First Free Rockford Sermons: Recent Episodes
First Free Rockford
Join us as we gather together to learn who God is and what he has to say every Sunday morning at First Free Rockford, in Rockford, IL.
What does it actually take to be right with God? This week in The Way of the King, a broken man begs for “mercy"—but the word he uses is really a plea for God’s atoning sacrifice, not just sympathy. Come see who Jesus says walks away justified.
Ten men cried out to Jesus, 10 men were healed, but only one came back and fell at his feet. This Sunday, we’ll see why it is possible to experience the power of God and still miss the person of God—and why the greatest gift Jesus gives is not the miracle, but himself.
What is God really like? In one of the most beloved chapters in all of Scripture, Jesus tells three unforgettable stories that reveal the heart of a Father who pursues the lost, welcomes the repentant and lovingly pleads with the self-righteous. Join us as we discover the God who delights in bringing people home—and celebrate that truth together through believer's baptism.
What’s keeping you from the table? In Luke 14, Jesus tells a story about a great banquet—and the surprisingly ordinary reasons people miss it. Then he turns to the crowd and raises the cost of following him. Same passage. Two movements. One unavoidable question. Join us as we continue the Way of the King series through the Gospel of Luke.
What happens when religion values rules more than people? This Sunday, we’ll see how Jesus confronts empty religion, restores the broken and reveals that he came not to protect religious systems, but to set people free.
What if your greatest struggle isn’t money or anxiety—but what you’ve chosen to trust? Join us this Sunday as we discover how Jesus frees us from the endless pursuit of “more” and invites us to find lasting security in the Father and the treasure that can never be taken away.
A respected expert in the law thought he knew the right answer. Jesus, the King, showed him he was asking the wrong question. This week, we find out the real issue was never who deserves your love—it’s whether you’re becoming the kind of neighbor the King calls you to be.
What would it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul? In Luke 9, Jesus moves beyond the crowds, the opinions, and the rumors and confronts every one of us with a life-changing question: Will you follow Him? This Sunday, we’ll explore the cost of discipleship, the danger of living for yourself, and why the crown only comes after the cross.
Storms have a way of exposing what we really believe. This Sunday in Luke 8:22–25, we’ll see how Jesus meets His disciples in the middle of chaos and reveals Himself as the King over every wave & every fear. Join us as we continue The Way of the King and discover how to trust Christ when life feels out of control.
Some people spend their lives trying to impress God. Others finally realize they need His mercy. This Sunday in The Way of the King, we’ll step into one of the most powerful encounters in Luke’s Gospel. A woman with a broken past falls at the feet of Jesus while a religious man sits nearby in judgment. By the end of the story, Jesus reveals the difference between religion and redemption—and why people who never get over God’s grace never stop loving Him.
Jesus is coming for the part of us that wants to get even. Because anybody can follow Jesus when life is easy—but what comes out of you when you’ve been hurt, betrayed, criticized, or offended? In Luke 6, Jesus calls us to a kind of love the world cannot explain and a faith that can survive the storm. Don’t miss this powerful and deeply challenging word from the King.
When a paralyzed man gets lowered through a roof and a despised tax collector gets called to follow Jesus, the miracles aren’t the most revealing thing that happens — the responses of the people watching are. The greatest test of where our hearts really are isn’t how we respond when grace lands on us, but how we respond when it lands on someone we didn’t expect.
This Sunday, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke by looking at the moment Jesus stepped into Peter’s ordinary workday and turned a long night of failure into a life-defining calling. We will explore what it means to give Jesus access to our "boats" and how true obedience often starts right where our own logic and experience end. Join us as we discover why following the King is always worth the cost of leaving the familiar behind.
What if the real challenge isn’t understanding who Jesus is—but accepting what He came to do? This Sunday, we’ll look at Jesus’ first sermon and the surprising reaction it produced. The same crowd that admired Him quickly turned against Him. Why? Because Jesus didn’t come to meet expectations—He came to redefine them. Join us as we wrestle with a question we can’t avoid: Will we receive Jesus as King… or resist Him when He confronts us?
What if the real challenge isn’t understanding who Jesus is—but accepting what He came to do? This Sunday in Luke 4:14–30, we’ll look at Jesus’ first sermon and the surprising reaction it produced. The same crowd that admired Him quickly turned against Him. Why? Because Jesus didn’t come to meet expectations—He came to redefine them. Join us as we wrestle with a question we can’t avoid: Will we receive Jesus as King… or resist Him when He confronts us?
Most of us are spiritually busy but inwardly cluttered. This Sunday in Luke 3, we’ll see that the King isn’t coming to be managed—He’s coming to take over. Stop hiding behind your spiritual résumé and join us as we prepare the way for the King.
When the King of Kings entered history—not in power, but in humility—everything changed. In Luke 2, we see how God works through ordinary circumstances to bring extraordinary salvation. The question is simple: are you aware that God is still at work? Knowing this, will you just admire the King of Kings, or will you follow Him?
When the King arrives, who is actually in charge?
When God steps into an ordinary life, He doesn't come as a houseguest to assist our plans; He comes with authority to establish His rule. This Sunday, we continue our series in Luke 1 to see how Mary’s "Yes" serves as a "divine home invitation" that overturns our pride and replaces it with His presence.
What do you do when God feels silent?
This Sunday we begin a brand-new series through the gospel of Luke—The Way of the King. In a world full of noise, Luke shows us a God who is still speaking, still working, and still keeping His promises—even in the quiet.
If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the waiting… this is for you.
What if Easter is the moment God kept His greatest promise - and it changes everything? This Sunday, we’re opening Luke 24 and stepping into the moment history turned: the empty tomb. Come discover why the promise God made from the beginning in Genesis 3 didn’t fail - and what that means for you.
The crowd praised Him… the city welcomed Him… But Jesus wept. This Palm Sunday, we’ll see why it’s possible to celebrate Jesus and still miss Him. Join us as we step into the beginning of Passion Week and encounter the King we didn’t expect - but desperately needed.
In Isaiah 52:13–53:12, we see a shocking picture of a Savior who suffers, is rejected, and takes our place—opening the way to God once and for all. Join us as we uncover how this ancient passage reveals the heart of the gospel and why it still demands a response today.
This Sunday we’ll explore Exodus 12 and the story of the Passover—the moment God showed His people how salvation works. The blood of the lamb marked the difference between judgment and mercy, and it points us directly to Jesus. Join us as we see how the cross fulfills this powerful promise and what it means to live under God’s covering today.
We all have an “Isaac” — something we hold tightly and fear losing. In Genesis 22, we’ll see how God exposes our hearts, strengthens our faith, and ultimately provides a substitute. Join us as we discover how this ancient story points straight to Jesus.
This Sunday we begin a brand-new series leading us toward Resurrection Sunday, tracing the gospel story from the very beginning. In Genesis 3, we’ll see that the moment sin entered the world, God spoke a promise: a Redeemer was coming. If you’ve ever wondered why the world feels broken — or why your own heart does — this is where the story starts.
The way you live today is already shaping how you’ll stand before God. In this passage, Ecclesiastes delivers its final sobering clarity: life is not meaningless—it is accountable. Join us this Sunday as we consider what it means to stop delaying obedience and start living faithfully now, in light of God’s judgment and grace.
Life moves fast, seasons change, and some moments don’t come back. Join us as Ecclesiastes presses us beyond wisdom and into the gospel, where Jesus meets our fleeting lives with lasting joy and redemption.
What do you do when life feels crooked and God feels silent? This Sunday, Ecclesiastes reminds us that wisdom isn’t about control or clarity—it’s about trusting the God who reigns over the mystery.
Money makes big promises—but it’s a terrible savior. This Sunday in Ecclesiastes 5:10–20, we’ll confront what wealth can’t give and where lasting security is actually found.
Why does injustice bother us so deeply, and why do success, ambition, and leadership so often leave us empty? In Ecclesiastes 4, God’s Word speaks honestly to the brokenness we feel and points us to the only Judge who can make sense of it - and make us whole.
Life often feels rushed, repetitive, and out of our control. But what if that’s the point? In Ecclesiastes 3, we’ll explore the mystery of time and discover why lasting meaning cannot be found in chasing what the world promises, but only in trusting the God who gives true joy and purpose through Jesus Christ.
What if the life you’re chasing is actually leaving you empty?
This Sunday in Ecclesiastes: Chasing the Wind, we walk with Solomon through pleasure, success, and achievement—only to discover that even having everything still isn’t enough. Ecclesiastes 2 confronts the lie that fulfillment is found in more and points us to the only gift that truly satisfies: God’s grace. Come discover why the good life isn’t something you achieve—but something you receive.
We’re busy, connected, and constantly moving—but beneath the motion, many of us still feel restless and empty. Chasing the Wind opens the book of Ecclesiastes to confront the promises that never deliver and to ask the haunting question we all carry: What’s the point of it all?
