins on the inside, with a heart and mind set on eternal things rather than the passing concerns of this world.

Pastor Jason walks through Paul’s call to “put off” the old self and “put on” the new self, explaining that every sinful struggle is rooted in a lie we believe. The path to change is the renewal of the mind, replacing those lies with the truth of God’s Word. He also stresses that this renewal is not a solo effort. Believers need community, people who will speak truth into their lives and help them stay anchored to who they truly are: chosen, holy, and dearly loved by God because of what Jesus has already done.

Pastor Mark explores Paul’s perspective on suffering from Colossians 1:24-2:19, challenging us to see Jesus as more than just ‘seasoning’ in their lives but as their very life itself. Writing from prison, Paul demonstrates how suffering has purpose in God’s plan and reveals the mystery of ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ The message emphasizes that struggles aren’t signs of God’s punishment but invitations to discover His presence more deeply. Paul warns against adding substitutes to Jesus (religious practices, special knowledge, positive thinking, control, etc.) and calls believers to remain connected to Christ as the head. The sermon concludes that suffering unlocks spiritual mysteries and builds character that couldn’t be developed any other way.

In this opening sermon of a series through the book of Colossians, Pastor Jason introduces the theme of “whatever you do” from Colossians 3:17, challenging believers to move away from a cafeteria-style approach to faith where they pick and choose what is comfortable. The core idea is that everything in life is spiritual, and every moment is an opportunity to act in the name of Jesus and give thanks to God. Paul’s letter to the Colossians was written to correct false teaching that added requirements on top of Jesus, and before correcting the church, Paul affirms their faith, love, and hope rooted in eternity.

The sermon focuses on four foundational beliefs about Jesus drawn from Colossians chapter one. First, Jesus created everything, so we should surrender everything to Him. Second, Jesus rescued us from darkness, so we can fully rely on Him rather than straining in our own strength. Third, Jesus defines us, presenting us without blemish before God, so we can live secure in that identity rather than being driven by guilt, shame, or performance. Fourth, Jesus holds all things together, so we must hold tight to Him and guard against the slow drift away from the gospel. He challenges each person to identify one area of life where Jesus is treated more like decoration than foundation, and to let their beliefs reshape their actions.

This sermon concludes a series on worship, emphasizing that worship is not just what God deserves from us, but what God desires for us. Pastor Jason explains that worship is an exchange - we give our brokenness, weariness, and burdens to God, and He gives us strength, peace, and renewal in return. Using biblical examples from Satan’s fall, humanity’s sin in Romans 1, and David’s struggles in Psalm 42, the message shows how worship recalibrates our perspective and fuels our souls. The sermon concludes with communion as the ultimate example of God’s exchange - Jesus taking our sin and giving us His grace.

This sermon explores the concept of spiritual warfare through the lens of worship. Pastor Jason discusses how worship is actually a form of warfare against Satan. Using biblical passages from Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14, he explains that Satan was originally a worship leader in heaven who fell due to pride and his desire to be worshipped rather than to worship God. The sermon emphasizes that there is an ongoing war for our worship, with Satan trying to redirect our allegiance away from God toward idols and worldly things. Pastor Jason illustrates this through the story of Job and Gloria Gaither’s experience writing ‘Because He Lives’ during a time of cultural upheaval and personal fear. The central message is that worship is not just singing songs, but declaring our allegiance to God and pushing back against spiritual darkness.

Pastor Mark delivers a powerful message about authentic worship, drawing from Psalm 63 where David worships God while hiding in the desert from those trying to kill him. The sermon emphasizes that everyone is a worshiper by nature the only choice is what we worship. He vulnerably shares his ow struggles with idolatry, including his pursuit of material things like a Mini Cooper, hunting adventures, and various projects that can become more important than pursuing God. He explains that worship i not about performance, punishment, or penance, but about genuine pursuit of God. Using David as an example of the greatest warrior who was also the greatest worshiper, he demonstrates that worship is an intentional choice that can happen anywhere, anytime - not just in church services.

Being a provider is about more than money—it’s about meeting real needs. A man provides stability, presence, and care, not just resources. When he learns to draw from God’s strength, he becomes someone who consistently has something to give.

Learn what it means to lead your family with consistency, humility, and conviction—aligning your words, actions, and values. This session will help you take practical ownership of the influence God has given you at home.

Strength isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. This session will challenge you to develop discipline, endurance, and grit so you can stay steady under pressure and show up when it matters most.

God’s design for manhood doesn’t always match the world’s expectations. This session will help you break free from cultural stereotypes and step confidently into the man God uniquely created you to be.

A man stands guard over what matters most. He protects physically, spiritually, and relationally—stepping in when others step back. When a man embraces this role, people feel safe, valued, and defended in his presence.

A man’s first calling is to love—God first, then others. This kind of love isn’t passive or shallow; it is intentional, sacrificial, and expressed in both words and actions. When a man gets love right, everything else in his life begins to align.

A man takes responsibility for his life and the direction he’s headed. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about clarity, consistency, and setting the tone for others to follow. When a man leads well, he brings order, purpose, and stability to the people around him.

This sermon from Psalm 115 addresses the universal human tendency toward idolatry - the worship of anything or anyone that competes for our affection with God. Pastor Jason explains that everyone is a worshiper by nature, and the question isn’t whether we worship, but what occupies the center stage of our hearts. Over time, good and necessary things like success, relationships, comfort, and control can crowd God’s rightful place, leading to confused worship and misaligned lives. The message emphasizes that idols promise everything but deliver nothing, leaving us spiritually depleted, while God alone can sustain the weight of our worship as our help and shield. The sermon concludes with practical challenges to clear the stage: giving God the first 24 minutes of each day, fasting from something for four weeks, and being fully present during worship services.

This sermon focuses on the story of Matthew, the tax collector who became one of Jesus' disciples. Pastor Jason explores why Matthew waited nine chapters in his gospel before telling his own conversion story, revealing that Matthew understood the power of timing and context. The sermon examines Matthew 9:9, where Jesus calls Matthew from his tax booth, and draws three key insights: no one is too far gone to be saved by Jesus, Jesus knows everything about us and still saves us, and when the world sees failure, Jesus sees our future. The message emphasizes that Matthew was one of the most despised people in his culture - a Jewish tax collector working for the Romans - yet Jesus saw his potential and called him by a new name that meant "gift of God."

This sermon explores the creation account in Genesis 2-3, focusing on God's original design for mankind and how sin corrupted that design. Pastor Jason examines how God gave Adam three gifts under the banner of worship: work to enjoy, a will to obey, and a woman to love. The message emphasizes that Adam was created for face-to-face relationship with God, but sin entered through passivity and disobedience. The sermon contrasts the first tree (bringing sin and death) with the second tree (the cross, bringing forgiveness and life).

This Easter sermon focuses on the significance of Jesus' resurrection as the foundation of Christian faith. Pastor Mark emphasizes that the resurrection validates all of Jesus' promises and gives believers the assurance of eternal life, transformation, and purpose. Using the story of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus, the sermon illustrates two possible responses to Christ: rejection with insults or humble faith asking for remembrance. The message highlights that we all deserve death due to our sin, but through God's rich mercy and grace, Jesus offers us new life and salvation that we cannot earn through good works.

This Palm Sunday sermon explores the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10, focusing on how Jesus offers acceptance to those who deserve rejection. The message emphasizes that Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, climbed a tree to see Jesus but discovered that Jesus was actually seeking him. When Jesus called Zacchaeus down and invited himself to his home, it demonstrated radical grace - accepting someone before they changed rather than requiring change first. The sermon highlights that true salvation produces immediate evidence through repentance and life transformation, as seen in Zacchaeus's generous giving and restitution. The central message is that Jesus came to seek and save the lost, offering acceptance through his sacrifice on the cross, and calls listeners to either come down from their 'tree' of distance or surrender more fully if they've already encountered Christ but haven't truly made him Lord.

This sermon explores the story of Peter's denial of Jesus and subsequent restoration, emphasizing that God never writes us off despite our failures. Rick Laine shares a personal story about disrespecting his mother-in-law at work and receiving undeserved mercy, paralleling Peter's experience. The message focuses on how Peter, despite being a devoted disciple, denied Jesus three times out of fear during Jesus' arrest. However, Jesus later restored Peter through a conversation by the sea, asking him three times if he loved Him. The sermon emphasizes that while we often focus on not getting what we think we deserve, we should be grateful for the times we don't receive the judgment we actually deserve. Instead, God offers grace, mercy, and second chances.

