Alliance Church: Recent Episodes
Alliance Church
Alliance Church is a Bible-based church in Wisconsin. What is this church all about? It's really simple - it's our vision is to connect the world with God and one another. We're ordinary people that get to be a part of the extraordinary work of connecting the world with Jesus. You matter to Him and because of that, you matter to us.
This podcast includes Sunday messages from our main location in Appleton, WI. Our primary teachers are Dr. Dennis Episcopo, Dr. Mark Harris, and Rev. Brian Episcopo.
Ever wondered why we send missionaries to hard places? This sermon from 2 Corinthians 4:1—7 addresses common objections to global missions and urges us not to give up on carrying the treasure of the gospel message of Jesus to people who don’t have it.
An important question for parents and adult children alike is, what does it mean to honor your mother and father as an adult? This is a nuanced and complex conversation—a list of “does and don’ts” isn’t helpful. This message aims to give a helpful framework for navigating the relationship between parents and adult children.
Love has two sides: the part you feel inside yourself, and the part you show to others. It's important to start with the inside part before you can do the outside part.
Work is a gift from God to enjoy His creation. Knowing how God intended work to be is essential to experiencing God and His blessing in our everyday labor.
There are two words in the New Testament that will make or break how you serve God: slave (doulos) and self (autos).
Have you ever been bitten by a vampire Christian? Like Dracula, they may look well respected and nice. However, when they open their mouths, death and destruction come forth. Gossip is the sin of vampire Christians - and it resides in all of us. In this study, we want to shed the light of God's word on the vampire Christians among us and in us. We want to drive the cross of Christ through the heart of the monster as we claim our homes and our church a vampire-free zone!
When somebody offends you, what do you do? Our default response is often to put up a defense (walls go up) and pull out an offense (canons come out). However, those with biblical wisdom can stop, assess, and respond by overlooking an offense in the midst of an emotional storm.
How has your life been influenced by church congregations? Was it positive? Negative? A mix of both? The truth is that while some congregations help people love God, others are cited by people as a reason they’ve walked away from God. The words of Jesus are an important message to any congregation wanting to get this right.
God made promises to the Jewish people, and he still has plans for them. Pastor Dennis unpacks what one can learn from God's faithfulness to the Jewish people throughout the Bible and still today.
What "rights" are you holding on to that cause you to get angry? What might people say about your value system? Pastor Dennis unpacks the story of Jonah in the Bible, and what we can learn from his experience.
Can God use someone that spends most of their life chasing their sinful passions? Pastor Brian Dainsberg unpacks Samson's life and decisions, including his pursuit of whatever made him happy and his final choice to spend his life to benefit others.
People asked Jesus all kinds of questions, but how does Jesus answer the question, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Pastor Dennis unpacks verses in the Bible that show two different paths people can choose in life.
As a society, we're drained. We're always available, constantly connected, and unable to
Many think the Bible is full of 'fish stories,' but the account of this fishing trip begs to differ. John was there. He was in the boat. He saw it all happen. He even helped count the fish!
Paul reminds the Corinthians of three aspects of the Resurrection that cannot be forgotten. Embracing the Resurrection will not just change your future, it will change your today!
If Jesus came back to life, it changes everything. But how can we have confidence that actually happened? Two travelers on the first Easter help us answer that question.
We often miss the divine in our most ordinary moments. Pastor Brian unpacks why that is and how Jesus helps us overcome it.
Religious activity and true religion look the same on the outside. One has no fruit, and one has a new root.
Pastor Olivier, President of the French Alliance, encourages us to persevere in faith and remember that everyone has a role to play in the church here and abroad.
Solomon lets us know that the most important thing we can do in this life is to guard our hearts because all of life stems from it. Our decisions determine our destiny, but our heart determines our decisions.
Relational fullness is measured in how much the RIGHT people really know about the REAL you RIGHT now.
Pastor Brian wants to know how you're doing... really. As we jump into "The 5 Gauges", Pastor Brian explains how the spiritual gauge affects all other areas of our lives.
Pastor Mark uses four examples of different kinds of faith to answer the question, "How much faith is enough?"
Rev. Brian Episcopo and Dr. Dennis Episcopo look back on what God did at Alliance in 2022.
Christmas can spark a variety of feelings, memories, and hopes. Looking around the world, how can we understand the "peace on earth" that the Bible talks about? Pastor Brian explains what peace from Jesus is not, what fear has to do with it, and how we gain access to the peace that Jesus brings.