In Week 1, Solomon pulls back the curtain on life “under the sun,” exposing why success, pleasure, and progress still leave us wanting more—and pointing us toward the only hope that gives life lasting meaning.
How well do we work to remember what God has said vs letting it get lost in the busy and clutter of life? In 2 Kings 22–23, the rediscovery of the Book of the Law ignites a revival. When King Josiah hears God’s Word, he doesn’t just admire it—he responds. He recalls who God is, turns from what’s gone astray, repairs what’s broken, and restores worship from the ground up.
What Happens When Light Breaks Into the Dark? An ordinary night. An unexpected moment. This Sunday in Let There Be Light, we step into Luke 2:8–20 to see why no one encounters the Light of Christ and stays the same. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, afraid, or stuck, this message is for you. Christmas isn’t just a story—it’s Light that still breaks into darkness.
Think of moments when you’ve felt the warmth of light as it entered the dark. Maybe how it felt when the sun came out on a cold winter’s day. The Light of the World entered into the darkness of our broken world, so that the glory of God would be revealed. Join us this Sunday as we learn more about the Light that overcomes the dark.
The world feels heavy, but the Light has come! Join us this Sunday as we begin our Advent series in Isaiah 9 with “The Darkness We Carry.” Before we can celebrate the Light, we have to face the dark—and that’s exactly where Jesus meets us.
This Sunday we’re ending our Treasure & Trust series with a surprising truth from 1 Timothy 6 — you can’t take it with you, but you can send something ahead. Come discover what Paul calls “truly life” and why it might change the way you see everything.
If you’ve ever wrestled with guilt, pressure, or fear when it comes to giving, this week is for you. We’re opening 2 Corinthians 8 to see how the gospel produces a different kind of generosity—one marked by freedom, joy, and grace.
We’re kicking off our brand-new series Treasure & Trust with a message called “When You Live Like God Owns It All.” We live in a world that says, “This is mine.” My job. My money. My time. My life. But what if everything we have actually belongs to Someone else? Join us this Sunday as we discover how seeing God as the true Owner changes the way we live, give, and trust.
The world is shaking—but God’s grace still holds. This Sunday, as we close out our 1 Peter series, we’ll hear Peter’s final challenge to a church under pressure: stand firm, stay humble, and trust the Chief Shepherd who never lets go.
What happens when the intensity of our suffering increases? In 1 Peter 4:12-19, Peter makes it clear that we are to expect suffering, but the intensity of our suffering will always be refining and never destructive. When we suffer as a child of God, we can have joy, not because it's easy, but because we know God is being glorified and He can bring beauty from ashes.
What are you doing with the time you have left? This Sunday, we’ll look at Peter’s call to live with urgency in light of eternity. When the clock is ticking and the end is near, followers of Jesus are called to arm themselves with His mindset, leave sin behind, pray with focus, and love one another deeply. Join us as we’re reminded that life is too short to live for ourselves—and that every moment can count for the glory of God.
Suffering is part of the human condition. But what happens when we suffer because of our faith in Christ? In 1 Peter 3:8–22, we are given clear instructions on what to do when we encounter evil as a result of our faith, and how to live well in the midst of suffering.
This Sunday, we’re tackling one of the most countercultural passages in the Bible—1 Peter 3:1–7. God’s design for marriage isn’t outdated or oppressive; it’s powerful, redemptive, and rooted in the gospel. When husbands and wives live God’s way, their homes become living pictures of Christ’s love and grace in a confused world.
This Sunday at First Free, we’ll see how Peter calls us to a surprising kind of strength: submission. In a world hungry for control, God’s people are called to live wise as serpents, innocent as doves—enduring injustice, honoring authority, and standing for truth with eyes fixed on Christ, our Shepherd and Overseer.
Peter urges believers to desire the pure milk of the word so that by it we may grow up into our salvation. This Sunday, we explore the meaning of desire and urges us to ask “What am I craving?” If we are to live like Jesus, we must learn to crave and desire the spirit of God so that we may grow up into the fullness of life with Jesus.
It’s easy to claim new life in Christ—but what proves it’s real? This Sunday, we’re asking a bold question: What should your life look like if you’ve really been born again? Peter gives us the answer—and it’s both beautiful and costly.
This Sunday we launch our new series in 1 Peter: Standing Firm in a Changing World. In a culture where faith feels more like exile than advantage, discover the Five Marks of an Unshakeable Life that anchor us in Christ and keep us grounded in hope.
David’s final recorded words form the basis for the last message in this series. As the king looks back at his life, he realizes that none of his victories and strengths were about him. They all pointed to his descendant and Savior. That’s a good way for us to view our own legacies.
A heartbreaking chapter in David’s life reveals the devastating impact of generational brokenness, sin and silence. Yet even in the wreckage, God’s grace invites us to surrender, repent and begin building a new legacy.
God loves us too much to ignore our sin—even if we do. A prophet's confrontation with King David shows us the painful but life-giving path to restoration and forgiveness.
The story of David and Bathsheba warns us about how sin starts, progresses, flourishes in darkness and eventually destroys people—even innocent bystanders. This week’s challenging message offers a better path—one that leads to restoration and wholeness.
King Saul sees God’s blessing on the young upstart David, and he is enraged. It’s a case study on how jealousy can turn to anger, bitterness and fear. Today, we’re just as susceptible. How do we deal with our desires in healthy, God-honoring ways?
The story of David and Goliath is one of the most widely known in the Bible, and maybe one of the most misapplied. A closer look shows us the importance of what happened in David’s life long before that battlefield encounter. What exactly is faithful fighting and how exactly is the armor of God involved?
God’s prophet, Samuel, anoints a future king. But David looks nothing like what anyone expected, and there’s a long and difficult road ahead before he takes the throne. Those plot twists can be instructive for us all when it comes to God’s calling.
The final chapter of John’s gospel provides vivid examples of Jesus’ love and restoration, no matter how badly we have messed up. This final week in our sermon series speaks to Jesus’ mercy, his care for you and his calling on your life—a calling that looks different from anyone else’s.
Jesus’ resurrection is the turning point for the whole world – past, present and future. The empty tomb changes everything, for everyone.
Jesus’ final words on the cross tell us much about who he is, what he did and how our lives and relationships changed forever as a result.
In John 18, Jesus walks into betrayal and denial—not as a victim, but as the sovereign Savior. Even in our failure, he remains in control, offering grace, restoration and hope.
Jesus is about to leave his disciples. This was unthinkable for them. But in the culmination of the conversation in that Upper Room, he explains how everything that’s about to happen is for their benefit—and ours.
A fruitful life starts with a faithful connection. This week, we dive further into Jesus’ words to his disciples in that upper room. He calls them, and us, to remain in him and bear lasting fruit. What does this look like?
Jesus knows his disciples’ world is about to fall apart. Rather than give them a plan of action, he gives them (and us) something better to hold onto: assurance of who he is, and that he will be with them always.
Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem was indeed triumphal, but not in the political way the crowds wanted or expected. His actions over the coming days would reveal what true greatness looks like—and they set several patterns for us to follow today.
Where is God when life falls apart? It’s the literal question Mary and Martha are asking when their brother, Lazarus, dies. Jesus’ response—and the timing of his response—has much to teach us about faith, hope and the character of God.
Jesus describes an image the Jewish people knew well: wandering sheep, and the shepherd who gathers and cares for them. We can be wanderers, too—often by choice. Do we hear and recognize his voice?
In Genesis 1, God created light and brought the world out of darkness. Jesus described himself in a similar way. As the Light of the World, he wants to enter our brokenness and set things right—even in a dark world where his healing light is not always welcome.
Jesus follows one of his most famous miracles—the feeding of the 5,000—with a bold proclamation about his identity … and then some jarring statements about his flesh and blood. For the “fans” looking for miracles and free food, this was too much. They were done. But we can learn a lot from the true followers who stayed.
A hungry crowd. A deadly storm. When things feel out of control—then and right now—Jesus is greater than it all. When we realize who he really is, and we trust him enough to do what he says, incredible things can happen.
“Get up, pick up your mat and walk.” For a man who had lost all hope, Jesus steps in. This powerful story also shows us the way Jesus heals and restores far more than just our physical bodies.
A Jewish man, talking in public with a Samaritan woman known mostly for her moral failings. Scandalous! Jesus set aside ethnic, cultural, social and political barriers to speak to a weary soul and call her to himself, the Messiah. We can learn a lot from this holy interaction.
If anyone could have thought they were right with God, it was Nicodemus. Yet, Jesus offered him a challenge that he continues offering to every person today: You need to be born again. What exactly does this mean, and how do we know? A deeper look at this familiar passage may surprise you.
A hospitality crisis leads to Jesus’ first recorded miracle, turning water to wine. But it was about a lot more than that.
