Branch Church: Recent Episodes
Mason Adair
Welcome to the weekly podcast of Branch Church in Peabody, Massachusetts. To learn more visit our website at http://www.branchchurchonline.com or download the Branch Church App.
The walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt, but God wasn't finished because His people still needed revival. In Nehemiah 8, we'll discover how true spiritual renewal begins with a hunger for God's Word, leads to repentance, and produces lasting joy and obedience. Join us as we see that revival still begins the same way today, when God's people return to His Word with open hearts.
As Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem rebuild the city's walls, they quickly discover that every step of obedience is met with opposition. This message explores how God's people can expect resistance, depend on God, encourage one another, and stand firm when the enemy pushes back. Discover how God equips His people to keep building His Kingdom even in the midst of spiritual battle.
Before God does a great work through us, He first does a great work in us. In Nehemiah 1, discover the four ways God prepares ordinary people for extraordinary purposes: by giving them a burden, deepening their prayer life, reminding them of His promises, and preparing their position. If you've ever wondered how God leads people into His calling, this message is for you.
Ezra 9 reminds us that God's call to holiness has always been about wholehearted devotion, not outward appearances. Through Israel's compromise, Ezra's brokenhearted response, and his prayer of repentance, we see that sin always threatens our worship—but God's mercy always invites us back. This message challenges us to examine what may be competing for our affection and to take our next step toward repentance, faithfulness, and deeper worship of Christ.
The Temple had been rebuilt, but God's people still needed renewal. In Ezra 7, we discover how God uses ordinary people who are devoted to His Word to bring extraordinary transformation. Join us as we learn why studying, obeying, and sharing God's truth is still the foundation of spiritual renewal today.
When God's people stopped rebuilding the temple, God spoke through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to expose the real issue: misplaced priorities. In this message from Ezra 5 and Haggai 1, we'll discover that everyone is building something, but only a life centered on God's Kingdom leads to lasting purpose, satisfaction, and joy. Allow yourself to be challenged to put Christ first, trust His provision, and experience the greatest promise of all, His presence.
In Ezra 4, we discover that opposition is not a sign that God has abandoned His work, but often evidence that He is actively accomplishing it. As the returned exiles begin rebuilding the temple, they face compromise, discouragement, delays, and resistance, yet God's purposes remain unstoppable. This message reminds us that faithfulness in difficult seasons is not about seeing immediate results, but trusting that God is still working even when progress seems stalled.
After seventy years in exile, God's people return to Jerusalem ready to rebuild their lives. Yet before they rebuild the city, the temple, or their homes, they rebuild the altar and restore their worship. In Ezra 3, we'll discover that the greatest need in any season of restoration is not a change in our circumstances but a renewed relationship with God.
More than 150 years before Cyrus was born, God declared that he would help rebuild Jerusalem. In this opening message of The New Exodus, we'll see how God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and restoring grace are on display as He brings His people home from Babylon. The same God who restored Israel is still restoring lives today.
Two men hung beside Jesus on crosses that day. Both were guilty. Both were suffering. Both were equally close to the Savior. Yet one rejected Jesus while the other placed his faith in Him and received the promise of paradise. In this powerful message, Partners in Life, we'll explore the story of the thief on the cross and discover how our response to Jesus points to our eternal destiny.
What does the Bible really say about the antichrist? In this message through Daniel, Revelation, and 2 Thessalonians, we examine the rise of the antichrist, the spirit of deception already active in our world, and why biblical prophecy was given not to create panic or obsession, but endurance and faithfulness to Jesus Christ — the true King who will reign forever.
This week in Daniel 7, we shift from the stories of lions’ dens and fiery furnaces into the strange and powerful world of prophecy and apocalyptic vision. As Daniel sees terrifying beasts, arrogant kingdoms, and heavenly thrones, one truth rises above the chaos: God is sovereign over history, nations, and the future. In a world filled with fear, uncertainty, and shifting kingdoms, this message reminds us that Jesus is the eternal King we can fully trust.
Daniel 6 reminds us that even in a hostile culture, faithfulness to God still matters. As an old man in a new kingdom, Daniel’s integrity, prayer life, and unwavering trust in God set him apart and led him straight into the lions’ den. Through it all, we see a powerful truth: God may not keep us from difficult situations, but He will be present with us in the middle of them.
Daniel 5 confronts the danger of pride and the reality that knowing truth is not the same as surrendering to it. Through the story of King Belshazzar, we’re reminded that God’s warnings are real, His patience is not endless, and His judgment is certain. This sermon challenges us to stop ignoring what we already know and begin living it out with humility, discipline, and full surrender to God.
It’s easy to believe “I built this” when life is going well, but pride quietly pulls us away from God. Through the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, we see how God lovingly confronts pride and restores those who turn back to Him. This sermon invites us to stop living for our own kingdom and start living fully dependent on God, for His glory.
In week three of our Babylon series, we look at Daniel 3 and the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to understand what it means to stand firm when faith is tested. We’re reminded of this truth: we seek the good of Babylon, but we never bow down to Babylon. This message challenges us to develop an “even if” faith—one that refuses to bow, trusts God in the fire, and becomes a powerful witness to those watching.
This week in our Babylon series, the pressure intensifies for Daniel as survival—not just faithfulness—comes into focus. In the middle of uncertainty and fear, we see that while Babylon appears powerful, God is ultimately in control over every kingdom and every future. Be encouraged as we’re reminded that we can live with confidence in Babylon because God is sovereign over it all.
In this opening message of the Babylon series, we explore how the story of Daniel reveals that believers can live in a culture opposed to God without losing their identity in Him. As Babylon sought to redefine, pressure, and reshape Daniel and his friends, we see timeless truths about standing firm in conviction, living with faithful presence, and trusting God’s sovereignty even in difficult seasons. This sermon challenges us to settle our faith inwardly so we can remain faithful outwardly—living in the world without becoming like it.
This Easter message centers on the powerful truth that because Jesus is risen, we have a living hope that goes beyond anything this world can offer. In a world full of temporary and fading hopes, we’ll discover how the resurrection anchors us with peace, purpose, and confidence—even in life’s hardest moments. Join us as we explore how true hope is found in Christ alone, and how that hope can transform your life today and for eternity.
This message unpacks Jesus’ declaration “It is finished,” revealing the cross not as a tragedy, but as the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. Through Scripture, we see that Jesus fully satisfied the Law, absorbed God’s wrath, defeated the enemy, and secured salvation once and for all. Because of His finished work, we don’t strive to earn God’s favor—we rest in the victory already won through Christ.
This sermon tackles the most important question in history—did Jesus truly rise from the dead—and honestly explores what would be lost if the resurrection were not true. Walking through 1 Corinthians 15, it shows that without the resurrection, our faith is empty, our sins remain, and death still wins. But through compelling historical evidence and real-life transformation, it points to a confident hope: Jesus is alive, and that changes everything.
Jesus’ powerful letter to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3 shares the danger of a lukewarm, self-sufficient faith. While the church believed they were spiritually rich, Jesus revealed their true need and lovingly called them to repentance and renewed dependence on Him. The invitation still stands today—Christ is knocking, offering restored fellowship and the true riches found only in Him.
In our continuing journey through Jesus’ letters to the seven churches in Revelation, we come to the faithful church of Philadelphia—a church that received no rebuke, only encouragement. Though small and opposed, they held fast to Christ, and He—the One who holds the key of David—opened doors of opportunity that no one could shut. This message reminds us that Jesus loves faithfulness, promises vindication and protection, and calls us to hold tightly to what we have as citizens of His unshakable Kingdom.
Jesus’ letter to the church in Sardis delivers a sobering warning to a congregation that looked spiritually alive but was actually dead. This message calls us to trade reputation for repentance, urging an honest spiritual diagnosis and a return to wholehearted dependence on Christ. True revival isn’t emotional hype—it’s a Spirit-led awakening that produces lasting obedience, perseverance, and overcoming faith.
In this message from Revelation 2:18–29, the church at Thyatira is revealed as a congregation that was thriving in love, faith, service, and spiritual growth—yet dangerously compromised at its core. Through the striking image of a healthy body hiding a life-threatening disease, this sermon exposes the subtle danger of cultural compromise and the high cost of tolerating false teaching in the name of love or survival. Ultimately, it is a sobering yet hope-filled call for the believer to hold tightly to Christ, reject compromise, and cling to the promise of the Morning Star.
This sermon walks through Jesus’ letter to the church in Pergamum, revealing Him as the One with the sharp two-edged sword—whose Word both comforts and confronts with absolute authority. It celebrates a church that remained faithful under intense persecution yet exposes the danger of tolerating compromise and redefining obedience from within. The message calls believers to repent, reject cultural compromise, and find true fulfillment in wholehearted allegiance to Christ alone.
Jesus’ letter to the church in Smyrna reminds us that faithfulness to Him may lead to suffering, loss, and even persecution—but none of it goes unseen. Though the world may call them poor and powerless, Jesus calls His suffering people spiritually rich and promises that their trials have a purpose and a time limit. In the end, He urges believers to stay faithful no matter the cost, holding tightly to the hope of eternal life and the crown that only He can give.
Jesus’ letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3 show us what He praises, what He corrects, and what He desires in His church. In this message on the church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7), we see a congregation strong in doctrine, service, and perseverance—yet drifting from their first love for Christ. Discover Jesus’ call to remember, repent, and return to a vibrant, love-filled relationship with Him before faithful activity replaces genuine devotion.
Why does the enemy hate the Bible so much? In this message from Matthew 13:19, we explore how God’s Word brings truth, freedom, and transformation—and why Satan works so hard to distort, distract from and keep it misunderstood. From Genesis to Revelation, discover how the Bible points to Jesus and declares the enemy’s defeat—reminding believers that we don’t fight for victory, we live from it.
This message explores what happens when God’s Word is trusted and applied in our lives. The Bible exposes who we really are, leads us to Jesus for redemption, and then transforms us into something entirely new. It doesn’t make you a better version of yourself—it makes you more like Christ.
This sermon presents a clear, evidence-based case for the reliability and truth of the Bible, showing that Christianity is rooted in verifiable history—not blind faith. Through archaeology, manuscript evidence, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and non-Christian historical sources, it demonstrates that Scripture stands up to the highest standards of historical scrutiny. Ultimately, it calls listeners to trust the Bible because Jesus Himself trusted it, inviting both the mind and the heart to respond in faith.
This message launches a new year and a new journey by reminding us that the Bible is not just a book to read, but God’s living Word meant to shape how we think, live, and follow Him. We’ll discover that Scripture is our source of absolute truth, spiritual victory, growth, and daily guidance in a world filled with competing voices. As we commit to God’s Word in 2026, we learn that when we consistently apply it, God uses it to transform us from the inside out.
In this message, we strip away the noise and return to the heart of the Christmas story—Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh. Through John 1 and Philippians 2, we explore why this baby King is unlike any ruler before or after Him, and how His incarnation, humility, and obedience changed the course of history. This teaching calls us back to sound doctrine, true worship, and living as light-bearers in response to the glory of Christ.
The Christmas story reveals a surprising truth: God chose to announce the birth of His Son not to the powerful or religious elite, but to overlooked outsiders like shepherds. From the fields of Bethlehem to a well in Samaria, Jesus consistently pursued those who felt unworthy, unseen, and far from God. This message reminds us that Christmas is not about qualifying for God’s grace—but realizing He has already come looking for us.
The Christmas story is not only filled with joy, angels, and worship—it also includes fear, power struggles, and a threatened king willing to do evil to protect his throne. In Matthew 2, we see how outsiders are invited to worship Jesus, while those who cling to control hear good news as bad news and allow fear to disguise itself as spiritual wisdom. This message reminds us that when God is in it, nothing can stop it—and the wisest response to God’s unstoppable plan is surrender and worship, not resistance and fear.
In this message, we explore how God carried out the greatest rescue mission the world has ever known in a way no one expected — quietly, humbly, and in places most would overlook. Through Mary’s story in Luke 1, we see that God’s plan began in an unlikely place, came with an impossible promise, and advanced through humble surrender. Christmas reminds us that God still works in hidden ways today, inviting us to trust His plan even when we don’t fully understand it.
In 1 John 5:1-13, John writes to believers who were shaken by false teachers, spiritual confusion, and internal doubts, reminding them that nothing matters more than knowing they possess eternal life. In this passage, he gives three clear marks of eternal life, reveals God’s own testimony about His Son, and offers believers unshakable assurance. This message calls every listener to move from “I hope so” to “I know so,” because God Himself has spoken.
