Two Cities Church - Fresno/Clovis, CA: Recent Episodes
Micah Foster
We are the church unchurched people love to attend and our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is a sin that is so common to the human experience, it is the gateway to all other sins. It promises to make us bigger, better, and more important, but only makes us smaller and meaner. It strips us of our capacity to connect with others. It stands between us and our heavenly Father.
So, what is “it” and how do we kill it?
There is a sin that is so common to the human experience, it is the gateway to all other sins. It promises to make us bigger, better, and more important, but only makes us smaller and meaner. It strips us of our capacity to connect with others. It stands between us and our heavenly Father.
So, what is “it” and how do we kill it?
Happy couples decide they owe each other everything but are owed nothing in return. But that requires effort. Every married person makes a choice every day. That choice feels more like a reaction, so most people don’t think they have a choice at all. But they do. Happy couples make the happy choice.
As long as you think your spouse owes you, your marriage will be all about keeping score. That destroys intimacy. It destroys love. But what are we supposed to do about our hopes, dreams, and desires?
We all enter into marriage with hopes, dreams, and desires. They create expectations. But when you put those expectations onto your spouse, it turns your marriage into a debt/debtor relationship. Your relationship becomes marked by the belief that your spouse owes you something. So, how do you keep your hopes, dreams, and desires from becoming expectations?
A great marriage doesn’t happen by accident. It requires care and regular maintenance. But sometimes we don’t want to make the effort. As long as it’s not broken, do we really need to talk about it?
On the day of Super Bowl LII, Eagles vs. Patriots, we took time out from our regularly scheduled messages and paused to hear from NFL players like Matt Forte, Carson Wentz, and Demario Davis. You can watch it here.
What you naturally want is often in conflict with what you ultimately value. But your heavenly Father knows what you need. He wants for you what you really want. So, how do you put aside those natural wants and pursue what you ultimately value?
What do you want? What do you really want? We’ll never get what we really want until we discover what is most valuable. And what we naturally want is often in conflict with what we ultimately value. So, in order to figure out what you really want, you have to figure out what you value.
We’ll never get what we really want until we discover what is most valuable. But choosing what’s valuable isn’t natural. We’ve all had the experience of getting what we naturally want, only to discover it's not what is most valuable—it’s not what we ultimately want. But how do we avoid being deceived by our short-term desires?
We all have wants. But actually getting what we want can be tricky . . . and even dangerous. It usually leaves us wanting more. If what we want leads to a cycle of wanting more and more, maybe we want the wrong things.
So, what do you want?
Who needs Christmas? Well, as it turns out, we all do. But it might not be for the reasons you think.
As you know, love must be shown to be known. Right? If you don't show it, nobody knows it. And that is the message of Christmas.
You may find the events surrounding the birth of Jesus a bit unbelievable. If so, you're not alone. But when you hear the entire story – the backstory – well . . . the whole thing is really quite remarkable.
Be Rich is our annual generosity campaign where we unleash a wave of generosity into our local cities. In this message we talk about how to love others.
Be Rich is our annual generosity campaign where we unleash a wave of generosity into our local cities. In this message, Micah Foster, our Lead Pastor, talks about having a life of purpose and meaning... which is surprisingly found in putting others first.
Be Rich is our annual generosity campaign where we unleash a wave of generosity into our local cities. This year we are raising funds for City Without Orphans. After the message, Micah Foster, our Lead Pastor explained that this organization seeks to make sure every child has a home and a family in our county. If you'd like to give towards this effort, text "BR17 39.95" or whatever amount you'd like to give to (559) 745-7009.
We believe you were designed to pursue three vital relationships. This is the third of three messages around that idea.
We believe you were designed to pursue three vital relationships. This is the second of three messages around that idea.
We believe you were designed to pursue three vital relationships. This is the first of three messages around that idea.
The idea of autonomy is attractive. One of the biggest barriers to belief in God is that we don't want to need anyone. But what if the idea of autonomy is really the illusion of autonomy?
We all want to rid the world of injustice. But we can only recognize injustice if we know what justice is to begin with. We don’t always agree about what is just. So, who gets to define justice?
If big-G God has lost his appeal because we've mixed him up with a gaggle of little-g gods who don’t exist, then how can we know what the true God is like?
Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Should we really believe something just because the Bible tells us so?
Do you have religious doubts? When your prayers go unanswered, do you wonder if God exists? Does science make God seem unnecessary?
Before you abandon your faith, consider this: What if the god you’re walking away from never existed to begin with?
Americans are migrating away from religion at an unprecedented rate; Christianity in particular. But not because atheism is more appealing. People are leaving because religion has lost its appeal. Once upon a time Americans believed religion offered solutions. Today, religion is viewed by many as the problem.
Family, friends, education, personal experience—plenty of things influence how you see the world. But how does the way you see the world affect you?
What if you’re missing a bigger picture?
Family, friends, education, personal experience—plenty of things influence how you see the world. But how does the way you see the world affect you?
What if you’re missing a bigger picture?
Family, friends, education, personal experience—plenty of things influence how you see the world. But how does the way you see the world affect you?
What if you’re missing a bigger picture?
Family, friends, education, personal experience—plenty of things influence how you see the world. But how does the way you see the world affect you?
What if you’re missing a bigger picture?
Check out this secret ingredient to happiness. It's so counterintuitive that only people who have experienced it believe it.
Why are we tempted to make decisions that hurt us in the long run? This message will help you understand the difference between pleasure and happiness.
If your goal is to find happiness, no amount of money will ever be enough. But this one principle can change the way you view money and help you find peace.
Peace with God paves the way to peace with ourselves and equips us to make peace with others. Find out the one thing it takes to find peace with God.
We think we have to choose between being happy and pleasing God. Check out what Jesus had to say about that.
We all daydream about a trouble-free life made possible by something: a dream job, house, car, spouse, child, family, or pile of money. But what if no thing can make us happy?
When we fail to measure up to God’s standards, it can drive a wedge in our relationship with him. Resolving the guilt we feel when we think we have disappointing God is simpler than we believe. It requires honesty.
When it comes to God and faith, everyone has doubts. Too often, those doubts rob us of the potential for a relationship with God. But it doesn't have to be that way. Believe it or not, your doubt can be a bridge to deeper relationship.
Most people are mostly honest with themselves. Unfortunately, relationships that are mostly honest are mildly healthy. Our most healthy relationships are our most honest relationships. Is God okay with full honesty? In this message, Micah unpacks an overview of King David's collection of Psalms to discover that God doesn't just tolerate our honesty, he celebrates it.
When tragedy strikes our community, your reaction matters for future generations.
We've decided to go off-script and address what's happened in our community. This week we talk about how our response to the recent violence in our community will shape the future of our two cities.
*The content of this message will address PG-13 themes. We have environments for your kids, staffed with loving and background checked volunteers.
On Easter, we don't celebrate a collection of teachings. We don't celebrate an idea. We celebrate an event . . . an event in history that changed history.
If you were taught to believe in a personal God who is all-knowing and all powerful, how can you not turn your frustration on him when life gets difficult?
In the Easter story, Judas tried to get Jesus to do what he wanted, without regard for Jesus’ ministry and mission. That may seem ridiculous, but there’s a little Judas in all of us.
In the days and weeks preceding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, three men found their way into the story. Each refused to abandon his quest for control and surrender to the Savior of the world. How can we avoid the mistakes they made?
We live in a culture of digital connectedness and geographical isolation. There's something missing and it feels so far. But what if it's right Next Door?
We live in a culture of digital connectedness and geographical isolation. There's something missing and it feels so far. But what if it's right Next Door?
We live in a culture of digital connectedness and geographical isolation. There's something missing and it feels so far. But what if it's right Next Door?
So you’re constantly on social media and enjoy binge watching your favorite series. But is all this connectedness good for you? Can anyone really have 1000 friends? Is shooting for 10,000 followers or thousands of likes even healthy? This week, we’ll explore technology’s impact on family life, your life and your soul.
Money is one of the greatest stressors in life, whether you have money or whether you don’t. Financial stress is something people talk about all the time (even fight over), yet rarely talk to God about, other than to complain. Why is that? We’ll look at how inviting God into your finances can deepen your trust and finally give you the peace you’ve been lacking.
Relationships are supposed be life giving. So why are so many people frustrated and worried about their marriages, kids, friendships and relationships? Maybe you’re worried and angry because you’re expecting something of the people around you that they can’t possibly provide.