John the Baptist offers clear words about who he is—and who he isn’t. A day later, he brings Jesus’ identity into focus. Then and now, we see the eternal significance in living a life that points to Jesus.
As we begin a new series in the Gospel of John, we’ll immediately see that this disciple’s account is very different from the other three gospels. In his opening words, there’s information about Jesus that John wants us to know immediately.
What constitutes good preaching? As Paul nears the end of his life, he issues a serious challenge to Timothy and others charged with preaching God’s Word—and also to those who hear it.
How has God woven Scripture into your faith story? 2 Timothy 3:14-17 illustrates that those who first witnessed to us, possessed a faith rooted in Scripture and that Scripture is foundational to our growth, our walk with Christ, and our ability to witness to others.
In challenging times, 2 Timothy 3:1-13 urges us to remain faithful by rejecting selfishness and ungodly influences. By staying rooted in Scripture and surrounding ourselves with Christ-like people, we can endure hardships and live with purpose.
We are to hold fast to the primary points of our faith. But when it comes to disagreements on secondary issues, there are good and bad approaches. Debating doesn’t help; that’s simply trying to prove another person wrong, and it causes division. But a humble conversation can protect relationships while each side might even learn a thing or two. Living consistently with God’s Word is a great starting point, and helps us avoid unnecessary quarrels.
Sometimes when life gets difficult, we forget about the power and authority behind us in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul’s reminder to Timothy serves as a reminder for us, too.
In a fatherly voice, Paul tells Timothy: God knows you and has invited you to be a leader. But this calling doesn’t come from your own ability. You need his grace to follow his calling faithfully. What does it look like for us today to rely on God’s grace?
Paul tells us not to be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s a deeper point than we’ve usually thought about. It’s worth considering WHY we are tempted toward shame, the risk it poses to our faith … and how we can fight this tendency.
Depending on our response, troubling times can bring us closer to God. When we pray, we sing … we worship—even when we don’t feel like it—God meets us there in ways we never expected.
Sometimes, God’s Word doesn’t seem to match what’s happening in my world. That’s a season of waiting, and we all know those. We can’t always control our circumstances. But, as we’ll learn from the prophet Habakkuk, there are a couple of important factors we can control.
The prophet Habakkuk has some hard questions for God. Why is everything such a mess? How can you possibly allow this? Aren’t you going to do anything about it? Then, God answers—but definitely not in the way Habakkuk wanted. For us today, it all sounds a little too familiar.
Jesus describes the kingdom of God as an enormous party in which God pays for everything and invites the unlikeliest people. What would it look like if our church modeled the invitational culture Jesus describes in this parable?
The ways we respond to the poor, the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned — those all matter, and we are accountable to God. They are indications of whether Jesus is truly the king of our lives. This challenging message provides an opportunity to earnestly seek God and assess the way we live.
The Parable of the Talents is one of Jesus’ final teachings before going to the cross, and one of his longest. It’s about stewardship – what we do with what God has given us. Come ready to be challenged!
Jesus speaks of his return, then tells a parable about 10 virgins and 10 lamps. It’s about living alertly in the certain hope of his return. What does this look like for us today?
In this short parable, Jesus challenges his listeners about true obedience: We can talk a good game, but do our actions match those words and intentions?
Is God fair? Nope (and that's a good thing). Jesus’ parable about a vineyard owner hiring day workers illustrates this vividly. The story also points us to better questions: Is God just? Can we trust him? And what’s so amazing about grace?
There is incredible power in forgiving someone. There also is incredible, negative power in not forgiving that person. In this challenging message, we’ll look at what forgiveness means, and doesn’t mean. We’ll look at how that process works, the freedom it offers us … and why Jesus’ teachings about it separate Christianity from any other religion.
What is the true value of the kingdom of heaven? Do we recognize it? And how exactly does this influence the way we live, work and interact with others? Jesus’ short parable sounds simple at first. But let’s take a closer look.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus uses familiar imagery to help his listeners understand why people respond to him in different ways. This message offers a good chance to check the condition of our own hearts (the soil), and to better understand what good soil looks like. The growth this enables can transform our lives and community.
Jesus’ parables aren’t always easy to understand. As we begin this new sermon series, we look at a challenging story about money—how we can use it for greater things and how it can also get in the way.
As we conclude our series from Exodus, the people of Israel are faced with a big, external attack from the Amalekites. It stopped their internal grumbling and focused them on the real battle. The story offers guidance for us today, too.
The people of Israel complained. God had led them to a place, but they didn’t feel safe and they didn’t know what would happen next. People today complain, too, for similar reasons. It’s contagious. It’s destructive. And it can wreck our trust in God.
The foundations of worship are truth and Spirit. This Sunday, Pastor Dave Creek unpacks these principles and what it looks like to live a life worshipful life fully devoted to God.
The Exodus has reminded every subsequent generation that God goes before us and leads us in surprising, perfect ways. Rituals, rhythms and routines help us not only to live consistently, but also to remember and reflect God’s leading on our lives, our families and our communities.
One final, awful plague awaits Egypt. God gives his people a way to escape it—and a vivid preview of his plan of salvation that will become available to all.
Something we tend to miss in the book of Exodus is how God uses Pharaoh’s hardened heart to show us our own. Let’s take an uncomfortable look at the ways we compromise our obedience to God … and the destruction this can bring.
We all know brokenness in a broken world. Obeying God doesn’t change this—in fact, sometimes life can even become harder. Moses’ response to brokenness, and to God, offers us insights for our lives today.
Moses had a lot of seemingly good reasons why God should find someone else to lead his people out of Egypt. God answered each of them. Would it surprise you to know that we make those exact excuses today, and that they boil down to the condition of our hearts toward God?
God reveals himself to Moses, then reveals the mission he has for him. But not all at once. It’s a pattern God still uses with us today, and it requires steps of faith before we even fully know what he’s calling us to do.
Moses’ early life is filled with lessons for us today. When trials, pain and bewilderment arise—and they inevitably do—where do we fix our eyes? We know the Sunday School answer, but how do we truly let God use suffering to form us into the people he made us to be?
Most of us aren’t very good at confronting people, even when it’s a needed and godly response. With gentle wisdom and humility, confrontation can be one of the most loving things we can do for a fellow believer – or that they can do for us.
We can be so dazzled by someone’s giftedness and charisma that we miss trickery and treachery lurking behind. Paul challenges the Corinthians to consider the whole picture in both ourselves and others. There is indeed a place for boasting — but in our weakness, as a pointer to Jesus.
For Christians, especially leaders, criticism will come. Some of it will be unjust. In this section of his letter to the Corinthians, Paul exemplifies valuable principles for how to respond, or not respond, when our critics are wrong. And, he shows how to keep our focus pointed in a better direction.
Let’s get one thing straight: God doesn’t need our money. But by allowing him to deepen our generosity, it becomes our joyful response to the gospel. And, it’s a major way God builds his kingdom and releases his abundance to the world.
The way to a joy-filled life is countercultural, both in Paul’s time and for us today. In a chapter that drastically changes the mood of this letter to the Corinthians, Paul maps out three steps to serve the Lord with joy. None are especially easy—but the rewards are great.
To whom do we grant authority in our lives, and why? What effect does this have on our faith, and on our ability to engage with those around us who need Jesus? Paul calls on the Corinthians—and us—to evaluate our close relationships in this light.
We all want to please other people. Sometimes this desire is good, but sometimes it can stand in the way of loving people as Jesus does—and telling them the truth. As our love for Jesus and our grasp of his gospel increases, so does our real, Christlike love for others.
Ever feel like giving up? Like all that time and energy devoted to ministry just isn’t worth it? This sermon is especially for you. When we start to lose heart, Paul reminds us that Jesus’ light can shine brightly even through our messy, broken lives.
Have you ever been placed in a role you felt unqualified for? Welcome to the Christian life — that is, until we remember that our job is simply to carry the aroma of Christ everywhere we go, and leave the results to him. Even in our human insecurity and brokenness, we can still do that — and it can change the world.
Have you ever felt betrayed? Trust, or broken trust, always leads to the question of integrity. As the Apostle Paul addresses a misunderstanding between himself and the church at Corinth, he gets to the heart of what trust really means for us all, and how it is central to living as a follower of Jesus.
This week we begin a series looking at 2 Corinthians – another letter from the Apostle Paul to this messed-up church with so much potential. We’ll look at how we can live as ambassadors for Christ in a broken, complex world. We start with a look at suffering—something guaranteed for us all, but often misunderstood.
When life’s plans get wrecked … when God seems silent … when we feel let down, where do we find peace? That’s the story of Christmas, which can ring new every year.
Generosity is certainly an act of obedience to God. But obedience isn’t always the strongest motivator. A generous heart is a joyful, peaceful heart—one that’s always seeking new opportunities to give back to God and to his work in our community and world.