1 John 4:13–21 explores the Apostle John’s astonishing claim that God Himself lives in His people—a miracle that fuels our assurance and empowers us to love others. John teaches that the Holy Spirit is the undeniable proof of our salvation, and that if God truly lives in us, His love must flow through us, shaping how we treat the people we encounter every day.
1 John 4:7-12 unpacks God’s agape love—its call, its nature, and its ultimate proof through the sacrificial work of Jesus. It shows that true Christian love isn’t manufactured by us but produced by the Holy Spirit and grounded in God’s own character. And it challenges believers to complete the “circuit” of God’s love by letting it flow through us so others can encounter Him.
In a world where truth and lies often look the same, John calls us to spiritual discernment. From 1 John 4:1–6, we learn how to test the spirits, trust the Holy Spirit, and stand firm in God’s truth. When we build our beliefs on God’s Word and rely on His Spirit, we can confidently stand firm in truth — no matter how convincing the lies may seem.
In 1 John 3:11-24, the Apostle John challenges believers to move from words to action in our love for others. Real love meets needs, sacrifices comfort, and reflects Christ’s example on the cross. When our love is active, it strengthens our assurance and displays the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
In 1 John 3:1-10, the Apostle John unpacks what it truly means to belong to God as His children. When we understand our identity in Christ, we stop chasing sin and start reflecting the purity, holiness and love of Jesus in our daily lives. This sermon challenges believers to live out their new nature, showing by their actions who they truly belong to.
In 1 John 2:18-24, John tells us that we’re living in the “last hour,” and deception is real and enticing — it’s dressed up as truth within it. He warns believers to stay alert, grounded in God’s Word, and filled with His Spirit so we can spot lies that sound spiritual. In a world chasing new revelations, the call is clear: hold fast to the truth we’ve already received in Jesus Christ.
In 1 John 2:15–17, the Apostle John warns believers not to fall in love with a world that’s passing away. The enemy uses the same old traps—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—to pull our hearts away from God. But Jesus shows us how to see through the lies, reject temporary pleasures, and live for what truly lasts.
In 1 John 2:12-14, the apostle John pauses to assure believers of the blessings they already possess in Christ. Whether young in faith or spiritually mature, every Christian can stand confident in God’s grace and grow from milk to solid food.
1 John 2:7-11 dives into how holding onto offense can block us from living in the light and loving others like Jesus. It shows how unity in the Church isn’t just nice—it’s powerful and deeply reflects the heart of God. We’re challenged to let go of bitterness, forgive freely, and live in a way that points others to Jesus.
In 1 John 1:8–10, the apostle John reminds us that denying our sin only leads to deception, but confessing our sin leads to forgiveness and freedom. Confession is not a sign of weakness but of humility and faith, opening the door for God’s cleansing power and victory through Christ. As believers, we are not called to perfection but to continual growth, trusting that God will finish the good work He has begun in us.
1 John 1:5-7 emphasizes that God is light—pure, holy, and without darkness—and calls believers to live in that light. John’s words both expose false teachers and affirm true believers by showing that genuine faith is marked by walking in holiness, repentance, and truth. Walking in the light not only deepens fellowship with God but also strengthens fellowship with other believers, reflecting the love and unity of the family of God.
Bad theology hurts people! John’s letter is a direct response to heresy in defense of the gospel and the Christian faith. We may not have the exact same historical heresies in the modern Christian faith, but we do have the same heart struggles. In 1 John 1:1-4, John will give us 4 essential doctrinal truths that we'll unpack in this sermon.
God created you to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Engaging in the body of Christ and His mission includes us but goes beyond us. This message looks at Acts 2:42-47 and draws out 6 characteristics found in the first church in Jerusalem.
If your past—your hardships, pain, or struggles—have felt like weighted chains and have affected your relationship with God, it’s time to allow the truth of God’s Word to set you free! Allow God's Word to teach you that pain and suffering are not obstacles from being used by God, but opportunities that enrich His greater purpose for our lives.
For thousands of years the deep question of "why am I here" has been asked. God tells us through His Word that we were not born an accident or out of chance. We were made for more! This message looks at Colossians 1:13 and draw out 3 truth's that help answer the question, why am I here?
2 Samuel 24 is the final chapter of David's life, focusing on his moral failure, the consequences of his actions and God’s mercy. This message reveals God to us in 4 distinct ways and leaves us with a picture of hope in Jesus Christ.
2 Samuel 22 is a song from King David. It's a personal song to God that describes God as his hope, rescuer and restorer. This message will show us how God can be our hope, rescuer and restorer. All because of a Jesus!
David had failed God, but God did not fail David. Even though David needed to endure the consequences of his sins, God did not forsake David. In fact, God restores David's kingdom and through the pain of God's disciple, God did work in his heart. This was seen in how David responds to Shimei, Mephibosheth and Barzillai.
David's sins were forgiven but he still suffered the consequences. You can always be forgiven but you can't un-sin. Despite the harvest of David's sin, God was at work. This message focuses on how God uses our mistakes to grow us deeper and closer to Him. God is not rejecting you, He is restoring you.
David's story in 2 Samuel 12 illustrates the anatomy of biblical confession, highlighting the importance of recognizing and owning one's sins before God. Through the prophet Nathan, God confronts David, leading him to confess his sins and seek forgiveness, as depicted in Psalm 51. True confession involves a broken spirit and repentance, which God desires and does not reject.
2 Samuel 11 is about David's sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. The overall takeaway is to never underestimate the persuasive power of Satan's schemes. At the same time, never underestimate the power of God's grace. This is a message of hope. May it remind you of God's grace and redemption for all who seek it.
In 2 Samuel 9, King David seeks out a family member of Saul and chooses to extend kindness and grace. This sermon looks at how God has extended kindness and grace towards us in the gospel.
In 2 Samuel 7, God makes a covenant with David that a greater King would come through his lineage. Jesus was the eternal King promised by God to David. This message focuses on the fact that God always keeps His promises!
As David becomes the king of Israel in 2 Samuel, we'll look at the qualities that made him "a man after God's own heart." And yet, despite these great qualities Satan knew David’s weakness and what would ultimately become a stain in his legacy.
In 1 Samuel 25, a woman named Abigail saves David from a moral struggle. When David couldn’t see it, God sent someone to speak truth in his life. Everyone has lapses of judgment. Everyone gets caught in weak moments. We all need Abigails in our lives – even if we think we’re a David. This message emphasizes the need for faith, patience and godly counsel in difficult situations.
What do we do when life makes an unexpected turn for the worst? David is faced with a solution in the cave of En Gedi. King Saul, who has been chasing him for a while, enters his cave and David has 2 options. 1) Take matters into his own hands or, 2) trust God and wait on His timing. This message will encourage you to wait on the Lord.
David had a special friendship with King Saul's son, Jonathan. In normal circumstances, Jonathan would be king but because of his father's disobedience, God rejected Saul's house and chose David to be king of Israel. Surprisingly Jonathan never shows the slightest hint of jealousy or resentment towards David. This unique friendship will show us not only WHY friendships are important but HOW to go about developing them.
David is most known for his dramatic encounter with a giant named Goliath. This showdown deals with a fundamental question and obstacle in how we deal with fear. This message will look us right in the face and force us to evaluate our level of courage and faith in trusting and obeying God.
In 1 Samuel 16, God sends His prophet Samuel to anoint a new king out of Jesse's sons. David wasn't the first choice or even the last choice… he was the FORGOTTEN choice! But God saw something in David that no one else saw.
When Jesus died, the disciples were scared, confused, depressed and lost. They had no desire to continue His mission. It died with Him on the cross… BUT WHEN THE ANGEL SPOKE, He is Risen – THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING!
Luke chapter 23 records the secret trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Along the way we'll see a glimpse of individuals that encounter Jesus in His final moments. From Pilate, King Herod, Simon the Cyrene, the thief on the cross, Barabbas, to Joseph of Arimathea. Allow Luke's perspective of the death of Jesus to lead you to the hope of the resurrection.
Luke records the last day before Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. It is filled with Jesus being rejected, hated, betrayed, denied, abandoned, wrongly accused and condemned. This was all prophesied and foretold in God's Word hundreds of years before it happened. The beauty, passion and obedience to God's plan was seen of Jesus in Luke 22 when He says, "not my will, but your will be done."
As Jesus enters Jerusalem there is hope and expectation for the Jewish people and anger and criminal conspiracy from the religious leaders. We see this hope and celebration from the Jews when they welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. While in Jerusalem, Jesus shares the parable of the evil farmers. The parable is a story of God’s relationship with Israel. This message looks at the key teaching point from Jesus's parable; He is the stone that the builders rejected and has now become the cornerstone.
In Luke 19, Jesus shares a parable that focuses on being faithful with what God has entrusted to us. Some are given more, some are given less but all are given by the grace of God so that we could use it for His Kingdom and Glory. How we manage and invest what God has given us matters to the one who gave them!
Luke 18 is a series of events that describe who can approach God. Jesus answered this topic by saying that what is impossible for man is possible through God. This message reinforces the fact we cannot save or justify ourselves.
In Luke 16, Jesus gave the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This parable informs humanity that there is life after death. Our soul will either find itself in heaven or hell. This message shares the truths from this parable and other parts of the Bible to give us a clear picture of the afterlife... and most importantly, how to get to heaven.
In Luke 15, the Pharisees ask Jesus why He was eating, teaching and ministering to the “outcasts” of society. Jesus responds to that question with the 3 "lost" parables. In sharing these parables, Jesus extends the heart and actions of God towards the "outcasts" that the Pharisees viewed as inconveniences. This look into the "lost" parables will help the heart that has become bitter and hard towards sinners.
What is the greatest threat to your soul? Whatever keeps you from God. And not every threat will be sin. In fact, for many of us, perhaps most of the greatest threats to our souls are not sin, but some good God himself has given to us. In Luke 14, Jesus shares a story and gives excuses and reasons why people will miss the banquet in heaven.
Jesus was a man of prayer. In His humanity, He sought strength and guidance from the Father in prayer. This message looks at Luke 11 where Jesus gives His disciples insight into prayer and teaches them how to pray.
In Luke 10, Jesus shares the Parable of the Good Samaritan to an expert of the Law. He asked a question to test Jesus but Jesus took it as an opportunity to teach this man and us the importance of loving our neighbor. Oftentimes, our “neighbor” is often not someone we would choose but God would choose for us. Allow this parable to remind you that inconveniences are often opportunities God wants us to pursue in loving our neighbors.
Luke chapter 9 includes 4 events that send the disciples on a roller coaster of emotions. This message takes the listener/viewer on a road trip to relive and discover the truth's about Jesus and His purpose found in this incredible chapter.
In Luke 8, Jesus shares the parable of the 4 soils. It describes 4 different ways we respond to the Word of God. This message will encourage you to consider the condition of your heart because that will affect the way you respond to God.
In Luke 6, Luke shares 2 occurrences regarding Jesus and the Sabbath. Jesus had broken one of the traditions the Pharisees had attached to the Sabbath. Jesus responds by saying He is over the Sabbath. This message looks at how Jesus is not just over the Sabbath, He became the Sabbath for us and helps answer the question, should Christians still keep the Sabbath?
In Luke 4, Luke records the showdown between Jesus and Satan in the wilderness. There's a lot at stake if Jesus fails. If Satan succeeds in tempting Jesus to sin, then Jesus could not be the perfect, spotless Lamb of God who would take away our sins. Thankfully Jesus does prevail. In the text, Jesus reveals Satan’s strategies against us and how we can defeat him!
In Luke 3:1-16, we are introduced to John the Baptist. Isaiah the prophet said that "he was the one shouting in the wilderness." The focus of this message is how John baptized with water but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The salvation we receive from Jesus is dependent upon us receiving the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. Conversion, faith or baptism is not salvation without the Holy Spirit.
Mary's story does not begin in Nazareth or even Bethlehem. It begins in the Garden of Eden. This message looks at the prequel of Mary's story. Specifically focusing on the importance of the virgin birth.
8 days after the birth of Christ, Mary receives another beautiful encounter. This message looks at Mary's encounter with Simeon and Anna. Just as Simeon and Anna longed for and received the "consolation of Israel," we are encouraged to look towards Jesus' 2nd coming.
Luke 2 gives important details surrounding the birth of Christ. This message shares those truths and draws us to understand that God has a plan for your life that is attached to His ultimate plan.
Luke 1:1-38 shares the birth announcement of two boys born in supernatural ways. One to a priest named Zechariah and the other to a young virgin named Mary. This message looks at the response to the birth announcement given by the angel Gabriel. Zechariah responded in unbelief and Mary responded in belief. Choose to surrender your plans, dreams and expectations to what God desires and has planned for your life. Then trust and obey Him!