This sermon explores the story of the woman caught in adultery in Gospel of John 8, highlighting how we may deserve condemnation but instead receive mercy. A personal story about receiving grace instead of deserved correction introduces the theme.

The message shows how Jesus responds to the woman’s shame with compassion, revealing God’s character—one that withholds deserved punishment and offers mercy. It also addresses the destructive power of shame, distinguishing between healthy guilt that leads to repentance and harmful shame that robs us of freedom. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus sees beyond our guilt and shame and offers mercy that leads to redemption and a new way of living.

This sermon explores the story of the rich young ruler from Mark 10, using it to illustrate how money and possessions can become spiritual 'log jams' that prevent us from fully following Christ. Pastor Jason emphasizes that Jesus' command to sell everything wasn't about the money itself, but about removing anything that rivals God for first place in our hearts. The message challenges believers to loosen their grip on material possessions and embrace generosity as a reflection of God's nature, reminding us that we cannot out-give God and that generosity is love in action.

This sermon explores the connection between our hearts and our finances, using Matthew 6:19-21 as the foundation. Pastor Mark emphasizes that where we put our treasure, our hearts will follow - not the other way around. He explains that God desires our whole heart, and one key indicator of whether God has our heart is the position He holds in our finances. The message focuses on tithing as a biblical principle that helps align our hearts with God's priorities, explaining that the tithe is 10% of our income given first to God through the local church. The sermon addresses common objections and emphasizes that this isn't about legalism but about heart posture and trust in God's provision.

This message dives into what Jesus really meant when He said in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” Pastor Jason explains that mammon isn’t just about money — it’s a spiritual force that tries to convince us we can trust money to give us what only God can provide.

He unpacks mammon as “that in which one trusts,” showing how it becomes a false god that promises security, identity, and happiness through wealth instead of through a relationship with God. Pastor Jason challenges us to see how subtle this can be — especially in a culture where chasing money is normal and even celebrated.

The sermon highlights three serious dangers of pursuing mammon: it creates a constant cycle where enough is never enough, it drowns out God’s voice in our lives, and it slowly pulls our hearts away from our first love — Jesus. In a money-driven culture like ours, this is a real and ongoing spiritual battle, where greed often hides behind words like ambition, success, or lifestyle.

This sermon explores the desire of King David to have his presence in the house of the Lord be the one thing he desired above all else. While the model of the temple worship no longer exists, the heart of being near to God, gathered with his people in the local church still remains a priority of God for all believers. There are a number of factors today that keep people from prioritizing church, but the reasons to stay connected with the Body of Christ are too great to ignore.

This week also marks "Ownership Sunday", inviting everyone of participation at Living Water as an "owner" pursuing three commitments: to Grow- through large and small group interactions, to Serve- by letting God use you for His Purposes, to Give- by trusting God and stewarding every portion of your life including finances.

In this sermon, Taylor Brown explores the story of Jesus healing the woman with the issue of bleeding from Luke 8, using it to teach about investing in people's lives. He emphasizes that true investment in others requires being willing to have our schedules interrupted, recognizing that people's problems matter, and understanding that every person has value regardless of their reputation or struggles. Through personal stories, including dealing with a troubled youth, Taylor illustrates how showing up for people in their darkest moments can plant seeds of faith, even when we don't see immediate results. The message challenges us to orient our lives around investing in the next generation and being available when others need us most.

Pastor Jason delivered a message about the danger of staying busy around Jesus rather than being close to Him, using the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10. He emphasized that while Martha was distracted by many good things, Mary chose the one thing that mattered most - sitting at Jesus' feet and learning from Him. The sermon challenged listeners to examine whether anything in their lives gets more of them than Jesus does.

Pastor Mark addresses the question of whether God grades on a curve, exploring the difference between salvation by works versus salvation by faith. Using Galatians 3, he explains that we are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ, not by keeping the law or doing good works. The message emphasizes that genuine faith expresses itself in action, specifically through baptism and putting on new spiritual clothes. He clarifies that while we are saved by faith alone, this faith naturally leads to transformation and obedience as expressions of gratitude, not attempts to earn salvation.

Pastor Jason teaches from John 9 about the blind man who was healed by Jesus, emphasizing that we often get so focused on 'how' things work that we lose sight of 'who' God is. The sermon addresses why many Christians (50% according to research) feel uncomfortable sharing their faith despite believing it's the greatest thing that happened to them. Using the analogy of hitting a 90 mph fastball - which is scientifically impossible but happens regularly - Pastor Jason illustrates how we shouldn't let unexplainable questions prevent us from sharing the undeniable truth of how Jesus has changed our lives.

The blind man's simple testimony 'I was blind and now I see' becomes the model for sharing our faith. Rather than needing to be attorneys with all the answers, we're called to be witnesses who simply tell our story. The sermon concludes with practical tips for sharing faith and challenges everyone to write their three-part story: 'I was' (life before Jesus), 'then God' (encountering Jesus), and 'now' (life after Jesus).

Pastor Jason begins a new series called 'One Thing' focusing on how to keep God as the highest priority in life. Using Philippians 3:13-14 as the foundation, he teaches three key principles for maintaining spiritual focus: don't look back at past failures or successes, look ahead toward God's calling, and look around to choose the right influences. The message emphasizes that when we make God our top priority, He helps balance all other aspects of our lives. Paul's transformation from persecuting Christians to pursuing Christ demonstrates how God can redirect our passions for His kingdom rather than erasing them.

Rick explores what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus, challenging common misconceptions about discipleship. He emphasizes that discipleship is not merely about behavior modification or avoiding hell, but about surrendering our personal filters and agendas to follow Jesus completely. He identifies four major filters through which people view discipleship: upbringing, theology, politics, and personality. These filters can hinder true discipleship when they become more important than Jesus' teachings. The message calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and filter their beliefs through Jesus' teachings rather than filtering Jesus' teachings through their own beliefs.

This sermon explores the true meaning of joy during the Christmas season, distinguishing it from temporary happiness. Taylor shares a personal story about trying to find acceptance through fake designer shoes, illustrating how we often seek joy in worldly things that ultimately disappoint. Using Luke 2:10-11, the message focuses on the angels' announcement to the shepherds about Jesus' birth as a 'rescuer.' The sermon presents three key aspects of joy: redeeming (God's plan to restore our broken relationship through Jesus), rare (the unique gift of salvation that requires no work on our part), and relentless (supernatural joy that persists through all circumstances). He emphasizes that God chose humble shepherds to receive this announcement, showing that this joy is for everyone regardless of social status. Taylor concludes with a powerful story from Thailand about orphaned children who, despite their trauma, worship Jesus with incredible joy, demonstrating that true joy comes from our relationship with Christ, not our circumstances.

This sermon explores the deep human longing for peace, particularly during the Christmas season. Pastor Jason contrasts the temporary, circumstantial peace we often seek with the lasting, soul-deep peace that comes through Jesus Christ. Using Ephesians 2 as the primary text, the message emphasizes that true peace begins with being reconciled to God vertically before we can experience peace horizontally with others. The sermon explains that Jesus didn't just bring peace - He IS our peace, and this peace comes through trusting God rather than trying to control our circumstances.

This message explores the concept of hope during the Advent season, contrasting human wish lists with God's deeper gifts. Pastor Mark examines Isaiah 8-9, showing how the Israelites faced hopelessness during the Assyrian invasion but received God's promise of a coming Messiah. He explains that while we live in uncertain times with unclear futures, true hope isn't found in human enlightenment but in Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The message emphasizes that hope in the Old Testament meant waiting for God under tension (kavah), while New Testament hope is a living hope through Christ's resurrection. Hope is described as the expectation of coming good because of Jesus' person and promises, becoming most powerful when all human options are exhausted.

This sermon concludes a 12-week journey through the book of Acts, highlighting how the Holy Spirit transformed a small group of uncertain disciples into world-changing messengers. Pastor Jason provides a flyby overview of Acts chapters 11-28, showing three key themes: the Gospel moves through ordinary people (like those in Antioch), presses through opposition (Paul's persecutions), and travels from back roads to world capitals (reaching Rome). The message emphasizes that Acts doesn't end with a conclusion but with a comma - the story continues through us today.

The sermon transitions into introducing the church's Christmas Give partnership with Seed Company to translate Luke and Acts into the language of an unreached people group in Southeast Asia, challenging the congregation to participate in continuing the Acts story through Bible translation.