At Christmas, we celebrate and welcome the love of God through the birth of his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. God’s love is what led to Jesus becoming Emmanuel, God with us, while we were yet sinners—eventually leading to his death and resurrection. God’s love is good, and it is that same love God desires for his children to display to everyone.
Hope is a good thing: for success, good health, better days ahead. But following Jesus takes hope to a far deeper level. It helps us live life from a kingdom perspective — anchoring us in an uncertain world and in the way we love others.
Advent means “coming.” In Hebrew, “coming” can mean to walk with someone. What would it mean for us this Christmas season to walk alongside someone who is experiencing hardship or loss? The joy of Christmas—the good news of Jesus—is for all people, and it is meant to be shared.
In ancient Israel and today, God’s people can get derailed by deception. As we close our series in the book of Joshua, we’ll look at how this can happen and how to protect ourselves. We’ll also name some of the biggest lies prevalent in our culture – and in our churches.
God works through flawed people. That’s not a new idea. But did you know that he even pursues us after we’ve failed at something? This chapter from Joshua shows how God even gives us new strategies to fight familiar battles
How could one man's secret sin affect his entire family, tribe and nation? Because everything you do affects everyone you know. In Joshua 7, we see the dangers of spiritual pride and secret sin. We also see how real, committed community is essential for preventing and resolving these sins.
Outside Jericho, God issues a strange battle strategy for the people of Israel. The story is familiar, but there’s also a lesson for us today about faith and obedience in the wake of victory.
The work and instructions of God don’t always make immediate sense to us, his followers. But the way we respond, and obey, has a direct bearing on the kind of people we become.
The big moment. After generations of wandering, God tells the people of Israel that it’s finally time to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land. It’s going to require trust, preparation and obedience—and it’s going to be anything but easy. The principles from this story apply to us, too.
A sign of true Christian faith is willingness to take personal risk to help the spiritual condition of others. It can mean going somewhere new. It can mean welcoming the stranger. Both of those elements are present in this story, and both lead to deeper faith and a life filled with great stories.
This week we begin a series on the book of Joshua. On its surface, this book is about real estate – stepping into land that’s been promised, leaving behind lands of slavery or wandering, not stepping back into captivity. But when we take a deeper look at four ways land is described in the Bible, we realize every person finds themselves in one of them.
As we wrap up our series on Mark’s gospel, we look at Jesus on the day he was crucified. Then and now, his identity doesn’t give anyone the option of fence-sitting. Do we follow him as Lord, or do we mock him? And before we say, “I’d never mock Jesus,” let’s go deeper and look at what that means.
Peter makes a heartfelt promise to stand by Jesus, then quickly breaks it. Three times. Know the feeling, from either side? Jesus suffered not only physically, but also by being rejected. That was for us, too.
A central belief of Christianity is that Jesus will return. During a time of spiritual decline in America, his instructions regarding this give us needed perspective, peace … and hope.
Jesus is challenged by religious people whose zeal turned them self-righteous, judgmental and generally obnoxious. His responses have much to teach us. And a close look at the Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes might have much to show us about ourselves.
Divorce. Marriage. Kids. Money. Nothing controversial in any of that, right? Jesus addresses it all here. He has a way of getting into the most uncomfortable areas of our lives — going past formulas and to the heart of the matter.
After a literal mountaintop experience, Jesus’ disciples have an ill-advised discussion of which among them would be greatest. Instead, Jesus would show them the upside-down kingdom, where the greatest life is a life of serving others.
What at first glance seems to be an incomplete miracle—Jesus almost healing a blind man—preceded a much larger message for his disciples and for us today. We can be partially blind to what Jesus truly calls us to do and be.
Provision and protection. Those may be the two things we ask God for most. Our passage this week recounts two successive events which show how God answers those prayers in ways far beyond what we ask or imagine. And by the way: Both events were preceded by rest—another topic we’ll look into.
Two stories converge. Two people desperately need healing—one for herself, the other for his daughter—so they trust Jesus to do what no one else can. In our own brokenness, how much do we trust him?
Jesus described the condition of a person’s heart toward God’s Word as one of four soil types. If we’re honest, most of us can point to times in our life when any of those four conditions have been true. This message offers the chance to take a close look at our heart condition today.
Following Jesus changes everything about our lives. As we see throughout this passage in Mark’s gospel, he does care about our day-to-day needs and wants—but he cares far more about our eternal, spiritual condition. Do we trust him to re-orient our desires?
As we begin a new series on the Gospel of Mark, we notice something right away. This reads very differently that the other gospels, even though all proclaim the Good News. Today we jump right in with accounts of Jesus’ baptism and his temptation in the wilderness. Those events have much to teach us about the heart of God.
The same courage that the Holy Spirit gave to ordinary people in the book of Acts is available to us ordinary people today. It’s based on solely upon knowing Jesus.
Busyness isn’t always bad, but it does not equal faithfulness. It can be an effort to earn approval – from other people or from God. And, it can rob us of peace and rest. Let’s look deeper into a familiar story from Luke’s gospel that shows us a better way.
As believers, we live in this world as outsiders, foreigners. Yet God promises we are not alone in this journey. In fact, despite our messy world, God helps us to thrive and enables us to help others thrive, too.
We tend to view God’s call to holiness as unattainable. But maybe we’ve misunderstood what it means to live a holy life. First it’s about understanding God’s holiness. Then it’s understanding how it relates to our own identity, and the ways we think, act and see the world.
God created us in his own image. That’s such a familiar line from Genesis 1 that we can lose sight of what it really means. It has everything to do with how we live, especially how we see others and ourselves.
Have you ever stopped to think about what it means to be a child of God? As children of God, we inherit not only his name but also his nature. The Apostle John had much to say about how we can live in light of this amazing truth.
Jesus’ resurrection changed the whole world, and it transforms our identity today — who we are, how we think and act, how we relate to others and how we view the future. On Easter, we take a fresh look at the what truly defines us as the Body of Christ.
The Apostle Paul wraps up his letter to this troubled church with instructions about giving and stewarding money, honoring and encouraging pastors and other spiritual leaders, and being sensitive to God’s leading in all things. There’s a lot here for the 21st century church as well.
Our Christian faith rests on the belief that Jesus lived, died and rose again. Some struggle to believe in his resurrection, but there's solid evidence that it really happened—and that it changed everything.
Christians for centuries have disagreed on these gifts of the Holy Spirit -- how to use them, when to use them, whether they even exist today. With Scripture as our final authority, we will look at guidelines given by the Apostle Paul, and what they mean for the church today.
God gives us spiritual gifts for the good of his church. Identifying and using those gifts not only helps us thrive personally, it contributes to the unity and wellbeing of the church — and it can change the world.
For the church from the first century through today, there’s a lot going on when we take Communion together. The Apostle Paul calls us to look in all directions as we share this sacred moment.
Idolatry can steal our hearts and destroy our lives. The Apostle Paul tells us to flee from it. First, we might need to recognize idols when we have them.
The Bible is clear on some standards of conduct, but less clear on others. And not all Christians hold the same standards for the same reasons. Rather than making those decisions based solely on our rights, the Apostle Paul says there's a more important standard—loving and caring for others.
"How can I be more fulfilled in my marriage? Or in my singleness?" We all tend to grapple with this, regardless of what season of life we’re in. But as Paul points out in this passage, we’re asking the wrong question.
Paul’s words to the Corinthians about sexuality are equally relevant today. What we do with our bodies affects our souls.
Note to parents: The sermons this Sunday and Feb. 5 deal with sex as discussed in 1 Corinthians. They are not explicit, but please consider them rated PG-13 and use discernment on whether your younger kids should be present.
“Don’t judge me.” How many times a week do we hear that? But Paul’s words to the Corinthians are often misinterpreted. Mature Christians do have a responsibility to influence and, when needed, confront and correct fellow believers in love. Let’s look at how we do this without being jerks.
Through the Holy Spirit, and only the Holy spirit, Christians have access to a wisdom that the world cannot understand. Paul emphasizes this to a Corinthian church that had allowed the culture to set the agenda for their thinking.
Sometimes a carol is so familiar that we sing it without really thinking about the words. In this case, we are singing a clear and succinct presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a beautiful Christmas message for the world!
A thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. This beautiful, beloved Christmas carol speaks of longing and expectation, but then of the answer in Jesus. A sure hope. An eternal hope. A hope fulfilled, but also a glorious future.
One of our most beloved carols started with a poem that had little to do with Christmas. It’s drawn from Psalm 98, which does speak of the wonders of Jesus’ unfailing love for us. As believers, we can sing that verse with awe, gratitude and a prayer that we can love others with his truth and grace.
For Advent, we begin a series looking at five beloved Christmas carols. These songs not only turn our minds toward Christmas, but if we let them they also can deepen our relationship with God. Up first: a song about longing—painfully—for true freedom in Christ.