We turned 12 years old... and that's kind of a big deal! This message looks at where we've been and shares where we are going. It ends by encouraging each believer to grow deep roots of faith. Spiritual growth does not happen by accident.
Every Christian of every age, whether married or single, needs to belong to a church family. This message looks at the teachings of Jesus, the book of Acts and the letters to the 1st century church as the encouragement needed for each family or individual to be "all in" with a local church family.
Individuals and families consist of broken, flawed sinners. With that reality comes dysfunction, disagreements and frustrations. This message imagines what it would look like for God to remove the roof of our home and pour different ingredients into our home like a mixing bowl.
In a Christ-centered home, we are more concerned with HEART TRANSFORMATION than we are about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. The reason is because heart transformation leads to behavior modification, but not the other way around. This message helps Christian parents parent the heart.
As Christian parents, our kids don’t need us to make them the center of our home. They need us to make Jesus the center of our home and everything we do revolves around Him. This message looks into the sermon of Jesus and how we need to build our home on the "rock," which is Jesus.
In Matthew 8, Jesus casts out demons from two men. During the exorcism, Jesus has a conversation with the demons. In this conversation, we're given a proper foundation in understanding demonology. This message shares how the Gospel of Jesus secured a decisive victory over Satan and his power. We'll learn that the only power Satan has over the Christian is the power we give him because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
In Luke 17, Jesus miraculously healed 10 lepers but only 1 came back and thanked Jesus. When it comes to God, do we love the gifts more than the giver of the gifts? The actions of the 1 gives us the blueprint for how we are to express our thanks to Jesus for all He has done.
In Mark 4, Jesus calmed a storm on the sea with His disciples. The disciples were terrified and believed that they were going to die but Jesus was asleep. This became a teaching point for Jesus to His disciples and for us as well. This message will share with us 4 inadequacies that will strengthen our faith and pursuit with Jesus in our everyday walk... even when it feels like "Jesus is asleep."
Have you ever had an issue that defined you? It’s that thing you don’t want anyone to notice… that stubborn weakness, humiliating failure, embarrassing illness, horrible past event, or present struggle with sin. Part 6 in our study through Jesus' miracles, we learn that no matter what we are feeling or experiencing - we take it to Jesus!
In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was blind. This message looks at how Jesus still heals people of their spiritual blindness.
Jesus' healing over the paralytic man teaches us that God’s forgiveness is the greater gift than anything we can experience in this world... even a life free of disability, suffering and loss. This message looks at scripture to give us a proper understanding and a renewed perspective over the pain this world and our bodies can give us.
Jesus raised 3 people from the dead during His earthly ministry. He did this to show His power over death. This message focuses on the 2 categories in which Jesus has power over. He has power over our spiritual and physical death.
The miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 people was more than a humanitarian act. This miracle has many key components in how we are to follow Jesus. This message discusses 3 of the main components from this miracle.
In John 2, Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding in Cana. He miraculously turned water into wine. This message looks at 5 observations found in this text. There are two things we have to understand about receiving a miracle from God. Does it align with God’s will and do we have the faith to receive it?
This message looks at John 10 where Jesus shares that He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus is willing to love you, knowing everything about you.
In Titus 3:8-11, the Apostle Paul says there are teachings and discussions that are GOOD & BENEFICIAL and teachings and discussions that are FOOLISH & DIVISIVE. As Christians, we “devote” ourselves to that which is good and beneficial and “refuse to get involved” with that which is foolish and divisive. As you watch this message, allow yourself to take a deep-gospel breath and regain your eternal perspective.
In this summer sermon, Jose expounds on the beauty of God's forgiveness that covers all of our sin debt.
In Titus 3:1-8, Paul gives the believer tangible ways you can live for Christ and interact with this world.
Titus 2:11-14 teaches the believer that God’s grace first saves us and then trains us in godliness and good deeds. It is by God's grace that we are saved and changed for His Glory.
Titus 2:4-10 gives practical insight for how a Christian grows in maturity and health through a church family. God intended the saving Gospel of Jesus to save us, transform us and then work through us to others. One will see that we need the local church and the local church needs us.
Titus 2:1-4 teaches that we must believe what is right then do what is right. There must be a connection between the doctrine we profess and the conduct we display. Both must glorify and exalt God.
In Titus 1:9-16, Paul continues his qualifications for an elder. This message looks at the importance of teaching in the church of God by the elder/pastor. An elder must understand, obey, teach and defend biblical truths to the congregation.
In Titus 1:5-9, the Apostle Paul gives Titus a list of qualifications to fill the role of elder in the churches in Crete. Allow these characteristics to challenge you to grow spiritually. In essence, these are qualities of any spiritually mature believer.
What we believe shapes how we behave and how we behave demonstrates what we believe. And for the Christian, the world watches how we behave more closely than what we believe.
The book of Ruth wants to teach us that God's purpose for the life of his people is to connect us to something far greater than ourselves. God wants us to know that when we follow him, our lives always mean more than we think they do. For the Christian there is always a connection between the ordinary events of life and the eternal work of God in history. Everything we do in obedience to God, no matter how small, is significant.
In Ruth 3, Naomi and Ruth are running out of time. The harvest is just about over and Boaz will be returning home. He obviously is not making a move, so Naomi comes up with a plan of her own to get Ruth and Boaz married. It turns out to not be the greatest advice, but it works because Boaz had a great amount of honor and integrity. There is a lot we can learn from the two of them in this situation. When Boaz acted with integrity, he was declaring that God was in control and He would provide.
Romans 2 introduces us to Ruth and Boaz. The question surrounding the love story of Ruth and Boaz is… did all of this just happen by accident, fate or of God? Even when it appears God is silent, He is still working!
We all face loss, tragedy and hardship. These tragedies and hard times can lead to bitterness, isolation and a feeling that God has abandoned us. The first chapter of Ruth shows us how God is working things out in ways we cannot even imagine. We just need to patiently trust Him.
"There are too many hypocrites in churches!" This message is to encourage Christians to be more aware and intentional in helping people know and follow Jesus.
We live in a world that increasingly disregards the Bible and scoffs at claims that it is the inerrant Word of God. As Christians, then, how do we answer those who challenge our faith in this book? This message looks at 2 Peter 1 and shows and gives us compelling evidence for why we can stake our lives and ultimately, our eternities on the truths of the Bible.
Science seeks the truth about our natural world.
Scripture reveals the truth about our supernatural God.
The conflict between science and faith comes from either misunderstanding science or misinterpreting the Bible.
God expects the more we study nature and science the more it will point towards Him. God is not scared of science. Faith and science belong to each other.
“I WON’T BELIEVE IT UNLESS I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” It was a declaration that earned him the unflattering title Doubting Thomas. The Bible is full of stories and people that had serious “bouts with doubt.” This message looks at how faith does not exclude doubts and questions. The real question is, what are we going to do about our doubt?
Luke 24 shares an interaction the resurrected Jesus had with 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus. Their dreams of Jesus rescuing them from Rome had died with Him on the cross. They were looking for a Geopolitical King to liberate them physically from Rome, instead they got a Servant King, intent on liberating their soul from sin. When God doesn't meet our expectations, we are tempted to lose faith. This message shows how Jesus opened their eyes to His plans and gave them greater faith and hope in the process.
It was the worst thing Simon Peter ever did!... He denied knowing Jesus 3 times and Jesus even gave him a heads up. Yikes! Simon Peter's sin against Jesus was great but Jesus' grace was greater! Jesus would use this failure for Peter's greater purpose, which was "to feed His sheep." This message gives us a great reminder that failure isn’t final. And that a failed Christian isn’t a finished Christian.
Mary Magdalene was the first person to witness the resurrected Jesus. Her life was dramatically transformed by the power of Jesus. Mary is proof that you are not defined by your past. Maybe, like Mary, you’re struggling against demonic forces, addictions or sinful habits you can’t break. Mary says to you. I had seven demons in me. But here is the truth found in the power of Jesus! There is more healing in Him than there is sickness in you, more forgiveness in Him than there is sin in us. There is no struggle, no addiction, no brokenness that His power cannot heal.
Our words are SO powerful. Proverbs says that “the tongue can bring death or life.” That’s a pretty bold statement and a powerful reality. Our words either give life or take life. As Christians, we should strive to use our words in a way that gives life!
In Proverbs 22:6, Solomon instructs a parent to fulfill their God-given role to "direct their children onto the right path." This isn't a passive approach to parenting but an intentional one. This message looks to give 3 encouragements for parents found in this proverb as they navigate the incredible privilege and responsibility God has given them!
In Proverbs 19:11, Solomon encourages us to overlook being wronged. But overlooking offenses is hard to do! This message shares how we overlook offenses is by looking up to God (1 Peter 2:19). God is more than able to invade our tunnel vision and free us to overlook being wronged.
"Follow your heart" is a familiar phrase that represents a belief that our heart will lead us to true happiness if we just have the courage to listen to it. But what it really means is “pursue what you desire.” Solomon (and the whole Bible) is going to say that this belief is both misleading and dangerous. He will say, not to "follow your heart" but "direct your heart" towards God. This message looks at 3 biblical ways you can direct your heart towards God.
The fear of the Lord is having a right perspective on who we are and who God is. If we want to understand the world around us, according to the Word of God in Proverbs, this fear is the foundation of all of our understanding of Him. True wisdom begins with God.
God has a new leader to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua. Joshua and the children of Israel had to decide whether they would continue the journey to where God wanted them, or retreat again to safety. In bizzare fashion, God would bring down the walls of Jericho and prove that the victory belongs to Him alone. But a lesson would be learned for the Israelites and us. God wants us to be less focused on the outcome and more focused on the obedience. Because the outcome is God’s responsibility; faithful obedience is ours.
To God, getting the people out of Egypt was easy. Getting “Egypt out of His people” that would be a much more difficult task. The Israelites had settled with deliverance from Egypt when freedom in Canaan was God's ultimate plan. This message takes the lessons from the Israelite's and applies them to the Christian. That lesson is to not go back Egypt or settle with the wilderness... God has a plan for your life! Trust and obey Him!
Once we experience God's salvation and deliverance, we expect God will protect us from pain and heartache. "Life should be easier with God, right?" And then life hits! Be careful not to let what you expected keep you from what God wants you to experience. This message reminds us that we don’t have to fear what we face when we know who we’re trusting in.
Jesus calls us to experience true freedom—yet far too many Christian's face seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles. How can we get unstuck from life's pains and problems? The answer is that YOU NEED A DELIVERER. This message parallels how God sent Moses to help deliver the Israelites from Pharaoh. Israel’s deliverance through Moses points directly to our deliverance through Christ.
Sin in the garden brought death and decay but Jesus in heaven "will make all things new." This message focuses on 3 “news” that will take place with Jesus in the new heaven.
In the Christmas story, the angels told the shepherds, "I bring you good news of GREAT JOY that will be for all the people." This “GREAT JOY for all people” is not centered on a DAY but on a PERSON. This message relates the "great joy" the angels described with the parable of the hidden treasure. The treasure of heaven, through Jesus, is greater than any earthly treasure.
Isaiah 7:14 says, "...the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)." The mystery and awe of the Christmas story is centered on the virgin birth. This message looks to answer the question, why the Virgin birth?
The Christmas story is the story of heaven coming down to earth. This message looks at how God never intended to "leave" earth and be separated from mankind. Sin brought separation but Jesus came and restored us to a right relationship with God.
Collective unity in the overall mission of Jesus is vital to the local church. This message looks at scripture to help us understand the importance of unity and the destruction of divisiveness.
One of the most important symptoms of a Healthy Church could be relational accountability. It's a sensitive topic for many but Galatians 6:1 teaches us that loving one another in the church involves humbly sharing responsibility for one another’s holiness in our lives.
Healthy churches pray. As Christian’s, prayer can be hard and inconsistent. It should be a daily priority and an incredible blessing we have in our relationship with God… BUT, life gets busy, we get distracted and our prayer life can take a hit. This message gives us insight into the first century church's devotion to prayer.
The primary responsibility of the local church set by Jesus Himself was to "go and make disciples of all nations." A healthy church is a church that keeps "making disciples" the why they do what they do. In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul maps out the functions and structure of the local church in accordance to discipleship.
A healthy church is a "radically generous" church. This message looks at a variety of encounters Jesus had with different individuals in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus tells us to keep our eyes on the Kingdom of Heaven. If we do not learn how to lay up treasures in heaven, we will inevitably settle for the treasures of earth — and miss out on something far more lasting and satisfying.
A loving community of believers is essential in the health of a local church family. This message looks at 1 Peter 3:8 and addresses the differences between unrealistic views towards church community verses biblical attitudes of Christ followers. How are we to respond when our high expectations of church community fall short?