Why did Isaiah use the phrase "Everlasting Father"? And what would have gone through the minds of the Israelites when they heard it? "Father" does NOT refer to the Messiah's position in the trinity but in his relationship with his people. The Messiah will live as a dad - for forever!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
There are no wasted words in the Lord's prayer. Pastor Mark explains how "lead us not into temptation" is a prayer for spiritual safety to deliver us from the enemy of our faith.
Do you understand the difference between justice and revenge? Do you trust God to bring about justice in your life and around you? According to Jesus, there is a deep-seated correlation between forgiving and being forgiven. Are you ready to extend to others what has been given to you?
When we approach God in prayer, Pastor Justin encourages us to move from praying from our worry to praying from a place of wonder about what God will do.
Pastor Brian explains why we spend time sharing meals around a table with other believers.
Pastor Brian explains why we spend time sharing meals around a table with other believers.
Have you ever wondered why studying God's Word together plays such a huge role in the life of our church? We devote half of our weekly service to teaching the Bible, and throughout the week, we organize opportunities for people to study the Word in small groups. Why is this such a big deal? To be the Jesus-like church God wants us to be, we need his Word to keep us on track.
Have you ever wondered why studying God's Word together plays such a huge role in the life of our church? We devote half of our weekly service to teaching the Bible, and throughout the week, we organize opportunities for people to study the Word in small groups. Why is this such a big deal? To be the Jesus-like church God wants us to be, we need his Word to keep us on track.
Rightly understood, the unforgivable sin is a source of comfort and confidence in God's love rather than a catalyst for anxiety. God's forgiveness is lavish, extravagant, generous, and free! Every sin imaginable can be forgiven by him! Resistance to the Holy Spirit's conviction and work in our life is the only thing that will keep that forgiveness from us.
Pastor Dennis explains the difference between doing what's right and doing the right things.
When your allegiance to Christ is tested, how will you respond? Will you turn your back on Him or stand beside Him?
The majesty of God is displayed in every square inch of creation and seen most supremely in Christ. If we fail to see this, we will walk a path of rejecting God and rebelling against his loving lordship. But in Psalm 8, and throughout the Bible, God constantly calls us to wake up and see the beauty of who He is and what He has done.
How do we get our heart to believe what our head knows? Pastor Brian explains that the audience of Psalm 103 is our own soul.
Pastor Dennis unpacks how we can learn to cry out to God and trust Him when life really, really hurts.
How can we get ready for new challenging times? We can find a way through three questions that lead us to trust God and everything that He allows in our lives. Rev. Antonio Rojas joins us from our sister church in Lima, Peru.
Psalm 19 tells us that all creation testifies to the glory of God. But how can such a big God be known so personally? Pastor Brian teaches why a relationship with Jesus is vital to our lives on earth.
"Be still and know that I'm God." If you grew up in church, perhaps you heard these words. Rev. Brandon Hilstad unpacks the Psalm from which it comes, reminding us that we can trust in the Lord as our refuge and our strength.
Dads influence their kids in a powerful way. How will your children walk in the way of their father?
Rev. Brian Dainsberg joins us from Alliance Bible Church to teach on Ecclesiastes and discuss how best to live our lives here on earth.
Denominations, traditions, and belief statements. Oh, my! Pastor Brain unpacks why there are so many Christian churches.
Pastor Brian answers the question, "Is calling someone out when they're wrong judgmental?"
Christ is our Sure and Steady Anchor. Relisten to Pastor Brian Episcopo's Easter 2022 sermon.
On Palm Sunday, we look back to the time Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, proclaiming a clear message: I'm the King! And my Kingdom is different. So what do you do when you realize Jesus is King? Surrender, join the fight and ride with him until the end.
How important is it to know how God made us? Are we willing to submit our gifts to the body of Christ? The stakes are high and the opportunity is great.
Heaven may seem distant and disconnected, but the reality of a future with God should change the way we live today. God calls us to stand in His presence, stand on His promises, and stand firm for His purposes.
In the story of the prodigal son, there are two sons and a father. However, Pastor Brian tells the story with a new Son in mind.
If we only look for God in the big, miraculous moments, it can mess with our faith and theology. Don't miss how big God can be in the small, unexpected parts of your life.
True repentance is more than a feeling, it's a motion that points towards the true God.
We are seen as perfectly righteous because of what Jesus did for us, and yet, we are called to work out our salvation through a process of sanctification.