As one of the most familiar passages in the whole Bible, Psalm 23 is often rightly read at funerals as a source of comfort. But there’s much more here, if we take a little time to understand sheep and shepherds—and why this is such a beautiful reminder of who God is.
Hagar was confused, used, abandoned … and pregnant. Yet God saw her, heard her, comforted her and gave her a promise. Whatever our difficult situation, God knows each of us just as well.
The Hebrew term "Abba" helps us understand God’s love as a father’s love for his child. Even if we have had a negative experience with an earthly father, this understanding can change the way we pray and relate to our Heavenly Father.
“God will provide.” Often we employ that phrase when concerned about our comfort. When we are obedient to God, he provides courage to face the unknown. He fills in the details. He gives us faith to do something our world might see as crazy.
The Hebrew term El Shaddai means “All-Sufficient One” and “God Almighty.” It could also mean “God of the mountain.” In a familiar Old Testament story, a 99-year-old man learns what those names mean for him and his people. They mean the same for us today.
The Hebrew term means “the Lord is my banner.” In battle, a banner was a rallying point, a symbol. As we open a new series looking at the meanings behind some of the names of God, this provides a good starting point—and a reminder that we are never alone.
As they gathered on the day of Pentecost, the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit … and the world was never the same again. Today, if we want to be revived to the things of God, it starts with being filled with his Holy Spirit. Let's talk about what this looks like.
There’s a lot we can learn from the story of Jonah. God sometimes uses a hard circumstance for our good—first to get our attention and then to bring us to repentance.
The condition of a city mirrors the faith of its people. Both in the Old Testament and today, prayer is central to renewal. What might that look like for us?
Worship. Grow. Serve. Why? How? Jesus, and later the early church, provide a countercultural game plan for bringing his love to our neighborhoods and community.
Welcome back, Pastor Luke! This week we open a sermon series focusing on First Free's mission, vision and calling. A familiar story from Luke's gospel shows how extraordinary faith impacts others. What does this mean for us today in Rockford?
In most Christian traditions, The Lord's Prayer ends with the statement that God's kingdom, power and glory are what we live for. But this often works against the way we order our lives and even our prayers.
As God grows us spiritually, testing is part of his process. Our enemy tries to twist those tests into temptations that could destroy us. Jesus knew all about that.
We are to be people whose lives are marked by true dependence on God's provision, and by forgiveness. What exactly does this look like in a culture where most of us have more than we need? And where forgiving debt feels ... wrong?
Jesus didn't tell us to just sit around, bemoan our broken world and wait for his return. We are to pray and work for the ways of heaven to become the ways of earth. That's a radically better story line.
As our series wraps up, James concludes his letter with an exhortation to pray in some very specific ways. Our spiritual health, and the health of the Church, hang in the balance.
What our world values and what God values are often vastly different. In fact, those conflicting desires are the source of most of our conflict, even as Christians. James points out this problem, but also offers the solution.
Most of us can remember words spoken over us at various points in our lives -- some destructive, some life-giving. James makes the point that words have the power to form, to change and yes, even to destroy. This week, we look at Christ-honoring ways to steward this immense responsibility.
Faith and works. The passage is familiar, but too often, Christians assume we can be strong in one and weak in the other. As we'll see in this message, a living faith believes something much better.
Always, and especially in times of trial, listening and obeying are key factors in following Christ and finding true freedom. Join us for Part 2 of our series from the book of James.
This week we launch a six-part study of the book of James, the first New Testament book written. Immediately as his letter to the church begins, James addresses one of the most fundamental questions of faith: How do we respond when bad things happen to us?
Sheep learn to recognize and follow their shepherd's voice, but they are also vulnerable. They need to learn to disregard other voices that would lead them astray. This week, we look at what it means for us to learn the voice of Jesus, the Lamb of God who is now our shepherd.
There's a detail we tend to overlook in that wonderful scene at the empty tomb: Even the eyewitnesses still held varying levels of unbelief. The way Jesus helped them with their unbelief is the same way he helps us today.
John the Baptist knew his message: "Get ready." His mission was to point not at himself, but to Jesus, the Lamb of God. Our lives can look like that, too.
As we open a new series leading through Easter, we first look to the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah offers a beautiful summary of the gospel—and the first mention of Jesus as the Lamb.
As our Hebrews series draws to a close, the writer ends with a remarkable list of ways we can put this letter's theology into everyday practice.
"Endure hardship as discipline." That's certainly not most Christians' favorite Bible verse. But what if we used a better definition of discipline? Not as God's punishment, but as his as his way to lovingly restore us, train us and form us?
The author of Hebrews first defines faith, then takes us through a series of heroic examples. In the process, we are reminded that faith isn't based on what we can see or understand—and that's OK.
God can use suffering and loss to take our focus off temporary things and place it on perseverance and hope — looking toward our eternal joy.
The Tabernacle represented God's presence with the people of Israel, but it also reminded them of the huge barrier separating them and a holy God — sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross obliterated that barrier. We can bring our guilt and shame — all of it — before him with confidence
By our nature, the answer to that question is no. But God’s new covenant of grace changes everything — not only our eternal standing, but the nature of our daily relationship with him.
This week's message from Hebrews includes a heartbreaking passage about the eternal consequences of falling away from faith. We'll confront this, knowing that many of us pray constantly for loved ones whose faith has drifted.
Part of the challenge in understanding a letter like Hebrews is that we first need to know something about the time it was written — the culture and the audience. This week, we look at the Old Testament view of a high priest, why Jesus is greater, and what that means to daily life for us today.
In a culture where we build our identities on what we do and what we produce, could God's idea of rest go a lot deeper than simply taking a break from working?
How do we give everything we have to God and his mission? Is starts with realizing how he sees us, both as individuals and as his family.
We step further into the identity of Jesus, what he gave up and what he gained, all for the sake of those he loves — us.
As we begin a study in the book of Hebrews, the writer begins with a reminder of who Jesus really is. To a weary and doubting church, then and today, this means everything.
From the Book of Acts until now, people have been trying to predict when Jesus will return. There's a far better way we can focus our time and passion.
Sometimes, being obedient to God means disappointing people. Joseph was about to learn this vividly, facing a difficult decision in light of Mary's surprise pregnancy. We can learn much from his humble and selfless response to the command from God's messenger.
Sometimes, being obedient to God means disappointing people. Joseph was about to learn this vividly, facing a difficult decision in light of Mary's surprise pregnancy. We can learn much from his humble and selfless response to the command from God's messenger.
Sometimes, being obedient to God means disappointing people. Joseph was about to learn this vividly, facing a difficult decision in light of Mary's surprise pregnancy. We can learn much from his humble and selfless response to the command from God's messenger.
Solomon's reign as king starts so well. God gives him unparalleled wisdom and honor. Finally, the people think, this will be our true king, one even greater than David. And then ... power and authority corrupt him. The story of Solomon holds a huge lesson for us today as people living on mission.
Solomon's reign as king starts so well. God gives him unparalleled wisdom and honor. Finally, the people think, this will be our true king, one even greater than David. And then ... power and authority corrupt him. The story of Solomon holds a huge lesson for us today as people living on mission.
An unlikely king ... a battle only God could win. David's life was imperfect, of course, but even in his failures, his humble spirit and reverence for God illustrate the value of repentance.
An unlikely king ... a battle only God could win. David's life was imperfect, of course, but even in his failures, his humble spirit and reverence for God illustrate the value of repentance.
An unlikely king ... a battle only God could win. David's life was imperfect, of course, but even in his failures, his humble spirit and reverence for God illustrate the value of repentance.
The people of Israel wanted a king like other nations had. God warned them this was a bad idea, but they persisted. So he gave them what they wanted. This Old Testament story illustrates what happens when we act out of fear that God will not.
The people of Israel wanted a king like other nations had. God warned them this was a bad idea, but they persisted. So he gave them what they wanted. This Old Testament story illustrates what happens when we act out of fear that God will not.
The people of Israel wanted a king like other nations had. God warned them this was a bad idea, but they persisted. So he gave them what they wanted. This Old Testament story illustrates what happens when we act out of fear that God will not.
The Hebrew word Shabach means to address in a loud tone, to shout, to commend, to glory or to declare triumph. This type of worship is celebratory and contagious. Along with this short message, Sunday’s services will feature extended musical worship and, in the second service, believer’s baptisms. Let’s celebrate together in praise of our God!
The Hebrew word Shabach means to address in a loud tone, to shout, to commend, to glory or to declare triumph. This type of worship is celebratory and contagious. Along with this short message, Sunday’s services will feature extended musical worship and, in the second service, believer’s baptisms. Let’s celebrate together in praise of our God!