Faithful biblical nourishment through the preaching of God's Word is vital to the overall health of a local church family. Our first of 8 character traits of a healthy church begins in 2 Timothy 3:16-4:4.
Joseph's life was filled with betrayal and heartbreak. It seemed God had gone silent on him but God was faithful. Throughout Joseph's story the phrase, "and the Lord was with Joseph" is mentioned multiple times. Be encouraged that God is with you.
As we pray and wait on God, God is working in the background to accomplish His will but He's also working on us! Why does He do this? How does He do this? The Bible gives these answers. This message looks at 4 ways God will work on us while we are in His "waiting room."
What do you do when you feel "ghosted" by God? Is it normal to feel distant and silent from God? The uncertainty brings anxiety and doubt that Satan can manipulate and cause serious problems in our lives spiritually. This message answers these questions and highlights the truth - "If God is silent, He's not absent."
There is a strong and powerful relationship between putting on the armor of God and praying. These two belong together; in fact, one grows out of the other. The eternal words of God found in Ephesians 6:18-20, will change your spiritual life. In all the weaponry God has provided for us in this spiritual fight, let us not forget or neglect the power of prayer!
More and more people are beginning to doubt the existence of Satan. The Apostle Paul, Jesus and all of the New Testament writers believed in the existence of Satan. In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul writes to the Ephesians about how they are to “stand against all the different strategies” of the devil. You may be wounded from "battle" but you are not defeated.
In Ephesians 6:5-9, the Apostle Paul addresses the employer/employee relationship. The takeaways from these 5 verses are to let all earthly obedience be obedience to Christ.
Being a parent in 2023 is hard! Being a child in 2023 is hard! Most Christian parents want to raise their kids to know and follow God but it can be hard when there are so many voices fighting for influence. In Ephesians 6:1-4, the Apostle Paul is going to give 4 short verses on the subject of parenting. The aim of this message is for parents to renew their commitment to God and to disciple their children.
In Ephesians 5:21-33, the Apostle Paul reveals the mystery surrounding marriage. God’s design for marriage stands true today and He knows what will bring truth, harmony, joy and fulfillment to all who follow it.
As Christians, how are we supposed to interact with our surroundings, community and loved ones? We want others to experience the hope, purpose and fulfillment of Jesus but we do not want to come across as pushy or weird. In Ephesians 5:1-17, the Apostle shares practical truth's for how a Christian can live out their faith walk.
In Ephesians 4:21-32, the Apostle Paul gives us practical way in how we can "throw off" our sinful nature and "put on" our Spirit nature. The conclusion that we'll come to is that Christian morality is the experience of an inner miracle.
In Ephesians 4:17-24, the Apostle Paul addresses the natural state of the human heart before Christ. He concludes that before Christ we wander in spiritual darkness and alienated from God. The cure to our natural state condition is Jesus alone. True life change can only come through Jesus... God's answer for mankind.
In Ephesians 4:7-16, the Apostle Paul addresses the importance of spiritual gifts in the local church. Everyone in the church using their spiritual gifts benefits the church family to help bring spiritual maturity. It doesn’t matter what gift you have. All that matters is that you use your gift(s) to benefit the body of Christ (the Church).
For the Christian, proper theology should always lead to proper living. If it doesn’t, then there is something wrong with our theology or our understanding of it. In Ephesians 4:1-6, the Apostle Paul addresses the importance of having correct theology in real churches with real people.
In Ephesians 3:20-21, the Apostle Paul shares that God is more than able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. This message focuses on the ability of God and how it should lead us to pray big prayers to God.
Have you ever felt spiritually stuck? Why do we as Christians plateau spiritually? Could it be as simple as this… WE DON’T ASK GOD FOR IT? God wants us to experience His joy, peace and purpose. In Ephesians 3:14-19, the Apostle Paul prays for a spiritual breakthrough. This message looks at 3 statements from Paul's recorded prayer to the church in Ephesus that we can find encouragement and spiritual breakthrough.
In Ephesians 3:1-13, we see that God specializes in using ORDINARY PEOPLE to do EXTRAORDINARY THINGS. It doesn’t matter who we are. It matters who He is. Paul completely trusted God... even while writing from a Roman prison cell. This message will give you a proper perspective on the Gospel for your life.
One of the greatest issues within the first-century church was the issue between the Jews and Gentiles. Ephesians 2:11-22 address what diversity in unity looks like in the church. The greater the unity within a church, the more power that church will have to reach their community.
In Ephesians 2:1-10, the Apostle Paul gives a clear explanation of the Gospel. The Gospel is not about making good people better. It’s about making dead people ALIVE!
In Ephesians 1:15-23, the Apostle Paul records a prayer for the Ephesian believers. It wasn’t a prayer that focused on their finances, health or relationships but a prayer that God would give them a “spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him… and that the eyes of their hearts would be opened.” This message allows us to see that God has so much more for us to see, understand and know.
In Ephesians 1:4-14, Paul shares the spiritual blessings for all those "in Christ." In this message we tackle the heavy doctrines of election, predestination and the sealing of the Holy Spirit.
In Ephesians 1:1-3, the Apostle Paul begins this letter by giving his readers a proper perspective on God's blessings. This message looks at 4 truths that we can learn in these verses.
The very concept of “self-control” implies a battle between a divided self. It implies that our “self” produces desires we should not satisfy but instead “control.” God has given us the fruit of self-control because our own self can desire and crave for things that are ungodly or harmful.
What transpired on early Sunday morning, April 5, AD 33 would unleash a movement so compelling, so enduring, so influential, so unstoppable that two thousand years and billions of believers later, it will still be growing faster than ever. It was the day Jesus defeated death and walked out of the tomb.
Gentleness is probably the most neglected fruit of the Spirit. We live in an age of outrage. If outrage and anger is the spiritual diagnosis, then the fruit of gentleness is the medicine. If there was ever a time when Christians need to display and exercise gentleness… IT’S NOW!
To be faithful is to be reliable, dependable and trustworthy. Our words, promises and vows should matter. This message looks at how God delights not mainly in the greatness of the work, but in the faithfulness of the worker.
God does not rescue us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit for us to then do nothing. He means for His people to give their lives, and what precious time we have, to “do good.” This message looks at the importance of the Holy Spirit in our good deeds we do as Christians.
The fruit of “kindness” is a bit different than the kindness that our culture promotes. The Bible portrays kindness as a supernaturally generous orientation of our heart towards other people… even when they don't deserve it and don't love us in return. God Himself is kind in this way!
Impatience grows out of our unwillingness to trust and submit to God’s timing for our lives. This message looks at the fruit of patience and how we can partner with the Holy Spirit and produce more patience in our lives.
The peace that comes from the Holy Spirit is found in Jesus through salvation. But the key is that peace is preserved by walking in step with the Holy Spirit.
The fruit of joy is not the mere response of pleasant circumstances. It’s the production of God’s Spirit. According to Christ, it is HIS JOY filling us!
The Bible says that "God is love." And God's love was on full display through Jesus. This message looks at how God loves through us, His Children.
The fruit of the Spirit is not about achieving something...because you can’t; it’s about knowing someone, and His name is Jesus. This message encourages us to plant the roots of our faith in the soil of the gospel and then the Spirit will begin to bear fruit in and through us.
The Church of God is a vital blessing for the believer! It's so vital that Jesus established it Himself. This message looks to answer the question, why is church community so important and why should I prioritize it?
People-pleasing can tempt the believer to satisfy the desires of someone else over God. It can place yourself in a compromising position where you're not authentic with your faith, obedient to Him or able to fulfill God’s purpose for your life. This message gives action steps to remember to please God over others.
All of us can say, “I have negatively impacted my life by my thoughts.” That's why we're going to direct our thoughts to trust God. This message looks at Romans 12:2 and helps answer how we are to direct our thoughts.
In 2023, there's no more streaking! When we do not put on the full armor of God it exposes us to the "mighty powers of this dark world." It's time to Begin Again and take back your life so you can (re)surrender it to God!
The bible tells us that God is sovereign, purposeful, involved in history, brings order from chaos and instills design into things that seem to have no design. It's this truth that collides with the Christmas story. The Christmas story is a great example of God engaging in humanity and reminding the world that He has a plan.
In Isaiah 9, God gives 4 names that will characterize His Son, Jesus. This message uncovers this 700 year old birth announcement and explains what it means for us.
Just because you are smart doesn't mean you will make wise choices. This message looks at how the Wise men were so wise and how we can be more wise in our daily lives.
To experience "green pastures" and "streams of water" you must have rain. Storms must come. That is true in nature and in our lives. Our third installment of Psalm 23 encourages us to never let the presence of a storm cause you to doubt the presence of God.
In Psalm 23:3, the Psalmist said that the shepherd "leads us in paths of righteousness." This message looks at how the Good Shepherd leads us to righteousness or right standing with God. It is salvation through substitution.
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, "I have no wants" or "I lack nothing." As "sheep," we are to fully depend on the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. This message draws our attention to the Good Shepherd’s voice and what His Word says about providing for us.
No matter how much evil, brokenness and suffering we see and experience, Jesus will make all things new! He will mend every broken thing and overturn every injustice.
Carnival mirrors give us a distorted view of who we are. And a lie believed as truth will affect you as if it were true. You don’t have to accept everything deemed as “true” by the world and culture. Your identity is shaped by the words God Himself speaks about you. There is no higher truth than God’s truth. While the narratives of the world may try to pull you in a hundred different directions, His truth provides a firm foundation you can stand on.
There are situations that leave us alone and abandoned all the time. At some point, we all have heard it in some form or another… “we’re through,” “I don’t love you anymore,” “we can’t be friends anymore,” “we’re going to have to let you go,” “I’m sorry, you’re loved one didn’t make it.”
Hearing any of those words can rock our world and leave gaping holes of loneliness, abandonment and pain. Yet, we have a promise from God that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
A common misconception people have about God and religion is that “for God to love me I have to be good.” The truth of the matter is that God loves you just as you are BUT, loves you too much to leave you how you are. When you say yes to Jesus, YOU CHANGE! This sermon looks at how Jesus changes us - not religion.
It's easy to feel trapped in life. We get stuck in routines, deadlines, bills and daily struggles. God's answer for us was Jesus! Part 1 of our series Jesus Changes Everything looks at how Jesus Christ became the visible expression of the invisible God. He revealed God to us in human form and expressed Himself in a language we could understand.
How does one of the stingiest crooks in all of scripture become the most generous people in all of scripture? The answer is JESUS. Jesus intentionally chose to build relationships that led to salvation and life change. This message looks at our assignment as Christians to "seek and save those who are lost."
In Luke 10, Jesus answered a religious experts question, "who is my neighbor" with a parable. The parable of the Good Samaritan commands us to love our neighbors as ourself. But we do not love our neighbors to earn heaven. We love others because heaven was given to us as a gift, and we can’t help but become to others what Jesus has become to us.
In Acts 28, Luke concludes his letter with Paul ministering in Rome under house arrest. This message reminds us that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. God has an unstoppable Spirit-empowered plan!
In Acts 27, Paul encountered a ferocious storm on his voyage to Rome. During that storm, God reminded Paul that he was to stand before Caesar. When you’re in the midst of a storm, it’s easy to forget God’s promises and faithfulness. Sometimes we just need to remember what God already said.
In Acts 26, Paul defends himself from the Jewish leaders accusations to King Agrippa II. This message encourages us to see unplanned detours with spiritual value. That even the interruptions and irritations of our day could be turned for divine appointments.
In Acts 24, Governor Felix left Paul in a Caesarean prison for 2 years. Paul learned that the time-gap between God’s promise and His fulfillment is hard! It's possible that one of the reasons God left Paul in prison was for Felix. This message looks at the conversations Paul had with Felix during his 2 year stay in prison.
the Apostle Paul stands trial before Governor Felix, the governor over the Roman province of Judea. Felix left Paul in prison and began and on/off dialogue about Jesus.
In Acts 23:11, Jesus visits Paul. Paul is lonely, forsaken, discouraged, rejected, depressed & Jesus encouraged his Spirit. This message reminds us that JESUS US WITH US. We are not alone, forgotten or a failure.
In Acts 22, Paul addresses the mob that tried to kill him. What does he share? His story of transformation. This message reminds us that our story is more powerful than we think. Our story can be shared with an individual to addressing a group. It’s not a debate, it’s not pushy, it’s not fake, and it doesn’t feel like religious propaganda, since it’s coming from our heart. Our job is to share our story.