Dr. Dennis Episcopo discusses the things he wishes he knew before he took the job as senior pastor, beginning with this: ministry is first and foremost about building people.
Pastor Brian explains why it is so essential that God be three in one and how that should affect our lives.
We become like the people that we allow to speak into our lives. Who is influencing you? How do we influence others? As followers of Jesus, these are questions we must continually ask ourselves. Rev. Jason Esposito joins us.
Our words are powerful because we are made in the image of a God who spoke things into existence. Pastor Brian helps us consider how to use the power of our words for good.
What do you see when you look into the nativity? If all you see is what your naked eye beholds, you are missing the greatest reality. There are intangibles in the nativity that if embraced will change your life.
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
Dr. Mark Harris
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NIV
Pastor Brian shares about the life of Jacob, and how Jacob, a man who wrestled with God, fits into the lineage of Jesus.
Jesus was preceded by a complex lineage. Rev. Brian Episcopo tells us about Boaz and the linage of love leading up to the birth of Jesus, our Messiah.
Jesus was preceded by a complex lineage. Dr. Mark Harris tells us about Tamar in the first sermon in our Loveline series.
Gratitude isn’t just something we add to the list of Christian things we do, it’s the very way we live out our Spirit-filled Christian lives.
The Christian and Missionary Alliance Regional Director (Europe & Middle East)Ed Mangham joins us as a guest speaker to close out Global Connections Week.
Pete Brokopp from Envision Atlanta joined us in Appleton to kick off this year's mission conference: All of Jesus for All the World. He reminded us, through testimony after testimony, that God's plans for us are exceedingly better than our own.
Jesus taught us to store our treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. He said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." As followers of Jesus, we are called to be treasure movers.
Pastor Brian explains what we have in common with the shrewd manager in Luke 16 challenging us to turn our "stuff" into stories.
Envy is a vestige of the Fall. It is part of the "Sel" family of sins (they all are) and is insidious in its grasp on our soul. It was envy that got Satan thrown out of heaven, Adam and Eve thrown out of Eden, Joseph thrown into a cistern, Daniel thrown into a pit with lions, and Jesus thrown into hell - on our behalf. To fight envy, we need to keep in mind this Biblical challenge: Do not perspire to acquire, but live to give!
Worry Mountain: The surprising place worry can come from and how to deal with it according to Jesus.
We are Alliance Church. One church, many locations, one vision: Connecting the world with God and one another.
We are poured into so that we might pour into others. Listen to Dr. Mark Harris' sermon on the importance of discipleship within community.
"Church" is more than a Sunday morning activity. Being a part of the Church is a way of life.
By honoring one another, we honor the Lord. Listen to Rev. Brian Episcopo's message on honor and the importance of esteeming the generations who came before us.
President of CAMA Mike Sohm joined us to encourage and remind us of what God is doing around the globe.
Dr. Mark Harris unpacks a pivotal moment in Scripture: 2 Samuel 7. It's a defining moment; one that was referenced for generations to come.
The story of David and Bathsheba shows us how to "get right" with God. Listen to Pastor Dennis as he shows us the way through this timeless Bible story.
Rev. Brian Episcopo unpacks the story of David and Jonathan, showing us the surprising place fear comes from and what roots it out. Join us as we continue our series on David.
A heart after God is rare and valuable–like diamonds. And, like diamonds, can only be forged through extreme heat and pressure. Dr. Mark Harris preaches on the desert, where a heart after God is made and shown.
Dr. Dennis Episcopo takes us back to a timeless story with a new twist on leadership within the Church.
We celebrated 19 Alliance attendees and their baptisms into new life this weekend! Listen to Pastor Mark's message from this memorable service at Alliance.
On the road from here to heaven, there's work to do. The primary task Jesus gives his followers is to help others follow him too. This is our mission. At Alliance, our goal is to help you live it out.
There's many false assumptions out there concerning believers. In his first message at the Opera House, Pastor Dennis Episcopo discusses these false assumptions and defines the true marks of a believer in Jesus.
The Great Commission was Jesus' last command in the book of Matthew. Dr. Dennis Episcopo unpacks Jesus' outline for getting the Gospel to the nations and how we play an integral part in it.
How can moms exercise wisdom in their lives? For that matter, how can any of us exercise wisdom in our lives? God gives us several unlikely mentors in Proverbs 30:24-28.