Life can be overwhelming and sometimes depression or thoughts of suicide set in and you need a little help. But if you've got a pulse, God's got a plan.
Life can be overwhelming. But what if you could have overwhelming victory by shifting your focus? Would you try it?
We've shrunk our space, but our divine mandate is to reach. How do we grow in a smaller place?
Throughout history, men and women of God have confused a milestone with the finish line. But we're determined not to follow their lead.
God knows what you need. He sent Jesus into the world for you, to meet your greatest need. The Christmas story is personal. Here's how to make it your story.
There's a light that can cut through your doubt, anger, sin, shame, and disappointment with God. Here's what you need to do to find it.
For many, the Christmas season is complicated. It's a reminder of broken relationships, unmet expectations, and missed loved ones. But no matter your circumstances, Christmas can also be a reminder of the light that overcomes the darkness.
You have the power to change the trajectory of someone’s entire life. All it takes is an invitation.
You voted. The results are in. You've done your part. But it doesn't stop there. What does it really take to become a good citizen?
You voted. The results are in. You've done your part. But it doesn't stop there. What does it really take to be a good citizen? Find out in this two-part message series: The Good Citizen.
“Command those who are rich in this present world . . . to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:17–18
In this #BeRich2016 season, we are challenging the church to Give.Serve.Love. our Two Cities.
If you would like to help Feed Our Future Fresno feed chronically hungry kids in Fresno County text "BR (instert amount you'd like to give)" to 559.745.7009. Thank you for participating in Be Rich.
You can say, "I do." But can you follow through? A promise - even a promise as big as a wedding vow - doesn't mean anything without preparation to back it up. In this message, we talk about a "to do" list that will prepare you to one day say "I do" and mean it.
We apologize for the camera framing.
Culture convinces us - and sometimes we convince ourselves - that sex is only physical. But if that is true, why is the pain of sexual sin so deep? Because sex is not just physical. It was designed by God to be so much more. In this message, we address common myths about sex outside of marriage and has two specific challenges going forward. *Please note, this message is not appropriate for all ages. Parental guidance is suggested.
Are the Bible's teachings about women relevant? In this message, we explore Jesus' teachings about honoring women that were extremely counter-cultural in the first century. They remain so today. So Christian men especially need to transform their thinking. And there are two simple steps to start with. *Please note, this message is not appropriate for all ages. Parental guidance is suggested.
When I meet the right person, everything will be all right. This way of thinking creates trouble in our dating lives and sets us up for trouble in marriage. In this message, we are challenged to ask ourselves Am I the person the person I'm looking for is looking for? And he previews God's list of behaviors that will lead to success in dating and marriage.
Celebrating two years, Micah Foster reframes and clarifies the vision of Two Cities Church.
When you have a mess to address, first options aren’t usually the best options. First options often make messes messier. In this message, Andy explores an approach that can take the -er out of your messy situations.
Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. But that’s easier said than done. What are the limits of our responsibility to others? The answer may surprise you.
A common misperception is that the Christian life is all about avoiding messes and staying out of trouble. But following Jesus isn’t about avoiding something; it’s about becoming something.
I know a mess when I see one because I am a mess. When we acknowledge our messes, we're a baby step away from acknowledging God. Your mess has the potential to bring God near you.
Whether we’re religious or not, we’ve all been in, are in, or are only one decision away from a mess. But there’s a powerful connection between your messes and your relationship with God.
Why is it some people go through extraordinarily tough times and are broken, while others are not? Check out this secret to weathering the storms of life.
How should you respond when others face a bottom-of-the-9th moment? It's not about saying something or doing something. It's about being someone.
What happens when there is no bottom-of-the-ninth comeback? What happens when you lose? Where can you find hope when hope disappears?
When you're facing a bottom-of-the-ninth moment, doing this one thing can bring light to the darkness.
Have you ever felt behind financially, relationally, or emotionally? What do you do when you feel like your life is trailing in the bottom of the ninth?
The first-century church was deeply divided over race and social status. Too often, the modern church is too. But God commands us to love one another as we share with the world the good news that God loves everybody.
We're blessed to live in a nation of laws. But what do we do when our rights clash with the rights of others? The answer is surprising.