The Hebrew word Shabach means to address in a loud tone, to shout, to commend, to glory or to declare triumph. This type of worship is celebratory and contagious. Along with this short message, Sunday’s services will feature extended musical worship and, in the second service, believer’s baptisms. Let’s celebrate together in praise of our God!
The Hebrew word Zamar means praise God with music and celebrate in song. In a pivotal moment for both himself and his nation, David worships God with everything he has. And the focus of his worship falls not on his problems, but on who God is.
The Hebrew word Zamar means praise God with music and celebrate in song. In a pivotal moment for both himself and his nation, David worships God with everything he has. And the focus of his worship falls not on his problems, but on who God is.
The Hebrew word Zamar means praise God with music and celebrate in song. In a pivotal moment for both himself and his nation, David worships God with everything he has. And the focus of his worship falls not on his problems, but on who God is.
The Hebrew word Halal means to boast; to rave; to shine; to celebrate. As we open a three-week series on worship, we begin with giving God what is his alone: our praise, adoration and trust.
The Hebrew word Halal means to boast; to rave; to shine; to celebrate. As we open a three-week series on worship, we begin with giving God what is his alone: our praise, adoration and trust.
The Hebrew word Halal means to boast; to rave; to shine; to celebrate. As we open a three-week series on worship, we begin with giving God what is his alone: our praise, adoration and trust.
Generosity reflects the heart of God. What would our lives look like — and how could the Kingdom of God grow — if we were radically generous with the money God has entrusted to us?
Generosity reflects the heart of God. What would our lives look like — and how could the Kingdom of God grow — if we were radically generous with the money God has entrusted to us?
Generosity reflects the heart of God. What would our lives look like — and how could the Kingdom of God grow — if we were radically generous with the money God has entrusted to us?
The way we use money and resources says a lot about the condition of our hearts. Jesus' Parable of the Talents shows the joy in multiplying whatever God has given us, for his kingdom.
The way we use money and resources says a lot about the condition of our hearts. Jesus' Parable of the Talents shows the joy in multiplying whatever God has given us, for his kingdom.
The way we use money and resources says a lot about the condition of our hearts. Jesus' Parable of the Talents shows the joy in multiplying whatever God has given us, for his kingdom.
As we reach the end of our Peaks & Valleys series, we look at one incredibly memorable peak for Peter, James and John. In our own journey of faith, Jesus walks with us through every high and low. Through it all, he invites us on mission with him.
As we reach the end of our Peaks & Valleys series, we look at one incredibly memorable peak for Peter, James and John. In our own journey of faith, Jesus walks with us through every high and low. Through it all, he invites us on mission with him.
As we reach the end of our Peaks & Valleys series, we look at one incredibly memorable peak for Peter, James and John. In our own journey of faith, Jesus walks with us through every high and low. Through it all, he invites us on mission with him.
There's a lot more to the story of Daniel in the lions' den than what gets included in most kids' Bible storybooks. This week we'll look at how a constant posture of gratitude to God helps us stand against opposition and trust him with our fears.
There's a lot more to the story of Daniel in the lions' den than what gets included in most kids' Bible storybooks. This week we'll look at how a constant posture of gratitude to God helps us stand against opposition and trust him with our fears.
The people of Israel were suffering and pleading with God to act. Moses' own wilderness story can help us view long delays in a different light. Our timetable is usually not God's.
The people of Israel were suffering and pleading with God to act. Moses' own wilderness story can help us view long delays in a different light. Our timetable is usually not God's.
The people of Israel were suffering and pleading with God to act. Moses' own wilderness story can help us view long delays in a different light. Our timetable is usually not God's.
Almost no one has experienced the extreme peaks and valleys that Joseph did. Embedded in this familiar story from Genesis is a hard question: Did God cause it all, good and bad? For many people then and now, faith itself depends on the answer.
Almost no one has experienced the extreme peaks and valleys that Joseph did. Embedded in this familiar story from Genesis is a hard question: Did God cause it all, good and bad? For many people then and now, faith itself depends on the answer.
Almost no one has experienced the extreme peaks and valleys that Joseph did. Embedded in this familiar story from Genesis is a hard question: Did God cause it all, good and bad? For many people then and now, faith itself depends on the answer.
Comfort does not equal contentment. In fact, one often works against the other. As we navigate a culture that craves comfort but can't ever seem to find true contentment, there is no better example than the Apostle Paul.
Comfort does not equal contentment. In fact, one often works against the other. As we navigate a culture that craves comfort but can't ever seem to find true contentment, there is no better example than the Apostle Paul.
God reveals his power in unexpected ways and in the lives of unlikely people experiencing hard circumstances.
God reveals his power in unexpected ways and in the lives of unlikely people experiencing hard circumstances.
God reveals his power in unexpected ways and in the lives of unlikely people experiencing hard circumstances.
Serving together. We talk about it all the time at First Free. But why? How does the kingdom of God benefit when we serve together rather than serving solo?
Serving together. We talk about it all the time at First Free. But why? How does the kingdom of God benefit when we serve together rather than serving solo?
We've all heard it. Some of us have even said it: "I love Jesus but not the church." In this first of a two-part series, let's look at what the church is — and how our faith can't fully grow without it.
We've all heard it. Some of us have even said it: "I love Jesus but not the church." In this first of a two-part series, let's look at what the church is — and how our faith can't fully grow without it.
We've all heard it. Some of us have even said it: "I love Jesus but not the church." In this first of a two-part series, let's look at what the church is — and how our faith can't fully grow without it.
In the final week of this series, we look at how a Spirit-led life enables us to bear all of the fruit mentioned by Paul, including the Christlike trait of self-control — which a self-indulgent culture tends to dismiss.
In the final week of this series, we look at how a Spirit-led life enables us to bear all of the fruit mentioned by Paul, including the Christlike trait of self-control — which a self-indulgent culture tends to dismiss.
In the final week of this series, we look at how a Spirit-led life enables us to bear all of the fruit mentioned by Paul, including the Christlike trait of self-control — which a self-indulgent culture tends to dismiss.
In our competitive culture, gentleness can be overlooked or even dismissed as weakness. A look at the life and words of Jesus, and later Paul, reveals a very different picture.
A familiar story — Jesus' conversation with Mary and Martha — sheds light on what a life of faithfulness looks like. It's deeper than the way we all tend to understand this passage.
A familiar story — Jesus' conversation with Mary and Martha — sheds light on what a life of faithfulness looks like. It's deeper than the way we all tend to understand this passage.
A familiar story — Jesus' conversation with Mary and Martha — sheds light on what a life of faithfulness looks like. It's deeper than the way we all tend to understand this passage.
God defines goodness and extends it to everyone, whether or not they receive it with gratitude. Is it realistic to believe we can live accordingly?
God defines goodness and extends it to everyone, whether or not they receive it with gratitude. Is it realistic to believe we can live accordingly?
God defines goodness and extends it to everyone, whether or not they receive it with gratitude. Is it realistic to believe we can live accordingly?
For a look at Christlike kindness during a dark time, we turn to the Old Testament story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
For a look at Christlike kindness during a dark time, we turn to the Old Testament story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
For a look at Christlike kindness during a dark time, we turn to the Old Testament story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
Long-suffering patience and forgiveness don't exactly fit our competitive, consumer culture. But they are the way of Jesus and they reveal a lot about how much we trust God.
Long-suffering patience and forgiveness don't exactly fit our competitive, consumer culture. But they are the way of Jesus and they reveal a lot about how much we trust God.
Long-suffering patience and forgiveness don't exactly fit our competitive, consumer culture. But they are the way of Jesus and they reveal a lot about how much we trust God.
We all like the idea of peace ... but we think too small. This week we look at true, deep peace as proclaimed and modeled by Jesus. It's available right now.
We all like the idea of peace ... but we think too small. This week we look at true, deep peace as proclaimed and modeled by Jesus. It's available right now.
We all like the idea of peace ... but we think too small. This week we look at true, deep peace as proclaimed and modeled by Jesus. It's available right now.
Often, we let our circumstances dictate our state of mind and heart. The Apostle Paul understood this. In his letter to the Philippian church, he outlines a better way to live joyfully.
Often, we let our circumstances dictate our state of mind and heart. The Apostle Paul understood this. In his letter to the Philippian church, he outlines a better way to live joyfully.
Often, we let our circumstances dictate our state of mind and heart. The Apostle Paul understood this. In his letter to the Philippian church, he outlines a better way to live joyfully.
As we open a summer series about the fruit of the Spirit, we look first at what these qualities say about a person, and how to get them. Then, we look at love from the lens of one of the Bible's most-quoted passages.
As we open a summer series about the fruit of the Spirit, we look first at what these qualities say about a person, and how to get them. Then, we look at love from the lens of one of the Bible's most-quoted passages.
As we open a summer series about the fruit of the Spirit, we look first at what these qualities say about a person, and how to get them. Then, we look at love from the lens of one of the Bible's most-quoted passages.