Dr. Mark Harris
We don't always understand God's will in our lives, but one day it will all be clear. Amidst his journey from the pasture, to the pit, and into the palace, Dr. Mark Harris unpacks the story of Joseph and how it foreshadows the story of Jesus.
When it comes to being right or wrong, we all have different ways of responding to one another. Pastor Brian discusses how to bridge the divide those who we believe are "right" and those who are "wrong."
Real faith says YES when there's no reason to say yes other than, "Jesus says so." Tune in for Pastor Brian's message on faith and how we please the Lord with our obedience.
Once the human soul has tasted Living Water, Jesus, it will never grow thirsty again. Tune in and listen to Pastor Dennis' message in our series on Hope.
We're running the race set out for us. But we're not just running it alone–there is a cloud of witnesses cheering us on, and in the midst of it all the Lord is establishing perseverance in our hearts.
We live in a world full of noise. To hear the voice of God, we've got to turn the volume of the world down. Listen with us as Pastor Mark unpacks meditation, what he calls "the key to spiritual life."
Dr. Mark Harris unpacks the most important reason why we should study and meditate on the Word of God, and how doing so helps us grow closer to Jesus.
Dr. Mark Harris teaches us about prayer and its importance in the Christian walk.
Join us for service online every Sunday at 8 and 10:00 a.m.
Surrendering your life to Jesus is the most important decision of your life. If you have decided to take that step or would like to learn more let us know at https://www.appletonalliance.org/nextsteps
If you would like to support our vision to connect the world with God and one another, you can give online at https://www.appletonalliance.org/give or on the Church Center app.
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For more information about Appleton Alliance Church, visit appletonalliance.org or follow us on social media.
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We've all got temptations. Pastor Brian reminds us how to bring our temptations under the Lordship of Jesus and deal with them accordingly.
The motivation for fasting should be: I want Jesus to be my number one priority. Pastor Brian opens the series with a conversation on Lent and its meaning for us as followers of Jesus.
How can we be sexually sane in this sex-saturated society? Solomon, the wisest man in the world, helps us grapple with this crucial issue.
Pastor Brian unpacks common misconceptions on singleness and dating and how to bring both your single and dating lives under the lordship of Jesus.
Listen to Pastor Dennis and Judy Episcopo's Fire Away sessions on relationships, marriage, and dating.
We do have an enemy, and we are in the middle of a war. Listen to Dr. Mark Harris' message on spiritual warfare, and how we live in light of it as followers of Jesus.
What could be some of the good fruit that comes out of difficulty? To get you moving in the direction of God's will. To test you. To make you holy. To protect you.
Dr. Dennis Episcopo
Worship and obedience must go hand-in-hand to be pleasing to the Lord. Every time we gather, there are Uzzahs, Michals, and Davids. Which one are you?
Dr. Mark Harris
We stand in God's grace. We live in God's promises. We let God fight our battles.
Dr. Dennis Episcopo
It's so easy to let our circumstances or our feelings rule in our heart. But what happens when enthrone the Prince of Peace on our hearts instead?
Rev. Paul Behnke
Because of the Gospel, we can count on Jesus to be with us in every circumstance, emotion and hardship because He Himself already knows what it's like. Jesus doesn't "have" to be with us, He wants to be with us.
Rev. Brian Episcopo
"Emmanuel" is not His job, it's His name. Being with us is not on God's to-do list. Being with us is part of His very nature.
How do we respond when our faith loses its strength and God seems silent? Pastor Mark unpacks three ways silence impacts our relationship with God.
Dr. Mark Harris
Believers can have joy in all circumstances, and God can translate our suffering into ministry.
David recognizes the reality of Almighty God in his life, and he has much to say about it. Check out what he says in Psalm 103.
Dr. Mark Harris
God has the last word. Though the whole earth rages, He remains the same. Dr. Dennis Episcopo reminds us of these truths through the story of Edom in the book of Obadiah.
In a land of grief, God is planting seeds. Rev. Brian Episcopo concludes his Real Dreams series.
References: Genesis 41
Rev. Brian Episcopo
What do we do when your life and your dreams are different? Pastor Brian challenges us to exchange our dreams for the honor and glory of God.
References: Genesis 37
Rev. Brian Episcopo
Pete Brokopp shares an encouraging message and ministry updates from Clarkston, GA.
Learn about Envision Atlanta at envisionatlanta.org.
Be alert. Be ready. Be at Rest. Dr. Dennis Episcopo concludes the Can-do Christian series.