Wouldn't it be great to have a faith without doubts? This one question posed by Jesus has the power to help you move past your doubt.
People size each other up all the time. We all do it. This command from Jesus has the power to change all of your relationships.
The future is uncertain and sometimes scary. This one truth can help you to live free of worry.
We assume that our sin makes God angry. But Jesus gave us a new reason not to sin, and it's better than fear or guilt.
Life can be scary. Believe it or not, there's a way to live without fear...even when there's something to be afraid of.
The Bible is complex. Christianity can seem extreme. But when it comes to faith, this one thing changed everything.
Full Circle, A New Heaven and A New Earth: Revelation is a difficult text, but you know what's not difficult... the hope it gives.
What begins as the unfair story of original sin, ends with the unfair trail, murder and resurrection of an innocent man. Not just any moan, but God himself in human flesh.
God called for Abraham to sacrifice his one and only son... and that bother's me. It should bother you too, but there's good news in the story and it comes Full Circle.
Once upon a time, Jesus stood against the injustice of the Roman empire and the hypocrisy of religious leaders. He changed the course of human history. What will our Once upon a time… story be?
What if our faith was characterized by fearlessness, humility, confidence in Jesus, and love of others? Imagine how that would change the world around us.
We see daily news reports about violence and terrorism. The world can feel like a dangerous place. Surrounded by uncertainty, it's difficult not to be afraid. But Jesus offers us another option.
We all have a part to play in the body of Christ, but you can't play it if you're apart from the body of Christ.
There’s one question about God that elicits the most emotion, but has no emotionally satisfying answer. If God is good, why is there so much suffering in the world? If God were all-powerful, he could eliminate suffering. If God was loving, he would eliminate suffering. So, is he unable or unwilling?
If you’re a Christian, be prepared to defend your decision to follow Christ. Be prepared to defend your hope or confidence in Christ. You believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the grave. That’s amazing! But you don’t have to believe it because the Bible says so. It’s better than that . . . .
One of the most frustrating things about being a Christian is when someone asks you a question about what you believe. If you had fifteen minutes of undivided attention, you could answer. But what are you supposed to say in just a few seconds? How do you defend your faith without losing your mind?
Politics is not an emotionally neutral topic. It has the power to divide us instead of bring us together. What would it look like if Christians filtered their politics through their faith rather than filtering their faith through their politics?
Most people begin the New Year asking, “What should I do about me?” In this series, we introduced a different question: “What breaks your heart?” If you want to become a better person, do something the make the world a better place. Maybe this series has inspired you. But maybe you don’t know what breaks your heart, or maybe you know what breaks your heart but you don’t know what to do about it. If that’s where you are, the church can help.
This is the season of self-improvement. We challenge ourselves to get slimmer, stronger, and smarter. But if you want to become a better person, focus less on yourself and more on doing something to make the world a better place. The challenge is that making the world a better place requires giving up some part of our lives—time, money, or opportunities. It will cost you some life. We don’t want to give up some life. We want to preserve our lives. But Jesus said that the only way to live a life of purpose and meaning is to give our lives away.
This is the time of year when we become painfully aware of where we are not, who we are not, and what we need to do differently. Traditionally, it’s a season of self-absorption. We wonder how to get slimmer, stronger, and smarter. We wonder how to get out of debt. We wonder how to become better people. If you really want to become a better person, do something this year to make the world a better place. But how do you determine what you should do?
This is that time of year when we become painfully aware of where we are not, who we are not, and what we need to do differently. Traditionally, the new year is a season of self-absorption. It’s all about what we can do to make ourselves better people. The result is that churches, health clubs, debt counselors, and vitamin shops do a booming business.
But we tend to forget that the people we respect the most didn’t devote their lives to becoming the best version of themselves. They devoted their lives to making a difference in the world . . . or in someone’s world.
There is nothing ordinary about Jesus and the events surrounding his birth. From the timing, setting, present company and even the star announcing his birth, Jesus' birth was orchestrated long before we can ever imagine. Come rediscover the wonder of Christmas this season.
If I, a sinner, can be reconciling with God... who am I to deny reconciliation with anyone?
A message that tackles the tough issue of what should we do for those who don't or won't do good. Should you help those who don't pay it forward? Should we help those who have actually hurt us?