This sermon explores Acts 10, the story of Peter's vision and his encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion. The message reveals how God refuses to be confined to our expectations and boxes. Through three scenes - Cornelius receiving a vision, Peter's rooftop revelation about clean and unclean foods, and their eventual meeting - we see that God works in unexpected people and places before we arrive. The sermon emphasizes that before God works through us, He must work in us, breaking down internal barriers like pride, cultural bias, and comfort zones. Peter's transformation from seeing the vision as about food to understanding it was about people demonstrates how God challenges our assumptions about who He can save and use.

Have you ever experienced a moment when life suddenly stopped you in your tracks? Maybe it was an illness, a job loss, or a relationship that ended unexpectedly. In those moments, it's natural to wonder if God is punishing us or if we've done something wrong. Saul was living what appeared to be a successful religious life. He was educated, respected, and zealous for what he believed was right. Yet he was spiritually blind, missing the very God he claimed to serve. When Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus road with blinding light, it wasn't an act of cruelty but of kindness. Sometimes the most loving thing God can do is interrupt our lives when we're heading in the wrong direction. That painful moment, that unexpected detour, that humbling experience - it might not be punishment but prevention. God sees what we cannot see and knows what lies ahead if we continue on our current path. Not every difficult circumstance is a result of our disobedience, and not every blessing is a reward for our good behavior. Life is more complex than a simple cause-and-effect relationship. But we can trust that when God allows disruption in our lives, He has a purpose that goes beyond our immediate understanding. The same God who stopped Saul on the road to Damascus is the same God who sees your life today. If you're experiencing a season of difficulty, consider that God might be wounding you not to harm you, but to wake you up to something better He has in store.

This sermon explores Acts chapter 8, focusing on Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch on the desert road. The message emphasizes how God uses persecution and scattering to advance His mission, positioning ordinary believers like Philip to reach people in unexpected places. Philip, who started as a food pantry worker, becomes an evangelist through simple obedience to God's direction. The Ethiopian eunuch represents those searching for truth, traveling great distances to understand God but needing someone to explain the Gospel.

The sermon divides the audience into two groups: the 'Phillips' (believers called to share their faith) and the 'eunuchs' (those still searching for Christ). For believers, the key lessons are to look for people when God positions them somewhere, remember there's common ground at the cross regardless of differences, and trust that small acts of obedience can lead to big kingdom impact. For seekers, the message encourages them to recognize their spiritual hunger, invite others into their search for understanding, and realize they might be the start of something significant in God's kingdom.

This sermon focuses on Stephen from Acts 6-8, using his life as an example of what it means to walk with God. When walk with God, we begin to look like Him, act like Him, and move like Him. Stephen's story demonstrates how a life in step with the Spirit results in God flowing through us, even in the face of persecution and death. The message challenges believers to examine who they are walking with spiritually, as we become like those we surround ourselves with. Through Stephen's example of grace under pressure, forgiveness toward his persecutors, and unwavering focus on Jesus even unto death, we see a model of authentic Christian living that impacts others and advances God's kingdom.

This sermon from Acts 6:1-7 explores how the early church handled a significant conflict regarding food distribution between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews. The apostles demonstrated godly leadership by addressing the issue head-on, involving the entire congregation in finding a solution, and empowering others to take leadership roles. Remarkably, the predominantly Hebraic Jewish congregation chose seven Hellenistic Jews to lead this important ministry, showing extraordinary unity and justice. The passage teaches that healthy churches confront conflict biblically, pursue unity and justice as kingdom priorities, and recognize that effective ministry requires the participation of all believers. When the church handles conflict well and pursues justice, it becomes attractive to outsiders and leads to growth in discipleship.

This sermon from Acts 5 explores the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about their offering to appear more generous than they were, resulting in their deaths. The message emphasizes that God values authenticity over appearance and that purity must come before power in the church. The apostles, despite being imprisoned and beaten for preaching about Jesus, continued to obey God rather than human authorities, demonstrating that Christ sets us free not to sit back, but to stand up. The sermon challenges believers to choose obedience over opposition and to stop pretending while starting to walk in truth.

The early church experienced explosive growth from 120 believers to potentially 20,000 in Jerusalem, demonstrating a movement that transformed lives. This growth wasn't built on programs or buildings, but on people hearing the message and choosing to believe. When Peter and John were questioned about their power, they pointed to Jesus as the only source of salvation. The religious leaders were astonished that these ordinary, unschooled men had such boldness, until they realized they had been with Jesus. God specializes in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things when they surrender their lives to Him and step out in faith.

The spread of Christianity has always been fueled by personal stories of transformation. In Acts 3, Peter and John demonstrate this when they heal a lame beggar who then leaps with joy in the temple courts, drawing amazed crowds. Our testimonies become powerful when we show the change Jesus has made in our lives, give Him the credit, and invite others to experience the same transformation. Whether dramatic or simple, every story of faith matters because it's not about how dramatic our past was, but about how faithful our Savior is. As believers, we are all 'sent people' whose personal stories and relationships become the primary strategy for building God's Kingdom.

In this sermon, Pastor explores Acts 2, focusing on Peter's Spirit-filled sermon at Pentecost. After the disciples began speaking in different languages, some onlookers accused them of being drunk. Peter stands up and explains that this is not drunkenness but the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy about God pouring out His Spirit on all people in the last days. Peter then presents four pieces of evidence about Jesus: His miraculous works that many witnessed, His crucifixion according to God's plan, His resurrection that fulfilled David's prophecy, and His exaltation to God's right hand. This powerful presentation of truth led 3,000 people to repent and be baptized, marking the birth of the early church. The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to both speak truth boldly and receive truth that transforms their lives.

The Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost marked a pivotal moment in history, transforming how believers relate to God. This divine presence works through powerful symbols like wind (representing life-giving power) and fire (signifying purification and passion). The Spirit fills believers continuously, empowering them with spiritual gifts to glorify God and fulfill Jesus' mission. Rather than trying to control or manipulate the Spirit's work, believers are called to hunger for His genuine presence, allowing Him to bring unity, draw people to God, and transform lives from within. Through the Holy Spirit, God provides power, love, and self-discipline to accomplish His purposes in the world.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus started a movement to bring God's kingdom to earth, and today, we continue that work. After Jesus ascended, the disciples faced uncertainty and danger, yet they responded by gathering in an 'upper room' to pray together with one mind and passion. Prayer is essential for aligning ourselves with God's plans and preparing the way for His movement. By practicing the PRAY method (Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield) and moving from internal to external prayer, we can become an 'upper room' church that prioritizes seeking God's presence over the many demands of life. Prayer doesn't just change circumstances—it changes us and the world around us.

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, chronicles how a small group of fearful believers transformed into a movement that continues to impact the world 2,000 years later. It reveals Jesus continuing His work through the Holy Spirit-empowered church after His ascension. The disciples were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit's power before beginning their mission, emphasizing that ordinary people need supernatural empowerment. Acts 1:8 outlines their mission to be witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, showing how God uses everyday people to share their personal experiences with Jesus. This story continues today through all believers.

Walking with the Lion of Judah requires a relentless pursuit of new life in Christ that goes beyond comfortable worship of Jesus as the Lamb. This pursuit isn't a scheduled activity but an attitude influencing our entire life. Many Christians struggle with following the powerful, challenging Lion because it takes us out of our comfort zones and requires submission. True power in the Christian life comes not through control or accomplishment but through submission to God and others in love. By stopping our self-definition through weaknesses and embracing submission as the pathway to power, we can experience the fullness of new life in Christ.

Living a relevant Christian life means sharing God's truth in ways that connect with today's world without compromising the message. It requires moving beyond religious rule-following to authentic relationship with God, willingly entering messy situations where people are hurting, avoiding getting stuck in outdated methods, and staying synchronized with the Holy Spirit's leading. Jesus demonstrated this perfectly by meeting people at their point of need while maintaining truth. Relevance isn't about being cool or trendy—it's about impact and effective communication that makes faith matter in people's real lives. By focusing on relationship over religion, entering life's messes, embracing new methods while preserving the message, and staying in sync with God's Spirit, Christians can live lives that truly matter.

This message unpacks what it means to be real in our faith—choosing authenticity over appearances and letting God’s grace shine through our weaknesses. When we embrace authenticity, God not only transforms our lives but also uses our vulnerability to impact those around us.