In Acts 21:1-14, the Apostle Paul spends some time with Philip the Evangelists in Caesarea. When Agabus the prophet arrived with a prophetic word that Paul would be bound by the Jews and turned over to the Gentiles - the mood changed. He knew the rode to Jerusalem would not end well for him but was ready for whatever awaited him. This message teaches us that sometimes the hard path is the right path and the bitter cup is the God ordained cup.
In Acts 20, Paul shares a final farewell speech with the Ephesian elders. This message focuses on 4 statements from Paul's speech.
In Acts 19:8-41, Luke records Paul's most successful church planting endeavor. Ephesus and Asia Minor not only HEAR the word of the Lord but they also witness the POWER of the Lord at work. This caused them to confess their sins and burn their sorcery books. This message allows us to learn from the Ephesians... when we hold on to what God has set us free from – it hinders spiritual growth, power, gospel advancement and effectiveness.
In Acts 19, the Apostle Paul asks 12 disciples of John the Baptist, did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? They answered no. They had only experienced the baptism of John and not the baptism of the Spirit. Jesus was the missing piece in their religious pursuit. Paul shares Jesus and they believe and receive the Holy Spirit. This message asks the same question, did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?
What plan are you living for? What next step is God calling you to do? God accomplishes His plan through everyday people who give up their plan for His.
In Acts 17, Paul speaks to some of the most brilliant minds of Athens about Jesus. His focus was centered on their idolatry. Paul was provoked to action and sets a reminder of how God responded to us. He saw us in our idolatry; was provoked; but instead of condemning us and writing us off, He ran to us, showed us the insufficiency of our answers without Him, and then revealed God to us in His death and resurrection.
Acts 17:1-15 follow the gospel efforts in the cities of Thessalonica and Berea. Paul, Silas and Timothy's approach will help us answer the following questions; how do we know who or what to believe when it concerns the things of God? Should we simply believe whatever “any” preacher says?
In Acts 16:11-34, Paul and Silas engage in 3 evangelistic encounters in the city of Philippi. This message looks at the importance and practicality of sharing Jesus with others.
In Acts 16:1-10, Paul and Silas witness the workings of the Holy Spirit in their ministry. This message directs us to answer the question, how much do we depend on the Holy Spirit?
What does it take to be a church that speaks truth in love during this age of disruption, social fragmentation and cultural polarization? The best model for unity in diversity is Christianity.
In Acts 15, the church in Antioch encountered a problem that could have significantly derailed the church and Jesus’ mission for it if they had not handled it correctly. This message focuses on how the church leaders handled this problem and how we can learn from it.
Throughout the book of Acts, God shows us - no one is too far gone FOR Jesus and no one is an outsider FROM Jesus. This message recaps the first 14 chapters on our study through the book of Acts.
The resurrection of Jesus was God's greatest rescue extended to us. Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who BELIEVES IN ME will live, even after dying."
The account of Barabbas found in each of the 4 gospels is a reminder of the "great exchange" extended to us. God would have to treat Jesus like Barabbas so He could treat Barabbas like Jesus. We represent Barabbas.
The story of the Old Testament prophet Jonah, teaches us that we all stumble but God rescues us. No matter how many steps you take away from God, it still only takes one to get back.
In John 8, Jesus forgives the adulterous woman from the religious elite. But Jesus didn’t step in and rescue her from her accusers – JESUS RESCUED HER FROM THE LAW! This message looks at how Jesus fulfills the old covenant with a new covenant focused on grace.
Why does God allow evil and suffering? Since God is fully capable to stop it, why doesn't He? In this message we see that God doesn’t remove evil; He answers evil with Jesus!
After the fall of Babylon, God began restoring Judah and Jerusalem. Nehemiah was used by God to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem but it didn't come with out adversity. Nehemiah's story teaches us that courageous people push through adversity and resist the temptation to compromise or quit.
In Daniel 3, 3 Hebrew exiles in the Babylonian Empire chose to take a stand for God even when others would not. Their faith in the fire was brave and it teaches us something about our own faith. Faith believes God can, expects God will but trusts God when He doesn’t.
In 2 Kings 5, an unnamed Hebrew girl extended grace in the face of her injustice. Her story shows us that courageous people extend grace even when it's hard.
Gideon teaches us that courageous people rely on God and not themselves. God is not looking for your strength, bravery or abilities; He wants your reliance on Him! This message looks at 2 reasons why you can rely on God.
Do you ever feel like God couldn’t possibly love you? Courageous people forget the past, forgive themselves and begin again. Rahab's story is a story of grace, redemption and new beginnings. This message relates the salvation of Rahab to a Christian's salvation experience.
God called Joshua after Moses' death. Joshua is overwhelmed with the task and responsibility he was given by God. In God's commission to Joshua, God stresses 3 important things. God's words of focus and encouragement helped Joshua to be "strong and courageous" in leading the children of Israel to conquer the Promised Land.
"Yes" was not Moses’ first answer to God. In Exodus 3 & 4, Moses gave God 5 excuses but ultimately told God yes. Courageous people ultimately tell God yes. Why? Because God cannot use your no.
Abraham embraced the unknown. He was able to trust God even when it didn't make sense. This message looks at 3 ways you can embrace the unknown.
Courageous people do what is right even when they are alone. Despite the strange looks, the laughter and the jokes - Noah did everything exactly as God commanded him… EVEN THOUGH HE WAS ALONE!
Make 2022 the year you grow closer, stronger and more intimate with God! This will happen through your personal relationship with God. This message looks at 5 ways your daily reading of the Bible will affect your life.
A few days after the birth of Jesus, a man named Simeon got to hold the "consolation of Israel." The consolation of Israel was the promised Lord's Christ. This message looks at the hope we have in the comfort of Jesus.
The backstory leading up to “Jesus being born, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger” is pretty real, complicated and needed an angel to convince Joseph to stay with Mary and raise God’s Son, Jesus. This Christmas message looks at the message the angel gave Joseph which gives the plans and purpose of Jesus' birth.
In Matthew 2, King Herod does the unthinkable. In an attempt to resist and extinguish the Light of the World, He orders all boys 2 and under to be killed. Why? To preserve HIS kingdom. King Herod's story gives us a great reminder this Christmas - choose to submit and not resist Jesus.
The Christmas season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But for many people, it’s complicated. It’s a time of year that surfaces tensions in relationships, unmet expectations, and the pain of absent loved ones. What do you do when the magic and wonder of the Christmas season feels out of reach? How do you reconnect with the reason for the season? Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year because of what’s happening but because of what happened. Jesus came to be the Light of the World. The light that began as a match in a manger would give light to you and I!
When we find ourselves in situations where logic is overwhelmed by a runaway mind of fear, worry and anxiety - Philippians 4:6-7 gives us the "cheat code" to experience God's peace.
Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, dissatisfied people more quickly than an ungrateful heart. And nothing will do more to restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than a true spirit of thankfulness. This message looks at how we can "retrain our brain" by cultivating a spirit of thankfulness.
Philippians 4:8 encourages Christians to "fix their thoughts" on 6 specific things. If you don’t control what you think, you’ll never control what you do.
All of our lives are impacted, affected and directed by our minds. It’s time to take your thoughts captive and force them to obey Christ! You cannot have a positive faith-filled life, when you have a negative fear-filled mind.
We all wear masks for different reasons, we all have different things we hide from others, from ourselves, from God, but today we want to challenge you to take that mask off. Take it off and give it to a God who loves the real you, not the person you’re pretending to be.
Many people step into a church community tentatively, secretly hoping it will not be messy. We want good friends, a loving community that is easy, comfortable and enjoyable. But the reality is that every true Christ-centered community will have its difficulties. The local church can be 'messy" because we are all messy. This message looks at why Jesus loves a messy church.
Whatever problems, challenges or battles you are facing - JESUS UNDERSTANDS. And because Jesus understands - you can go to Him in prayer. Jesus says, COME BOLDLY to me! This message looks at the importance of prayer and how our relationship with God, through prayer, is vital in our daily lives.
Guilt and shame are ingrained in our human experience. We are all too familiar with them. This message looks at God's response to our guilt and shame and the freedom we have in Jesus.
Everyone goes through seasons of feeling spiritually inadequate. We need the gracious God of scripture to overcome our feelings of guilt and imperfection. The Parable of the Prodigal Son reveals 2 important truth's about the character of God.
In Acts 13, Paul confronts an advisor and magician to the Roman Proconsul named, Elymas. Elymas attempted to disrupt God's work in Sergius Paulus' life. This encounter is a reminder that God makes straight paths to Himself. Satan works overtime to distort, deceive, downplay and doubt the straight paths of the Lord.
In Acts 13:1-6, the church in Antioch sends Saul and Barnabas to spread the Gospel and plant new churches. This message looks at the divine sovereignty and human responsibility concerning ministry and being used by God. Without God we can't but without us He won't.
Out of all the people the apostles could have sent to the church in Antioch - they chose Barnabas. In Acts 11:19-26, we learn how Barnabas was a blessing to the church in Antioch. In return, we learn the same in our setting at Branch Church.
In Acts 10 & 11, Jesus desired His salvation be extended to Gentiles. His plan would stretch Simon Peter's comfort levels and religious convictions. In doing so, God is going to teach us His answer in breaking RACIAL TENSION & SEGREGATION – the Gospel!
In Acts 9:1-19, Saul saw Christianity as a threat to his religion and he attacked it with tremendous zeal! But God had a different plan. This message looks at 4 conclusions concerning the conversion of Saul.
In Acts 8:26-40, Philip is told to have a "Jesus conversation" with the treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia - the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Ethiopian Eunuch was an unlikely candidate but God had a plan to save him and use him to bring the Gospel to his people.
Acts 8:1-25 shares the first of two examples of the Church taking the Gospel outside of Jerusalem during the great persecution. In Samaria, Philip catches the attention of Simon the Sorcerer. This message looks at the counterfeit conversation of Simon and his misguided object of faith.
In Acts 6 & 7, Stephen is martyred for his faith in Jesus. This message reminds us of our victory over death!
In Acts 6:1-7, the first church in Jerusalem felt "growing pains" and they needed to be addressed. If these obstacles were not addressed correctly it would have hindered the movement of God in Jerusalem and world. This message looks at the obstacles, solution and result of these growing pains.
In Acts 5:17-42, the apostles are imprisoned and threatened because they continue to preach Jesus to the Jews in Jerusalem. In verse 41 the apostles felt it was "worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus." This message looks deeper into that understanding and helps us consider how we can grow in joy even in the midst of pain and persecution.
In Acts 5, we see the first "mishap" in the first church in Jerusalem. The lie of Ananias and Sapphira cost them their life and teaches us a valuable lesson about the freedom in generosity. Generosity is not a matter of force and law but of freedom and love.
In Acts 4:23-31, the church did not ask God to remove the threats from the religious leaders. Instead, they prayed for boldness to continue to complete God's mission. There are times when God will put us in situations we cannot control to show us that He's in control.
In Acts 4:1-22, Peter and John answer to the Jewish Sanhedrin concerning the miracle they performed on the crippled man. With boldness, they proclaim Jesus to the same men who handed Jesus over to be crucified. This message teaches us that God can take ordinary people with an extraordinary mission and help them be bold to fulfill their calling.
In Acts 3:12-19, Simon Peter explains who was responsible for healing the crippled man earlier in chapter 3 - JESUS. As Simon Peter addresses the crowd, he shares 5 truths about Jesus.
God knows our needs better than we do! In Acts 3:1-11, Peter and John encounter a paralyzed man who felt his greatest need was financial but God knew his greatest need. This message reminds us that we must trust God's plans for our life, not our own plans.
In Acts 2:42-47, Luke gives us a glimpse of what church community was like in the beginning after Pentecost. He paints a vivid picture of what marked the very first church – what held those believers together after Jesus left them on earth, what inspired them to leave everything behind for His sake and what sustained them in the face of horrible opposition and persecution. Our prayer is that we would see the same "marks" at Branch Church!
In Acts 2:14-41, Simon Peter stands up and preaches a "Spirit-filled" sermon. This message looks at how Simon Peter took the unusual circumstances of the "pouring out of the Holy Spirit" and used the Bible to interpret the experience.
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit is introduced and the church is launched on the same day - the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit gave power to the disciples and manifested Himself in ways that people marveled at what they saw. As Christians, the Holy Spirit empowers us to advance God's Kingdom. Don't allow fear, doubt or excuses paralyze you from doing great things for Jesus!
Before Jesus ascends to heaven - His last words were WAIT. They are waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. Faith to wait is often more difficult than faith to move.
Just as Jesus had foretold, Simon Peter deserted Jesus to face the cross alone. That Friday and Saturday was filled with shame and pain for Peter. But that all changed Sunday when Mary Magdalene said the tomb was empty. The resurrection of Jesus is the most significant event in history because it represents HOPE! It's an invitation to experience HOPE & GRACE and not SHAME for our past, mistakes and sin!