Imagine how different your outlook on life would be if you had absolute confidence that God was with you. Imagine how differently you would respond to difficulties, temptations, and even good things if you knew with certainty that God was in all of it and was planning to leverage it for good. In other words, imagine what it would be like to have perfect faith.
In this two-part series, we'll discover what the 5 Faith Catalysts are and how they form your faith.
Imagine how different your outlook on life would be if you had absolute confidence that God was with you. Imagine how differently you would respond to difficulties, temptations, and even good things if you knew with certainty that God was in all of it and was planning to leverage it for good. In other words, imagine what it would be like to have perfect faith.
In this two-part series, we'll discover what the 5 Faith Catalysts are and how they form your faith.
The Christmas Season seems to come earlier and earlier every year. Maybe you've even finished your Christmas shopping and you're feeling pretty good. But maybe this Christmas season is a little different for you. Maybe it's your first Christmas since a major life event. A divorce, a loss, or a difficult season of life. Christmas can be hard for those of us in life transition. How do we cope with these kinds of things?
Note: The last three minutes of the message and closing prayer were not recorded.
What is the wise thing to do with our wealth? Is it to store, spend, give, borrow, or loan? Find out in this episode of Good Idea, Bad Idea.
What is the wise thing to do? It's not an easy question. We make decisions based off of emotions, intuition and data. But what if those aren't the ultimate barometer of wisdom? What if there's something more concrete?
When it comes to family, actions speak louder than words - they echo into the next generation. Your children and grandchildren may forget what you say, but they'll never forget what you do.
In this special one-off message, we celebrate many of the things God has done in our church over our first year. We talk about stories of life-change, and give people a chance to respond and place their faith in Jesus.
Raising children is one of the biggest challenges in life. It requires all of our strengths and talents. It makes us keenly aware of our weaknesses. In this message, Andy and Sandra Stanley tell you everything they know about parenting. This isn't everything there is to know, just what they know.
All children - that's you and me - long for the approval of their parents . . . especially their fathers. It's a longing that never goes away. It gets buried or transferred to other relationships, but it's there. And we underestimate its power. Every parent wants to be approved by his or her child - to be a hero, to hear, "when I grow up I want to be just like you." As that desire grows, so does a parent's insecurity.
Buried beneath the hurt, disappointment, distance, or silence is a desire to be connected to our children and our fathers. It lasts a lifetime.
When it comes to family, the only thing we all have in common is conflict. Family conflict is like no other because when you win an argument in your family, you don't really win anything. The conflict is never fully resolved.
What if there was a way to resolve family conflict by dealing with it at its source?
In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul drew from Jesus' use of power what is perhaps the most powerful relational teaching of all - an instruction that changes everything in family dynamics. It all comes down to asking a simple question:
What can I do to help?
When the ideal is hard to attain, it's tempting to just lower the bar and redefine the ideal. This can be especially true when it comes to Jesus' teachings about family, which many of us have already fallen short of. In this message, Andy Stanley explains why aiming for God's ideal is still worth it, even when our reality makes reaching it impossible.
We all want autonomy. We all want to be in charge of our own destinies. It's good to be king. That desire is natural, but it's also problematic because it can cause us to drift toward isolation. We need the forced, sometimes uncomfortable, structured relationships that groups provide. You need community and somebody in community needs you.
Originally, "baptism" was not a religious concept. Yet over time, baptism has become an exclusively religious idea - one that even rouses deep emotion and controversy. In this message we will unpack baptism, from its birth with John the Baptist to its modern equivalent. If you are a follower of Christ and baptism is still on your "to-do" list, this message may be the nudge you need to finally go public.
Have you ever had a bad church experience? Did it drive you away or just drive you crazy? You are not alone.
Have you ever had a bad church experience? Did it drive you away or just drive you crazy? You are not alone.
Have you ever had a bad church experience? Did it drive you away or just drive you crazy? You are not alone.
Have you ever had a bad church experience? Did it drive you away or just drive you crazy? You are not alone.
Have you ever had a bad church experience? Did it drive you away or just drive you crazy? You are not alone.
Give me liberty or give me death. . . Let freedom ring. . . Free at last. . . . . . echoes of a nation figuring out freedom. From the beginning, the need for and the inalienable right to freedom have shaped our nation's path. Freedom can have a high price and a darker side, but maybe the balance is in God's Word. Find out more in this Independence Weekend message.