We have a huge part to play in God's story. In fact, the way we love others is the way God's love becomes visible to the world.
We have a huge part to play in God's story. In fact, the way we love others is the way God's love becomes visible to the world.
Jesus' familiar parable of the Good Samaritan has much to teach us in our culture that's filled with groups who don't like each other.
Jesus' familiar parable of the Good Samaritan has much to teach us in our culture that's filled with groups who don't like each other.
Jesus' familiar parable of the Good Samaritan has much to teach us in our culture that's filled with groups who don't like each other.
Have you ever pondered what it truly means to love God? Not just when he gives us what we want, or when life is great, but at a level that truly forms our identity? Not surprisingly, Jesus has a lot to teach us about this.
Have you ever pondered what it truly means to love God? Not just when he gives us what we want, or when life is great, but at a level that truly forms our identity? Not surprisingly, Jesus has a lot to teach us about this.
Have you ever pondered what it truly means to love God? Not just when he gives us what we want, or when life is great, but at a level that truly forms our identity? Not surprisingly, Jesus has a lot to teach us about this.
Christians still sin—even though the Apostle Paul wrote that we are dead to sin. What exactly did he mean, then? The answer is less about our actions and more about our identity.
Christians still sin—even though the Apostle Paul wrote that we are dead to sin. What exactly did he mean, then? The answer is less about our actions and more about our identity.
Christians still sin—even though the Apostle Paul wrote that we are dead to sin. What exactly did he mean, then? The answer is less about our actions and more about our identity.
The Ephesian church was doing a lot of things right. But early in the Book of Revelation, Jesus still gives them a stern caution: They had forsaken their first love. As we open a new sermon series, we look at how this caution speaks to our church today.
The Ephesian church was doing a lot of things right. But early in the Book of Revelation, Jesus still gives them a stern caution: They had forsaken their first love. As we open a new sermon series, we look at how this caution speaks to our church today.
The Ephesian church was doing a lot of things right. But early in the Book of Revelation, Jesus still gives them a stern caution: They had forsaken their first love. As we open a new sermon series, we look at how this caution speaks to our church today.
What do we do when God seems absent in our time of deepest need? We have a powerful example of a person whose desperate plea was not granted: Jesus himself.
What do we do when God seems absent in our time of deepest need? We have a powerful example of a person whose desperate plea was not granted: Jesus himself.
What do we do when God seems absent in our time of deepest need? We have a powerful example of a person whose desperate plea was not granted: Jesus himself.
The faith of two blind men serves as a model for us — especially when it seems like God isn't listening.
The faith of two blind men serves as a model for us — especially when it seems like God isn't listening.
The faith of two blind men serves as a model for us — especially when it seems like God isn't listening.
On the same day, Jesus encounters two very different people with needs. One need is urgent — a man's daughter is dying. The other is chronic — a woman suffers from a 12-year medical affliction. Jesus' response to both people tells us much about faith, and our new identity in him.
On the same day, Jesus encounters two very different people with needs. One need is urgent — a man's daughter is dying. The other is chronic — a woman suffers from a 12-year medical affliction. Jesus' response to both people tells us much about faith, and our new identity in him.
On the same day, Jesus encounters two very different people with needs. One need is urgent — a man's daughter is dying. The other is chronic — a woman suffers from a 12-year medical affliction. Jesus' response to both people tells us much about faith, and our new identity in him.
Jesus' healing of a demon-possessed man takes on an even deeper meaning when we realize where it took place and what that symbolizes ... then and now.
Jesus' healing of a demon-possessed man takes on an even deeper meaning when we realize where it took place and what that symbolizes ... then and now.
Jesus' healing of a demon-possessed man takes on an even deeper meaning when we realize where it took place and what that symbolizes ... then and now.
The story of a paralyzed man, a crowd, persistent friends and some property damage reveals how Jesus meets our deepest needs.
Jesus' first recorded miracle concerns not a life-or-death matter, but a matter of social embarrassment and hospitality. Why? What does this tell us about how and why Jesus works, then and now?
Jesus' first recorded miracle concerns not a life-or-death matter, but a matter of social embarrassment and hospitality. Why? What does this tell us about how and why Jesus works, then and now?
Jesus' first recorded miracle concerns not a life-or-death matter, but a matter of social embarrassment and hospitality. Why? What does this tell us about how and why Jesus works, then and now?
The Resurrection really happened, and it's the central event in human history. To begin our new series, The Miracles of Jesus, we focus on the one that changed everything for all time ... and how that miracle impacts us today.
The Resurrection really happened, and it's the central event in human history. To begin our new series, The Miracles of Jesus, we focus on the one that changed everything for all time ... and how that miracle impacts us today.
The Resurrection really happened, and it's the central event in human history. To begin our new series, The Miracles of Jesus, we focus on the one that changed everything for all time ... and how that miracle impacts us today.
The Resurrection really happened, and it's the central event in human history. To begin our new series, The Miracles of Jesus, we focus on the one that changed everything for all time ... and how that miracle impacts us today.
The Resurrection really happened, and it's the central event in human history. To begin our new series, The Miracles of Jesus, we focus on the one that changed everything for all time ... and how that miracle impacts us today.
A humble king. A sacred, prophesied moment that ultimately defied the crowd's expectations. As Palm Sunday shows us, we can know about Jesus, follow Jesus, even worship Jesus ... and still miss the point.
A humble king. A sacred, prophesied moment that ultimately defied the crowd's expectations. As Palm Sunday shows us, we can know about Jesus, follow Jesus, even worship Jesus ... and still miss the point.
A humble king. A sacred, prophesied moment that ultimately defied the crowd's expectations. As Palm Sunday shows us, we can know about Jesus, follow Jesus, even worship Jesus ... and still miss the point.
John baptizes Jesus, and then God speaks words of identity over his son. God speaks our identity, too — and it's rooted in something far deeper than what we have or what we do.
John baptizes Jesus, and then God speaks words of identity over his son. God speaks our identity, too — and it's rooted in something far deeper than what we have or what we do.
John baptizes Jesus, and then God speaks words of identity over his son. God speaks our identity, too — and it's rooted in something far deeper than what we have or what we do.
In the final words of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds us who our true enemy is, how we can cover ourselves in God's strength ... and how prayer and his Word cover it all.
In the final words of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds us who our true enemy is, how we can cover ourselves in God's strength ... and how prayer and his Word cover it all.
In the final words of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds us who our true enemy is, how we can cover ourselves in God's strength ... and how prayer and his Word cover it all.
This week we tackle one of the most misunderstood and misapplied passages of Scripture. In a marriage, what does it look like to submit well? To love well? What do love and service look like in families and at work?
This week we tackle one of the most misunderstood and misapplied passages of Scripture. In a marriage, what does it look like to submit well? To love well? What do love and service look like in families and at work?
This week we tackle one of the most misunderstood and misapplied passages of Scripture. In a marriage, what does it look like to submit well? To love well? What do love and service look like in families and at work?
"Be imitators of God." Thankfully, Paul attaches some specific do's and don'ts to this instruction ... but also quite a bit of freedom.
"Be imitators of God." Thankfully, Paul attaches some specific do's and don'ts to this instruction ... but also quite a bit of freedom.
"Be imitators of God." Thankfully, Paul attaches some specific do's and don'ts to this instruction ... but also quite a bit of freedom.
Even as Christ followers, we can become desensitized to behavior that corrupts us. Paul says that when we have put off our old self, we must continually put on our new self. And, he gets uncomfortably specific.
Even as Christ followers, we can become desensitized to behavior that corrupts us. Paul says that when we have put off our old self, we must continually put on our new self. And, he gets uncomfortably specific.
Even as Christ followers, we can become desensitized to behavior that corrupts us. Paul says that when we have put off our old self, we must continually put on our new self. And, he gets uncomfortably specific.
Paul prays for the Ephesians—and for us—to better fully grasp God's love, which surpasses all other knowledge and imagination. What could our prayer life look like in light of this truth?
Paul's letter to the Ephesians pivots to practical instruction — and hard questions. How are we using the gifts God gave us? Do our actions match our beliefs? What does it look like to live a life worthy of our calling?
Paul's letter to the Ephesians pivots to practical instruction — and hard questions. How are we using the gifts God gave us? Do our actions match our beliefs? What does it look like to live a life worthy of our calling?
Paul prays for the Ephesians—and for us—to better fully grasp God's love, which surpasses all other knowledge and imagination. What could our prayer life look like in light of this truth?
Paul prays for the Ephesians—and for us—to better fully grasp God's love, which surpasses all other knowledge and imagination. What could our prayer life look like in light of this truth?
Paul prays for the Ephesians—and for us—to better fully grasp God's love, which surpasses all other knowledge and imagination. What could our prayer life look like in light of this truth?