Pastor Nicolas from Agua Viva explores the life of David to discover how God is preparing each of us on the mountain of life.

Brandon and Hallie Henson share their journey of fostering and adoption as we explore the potential of a new ministry at Living Water Dalton.

When life feels chaotic and our hearts are overwhelmed, where do we turn? In this message, Sara Taylor walks us through John 14:27, where Jesus offers His disciples a powerful and lasting gift: peace. Not the kind of peace the world gives—temporary and fragile—but His own personal, enduring peace. With honesty, humor, and relatable stories from everyday life, Sara explores what it means to receive Jesus’ peace, trust His words, and actively guard our hearts from fear and anxiety. This message is an invitation to remember that we are not alone—and to take Jesus at His word, even when life feels anything but peaceful.

Often, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, we are drawn to the forbidden instead of appreciating the abundance God has given us. The scripture from Genesis 3 highlights this through the story of the Fall, where distrust led to shame and separation. The essence of this message is recognizing that God has set us up for success, offering us everything we need for life, yet He gives us the freedom to choose. This choice is at the heart of our faith journey. By choosing to trust God, we are invited into a life that transcends mere existence and propels us into thriving under His care.

In this session of Open Mic, we're challenged to reconsider our understanding of salvation and our role in it. Drawing from Philippians 2:12-13, we explore the paradox of 'working out our salvation' while acknowledging that 'it is God who works in us.' This tension isn't meant to be resolved, but rather lived in.

Even when it doesn't seem like it, God is always at work. In our second week of Open Mic messages, we learn how to position ourselves to allow God to be at work on us and through us.

As Christians, we're called to a radical love that extends even to those who oppose us. This isn't just a suggestion – it's a fundamental aspect of following Christ. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to align our hearts with God's, seeing every person as worthy of love and respect. This perspective shift can transform our relationships and our world. It's a call to break free from the 'us vs. them' mentality and embrace a more inclusive, Christ-like approach to all people.

In the final temptation of Jesus we see the pull to find a shortcut to get what we really want. Even though the end result might be the same, how you get there is important. Don't let compromise convince you to trade what is important for what is immediate.

One of the more subtle temptations that we face, especially if we have been around church for a while, is to fall into the habit of trying to assume what God should or should not do for our sake. In the second temptation of Jesus we learn that God doesn't have to prove himself to us and we don't get to use Him for our own benefit.

When Jesus faced his first temptation from Satan, the issue at hand was about a lot more than just getting something to eat. The stakes of the encounter tempted Jesus to undermine his faith that God can be trusted. The same is true for us whenever we try to meet a real need the wrong way.

Behind every temptation is a reality of what is really at stake and one main question. By learning to understand the root objective of temptation, we can be empowered to resist it.

As far as God is concerned the words that we speak have great power. The right word, spoken at the right time, can change someone's life for the good. And the wrong word, spoken at the wrong time, can crush someone's spirit. Words can start a fight, words can start a war and yet words can reconcile and heal relationships. Our words have disproportionate power.

This sermon explores the concept of "broken soundtracks" - negative, untrue thoughts that play repeatedly in our minds. Jason emphasizes the importance of identifying these harmful thought patterns and replacing them with truth from God's Word. We must actively engage in renewing our minds through reading Scripture, speaking declarations of truth, and singing praises to God. The ultimate goal is to align one's thoughts with God's truth and live out a life that reflects this renewed mindset.

Guest Speaker Larry Walkemeyer shares 5 characteristics of a river Christian.

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves battling negative thoughts that can hold us back from living our best lives. This week challenges us to confront these 'broken soundtracks' in our minds and replace them with God's truth. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, we're reminded that we have divine power to demolish strongholds in our thinking. The key is to identify our most persistent negative thoughts and subject them to three crucial questions: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?

As we celebrate Easter we learn that God placed us in the story to reveal His love demonstrated on our behalf.

A look at the cross of Christ through the lens of Mary Magdalene reveals a deep resilience in character that exceeds doubts, disappointments, and distractions.

Have you ever made a decision because of someone else? Wanted to do one thing but did something else because of others? As we continue our series Cross Examined, Jason teaches us about people pleasing by examining the life of Pontius Pilate, a people pleasing politician.

Have you ever been betrayed before? Betrayal hurts deeply. As we start our new series, Cross Examined, Rick teaches us about the worst betrayal of all time as we cross examine the life of Judas.

The heart of God is characterized by generosity. When we give Jesus access to our life, we give him access to our resources.

We're challenged to see ourselves as 'sent' Christians, carrying the extraordinary treasure of the gospel in our ordinary lives. The story of Peter and John healing the lame man at the temple gate in Acts 3 serves as a compelling reminder of our purpose beyond the walls of the church.

Your faith grows best when you encourage others along in theirs. Discipling someone else doesn’t have to be complicated; it is simply having relationships with Kingdom purpose.

We all have a story to tell. For those of us who are in Christ that story gets even better. We were not rescued so that we could stay saved and silent. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to continually share with a lost world the ongoing story of God at work in us and around us.

Someone or something is forming and shaping your life. What we are trying to do in this series is learn how our lives can be Formed by Jesus to honor him and impact the world. As we continue that learning today, we are focusing on how that formation happens through New Life.

Serving at Living Water lets you use your unique gifts, talents, and passions to make a real difference in the lives of those who attend our various ministry environments. It’s also an opportunity to build meaningful relationships and witness firsthand how God is transforming lives.

Growth doesn't happen in rows, it happens in circles. We were created to be formed by Jesus in the context of community with others.

You are destined to be formed by Jesus and to become like him.

Often times we struggle to understand how faith works. We know it should look certain ways on the outside, but we aren't quite sure what is happening on the inside of us. This message explores some of what that process looks like as Christ works within us.

As we celebrate our Next Gen, we want to be mindful of the role God has given us to play in their spiritual development. We don't all have the same calling, but we all share an equal commitment.

From the beginning of Genesis, God has placed a direct deposit into every person's body. On top of that, every believer is given spiritual gifts by God to fulfill a purpose for their life. What are you doing with what you have been given?

As we start the New Year, our focus does not begin with what we do, but with what God has already done.

Our words matter. With them we carry the power of life or death.

Matthew’s version of Christ coming to the World

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Focus on the Magi and the journey they took to bring worship and honor to Jesus
Contrast with the negative response of Herod when threatened

The decision we need to Make:

Will you pursue the greater purpose Jesus has for your life?

In his sermon, Jason discusses how often our Christmas plans go awry and draws parallels to the unexpected circumstances surrounding Mary’s miraculous pregnancy. He emphasizes that when God changes our plans, we can either embrace this change in faith or reject it in fear, highlighting the beauty of God’s purpose over our expectations. Jason elaborates on how God’s invitations often come at inconvenient times and may lead us to experience discomfort but ultimately guide us to something greater. He encourages us to trust in God's plan, noting that while our responsibility is to obey, the outcomes rest with Him.

The mystery of Christmas is not found primarily in the circumstances of the birth of Jesus, but in the identity of the baby in the manger. We must dare to ask, “Who is Jesus?” We must decide if we will reject him or revere Jesus. In this message on Philippians 2:5–11, we will learn:

The Question We Need to Ask.

The Baby We Need to See.

The Decision We Need to Make.

The God of the universe became flesh and dwelled among us. He did this so that we could understand him, so that he could relate to us, and so that he could win us back!

Continue to study the book of Philemon as we explore additional methods and resources available for studying the Bible.

Reading the Bible is one thing. Understanding it's another. When you can do both, it's truly life changing. God speaks to us through His Word, so let’s learn How to Study the Bible together.

Pastor Jason works through some of the questions that we submitted throughout the series.

Often our relationships get stuck because of conflict. Even when we do try to get past it we tend to be either peace-fakers or peace-breaker, rather than peace-makers. The Bible gives us some pretty clear instructions on how to approach conflict resolution with someone. Do we care enough about unity to fight to achieve it?

So when do we get over it? What does it look like to be hurt but still open the door for future healing? In week three we will learn how to reconcile the consequences of actions with grace for the future.

Not every offense requires a heart to heart. Sometimes our expectations are actually unrealistic because we are assuming things that aren’t actually true about the nature of the relationship. Week two will explore four types of hurt (attack, accident, healing, growth) and four circles of relationship (confidants, constituents, comrades, crowd). The type of hurt and the circle of relationship should greatly influence what steps need to be taken in response.