Jesus spent His last day alive with Simon Peter and His disciples in the upper room. In the upper room, Jesus stood up and washed each of His disciples feet. This act of service was done by Jesus as an example. We are to love and serve others as Jesus loves and serves us.
In Matthew 16, Jesus shares His ultimate plan and purpose for leaving heaven for earth - DYING FOR OUR SINS. Simon Peter rebukes Jesus' plan and is quickly rebuked by Jesus. Peter had created his own idea of who Jesus should be. It's so easy to think like Peter and not see God's perspective in life.
Jesus introduced "the church" to Simon Peter and the disciples for the first time in Matthew 16. It was clear that Jesus was going to build HIS Church and nothing was going to stop it.
Simon Peter was brave enough to get out of the boat and walk on water with Jesus during a storm! When he took his eyes off of Jesus he sank. This incredible event in Simon Peter's life shows us that we can count on God’s faithfulness even when we are unfaithful.
So many people relate to Simon Peter’s calling because most of us feel FLAWED, UNQUALIFIED, UNWORTHY, TOO BROKEN, or BEYOND REPAIR for God to use in any significant way. Simon's YES to Jesus was an act of faith.
In Ephesians 6:1-4, the Apostle Paul gives instructions for parents and their children.
Ephesians 5:21-33 is some of the most misunderstood and abused passages of scripture. These verses containing the roles and responsibilities of the husband and wife reveal the deepest meaning of marriage - the relationship between the husband and wife is related to Christ's relationship to His bride - the Church.
How comfortable are you in the dark? Ephesians 5:8-14 encourages us to "live as people of the light." Part 2 of our series "Home" looks at 5 signs our home has gotten dark.
In Ephesians 5:1-6, the Apostle Paul encourages us to "imitate God." As God's kids we imitate God just as our kids imitate us. We have a real life example of God in human flesh - Jesus.
In John 15, Jesus gets out of the dirt and places our focus on the growth that is happening above ground. He uses the analogy of a vine, its branches and the fruit it bears. As Christians, we "flourish" to bear fruit.
The condition of your soil matters in how you flourish! In Luke 8, Jesus compared SEEDS to the Gospel and SOIL to the condition of the heart. He describes how the condition of the soil is what determines what the seed will do and the type of spiritual growth that will transpire.
It’s amazing how much “growth” happens in the dark! This message encourages us to look at our seasons of pain, heartache and suffering with a Godly perspective. God is working deeper than you can see.
How can I flourish when I feel like I’m failing most of the time? How can I thrive in the middle of struggle?
We often think of the words - beautiful, flowery or polished when we think of the word "flourish." But maybe we have the wrong picture of what it means to “flourish.” Life is messy, and it hurts. But that is the point, because flourishing requires dirt! And dirt is not clean – dirt is messy!
Jesus left us with a gift but we long for our reward – HEAVEN! This message looks at 3 reminders from Philippians 3:20 about heaven.
King Herod did his best to eliminate Jesus because He was a threat to his kingdom. On the other hand, the shepherds heard the same birth announcement and experienced Jesus/Christmas. You can either eliminate, deny, miss or experience Christmas. The gift of Jesus is for everyone.
Joseph teaches us that faith is not absent of doubt. In fact, the best thing that happened to Joseph could have been the very thing he missed! What if the disappointment you're experiencing is a bridge to God’s destiny?
God's plans almost always involve WAITING! 700 separated Isaiah's words about a Promised Messiah and the birth of Jesus. Simeon waited for the Promised Messiah and saw Him. Simeon possessed 3 things that helped him wait for Jesus.
It’s great to pause, reflect and praise God for what He has done in and through the ministry at Branch Church through the past 8 years! BUT, we must always be asking, what’s next? Where do we go from here?
Jesus concludes His time with His disciples in the upper room with prayer. YOU and "everyone who will believe" were included in this prayer! His prayer for us was His desire for us to be in unity.
Jesus told His disciples in John 16 that joy would come out of His death. This message looks at the joy found in the cross of Jesus.
In John 14, Jesus promised His disciples that He would leave them with "a gift" - the Holy Spirit. This gift lives inside each believer to lead, guide and direct us to truth. Unfortunately, too many Christians have the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives but live as though He doesn’t exist.
The night before Jesus was betrayed and crucified He said that it was best for them that He go away. How is that possible? In John 14:7-11, Jesus is going to give reasons why it's best for Him to leave.
In John 14:1, Jesus told His disciples to not let their hearts be troubled. He said this because a "troubled heart" reveals our lack of trust in God. When we find ourselves in times of worry, discontentment, confusion or agitation it's important to remember this incredible statement of hope.
Jesus calls the Christian to be a PEACEMAKER! Peacemaking has more to do with Jesus IN US than what "they" do TO US.
How do you deal with personal criticisms from others? How do you process them, learn from them, and determine which ones are accurate and which ones are not? According to scripture, it is important to LISTEN and FOLLOW wise and godly criticism.
What do we do when WE ARE THE SOURCE OF OUR “TRIGGERS?” What consumes your mind, will control your life. This message will give you 3 POSITIVE PROMISES (with scripture) to help you “have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Unfortunately, people sometimes say and do things that are careless, blunt, insensitive or even mean-spirited. While we can’t control the intentions or behavior of others, we can determine how we will act. We can choose to not be triggered or offended.
The local church plays a major role in advancing the Kingdom of God. It's important for each Christian to grow spiritually and participate in the work of the Kingdom through the local church. In fact, God gives so we can invest in the Kingdom of God!
Without love a church will lose its effectiveness IN & OUTSIDE the walls of the church. This message looks at our church culture and encourages us to identify and eliminate odors in the church.
God designed the church with you in mind! I need you! You need me! We need each other! No one is beyond the need of community!
One of the most misunderstood doctrines in all Christianity today is ECCLESIOLOGY – the Church. Even amongst Christians! When it comes to the church - IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GOSPEL! This message looks to share the importance of the Gospel concerning the local church.
Is God fair? It's a fair question. But even many religious people who think He is can't explain some of the tough questions that cause many to think He isn't. What calamity are you facing? What trial is before you? Worship God, not because of your hardship, but because of His sovereignty and glory. When you get to Heaven, it will all be explained. Until that day, we live on promises and not on explanations.
The first Christmas carol was sung by Mary after she received the news that she was the chosen mother of God's Son. This news is incredibly wonderful but terrifying. Mary was single, and an unwed mother in a religion and culture where that meant ostracism or death. Her response was worship over worry.
In Psalm 18, David exits a horrible season of life with praise and appreciation for God's protection. In difficult seasons of life the question we must ask is not, "why God," but "God, what is your purpose?" In this message we learn 3 important truths David learned about "difficult seasons" and how we can see God's presence throughout.
In 1 Samuel 18, the ladies of Israel sang "Saul killed thousands but David killed ten thousands." This song ignited a streak of jealousy in Saul. The Bible warns us about the dangers of jealousy. This message responds to the fight we all have with jealousy - BEING CHRIST-LIKE!
In Revelation 4, the Apostle John receives the most incredible-terrifying-mind blowing “back stage pass” any LIVING-HUMAN could ever receive! The scene we see in Revelation 4 is centered on God's throne and the worship given to Him. There are 3 things this message focuses on concerning the worship God received.
Two-thirds of the songs found in the Bible are songs of lament. Lament is not a word we use very often these days but it's spiritual - it's the place where God’s power and presence intersect our pain. In Psalm 13, David laments to God and in doing so - we see 4 elements that will help us "lament" for our benefit when we face seasons of pain and sorrow.
In Philippians 2, Paul injects the "Christ Hymn" that was commonly sung in the New Testament church. It was a reminder to have the attitude of Christ. This message looks deeper into this hymn and encourages the believer to have the same attitude of Christ.
The first song recorded in the Bible is a song of victory! This song of victory reminds us how God fights for us!
How we live matters! God desires HEART TRANSFORMATION over BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION! This message looks at the danger of behavior modification and the blessing of heart transformation.
Love is the mark of the Christian! We love God because He first loved us! When we experience love in its truest and purest form we can then begin to love accurately! How we love others, reveals how we love God.
It’s easy to just be another face in the crowd. To play it safe and fly under the radar. But God has called us to be so much more! This message looks at the grace of God found in our life of purpose and mission with Jesus.
The fear of not having enough is a theme we have seen since the beginning of time. What is important to understand is that "in every story of need, there is a miracle of provision." This message looks at 3 principles found in the miracle of God's provision
Can I really expect God to protect me? The answer is ABSOLUTELY HE CAN & HAS! God’s Word is filled with promises of God’s protection for His beloved children. But even in the midst of uncertainty, God has a plan! And HIS PLAN doesn’t always align with OUR PLAN.
God MIRACULOUSLY delivers us! But His deliverance doesn’t always match our expectation! God does not promise to deliver us FROM pain and misery but to deliver us THROUGH our pain and misery. This message looks at 3 ways God miraculously delivers us in life.
Sometimes when you believe God can, and He doesn’t, it can unsettle you, shake you, rock you. And the conclusion that some of us can run to is GOD IS NOT REAL, or HE’S NOT GOOD, or HE DOESN’T CARE. Our God heals, but He doesn’t heal everyone all the time. This message looks at the how and why of God's healing.
Following Jesus’ crucifixion, His followers expected what anyone expects after someone dies—that the person would remain that way. But one of Jesus’ followers, John, gave an eyewitness account that summarized the main event surrounding Christianity: Jesus rose from the dead.
For the Christian, Palm Sunday introduces Holy Week. It’s a time for us to prepare our hearts for the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. When Jesus entered into Jerusalem that Sunday NO ONE EXPECTED HE WOULD BE CRUCIFIED A FEW DAYS LATER! Many believed He would help deliver them from the Roman Empire! So what happened from Sunday to Friday?
In the biggest plot twist of all plot twists - Joseph extends forgiveness and compassion to his brothers. Joseph shows us how beautiful forgiveness can really be!
The phrase “fear not” is the most repeated command found in the Bible! This message speaks directly to the anxiety, fear and hysteria that surrounds our world concerning COVID-19. Choose faith over fear and peace over panic.
Joseph denying the advances of Potiphar's wife teach us a valuable lesson on sexual purity. Regardless of our circumstances, our needs or what is acceptable in our culture - God's will for the Christian is sexual purity. God's call to purity is not intended to deprive a person of joy or satisfaction, but rather, to preserve the goodness of sex in light of its divine intention.
Joseph was thrown in a pit and sold into slavery yet Genesis 39:2 says, God was with him. Sometimes our inability to see God's presence in our lives, particularly during difficulty, is because we are looking through the lens of circumstance, rather than through the lens of providence.
Joseph's family was messy but God still used Him to accomplish HIs perfect will. This message looks at the simple truth that God uses dysfunctional families! Take heart and learn that although your family can shape you - they cannot define you - only God can do that!
Shame is Satan's prison! Shame decommissions way too many Christians. Satan lies and manipulates us and uses our sin against us. He takes over our thoughts, our purpose, our choices and keeps us living in fear, shame and guilt. It's time to take back what Satan has stolen!
Oftentimes we think that Satan only attacks when are weak and vulnerable - AND HE WILL. But he also attacks when we are strong and experiencing God's presence and favor in our lives. It's an all-out attack on our pride. This message looks at how humility is happy to do what pride will not. The humble heart is quick to acknowledge the need for God, eager to confess sin, and willing to submit to God's plan!
The Bible says there is more going on in life than what our eyes see. This message answers the questions; who is Satan and what is he like? In doing so - we'll see that Satan is powerful but has limited power. The only power Satan has over you is the power you give him.
Nick Stuart with MANNA Worldwide teaches what it takes to have clear vision for the world. During this message Nick shares more information towards what we'll be doing in San Lucas, Guatemala.
Clear vision is important in any organization - including the church. This message answers the question, where are we going as a church in 2020? Pastor Mason will lay out our vision and strategy that supports our mission as a church.
If you want to see clearly in 2020 your must see people how God sees them. This message looks at our closest relationships and how we can practically love those closest to us.
The best thing you can do as a Christian is to commit to READ, STUDY and APPLY God's Word to your life. Why? Because the Bible has the power to influence and change your life for the better. Millions of men and women have changed history because God used the Bible to change them.
Why were the shepherds selected to witness God’s Glory and receives history’s greatest birth announcement? History tells us that shepherds were social outcasts, rough characters on the fringe of Jewish society. They were officially labeled “sinners” – a technical term for a class of despised people - yet they were chosen to see Jesus that silent, holy night. In this message we see that the shepherds represent the role, mission and invitation Jesus came from heaven to earth to do.