All religions point to three things: you ought to . . . you don’t . . . you’re toast. Religion is all about following the rules, but Jesus had something different in mind. He calls us to follow him, not the teachings of the church—follow first and obey later.
Sin is not my master. I am dead to sin but alive to God. If we’re dead to sin, if sin isn’t our master, how do we live that out? Living as a slave to sin takes no initiative on our part. What does it look like to live without sin as master over our mouths, our eyes, our minds, our insecurities, our appetites?
We all want to do what’s right all the time, but we sometimes we end up doing what we don’t want to do. It seems unavoidable. If we can’t even live by our own standards, how are we supposed to live by God’s? In this message, Andy Stanley explores what the Apostle Paul wrote about God’s grace and Jesus’ power over sin in our lives.
It’s difficult to solve a problem when you don’t understand what’s wrong to begin with. Many of us have been trying to solve the problem of “us” for a long time. Some of you have lost friends, family, or jobs because you couldn’t solve you. Some of you have paid someone good money to solve you. But what if the real problem is that you don’t know what the problem is?
The church isn't for people with a common interest, it's for people with a common problem. It's for people who are asking these questions: Is there a God? Does he know my name? And if so, where do I stand with him?
Together we explore the idea that we can make a significant impact... together through our service in the local church.
Technology is an expression of our creativity as human beings made in the image of God. But, we can be enslaved by the unrestrained, uncritical embrace and use of it. You’re invited to explore how we can use that God-given creativity to tame technology and leverage it for a healthy lifestyle.
In part three we talk about being authentic in your relationships. Are you sharing your highlight reel or are you being real?
Technology is an expression of our creativity as human beings made in the image of God. But, we can be enslaved by the unrestrained, uncritical embrace and use of it. You’re invited to explore how we can use that God-given creativity to tame technology and leverage it for a healthy lifestyle.
Do unto others. Love is patient, love is kind. Turn the other cheek. It's easy to appreciate Jesus' teachings. But then the Bible writers tell us that he rose from the dead. And a man rising from the dead is harder to believe; for some, it's so hard to believe that they cherry-pick the teachings and refute the resurrection. In this message we talk about the truth about Jesus' life and death that Paul says is "of first importance."
Isn’t it funny how two people can look at the same situation and come up with two completely different conclusions? Think about Easter. It will be here soon. For some people, the Easter story is about the incredible truth of the most inclusive, welcoming, amazing message the world has ever known. For others, the holiday is tainted by the belief that God is disappointed in them. People who believe God is disappointed in them, drift away from him.
But what if God isn’t disappointed? What if he’s a rescuer? What if he wants us to run toward him instead of away from him?
We want answers for life’s mysteries. Is there an after life? Will I see my mom again? What does the Bible say about divorce? Does the Bible say we have to give ten percent of our money to the church? Religion tries to answer those questions. Religion is about answers, order, predictability. Unfortunately, life isn’t about any of those things. Life can be messy. Religion has a place in our lives, but Jesus taught us it’s not the first place. When religion takes first place, it begins flexing its muscles at the expense of mercy.
We’ve all been picked on for something we had no control over. It’s dehumanizing. In all likelihood, you’ve also picked on others. It’s such a strange thing. It’s such a human thing. The easiest way to feel superior is to find a person or group we feel is inferior and power up. And we’ve probably all been guilty of that outwardly or inwardly.
One of the reasons Jesus came into the world was to change all that.
If there is a God, we all want to know what he’s like. We’re curious. Our tendency is to look in nature, outer space, or within ourselves to find clues about him. But that only provides us with an incomplete picture. Jesus made a radical claim. He said if you want to know about God, look no further than him. If you’ve seen the Son, you’ve seen the Father.
One of the unique things Christians believe is that God became one of us. For thirty years he lived under cover as a carpenter, surfaced as a miracle worker and rabbi for three years, and allowed himself to die in the most degrading way imaginable. He came as one of us but was treated as less than one of us.
Why in the world would God do that?
What's different about people who stay in love? What is their secret . . . their magic formula? They've learned what to place in the gaps between expectations and reality. To wrap up this series, Andy Stanley shares this secret from a part of the familiar Scripture passage, 1 Corinthians 13.