What makes us blow up? What is behind that? What do we do when we feel like we are right and justified with being upset? Sometimes we come out guns blazing and the message gets lost because of the messenger. Week one will focus on helping us take a breath to determine whether we are acting out of a desire to win the case or solve the case.

No one gets to the monumental moment of baptism alone.

A towel bearer is:

Not perfect, but growing

Intentionally sharing what they are learning

Joining Jesus in his passion

Will you be holding a towel next New Life Sunday?

If we’re honest, most of us want what’s comfortable, or easy, or whatever keeps us from having to fulfill our responsibilities. But that fleeting comfort will never lead us to embrace lasting joy. Let’s see why it’s worth it to avoid what’s comfortable now, embrace a divine discomfort, and chase an eternal comfort in Christ.

Seeking approval from others almost always lets us down. It’s easy to obsess over what people think, be sensitive to criticism, and have a hard time saying “no.” We must decide to focus on pleasing God instead of seeking approval from others.

Do you ever feel the pressure of chasing perfection? When our standard is perfection, the grass will always look greener somewhere else. But there’s a way to overcome the pursuit of perfection that so often weighs us down. We will discover how to choose people over perfection, and a perfect love over our own performance.

If you’ve ever wondered how to be rich, we’ve got some good news and some bad news. Come see why chasing money never seems to satisfy, and why learning how to be rich has more to do with your perspective than the things you have.

When you’re chasing fame, what are you really chasing? Validation? Satisfaction? Approval? If you’re feeling anonymous or insignificant, you can know there’s someone who always knows your name and cares for you, no matter how many followers you have. Join us to see why chasing fame never satisfies—but chasing Jesus always does.

Intercession: The act of prayer on behalf of another

Intercession teaches us the heart of Jesus

Intercession exposes the field of battle

Intercession unleashes the power of God

Intercession reveals a plan of action

God is my Father, and He wants me to ask Him to meet my needs.

God answers prayers based on the needs of today, not the wants of tomorrow.

Prayer requires our participation.

God's desire for confession is not just transparency, it is vulnerability.

Define what needs to be forgiven:

Transgressions are forgiven

Sins are covered

Iniquities are no longer counted

The forgiveness of sin is far more than a transaction; it puts us on the path of transformation

God's desire for confession is not just transparency, it is vulnerability

Regularly practice confession:

Invite the Spirit to search you

Confess openly what you discover

Trust the promise of forgiveness and healing

Adoration begins with attention

Adoration is a reminder of who God is so that He can remind you who you are

Adoration brings us into alignment

Adoration is the fuel of prayer and worship

The goal of prayer is to get God

Hypocritical prayer: public declaration without personal devotion

Pagan prayer: ritual without relationship

Pray what is real

Pray as you can

Prayer starts with presence

Suffering is the painful process of unlocking God’s fullness in your life.

Be a doer not a don’ter:

Offer hospitality
Use your gifts to serve
Speak the very words of God

Trials create deep connection with Christ.

How to Endure:

Humble yourself
Lighten your load
Stay alert
Stand firm

Mission: Remembering that you are temporary residents and foreigners, live a life of honor so that God gets the glory

Code of Conduct:

Authority of the Government

A citizen's honorable conduct is a reflection of his/her allegiance to God

Authority in the Workplace

A servant's honorable conduct is a commitment to endurance

Authority in the Home

A wife's honorable conduct is her greatest beauty and most effective testimony

A husband's honorable conduct is reflected in his ability to understand and show loving respect

Live Like No One’s Watching

Clean

Chosen

Called

Our Living Hope springs from what is behind us, not what is around us

Our Living Hope transforms opposition into opportunity

Our Living Hope is the envy of the ages

Main Point: Spiritual hurt is real, but so is spiritual healing.

Principle One: Acknowledge the hurt.

Principle Two: Healing is a choice.

Principle Three: Seek godly counsel.

Principle Four: Reconcile and forgive.

Satan's goal is to make sexual sin normal and God's design to be strange

World: Expressive individualism

Word: True community

Our sexuality is a clear expression of the authority in our lives

World: The core of my identity is my sexuality

Word: The core of my identity is God-given

World: Listen to your mind and transform your body

Word: Let God transform your mind and embrace the body he gave you

World: Take sides

Word: Love deeply

There was no way until God made a way

Did Jesus do anything no one else did?

Jesus lived a perfect life
Jesus sacrificed his life for us
Jesus overcame death
Jesus is defending us with the Father

How could a good God allow so much pain and suffering in the world?

Love is who God is and describes our deepest desire in life.

Love does not exist without freedom.

God’s gift of freewill results in a world of both goodness and pain.

Pain and suffering are:

Sometimes the result of our bad choices and sin

Sometimes the result of other people’s bad choices and sin

Always a result of a broken and sinful world

There is no love without freedom; there is no freedom without pain

Deconstruction becomes destructive the moment we abandon God’s truth for human wisdom

Five Reasons You Can Trust God’s Word:

The Bible’s historical accuracy
The Bible’s textual accuracy
The Bible’s scientific accuracy
The Bible’s prophetic accuracy
Living it out transforms your life

Give God the first, not the last

Give out of joy, not obligation

Give with faith, not fear

The first domino of discipleship is generosity

God doesn’t need your money, God wants your heart

How do we grow in gratitude?

Worship God with a grateful heart

Express gratitude for three specific things every day

Interrupt complaining and criticism with a gratitude observation

How do you know if you are confused about ownership?

1.You are constantly anxious about money and stuff

2.You are your primary financial consultant

3.You think of giving as an obligation rather than a privilege

Every dollar you are given becomes a test of your affection.

Set your affection on what matters most by investing in it.

Create an investment plan.

Our mistake is thinking generosity is something God wants from us when in reality generosity is something God wants for us.

We will lead with generosity.

Baptism answers our search for IDENTITY

This is my son."

Baptism answers our longing for LOVE.

"Whom I love"

Baptism answers our need for APPROVAL

"With him I am well pleased"

Anger isn’t wrong

Anger has roots

Regulate Your Response

How they make you feel is not who you are

Your value isn't determined by what others think of you but by who God says you are

Those you serve the most, often appreciate you the least

What's normal isn't celebrated; it's expected

Just because they don't notice now, doesn't mean they won't notice later

What you attempt to control the most often reveals where you trust God the least.

You don’t always have the power to control, but you always have the power to surrender.

Questions to Ask When You’re Tempted to Control

Is it worth my concern?

Is it mine to control?

Is it for God alone?

Observation #1: Some people look the part, but lack the heart

Observation #2: You can’t have a relationship with Jesus on “borrowed” faith

Observation #3: A day will come when the door will shut

It’s not about a problem to solve, it’s about a person to follow

God is clear about what God cares about

Hang on to Hope

Embrace the Bride

Grow in Grit

We have not been called to predict the future; we have been called to disciple the present.

Don’t look at headlines; look at the behavior of mankind.

If you’re prepared, you don’t have to be scared.

There are times when it seems like things are falling apart when in reality they are falling into place.

Jesus is often cryptic to create tension that produces action

The essential doctrine (belief):

Jesus will return

Keep Watch

Be ready

The Lord is not slow, he is patient

If we believe his coming is imminent it has serious implications for how we live our life

Responses:

Peaceful anticipation

Fearful apprehension

Apathetic indifference

God didn’t create us because He was lonely

God created us because He is love

A Gathering of Grace

A Gathering of Healing

A Gathering of Mission

In Every Church...

You see someone in need

You see someone who cares

You see someone who's preoccupied

You see someone who's critical

Sometimes God gives us what we need before He gives us what we want.

In Every Church...We are all someone who can be changed.

When you trust in Jesus, what's true of him becomes true of you.

I am not going to try harder.

I am going to surrender more deeply.

Out of my trust and surrender, I will "make every effort".

We are a fountain for whoever is thirsty

We drink Christ and we leak life

We are compelled to live out a flowing faith.

Our Code:

Grace is a Guarantee

Whatever it Takes

Driven by New Life

Don't Do Life Alone

Invite and Invest

God's Not Done

My plans may change, but God never does

Jesus first and you won't waste a second

Don't get distracted

Focus on forever

Leverage this: Become too small to fail.

God moves little by little

Victory is not one huge thing that makes you undefeated, it is the small things continually repeated.