We live in a society that is obsessed with comfort. We can even begin to believe that God's aim for our earthly lives is comfort. This message looks at our culture's view of comfort (counterfeit comfort) verses God's desire for comfort (authentic comfort).
Many Christians continue to pursue God's forgiveness after salvation because they do not "feel" forgiven. But Jesus' sacrifice is enough! This message looks at "4 mistaken ways of thinking" that are common among those who struggle with God's complete forgiveness.
God has placed inside each of us a hunger for purpose and destiny. The hunger is there... the chase is constant... but it seems just outside of our reach. God shares in His Word that the source of that purpose is found in Jesus. We can try to pursue anything this world has to offer but it will always fall short when it's not founded in Jesus.
This message chases the carrot of approval. Becoming obsessed with what people think about you is the fastest way to forget what God thinks about you.
Our culture's understanding of "being rich" is TO HAVE MORE. The line or the carrot always seems to be a little bit more ahead. There is one simple key if you want to know how to be rich, and it's all about perspective.
The phrase "fear not" is the most repeated command found in the Bible. And if we're honest - fear captures all of us. This message looks to encourage us to be shaped by FAITH instead of FEAR.
God embedded us with emotions to be a gauge not a guide. God never created emotions to lead us. Our feelings should not lead our faith - our faith should lead our emotions towards truth. In this message, we'll see that our emotions are not always trustworthy. There are times when we need to speak truth into our emotions.
God embedded emotions into our humanity to serve a useful purpose in our lives. Just as our minds enable us to think and our free will enable us to choose - so our emotions enable us to respond.
The Greater Boston area continues to be the most un-churched, post-Christian region in America. Can this change? Is there hope towards spreading the Gospel in our region? This message looks towards the future and expansion of Branch Church. We're going "All In" because somebody is waiting on our YES!
In Romans 12:14-21, we see that doing good to those who have done evil to us is one of the most counter-cultural things we can do in our faith.
In Romans 12:9-13, Paul hones in on love and how we are to love others. Our capacity to love is much more than a natural response to a feeling - our capacity to love is supernatural because we are children of God and God lives in us.
In Romans 12:3-8, the Apostle Paul explains how everyone plays a role in God's rescue mission. Everyone has a role and gift to use to further God's Kingdom.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul unveils how we are to respond to God's incredible gift of salvation. We'll look at 4 ways we are to live the Christians life.
Where does the Jews stand with God? Has God abandoned them because they rejected His salvation through Jesus? Paul answers this question in Romans 11.
In Romans 9:6-18, Paul gives 3 assurances in the promises of God. Paul is going to say, "Here is why God's promises have not failed and will not fail."
In Romans 9:1-5, Paul lets us inside his heart. We get a glimpse of what motivates him. A Christian who has a heart for God will have a heart for people.
In Romans 8:35-39, Paul ends chapter 8 by exhausting all the various forces that threaten God's eternal love for His children. As Paul interrogates them all - he concludes - nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
In Romans 8:31-34, the Apostle Paul asks several questions for us to understand and believe. You can know that GOD IS FOR YOU!
In Romans 8:28-30, Paul explains how ALL things work together for good. This includes the fortunate, difficult, tragic and blessings.
In Romans 8:26-27, Paul explains a forgotten - but important ministry of the Holy Spirit - He intercedes in prayer for us. In do this - the Holy Spirit helps up align with the perfect will of the Holy Spirit. Francis Chan says, "God will ensure my success in accordance with His plan not mine."
Why does God allow suffering? If He is All-loving, why does He allow so much pain and hardship? In Romans 8:17-25, the Apostle Paul shares how suffering effects God's Creation and God's Children.
Mary was the chosen mother of God's only Son - Jesus. Mary exemplifies that it takes faith to trust that God's plan is bigger than the potential we see in our children at any particular moment. You can trust God with your child(ren)!
In Romans 8:5-11, Paul begins to explain the Holy Spirit's role in the life of the believer. In this message we see that the Holy Spirit transforms the believer.
Romans 8 begins with Paul stating "there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who belong to Christ Jesus." If no truly means no. Why do we feel condemnation with God? This message looks at the FREEDOM, FORGIVENESS, PEACE, HOPE and RENEWED PURPOSE we have through Jesus.
When Jesus was crucified, everybody thought Jesus would do what every person that dies does. STAY DEAD! In fact, when everyone saw the empty tomb, nobody said, "He's Alive! He's Alive!" Everybody, including His closest followers said, "Somebody stole the body!" This event is what truly launched the message of the church and the Gospel! You can have confidence in the resurrection.
One of the last statements Jesus said was, "It is finished!" The significance of those words bring clarity to the purpose of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. This morning we look at a view of the cross 700 years prior to Jesus' death through the prophetic words of Isaiah - Isaiah 53. You'll see this was God's plan all along.
In Luke 9, to be a follower of Jesus - Jesus said, "to take up your cross and follow Him." In Jesus' day, the cross was an object the Romans used to torture and crucify the evilest of criminals. This message looks at the cost in following Jesus.
In John 10, Jesus claimed that He and God the Father are One. This claim was blasphemy to the Jews who heard it but if it was true - IT WAS A GAME CHANGER. This message looks at how this claim impacts our lives in so many ways.
In Luke 18, it appears Jesus said, "rich people can't go to heaven." Did He really say/mean that?! Jesus, nor the New Testament, ever said having wealth is wrong. Craving and serving wealth is the problem! It is THAT reason that the New Testament seems to show wealth as a DANGER more than a BLESSING.
In Luke 14, Jesus said, "Hate your parents..." This is the same Jesus that said to "love your enemies, "love one another" and "honor your parents." But He says to hate the people we love the most - why?
Jesus said, "eat my flesh and drink my blood." Wait, He said what?? The state of the human soul is hungry; it is a hunger that comes from sin and ultimately separation from God. Our souls were made to be satisfied with God. This hard to read statement is a metaphorical analogy to the importance of Jesus being our "true bread" and source of fulfillment.
Jesus said, "Love your enemies." This radical teaching of Jesus forces us to think through the lens of the Gospel. Loving our enemies takes courage and action. It takes more strength to meet hate with love than to meet it with strength. Jesus gives us a better way to respond. A way that is just and good. A way that allows good to prevail.
Jesus said, "Don't worry about ANYTHING." Wait, He said what?? Anything? Jesus did not say things to get a reaction. He said things to get a response. Jesus desired that people look at things from a new perspective - the RIGHT PERSPECTIVE. This message looks at 4 things that happen when we worry.
Oftentimes there is a chasm between GOD'S DESIGN in marriage and OUR DESIRE in marriage. We cannot know what marriage is without learning it from God. Knowing God's design in marriage and its purpose helps us to have a proper focus on God and our spouse.
Our greatest concern for our children should be that they grow to love God above all else. The distraction factor comes in by Satan doing everything he can to disrupt God's plan and purpose for our children.
The most successful we will ever be is when we are fulfilling the assignment of God in our lives. This message looks at the effects of a distracted believer. When distracted, we can be reckless, immature and missing the mark - but when we are focused on God and His will we can operate at our fullest potential.
God did not make you to be what somebody else wants you to be. If you're going to become ALL God desires you to be, you have to refuse to be defined by others! The aim of this message is for you to differentiate the command to love verses the disease to please.
So many things are pulling for our attention in 2019. What often gets forgotten and/or pushed to the side is our spiritual growth. The truth is, "you can be as close to God as you choose to be." The aim of this message is to prioritize spiritual growth in the life of the Christian.
Right now - through Jesus - we can experience; peace, hope, joy and love... BUT THERE IS COMING A DAY WHEN WE WILL EXPERIENCE THE FULLNESS OF GOD'S PRESENCE WHERE THERE IS NO SIN, DEATH, DISEASE or HEARTACHE! One day we will truly be "home!"
Joseph's life is turned upside down when Jesus enters it. He lost his reputation and more but his life shows the joy in submitting to God. This message teaches us that there is JOY in submitting to God's plan.
Timing is everything! And when it comes to God - His timing is PERFECT! This message looks at how Jesus came at just the right time. When it comes to us - God knows exactly what you are going through. He knows exactly what you need. When you are utterly helpless, Christ still comes today!
Pastor Mason's spends our 6th birthday celebrating all God has done and casting vision towards our future.
God desires to be generous... through you. Giving is good and it's really crazy if you think about it. This message looks at how giving is crazy.
One of the biggest problems in our society is people struggling with their finances. The key in week 1 is found in LESS IS MORE. The richest people in the world are not those who have the most but those who need the least.
How can two people hear the same message of Jesus and one receive it and another reject it? How can one believer be so on fire for God and His Kingdom and another believer is apathetic? In Mark 4, Jesus shares "the parable of the 4 soils." He describes 4 responses to the Gospel and why people respond the way they do.
You were not born an accident. You were not born out of chance. You were formed in your mother's womb ON PURPOSE AND FOR A PURPOSE. A life created to have significance, worth, joy, fulfillment and hope. BUT... until OUR STORY & GOD'S STORY collide we are left to figure out life on our own - constantly searching for meaning, purpose, peace and true fulfillment.
So many stories fill the pages of our lives. Some chapters we love to revisit and share. Others, we would rather skip. Some stories are filled with pain, betrayal, abuse, neglect and despair. This message looks at how "MY STORY MATTERS" to God!
In Romans 7:14-25, Paul allows us into a portion of his life that most would think did not exist. Paul struggled with sin... just like we all do.
Paul has shared overwhelming evidence that we are now "dead to the Law." If the Law does not have the power to save us - what purpose does the Law serve? In Romans 7:7-13, Paul states how the Law is good.
In Romans 7, Paul uses the analogy of marriage to describe our past relationship with the Law and our new relationship with Jesus.
In Romans 6:15-23, Paul states that we become a slave to whatever we choose to obey - sin or God. To be a slave for God is to give up ownership to God.
In Christ, we are dead to sin! The problem is when we do not understand this truth! We act and live out what we perceive to be truth. In Romans 6:5-13, Paul explains how we are FREE IN CHRIST - we are no longer slaves to sin!
In Romans 6:1-4, Paul says that we have died to sin... not dying to sin but died to sin. He then states that for us to understand sins domain in our lives post salvation is us understanding what happened to Jesus on the cross.
In Romans 5:1-2, Paul speaks on the peace we have WITH GOD. It is important that we understand this peace we have WITH GOD. Our lack of understanding of this peace creates a lack of spiritual intimacy with God and a suppressed joy in life.
Many do not understand the foundational concept of salvation and consequently the spiritual formation of their life is less than it ought to be. And in doing so get caught up in a "works-righteousness" or go through spiritual turmoil. As a result, they struggle with guilt, shame and feel unworthy because they do not understand salvation. In Romans 4:1-8, Paul explains justification by faith alone.
We are in a very strategic time in the life of our church. God is creating a passion, hunger and realization to DO, GIVE, and BE more for God's Kingdom. This message looks at big vision and how we're going to get there.
Why does God want my money? All throughout scripture - God requires people to give - why? The truth is... God doesn't want something FROM YOU, He wants something FOR YOU. Giving is the conduit that God uses to minister TO and THROUGH us.
In Romans 2:17-29, Paul speaks directly to people who believe their religious rituals and activity will save them. We're calling it religious redemption. Religious redemption is when we believe our own religious activities make us right with God. Paul's case is that only Jesus can save us and make us right with God.
A common belief about heaven and hell is that "good people" go to heaven and "bad people" go to hell. In Romans 2:1-16, Paul addresses 4 ways in which God will judge the moralist.
Many people don't think they need the GOOD NEWS because they don't understand the BAD NEWS. In Romans 1:18-32, the Apostle Paul built a case against not just SIN but SINNERS and comes to the conclusion that WE ALL FALL SHORT OF GOD'S GLORY.
If we are going to proclaim the Gospel unashamedely, we must believe it. But to believe it we must understand it. In Romans 1:14-17, Paul shares his motivation for sharing the Gospel.
It has been well said that the Apostle Paul was the greatest Christian who ever lived! In Romans 1:8-12, we get a glimpse of Paul's heart and soul - in doing so we'll extract qualities found in the servant of God.
The book of Romans touches on every major theological theme of the New Testament. It deals with our foundational beliefs (sin, righteousness, faith, hope, peace, suffering, service, submission) as well as the practical outcomes of these beliefs. Together we'll explore the depths of this book and ask the Spirit of God to increase our understanding and broaden our faith.
God as our WAYMAKER paved THE WAY for us to be made right with Him. In Numbers 21, many of the children of Israel were bitten and died from poisonous snakes. God provides a remedy and many others were healed. This account was mentioned by Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus said, And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.