What happens after I do? How can the person to whom a woman gave her deepest vow become the person she despises most? How can the beautiful woman a man couldn't stay away from become the person he can't stand to be around? In Part 3, Micah Foster dispels a common myth about why we fall out of love and exposes the true problem.
Do you remember what it felt like to fall in love? How you would do anything for that person? What happens to those feelings? Falling in love comes naturally. But staying in love requires a plan. While many couples just endure their marriages, in this message, Micah Foster shares a blueprint for maintaining, and even growing, those feelings over time
It's never been easier to fall in love and never been harder to stay in love. Is it even possible for two people to be happy together forever? Yes. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus gave us the foundation for enduring love. In this message, Andy Stanley reveals the simple, yet powerful, principle.
We all have mistakes in our pasts—financial, professional, academic, relational. Unfortunately, we tend to learn from our mistakes in the areas that matter least and repeat our mistakes in the areas that matter most. Sometimes that’s because we avoid owing our part of a mistake. It’s easier to blame others.
But once you’ve taken ownership of your part of a mistake, what do you do with the part owned by others? How do you get past the stuff other people have done to turn your life upside down?
We learn from our mistakes in the areas that matter least. We repeat our mistakes in the areas that matter most. Too often, we look at our pasts and our decisions don’t even make sense to us. We end up asking, “What was I thinking?”
How do we avoid getting stuck in cycles of repeated mistakes that take our lives down the wrong path?
One reason history repeats itself is that we don’t own our part of our history. And the reason you don’t own it is there’s nothing to own—it wasn’t your fault! But if something important has come to an end and you are starting over, you must look back and own your part in order to move ahead. Your best bet for a successful future is to own your share of the past.
Many of us don’t like to follow directions. But there’s a price to pay for rushing into a situation without knowing what we’re doing. We get things wrong. And by the time we go back, undo everything we messed up, and then do it correctly, we’ve wasted more time than if we’d just followed the directions to begin with.
The consequences are usually mild when we ignore the directions for repairing a computer or assembling a child’s toy. But the price of rushing into a life situation can be steep. What if there were directions for the choices we make in life? What if we could avoid repeating past mistakes when we find ourselves starting over?
What are you concerned about? What do you think about all day? What do you pray for? Your mortgage payment? Your 401K? Your kids? We all have things were concerned for, but what is God concerned about? What does he want us to focus on? Those are the questions we wrestle with as we wrap up this series.
Being disciplined is never fun. So why does God do it? To pay us back? In this message, Andy Stanley uses the story of Jonah's distress to unveil the real reason God disciplines us. The answer just might surprise you.
We can run. God gives us room to. We can escape to new jobs or new relationships, but at the end of all that running, we are faced with the simple truth you can run from God, but you can't outrun God. So what is God up to when we run? And why do we run when deep down we know resistance is futile? In this message, Andy Stanley addresses these questions and more.
At some point in our attempts to get the most out of life, we lose control of our lives. We try to force one more thing in to our already busy lives and we reach a breaking point. Too much pressure causes an emotional breakdown. Too much debt causes a financial breakdown. Or maybe you're on the verge of a breakdown in your relationships.
What do you do when your worklife is so full you don't have time for the people who matter most?
We live in a culture that continually tells us to pursue a higher standard of living in order to improve our quality of life. But "standard of living" and "quality of life" aren't the same thing. One has to do with the stuff we accumulate. The other is about the peace we experience regardless of our circumstances.
What if your pursuit of a standard of living is undermining your quality of life?
We're all busy. Our schedules are packed with career, family, friends, church, and other responsibilities. Sometimes our days are so full that we don't enjoy anything because we're trying to do everything. Our relationship with God and with others benefits when we create breathing room in our schedules. But where do we start?
Our lives are busy and fast-paced. The lack of margin increases our stress and shortens our tempers. It can distract us from the most important things in our lives . . . and our relationships suffer. It can even affect our relationship with God because there's a connection between our willingness to create margin and our faith.
Life is better with breathing room.
October 5, 2014, Two Cities Church launched into every week services. This is the kick-off event we've been waiting for. Hear the story of how this group came together and why we believe Fresno/Clovis needs a different kind of church.