Shrink your goals to accomplish great things:

Choose Carefully

Spell it out specifically

Track it diligently

Guard it aggressively

The habits that you let in are the habits you become set in

“In the Absence of a Crisis…”

Definitive Action
Steady Progression
Enjoy Momentum

Time is not on your side

Future you is an exaggerated version of the current you

If you don't like what you are getting, change what you are doing

Ongoing consistency is much more important than short-term intensity

Don’t settle for a busy life; live a full life.

Mind your own busyness

Wake up to Jesus’ offer

Establish a rhythm

Live in authentic community

Jesus is your wonderful counselor—listen to him

Jesus is your Mighty God—trust him and his victory

Jesus is your Everlasting father—embrace him

Jesus is your Prince of Peace—rest in him

Christmas is an invasion

Peace is victory over the oppressor

Christmas is a dilemma

We have a cosmic authority problem

Christmas is an invitation

-Those far from God can now be near

Christmas is huge

Heaven’s perspective is indispensable

God’s kingdom is invincible

Jesus’ reign is inevitable

Have yourself an awe-full Christmas

Resolve Controversy

Rejoice Frequently

Restore Hospitality

Reject Anxiety

How to Practice Lasting Peace:

Prayer/Worship

Supplication

Thanksgiving

Requests

Generosity is commended

Interest is compounded

Giving is rewarded

Family is extended

Whatever happens...Rejoice!

How is "Watch out for those dogs" rejoicing?

Getting rid of religiosity makes LW rejoice!

Uncommon Perspective:

We are always growing

The past can be leveraged for my future

Christ has done the impossible

SINCE THERE IS...YOU WILL...

Encouragement in ChristBe like-minded

Comfort from loveHave the same love

Participation in the SpiritBe one in the Spirit

Affection & SympathyHave one mind/purpose

Humility characterizes the Christian life

Because of the realities we live in as Christians, we can model our character after Christ’s.

MY REALITY IN ADAM:

SINCE THERE IS...I WILL...

AngerBe irritable & defensive

MY REALITY IN CHRIST:

SINCE THERE IS...I WILL...

Joy: an expression of resilient contentment from a heart clearly committed to knowing Christ.

Four ingredients of a perseverant joy:

Consistency

Unity

Bravery

Agony

One of the greatest weapons against the devil is a godly, consistent life

If you bow before God, you can stand before anyone.

Who doesn’t like eating cookies while having a Christmas gag gift exchange?? If that’s you, Epic Student Ministries has come to the rescue. On Sunday, December 3, in the Epic Room from 11:47am-1:40pm we will decorate cookies to give to the families at the Massillon Family Living Center. We have done this for the past few years, and the families are so grateful for our kindness. We will also have a gag gift exchange. Bring a gift from home or buy one. Consider maybe what you would LOVE to get (3 packages of Oreos, phone charging cable…) or what you would HATE to get (giant candy cane, toilet seat…). Be creative to add to the fun.

The enemy is enticing you to become a cheap imitation of who God created you to be.

Our Spirit says: Honor Jesus.

Our Flesh says: I don’t know if Jesus is worth it.

Integrity comes from the Savior being more important than self.

Create pressure rather than being pressured.

Keep removing the mask.

“I’m Fine” robs your Faith

“I’m Fine” limits you to dealing with your brokenness in your own strength.

“I’m Fine” keeps your relationships superficial

I’m not fine, but I trust in the One who will make all things right.

I’m not fine, but I have people in my life who love me and who I trust.

I’m not fine, but I have faith that my greatest discomfort will be my greatest area of growth.

I’m not fine, but my discomfort will serve as a vehicle for others to find life.

When we label, we limit

The longer we hold on to labels, the less they describe our past and the more they determine our future.

You don’t need a new label or a better label; you need a new identity

Your labels may describe you, but your identity defines you

Jesus knows me, this I love

God has initiated the invitation

Our excuses get in the way

We tend to put second things first

God’s relentless pursuit becomes our earthly assignment

The rejecters become the rejected

Self-improvement

Keyword: Self

Spirit-empowerment

Keyword: Spirit

Self-improvement

Focus: Production

Spirit-empowerment

Focus: Connection

Self-improvement

Foundation: Religion

Spirit-empowerment

Foundation: Relationship

Self-improvement

Result: Exhaustion/Frustration

Spirit-empowerment

Result: Transformation/Growth

Self-improvement

Outcome: Pride/Shame

Spirit-empowerment

Outcome: Humility/Dependence

Don’t give the enemy a seat at your table.

Identify the enemy.
Engage the meal.
Examine your thoughts and actions.
Invite a few key people to your table.

Jesus made a fire

Jesus made a breakfast

The heart of the matter is that your heart is what matters

The grace of God always points forward

Your story isn’t finished and your failures are not fatal

The table is a powerful place.

You have a seat at the table.

You have a seat at the table with Jesus.

What matters to Jesus should matter to us

Fear and Discomfort can blind us from seeing people how God does

The heart of God is for his people to be relationally unique

What’s at stake:

-Someone experiencing the greatest relationship for eternity, or not

-People living blinded, bound, and broken and not experiencing abundant life

When we share our faith, our role is to open the doors of possibility.

How do we build bridges?

Care about people.
Find out their story – Ask questions.
Share your experiences and story.
Meet a need.
Don’t be weird!

All people matter to God. Join him in pursuing the people he loves.

Bridge Builders use their influence to point people to Jesus, not themselves

Bridge Builders make sharing Jesus a first priority.

Jesus' last command is our first priority

Jesus calls us to be his witness, not his attorney.

Bridge Builders keep it simple: invite and invest

You salt the earth with your words.

Words of Encouragement
Words of Truth
Words of Peace
Words of Hope
Words of the Gospel

You light the world with your deeds.

Deeds of Compassion
Deeds of Mercy
Deeds of Generosity

Your Spiritual life requires assembly and you don’t have all the instructions.

Instructions:

Choose to be filled with the Spirit.

Intentionally connect with one another on a spiritual level.

Keep perspective by always giving thanks.

Never give up on walking the way of love.

A self-reliant heart is a lukewarm heart.

Being lukewarm isn’t about spiritual temperature; it’s about spiritual temperament.

The question we should ask ourselves isn’t “Am I doing enough,” but rather, “Am I refreshing to be around?”

They were intentional about being in the Word.

They were intentional about taking care of each other.

They were intentional about community.

They were intentional about praising God.

Ruth is not just about romance, it’s about redemption

GOD IS ABLE TO REDEEM ALL THINGS:

In times of disobedience

In times of near-sightedness

In times that we don’t get to see

Religious but Lost

Positioned to Hear and Obey

Begin with Prayer

Listen with Care

Eat Together

Serve in Love

Share your Story

Practice radical, ordinary hospitality

Hospitality is the overflow of the grace of God in your life

Hospitality is an invitation to the inside.

Hospitality is messy

Two foundational barriers to hospitality:

1) Secrets – fear of transparency

2) Selfishness – hiding in middle-class eas

The lawyer was asking a limit-seeking question

What if we just started by loving our actual neighbors?

Others are not the project, I am

The lost cause is God’s passion

The lost cause is Jesus’ mission

The lost cause is our commission 

There is an urgency for what God can do NOW

Pray

Provoke

Persevere

How to judge the right way:

1Examine yourself first.

2Take action on your issue.

3Engage the right person in the right way.

Mindset for correction:

I will believe the best.

I will aim for reconciliation.

I will demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit.

You can’t shepherd pigs.

You can’t shepherd pigs, but you must love them!

Proverbs are not meant to be promises

Training up is aiming

Understand the uniqueness of those entrusted to us

Parent and disciple with eternity in mind

Forgiveness is the heartbeat of God.

Forgiveness is important to God, and He wants it to be important to us.

We are called to forgive the person, not forget the action.

Forgiveness is a process.

Contentment is not the conquering of circumstances

Contentment is not a gift that is given,

Contentment is a lesson that is learned.

You have a story.

Your story is worth sharing.

Your story can change lives.

You have more than one story to tell.

The Holy Spirit empowers and equips every believer.

The language of the Holy Spirit is truth

New Life is impossible without the Holy Spirit

The most important information is that which has the most personal implications

The most important thing about you doesn’t have to be what you’ve done; It can be what’s been done for you

Easter is for everyone, including you

Self-preservation comes out of insecurity

Take responsibility for your...

Faith

Family

Community

Are you looking for a towel or a title?