God provides for all of our needs; nothing is coincidental. The children of Israel face another brutal enemy - THE DESERT. It was a huge challenge to feed 2 million nomads but over and over again - God provided for His people. Just as He provided for Israel in the desert - He will provide for us and NOTHING IS COINCIDENTAL.
Oftentimes, what costs us from experiencing our destiny, purpose and God's will for our lives is fear. Being brave doesn't mean we have no fear - it means we refuse to be overcome by it!
Have you ever had a "NO WAY EXPERIENCE?" There is no way this could happen! All throughout scripture you see God turning the IMPOSSIBLE - POSSIBLE! But that was then this is now and it's different... OR IS IT?
We live in a current culture where the idea of love has been so greatly transformed, wrongly applied, misused, misunderstood, and muddied by common usage that it's lost its true meaning. If we're going to understand love, experience love, be loved and give love. We need to reprogram what culture has taught us and grasp the love that comes from God.
We live in a current culture where the idea of love has been so greatly transformed, wrongly applied, misused, misunderstood, and muddied by common usage that it's lost its true meaning. If we're going to understand love, experience love, be loved and give love. We need to reprogram what culture has taught us and grasp the love that comes from God.
We live in a current culture where the idea of love has been so greatly transformed, wrongly applied, misused, misunderstood, and muddied by common usage that it's lost its true meaning. If we're going to understand love, experience love, be loved and give love. We need to reprogram what culture has taught us and grasp the love that comes from God.
We live in a current culture where the idea of love has been so greatly transformed, wrongly applied, misused, misunderstood, and muddied by common usage that it's lost its true meaning. If we're going to understand love, experience love, be loved and give love. We need to reprogram what culture has taught us and grasp the love that comes from God.
Oftentimes, our pain, misfortunes and hardships that come with life can weigh us down and hinder God's purpose. When you read through the Bible you'll see that God often desires to use our pain to help fulfill our purpose. For that to happen, we must interpret our pain through the lens of God's purpose.
Too often we carry the unnecessary weight of SHAME. The enemy will try to take something you did and convince you that what you did is who you are. And if Satan can keep us in shame, he can minimize our intimacy, purpose/destiny/future and peace with God.
Have you noticed that the pressure, expectations and stress that Christmas brings millions of Americans has nothing to do with Jesus? Our desire is to turn STRESSmas into CHRISTmas for you and your family by studying God's purpose in Jesus found in Isaiah 9:6.
Have you noticed that the pressure, expectations and stress that Christmas brings millions of Americans has nothing to do with Jesus? Our desire is to turn STRESSmas into CHRISTmas for you and your family by studying God's purpose in Jesus found in Isaiah 9:6.
Have you noticed that the pressure, expectations and stress that Christmas brings millions of Americans has nothing to do with Jesus? Our desire is to turn STRESSmas into CHRISTmas for you and your family by studying God's purpose in Jesus found in Isaiah 9:6.
Is it ok to be mad or frustrated with God? In Jonah chapter 4, Jonah is angry with God. Jonah had an unhealthy "spiritual" heart. This message shows the product of an unhealthy heart.
"Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time." Have you ever wondered if God will accept you or take you back? The answer is YES! Always! Jonah chapter 3 is a chapter of second chances, grace, mission and salvation.
God did what to Jonah? God sending a great fish to swallow Jonah seems harsh. Actually, this is not meanness, it's mercy. God is not paying Jonah back FOR HIS SIN; this was God bringing Jonah back FROM HIS SIN.
Jonah chose to run away from God's Will. Why? Because of the hatred he harbored towards Nineveh. You're never farther from God than when you're close to Him and say "no."
Peter Kraft writes, “Of all the doctrines of Christianity, Hell is probably the most difficult to defend, the most burdensome to believe and the first to be abandoned.” Coming face to face with these passages on hell and asking these questions is a heart wrenching process. When it comes to hell, we can't afford to be wrong or ignorant. We need the truth.
Many doubt God's existence because they doubt the legitimacy of the Bible. They have doubts about its accuracy, its trustworthiness and its truthfulness. They see the Bible as outdated, irrelevant and mythological. This message responds to some of the main questions surrounding the legitimacy of the Bible.
Is Jesus Christ alone the only means that connects all mankind back to God? No one wants to be labeled a "narrow minded bigot," judgmental or exclusive. Our culture continues to drive us towards inclusiveness. Should Christians adopt this cultural mindset or is Jesus God's only answer for the world?
Where was God during the Las Vegas mass shooting? If He is all-powerful, why didn't He stop the hurricanes of South Texas and Puerto Rico? Many believe the most serious challenge to theism was, and is, and will continue to be the problem of evil and suffering. This message looks to the Bible to answer the question, why is there evil and suffering in the world?
Is faith and science at odds or do they compliment each other? The Bible teaches that science was created by God. The more you study God from a scientific perspective - the more real He becomes.
The 23rd Psalm is the most popular, most read and most memorized Psalm. It continues to be a Psalm of hope and comfort in our darkest hours.
What ushers grace from God is CONFESSION. Psalm 51 is a confession from King David to God for adultery and murder. This Psalm will highlight 5 truths about God's grace.
Psalm 15 asks the question of all questions... Who has the right to live in your presence God?
Guest Speaker, Rodger Wright, shares lessons learned from the wilderness from Psalm 63.
Psalm 122 dives into the most important topic the human mind could ever consider - WORSHIP. If you are not worshiping God you are worshiping something else. Our worship of God is meant to be the thing that shapes and directs everything we do in life.
Psalm 57 answers the question, Does God have a purpose for my life, and if so, how can I know it?
Psalm 88 is a real look into pain and hurt. But even in the midst of pain and despair; I choose not to fear; God is with me. I choose not to doubt; God is in control. I choose not to despair; God is good.
Road Trip stop #2 takes us to Psalms 32. King David connects our happiness to forgiveness. Psalm 32 reveals 5 things to help us experience "guilt free" forgiveness.
In Psalm 1, this 3,000 year old Psalm, answers the most poignant question in our existence, "Why am I not happy?"
God entrusts the local church to create the Kingdom experience. Jesus gave 2 metaphors - Salt & Light.
In Christ, we have superpowers or "spiritual gifts" that unite us with the mission of Jesus to serve others for the Glory of God. Your spiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit but for the benefit of others, just as other people were given gifts for your benefit.
God desires that the local church love each other and live in biblical community. Unfortunately, we build fences and hinder biblical community. Loving each other is impossible to do from behind a fence.
God desires that we love the local church. It's not optional, not elective - it's a command from Jesus. This message introduces our series and gives insight to how we can love the church God has brought us to.
Are we settling for LESS or BEST when it comes to our journey in Christ? The decision to settle never feels permanent at the moment, but moments turn into months and eventually starting again is harder than staying where you are.
The Bible makes it clear that there is only ONE RACE - the HUMAN RACE. Why does racism exist if it is only "skin deep?" The Bible says more than one would think about indifference, contempt, hatred, avoidance, exclusion and violence found is racism. Jesus responded differently and desires His Church to respond differently. If the Church can't figure it out - how can we expect others to?
The 2017 mom has more expectations and pressure than ever before. Part 2 of our series, This is Us, is about balance. The most difficult decisions we can face is between what is GOOD and what is BEST. Often times our "best" gets neglected with our "good."
Have you ever tried to find a "healthy family" in scripture absent of pain, sin and issues? FYI, you won't find the perfect family in scripture because they do not exist. Every family has problems but every problem has a solution.
The resurrection of Jesus brings life but too many times Christians succomb to the devil's lies. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that lives inside of you!
The resurrection of Jesus brings life but too many times Christians succomb to the devil's lies. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that lives inside of you!
What events will lead up to the end of time? Daniel concludes his book by sharing a vision concerning future events.
The story of Daniel in the Lion's Den is a story about FAITH. Faith is not an act - it's a habit. Daniel will teach us the how and why this approach in faith is much more effective in our Christian walk.
Daniel 5 gives an inside view of how the Babylonian Empire came to an end. Satan desires to DESECRATE what God CONSECRATES. This shows itself in the attitude of King Belshazzar. Belshazzar hit an all-time low by showing extreme blasphemy towards God.
King Nebuchadnezzar comes face to face with his biggest enemy - HIS PRIDE. Pride keeps us from seeing, acknowledging or turning from our sins. This message asks the question - what will it take to get you to humble yourself and bring honor and glory to His name?
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were faced with one of the most difficult decisions you could ever imagine: disobey God and live or obey God and die. Part 3 of our series, Counter Culture teaches about PERSPECTIVE. When we are consumed with this LIFE and this WORLD we lose sight of that which is eternal and truly important - OUR SOUL and HIS KINGDOM.
In Daniel chapter 2, Daniel explains King Nebuchadnezzar's dream and how it outlines all of human history from Daniel's day to the end of the earth. This is a great lesson in when you face an uncertain future, don't rely on human predictions, rely on God.
Daniel was exiled to Babylon as a young teenager to serve King Nebuchadnezzar. It was a dark and godless culture but LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST IN THE DARK.
Branch Church has partnered with Manna Worldwide to help rescue at-risk kids in Ukraine. Shawn Sullivan, the Eastern Europe Director for Manna Worldwide, shares how we can give hope to these kids in Ukraine.
Jesus is the hope of the world and the local church is the vehicle of expressing that hope to the world. Church planting has been God's method in spreading His mission since the beginning of the church.
God expects His people to show intentional, compassionate generosity towards the least and the last. Why? Because the Gospel compels us to. Our motivation for caring for the poor is not by GUILT but by the GOSPEL.
Jesus calls us to serve, pursue, give and focus on that which is BEYOND ourselves. The mission and dream of Jesus has always called the Christ-follower to be a part of something so much bigger than themselves. In our State of the Church address we share where Branch Church is going (locally & globally) in 2017 and how we are going to get there.
The best thing you can do in 2017 is commit to READ, STUDY and APPLY God's Word to your life. Why? Because the Bible has the power to influence and change your life for the better. Millions of men and women have changed history because God used the Bible to change them.
The beauty of Christmas is not so much THAT Jesus came, but WHY He came. We're not celebrating a BABY. We're celebrating a SAVIOR.
The first person to doubt the virgin birth was Mary herself. A lot of times our natural response to faith opportunities God places in our lives is CONFUSION, FEAR and DOUBT. As Christians we must remember that God often interrupts what WE ARE DOING so we can join in what HE IS DOING.
The world had to wait 4,000 years for the birth of Christ and the hope He brought. God did not work through our timeframe but His. I'm sure the generations of waiting made the children of Israel feel like they were forgotten. As Christians, we must trust God even when His answer is wait.
In Athens, the Apostle Paul stumbles across an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. It broke Paul's heart to see a people desiring to know God but not knowing who He is and what He has done for them. He would get the opportunity to preach Christ on Mars Hill and help introduce people to God.
In Malachi 1, God expresses rebuke towards the Jews and the animals they offered as sacrifices. It was a wake up call concerning their attitude of disregard for God. As Christians, it is too easy to go through the "motions" of religion and lack the passion, thankfulness and reverence God deserves. This message invites you to answer 3 questions concerning what we give God.
Many Christians can probably give you a quick and accurate description of who God and Jesus are. But what about the Holy Spirit? This part of the Trinity is a little more difficult to explain. Is it your conscience? Is it karma? Is it those goosebumps you get during a good worship song? Or is it something much more? This series will enlighten us to see God and His activity in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians can probably give you a quick and accurate description of who God and Jesus are. But what about the Holy Spirit? This part of the Trinity is a little more difficult to explain. Is it your conscience? Is it karma? Is it those goosebumps you get during a good worship song? Or is it something much more? This series will enlighten us to see God and His activity in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians can probably give you a quick and accurate description of who God and Jesus are. But what about the Holy Spirit? This part of the Trinity is a little more difficult to explain. Is it your conscience? Is it karma? Is it those goosebumps you get during a good worship song? Or is it something much more? This series will enlighten us to see God and His activity in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
Doubt is often the “dirty little secret” that Christians don’t want to talk about or admit that they deal with. Doubt is the soil out of which faith grows. If we ignore or deny the reality of doubt, then we never really know what it means to live by “faith” and not by “sight.” If we simply embrace doubt and never move beyond it, we miss the incredible things which God has for those who choose to walk by faith.
Doubt is often the “dirty little secret” that Christians don’t want to talk about or admit that they deal with. Doubt is the soil out of which faith grows. If we ignore or deny the reality of doubt, then we never really know what it means to live by “faith” and not by “sight.” If we simply embrace doubt and never move beyond it, we miss the incredible things which God has for those who choose to walk by faith.