References: Matthew 24: 32-51
Dr. Dennis Episcopo
Do you ever feel like the opposite of a "Spiritual Superman"? Your sin may be big, but his grace is bigger yet! He called YOU to be a part of the most significant work in history!
References: John 21
Dr. Mark Harris
The only place to find insight into the future is the Bible. Find hope in the promise of Christ's return.
References: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 NIV
Dr. Dennis Episcopo
A can-do Christian prioritizes time with God, chooses to be content, and focuses on the positive. You can do ALL things through Christ who gives you strength. (Philippians 4:13)
References:Philippians 4:4-17
1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 13
Dr. Dennis Episcopo
"I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 ESV
Guest Speaker: Rev. Jeff Brown
CMA Western Great Lakes District Superintendent
For the believer, building a foundation on God's Word is essential. It protects, provides, purifies, provides comfort, and produces joy.
Reference: Matthew 7:24-27
Don't let the cares of the world distract you from seeking justice urgently and persistently. Focus on the Kingdom of God.
Removing Hell from our understanding of the Bible makes God less loving, not more loving. Jesus took on all of Hell for all of us.
References: Luke 16, Luke 22
Dr. Dennis Episcopo and Rev. Brian Episcopo answer your questions. Anything is fair game, from politics to heaven.
Most of our listening is careless listening. Jesus says, 'be careful how you hear.' How we hear will determine the soil of our heart.
All governmental authority is established by God and is granted power to keep order and protect. Dr. Dennis Episcopo addresses how we, as Christians, should respond to authority.
God is jealous. He hates anything that threatens His integrity and desire to protect His people. Are you allowing pride to threaten God's integrity?
God is omnipotent enough to take you out of the pain, but He is omnibenevolent enough to get right in it with you.
God is with us not to watch us, but to watch over us. God is with us not to observe, but to preserve. God is omnipresent.
God is sovereign. Our lives often seem out of control; praise God for His sovereignty over nature, our decisions, and our salvation.
Sometimes, we let the symbols of heaven distract us from the marvel that it truly is. Don't miss the reality because of the symbol.
"If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it" (Matthew 16:25 NLT). ...
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the disciple and instruction of the Lord" (ESV). ...
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice... This is truly the way to worship Him" (Romans 12:1).
RENEWAL means REVIVAL. Which areas of your life need renewal? Your relationships? Your priorities? Your values? ...
Senior Pastor, Dr. Dennis Episcopo, is back with a Palm Sunday message and a special Easter invite.
God is relational, and we are made in God's image. So, by default, we are also relational. ...
"The Bible says you don't live on bread alone, but sometimes God sends a message and says you need some bread." ...
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." Psalm 23:1-3 NIV
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23 NIV
"A faith that is going to move has two legs: simple and complex…Don't make a simple judgment on a complex story."
Eliminate your bad fears and manifest a good fear of the Lord. He will guide you and protect you because of His love for you.
"Visualize the end. Jesus is at the end." Remind yourself today that your citizenship is in heaven.
"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Stepping into community is vital for spiritual growth and wellness. Here's the truth about stepping in.
Stop living a Charlie Brown Christmas, believing that your involvement can bring you salvation. It is not about what you do, but what God has done!
Scrooge was desperate for change within. He led a money-oriented life of doing. Luckily, the Gospel is about what God has already done!
God loves you so much that He chose YOU to experience an eternally wonderful life through His son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus left heaven to do the one thing he couldn't do in heaven: he left to die, that we may be liberated.
Is it possible to be distracted by good things? Often times, we put our "working for" above our "worshiping of." Take a moment today to evaluate your purposes for serving and realign your focus to sanctification.
"People need good news." We, as humans, are unrighteous – it's true. We cannot become righteous on our own by obeying the law; we need an outside source to save us. So, here's the good news: Jesus obeyed the rules when he was on earth, 100%. Our salvation comes through belief in Christ's perfect sacrifice, and once we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our desire to obey then comes in turn.
While we can be drawn to the big and miraculous things God is doing around us, Rev. Brian Episcopo encourages us to seek Him in the ordinary. Walk toward Him by setting aside expectations and stepping in to community.
Spending time in God's Word is transformative and essential for spiritual growth. It equips us with deeper knowledge and a bigger view of Him. Dr. Mark Harris challenges us to spend time with God in His Word daily. Will you accept?
Spiritual heart disease check. Dr. Mark Harris uses the example of Jonah to assess if we are living to glorify God or for our own comfort.