Faith is not proven by the way I feel his presence, but by the way I deal with his perceived absence

Jesus will only come as far as you let him

Before he demonstrates his authority, he demonstrates his empathy

Tzitzit: tassels

Kanaf: corners

Kanaf: corners, wings

The lie: I am what I do.

The Truth: I am who Jesus says I am.

The lie: I am what others think.

The Truth: I am who Jesus thinks I am.

The lie: I am what I have.

The Truth: I am who Jesus values.

Freedom does not come from truth about Jesus, it comes from Jesus.

The Cost of Following Jesus: Nothing and Everything

The Development of the Disciple:

The Curious Stage

The Convinced Stage

The Committed Stage

The choice between two treasures

The choice between two visions

The choice between two masters

Keep your heart pure

Keep your eye clear

Keep your loyalty sincere

The Kingdom is designed to meet every need:

Poor – Economic and Social Crisis

Captive – Political Crisis

Blind – Physical Crisis

Oppressed – Social Crisis

Never generalize a whole population of people.
Pursue a friendship with someone who looks different than you.
Focus on something bigger than the differences.

Jesus was baptized for us

Revealed to us the Kingdom of Heaven.

Make walking in the Spirit possible

Gave us access to the Father’s Love

The church is essential because of its...

designation
foundation
possession
preservation

Your faith may be personal, but it isn’t private

Jesus establishes the foundation of his Kingdom.

It is upside down.
It raises the standards
It is impossible (on your own)

The message of Jesus is good-news based

The arrival of Jesus is history-making

The kingdom of Jesus is culture-renewing

The life of Jesus is life-changing

Jesus is always the reason for your season

Your life is a collection of seasons

Every season is intentional

God is not bound by our calendars

Myrrh is used to dull pain

Myrrh is used to embalm the dead

Myrrh represents Jesus as the Suffering Servant, the Lamb of God

The position of our High Priest

The heart of our High Priest

The acts of our High Priest

Our response to our High Priest

Priests made sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins.

Priests prayed prayers on behalf of the people to God.

Your thoughts have incredible power.

You have incredible power over your thoughts.

Where are you most prone to negativity?

Cynicism Negative filtering Absolute thinking Blaming

You silence negativity by meditating on Truth.

Common Mistakes that Lead to Burnout:

We run ourselves into the groundWe shut people outWe focus on the negative

Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is take a nap

He whispers because He is always close

Anxiety isn’t a sin, it is a signal

It's time to PRAY

It's time to PAUSE

It's time to PRAISE

Make the first move

Ask God for wisdom

Begin with what's my fault

Listen for their hurt and their perspective

Share your heart tactfully

Choose reconciliation

Tearing down walls moves us from hostility to peace

Tearing down walls moves us from strangers to family

Tearing down walls takes us from falling apart to uniting together.

The Wall of Protection
The Wall of Expectations
The Wall of Shame

Spiritual growth is meant to happen in community, not isolation

“Koinonia”
Level 1: to be with
Level 2: to have something in common
Level 3: teammates, partners, associates
Level 4: intimate community of faith

Best way to avoid being lost in the crowd is to be found in community

Barrier #1 - “I don’t know who”
Proximity: start with who is already right in front of you

Barrier #2 – “I don’t know how”
Initiative: You Go First!

Never in the history of civilization have we been more connected yet felt more alone

We are built to belong

Five tastes of perfect belonging: Barriers:

Togetherness Genesis 3:8 Busyness
Transparency Genesis 2:25 Shame/Pain
Accountability Genesis 2:17 Pride
Shared purpose Genesis 2:15 Shallow/Small Talk
Consistency Genesis 3:21-23 Conflict

Jesus came to restore all that has been lost.

Be honest with yourself
Unite for the mission
Rely on God’s Word
Never go back

An intention without a plan is a pre-meditated failure.

The call of Jesus: ALL of you for ALL of him.

Our Christian life does not begin with our decision to follow Jesus, but with his invitation to do so.

Be honest with yourself Unite for the mission Rely on God’s Word Never go back

Do not mistake knowing “The Jesus” with knowing the “Lord Jesus”.

Jesus is the Word in human form.

Trade your scripts for the Scripture. It has a high cost, but a far greater return than can be imagined.

In order to grow up, there are some things we have to give up

Be honest with yourself Unite with the mission Rely on God’s Word Never go back

God repurposes your past to focus your future

Uniting with the mission demands our effort.

Be honest with yourself Unite with the mission Rely on God’s Word Never go back

Being honest with yourself requires a confrontation with the truth

The biggest threat to you living in pursuit of Jesus is yourself.

Prayer is connection.

Prayer is practicing principles, not following formulas.

Earnest prayer often changes outward circumstances, but always changes me.

Our tongue although small can affect the direction of not only our life but the lives of the people around us

A contained fire brings life but a wildfire leads to unrighteousness

We fail when we rely on ourselves to do what only God can do

We aren't here to judge a broken world, we're here to spread Jesus so God can change our broken world

Talk to God Worship God Be in community with those around us

Favoritism according to James: 1) In how we treat people 2) In how we speak to people 3) In how we think about people

The heart issue of favoritism leads to the manifest action of discrimination

Stop Showing favoritism: 1) It is inconsistent with the heart of God 2) It is not how we want to be treated 3) It is a sin 4) It affects how merciful God will be toward us

What do I do with this? 1) Repent – Ask God to forgive 2) Reveal – Ask God to reveal your blindspot 3) Reverse – Go back and take action to make it right

What provokes you reveals you

We are not called to get rid of our emotions, we are called to submit them

It matters that you listen

It matters what you listen to

It matters how you listen

Manage your mindset

Let the process reveal the profit

Seek wisdom found in faith

Grit – Strength of character that refuses to quit.

What is your unfinished business?

Keep taking another step.

You are never alone.

Every interaction is an opportunity to add value

Every resource is an opportunity to multiply

Every prompting is an opportunity to obey God

Obedience is our responsibility, the outcome is God’s

Generosity is a lifestyle, not an isolated act.

God is generous.

Generosity brings joy; Greed brings guilt. Generosity brings community; Greed brings isolation. Generosity accelerates spiritual growth; Greed stunts it.

I will seek first the One who matters most. I am devoted to Jesus.

Be the Branch

Connection leads to production

Pre-decide a time. Pre-decide a place. Pre-decide a plan.

Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally.

Daniel didn’t learn to trust in the lion's den, he learned it in prayer.

When you find your why, you will find a way.

Being consistent isn’t the same as being perfect.

How do we grow in consistency? 1) Start with the why 2) Plan to fail 3) Fall in love with the process

You’re not successful when you achieve the goal in the future. You’re successful when you honor God today.

There is always more at stake than what we see at the moment

3 Keys to Fighting Temptation: 1. Move the line. 2. Magnify the cost. 3. Plan your escape

Don’t use your disappointments to justify your disobedience.

Your decisions determine the quality of your life.

When your values are clear, your decisions become clear.

When faced with _____________ (this situation) I have Pre-Decided to ___________ (take this action).

I will decide to be: Ready Consistent Devoted Generous Faithful A Finisher

A CHOSEN FAMILY... + CAN START IN THE MOST UNLIKELY OF PLACES + LOVES WELL + BUILDS EACH OTHER UP

Am I closer to God because of this person? Your chosen family matters

When I’s Collide: You leave You win and partner conforms You compromise

Expectations create a debt/debtor relationship

A Christian marriage is a submission competition

Healthy couples Put each other first by going first in an effort to be last

Marriage is meant to be the clearest picture of Christ’s love and sacrifice for you.

Confess: Take responsibility for turning your desires into expectations?

Ask: Where do you feel pressure to live up to my expectations? Ask: What can I do to make our marriage richer?

1Reward: What’s rewarded is repeated

How do we honor our parents? - By remembering the good and the sacrifice made for you. - By being kind - By becoming the person God created you to become - By creating healthy boundaries

How do we train and instruct our kids? - With scriptural truth - With an understanding of what they need in each stage of life - By example - With hope

Tevah: life-preserver, life-saver

Take notice of who has supported you

Take responsibility for your own failures

Take hold of the purpose for which God created you

Before there can be a New Life, there has to be a death

Baptism is a burial

Baptism represents cleansing

Baptism is a bonding agent

Before there can be a New Life, there has to be a death

Baptism is a burial

Baptism represents cleansing

Baptism is a bonding agent

When things don’t add up, go where you find Jesus.

Never let go of Jesus’ words.

Hope rises with each new truth we discover and believe.

Do you believe Jesus rose from the dead? Will you give him the Leadership of your life?

God allows us to make our own choices

The prodigal son left intentionally

Do you just want God to make your life better, or to make you better?

Salvation is a choice of reality, not quantity

The Father is always looking and he can see a long way.

The Father chooses to humiliate himself in order to spare his child from judgment.

There are two lost sons in this story, but one doesn’t know it.

Come home to the Father and join him in what he is doing.

The Father sent Jesus to bring his lost children home again.

The religious have a very narrow view of who God cares about.

Team religious? or Team Jesus?

You can’t have community as long as you have people pretending

You can’t have real community without commitment

Real community is taking what you have been given and sharing it with others

What do I consistently sacrifice my time for? God longs for time with you.

The amount of time +The type of content = Conform or Transform

Is it holy and is it pleasing to God?

Is Jesus the only way to heaven?

The narrowness of Christ alone is true kindness.

Can faith and science coexist? Science can be a bridge for faith

If God is loving, why would He allow bad things to happen? - Have you had someone ask you this? - Have you asked this?

We see so much happening in the world around us, and it is easy to question why a God who we read about being good and holy would allow evil and suffering to occur.

God changes labels and rewrites stories.

Uncluttered pursuit of God’s mission

Undivided attention in the moment

Jesus lived in the moment Don’t blink. Your best days are now. Don’t miss what you have now, pursuing what you want later.

Unbroken fellowship with the Father

Pray in your... Waking moments Waiting moments Whispering moments Waning moments

Unhurried rhythms of grace

God, help me walk slowly enough to experience Jesus fully and love people deeply.

Sit. Stand. Walk.

Where is our culture moving us?

Invite & Invest

Whatever it takes

Grace is a Guarantee

Don't do Live Alone

God’s Not Done

Driven by New Life

Testify

The significance of individual people in our journey of faith

Being Real > Being Right

2 Cor 3:3 NIV - You are a letter from Christ, written no with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts

IT’S NOT SAFER IN THE SHALLOW!

Christianity is less about doing and more about becoming

1) Loving your neighbor is doing what is good and right for the people near you. Defeats selfishness 2) Loving your neighbor crosses racial & ethnic lines. Defeats bigotry 3) Loving your neighbor is showing the same mercy God has shown you. Defeats judgement

Strong faith is often a result of the greatest doubts. Don’t Doubt Alone.

Go AFTR Jesus - Pursue defining moments in your life.

3 Things For You Today: 1. Jesus sees you. 2. Your “lunch” matters. 3. Let Jesus decide how He uses your “lunch.”

The world does not need perfect men. There are none. The world needs me who relentlessly follow a perfect Savior.

Move toward greater generosity: 1) Exchange scarcity for security. 2) Put together a plan. 3) Remind yourself of the joy of giving. 4) Think long term.

Less is more / Stress is bad / Giving is good / Tomorrow matters

Impress the Next Generation

If greatness is covered up in us, how do we uncover it?

Do what I can do. Give God what I can’t do. Trust God no matter what!

Today we talk about friendship. What does the bible say about it? How many friends can someone actually have? What does friendship look like?

Reframe your thoughts

How do I create new pathways?

Most of Life’s battles are won or lost in the mind.

In this episode we talk about: Getting back to Church & what parents are willing to pay to take a vacation from their kids.

When people trust in Jesus what's true of him becomes true of them

This week we talk about cancel culture and how that relates to the Cleveland Indians. What should our Christian response be?

He is risen. Now what? 1) We’ve got to stick together. 2) We’ve got to sit. 3) We’ve got to receive.

LWCAST ep6 - Unexpected suicide rate | Constructing, Deconstructing and, Reconstructing your faith.

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.

April 2nd is Good Friday. It is only good because of Jesus sacrifice. It is a day filled with sorrow and pain, but also a deep gratitude. Today, we take a few moments to remember a sacrifice so bold, it forever changed human history. A sacrifice so deep it carried the weight of the sin of the entire world, past, present and future. A sacrifice so rich, it brings forgiveness and new life to all who believe.

Together, we are going to look at Scripture, share our understanding of what Jesus did and then participate in the most sacred of traditions.

LWCAST ep5 - Best viral Easter video, and how 1 invite can change a life.

Grapes grow in clusters - community

In today's episode, we talk about Holy week... what is it? Also how much did we gain over the pandemic?

The Trellis: Practices put in place to allow the work of Jesus to grow in our lives

Top 5 villains, March madness, the sex talk

We cannot flourish and produce fruit without pruning. God does not waste our pain, but prepares us to bear good fruit.

This week we talk about our top 5 marvel heroes and how to live in your passion in the midst of pain.

God loves to watch things grow - He loves to watch you grow

In Him we are people of praise

“In Him” you are whole: Defeating Fear, Anxiety, Anger, & Depression

Just as Christ Jesus desires for us to be “In Him”, he desires that we be in a healthy relationship with each other. In fact he lays down the groundwork to help us live and thrive in Responsive Relationships with Him and your other. I invite you to discover the all-important truth in how to defeat loneliness and isolation as you live your life “In Him”

Our up and coming generation (our childern and teenagers) are known and loved by God. They should be known and loved by us. They matter to God. They should matter to us. They have importance and influence. Let’s encourage them in each of these things.

You are invited to join Jesus in what He is doing. We are part of something bigger than ourselves. Your role matters!

Big Idea- In the Midst of Crisis: We need to know Truth, We need to talk Truth, We need to act on Truth

Join in on the conversation at https://lwchurch.live

We are real people, living relevant lives, relentlessly pursuing new life in Jesus Christ.

Big Idea: Talk about what you are reading, learning, experiencing in your faith walk.

Join in on the conversation at https://lwchurch.live

We are real people, living relevant lives, relentlessly pursuing new life in Jesus Christ.

Big Idea: We are in a Crisis of faith because we don’t know or Trust the Scripture

Join in on the conversation at https://lwchurch.live

We are real people, living relevant lives, relentlessly pursuing new life in Jesus Christ.

2020 pulled the rug out from under all of us and heading into 2021 isn’t changing a thing. We are stumbling and bumbling our way through and hoping we can figure things out. The result for many is a greater sense of loss and a growing lack of hope. The pandemic has not created a crisis of faith in the church, it has revealed it. Where is your hope? Where is your faith? Where is the rock on which you can withstand any storm? Let’s figure out how to leverage hardship to shape us into the very image and glory of God. Join us in January as we take this Crisis of Faith head on!

Join in on the conversation at https://lwchurch.live

We are real people, living relevant lives, relentlessly pursuing new life in Jesus Christ.

Join in on the conversation at https://lwchurch.live

We are real people, living relevant lives, relentlessly pursuing new life in Jesus Christ.

When our world is divided and people are hurting, what’s our responsibility as followers of Christ? Where do we even start? Are we even unified in approach? In this series, we will learn to stand together and learn how we can embrace the role God wants us to play in bringing unity and healing.

Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee.

Every temptation is an invitation to depend on Christ.

Trust that what you are given is greater than what you are giving up.

In order for us to experience the power of grace, we must face the reality of our brokenness.

Jesus is inviting you to join him in rescuing lost people far from home.

Many of us have tried to get God off our trail, but we cannot because He will always be there. Why? The answer is Love! Not only is God described as love, but love is the main theme of our existence. It is the very purpose for which we were created. We are the objects of God’s love and nothing can change that. This is why God reaches out to us again and again with something called grace. Join us as we dive into the book of Hosea and see God paint a picture of His scandalous grace. It is a grace that breaks the rules to bring us back home again.

In uncertainty, we can approach God with confidence, expect that God knows what He is doing, and we can rejoice.

We control what we think. We control what we say. We have control over what we do. We are in control of our attitude.

Be aware, Be humble, Show authentic love & Fight for peace.

Love God - Love others. Seek justice. Love mercy.

Generosity breaks the cycle of scarcity and creates a new cycle of supply.

Enthusiasm is not a product of the environment as much as a posture of our hearts.

Ownership Sunday

This year we are partnering with FOR EVERY GIRL to raise money to fight gender violence in Liberia Africa. Join us at lwchurch.com/christmasgive

It's time to declare war on the version of ourself that we don't want to be. Fight against the negativity retrain your thoughts and take hold of them.

Next vision of LW

To see our first service go to youtube.com/lwchurch

Release whats with in you, So God can revive whats around you.

Release | Receive | Respond | Repeat