Paul's words to the Ephesians serve as a reminder for us today: Jesus' work on the cross tore down walls of division and hostility — walls that we too often try to build back.
Paul's words to the Ephesians serve as a reminder for us today: Jesus' work on the cross tore down walls of division and hostility — walls that we too often try to build back.
We were dead in sin, but God by grace made us alive with Christ. That is one incredible plot twist, and it should change everything about the way we live.
We were dead in sin, but God by grace made us alive with Christ. That is one incredible plot twist, and it should change everything about the way we live.
We were dead in sin, but God by grace made us alive with Christ. That is one incredible plot twist, and it should change everything about the way we live.
Paul's words to the Ephesians serve as a reminder for us today: Jesus' work on the cross tore down walls of division and hostility — walls that we too often try to build back.
Paul prays for believers to receive spiritual sight — to understand our world-changing connection to Jesus. It's about hope, it's about true power and it's about our infinite worth to God.
Paul prays for believers to receive spiritual sight — to understand our world-changing connection to Jesus. It's about hope, it's about true power and it's about our infinite worth to God.
Paul prays for believers to receive spiritual sight — to understand our world-changing connection to Jesus. It's about hope, it's about true power and it's about our infinite worth to God.
A short passage at the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians holds the key to understanding everything else in the Bible. For real.
A short passage at the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians holds the key to understanding everything else in the Bible. For real.
A short passage at the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians holds the key to understanding everything else in the Bible. For real.
As we kick off our new series on Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we first look at how the early church engaged a hostile culture and its false gods. It's a model we can use today.
As we kick off our new series on Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we first look at how the early church engaged a hostile culture and its false gods. It's a model we can use today.
As we kick off our new series on Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we first look at how the early church engaged a hostile culture and its false gods. It's a model we can use today.
In 2020, we have seen fear and faith collide. Surprisingly—and thankfully—those two things can co-exist. Want proof? Consider the gospel account of a boat, a storm and a well-known failure that led to even deeper faith.
In 2020, we have seen fear and faith collide. Surprisingly—and thankfully—those two things can co-exist. Want proof? Consider the gospel account of a boat, a storm and a well-known failure that led to even deeper faith.
Mary responds to God's promise not with doubt or questions, but with a stream of worship that will become known as the Magnificat. A closer look at her words informs our own worship this Christmas.
Mary responds to God's promise not with doubt or questions, but with a stream of worship that will become known as the Magnificat. A closer look at her words informs our own worship this Christmas.
Mary responds to God's promise not with doubt or questions, but with a stream of worship that will become known as the Magnificat. A closer look at her words informs our own worship this Christmas.
God's plan and God's timing generally don't line up with ours. But as we will see in the life of Mary, trusting him can lead to blessings we never would have imagined.
God's plan and God's timing generally don't line up with ours. But as we will see in the life of Mary, trusting him can lead to blessings we never would have imagined.
Margin: It's that space between our commitments and how much we can handle. The good news is, whatever our stage of life, we can all find margin — even at Christmastime, even during a pandemic.
Margin: It's that space between our commitments and how much we can handle. The good news is, whatever our stage of life, we can all find margin — even at Christmastime, even during a pandemic.
Margin: It's that space between our commitments and how much we can handle. The good news is, whatever our stage of life, we can all find margin — even at Christmastime, even during a pandemic.
Jesus' quick story about a merchant who finds a priceless pearl has much to say about how we steward, and share, our greatest treasure.
Jesus' quick story about a merchant who finds a priceless pearl has much to say about how we steward, and share, our greatest treasure.
Jesus' quick story about a merchant who finds a priceless pearl has much to say about how we steward, and share, our greatest treasure.
Godly parents don't get a guarantee, but we'll look at six influential gifts you can give your kids for a wonderful life.
Godly parents don't get a guarantee, but we'll look at six influential gifts you can give your kids for a wonderful life.
Godly parents don't get a guarantee, but we'll look at six influential gifts you can give your kids for a wonderful life.
As we open a new series for the holiday season, we look first at what to throw off and what to put on as followers of Jesus. It all matters.
As we open a new series for the holiday season, we look first at what to throw off and what to put on as followers of Jesus. It all matters.
As we open a new series for the holiday season, we look first at what to throw off and what to put on as followers of Jesus. It all matters.
Deep faith is forged in fire. We have no better, literal example than three teenagers who refused to bow to the statue of a pagan king. Trust and obedience don't guarantee the outcome, but they do bring us into God's presence.
The familiar parable of the Prodigal Son reminds us that no broken person or relationship is beyond God's repair. In the final message of our Broken Wholeness series, we'll look at how his repair and restoration process can transform others, too.
The familiar parable of the Prodigal Son reminds us that no broken person or relationship is beyond God's repair. In the final message of our Broken Wholeness series, we'll look at how his repair and restoration process can transform others, too.
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus has a way of getting to people's very core ... of asking questions we might even be afraid to answer because we don't truly trust him. But telling him our raw, honest answers can change everything.
Deep faith is forged in fire. We have no better, literal example than three teenagers who refused to bow to the statue of a pagan king. Trust and obedience don't guarantee the outcome, but they do bring us into God's presence.
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus has a way of getting to people's very core ... of asking questions we might even be afraid to answer because we don't truly trust him. But telling him our raw, honest answers can change everything.
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus has a way of getting to people's very core ... of asking questions we might even be afraid to answer because we don't truly trust him. But telling him our raw, honest answers can change everything.
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus has a way of getting to people's very core ... of asking questions we might even be afraid to answer because we don't truly trust him. But telling him our raw, honest answers can change everything.
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus has a way of getting to people's very core ... of asking questions we might even be afraid to answer because we don't truly trust him. But telling him our raw, honest answers can change everything.
2020 has been a banner year for worry. Unchecked, worry can lead to a variety of physical and emotional problems like sleeplessness, cardiovascular illness and anxiety. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers a healthy approach to worry.
2020 has been a banner year for worry. Unchecked, worry can lead to a variety of physical and emotional problems like sleeplessness, cardiovascular illness and anxiety. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers a healthy approach to worry.
What do the Scriptures say about depression? About walking with God when we are down? A story from the prophet Elijah's life shows us not only a common tactic of the enemy, but also God's gentle care for us in our brokenness.
What do the Scriptures say about depression? About walking with God when we are down? A story from the prophet Elijah's life shows us not only a common tactic of the enemy, but also God's gentle care for us in our brokenness.
In the Japanese art form called Kintsugi, the artist repairs broken pottery by mending the cracks with precious metal — making the piece worth far more than if it had never been broken. As we begin this new series, we'll look at how God used an unlikely hero with a broken past.
In the Japanese art form called Kintsugi, the artist repairs broken pottery by mending the cracks with precious metal — making the piece worth far more than if it had never been broken. As we begin this new series, we'll look at how God used an unlikely hero with a broken past.
When we step out in obedience to God, our enemy uses a predictable strategy. Nehemiah's wise response to both external and internal opposition applies to our lives, too.
When we step out in obedience to God, our enemy uses a predictable strategy. Nehemiah's wise response to both external and internal opposition applies to our lives, too.
When Nehemiah learned that Jerusalem's wall was a broken-down mess, he could have taken a hands-off, "that's somebody else's problem" approach. Instead, he gave us an example that relates well to our broken world today.
When Nehemiah learned that Jerusalem's wall was a broken-down mess, he could have taken a hands-off, "that's somebody else's problem" approach. Instead, he gave us an example that relates well to our broken world today.
Do you sense a specific mission that God has given you? Do you know what you should do next? Nehemiah's story offers a guide to thinking, praying and acting on those questions.
Do you sense a specific mission that God has given you? Do you know what you should do next? Nehemiah's story offers a guide to thinking, praying and acting on those questions.
This week we open a series on the book of Nehemiah. It's not the most familiar section of the Old Testament, but as we'll see, it is incredibly relevant to 2020. In Part 1, we'll look at Nehemiah's burden for his people ... and his surprising first response.
This week we open a series on the book of Nehemiah. It's not the most familiar section of the Old Testament, but as we'll see, it is incredibly relevant to 2020. In Part 1, we'll look at Nehemiah's burden for his people ... and his surprising first response.
In our fallen nature, we tend to compare what others have with what we have. Then we want what they have. This damages the way we view people, and it damages our relationship with God. There's a better way.
In our fallen nature, we tend to compare what others have with what we have. Then we want what they have. This damages the way we view people, and it damages our relationship with God. There's a better way.
The ninth commandment is about more than just telling lies. It gets to the way we speak about others, and the way we live. Turns out, loving the truth and loving our neighbor are deeply related.
The ninth commandment is about more than just telling lies. It gets to the way we speak about others, and the way we live. Turns out, loving the truth and loving our neighbor are deeply related.
Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus illustrates what happens when we not only obey this commandment, but flip it upside down. When God replaces the love of money with radical generosity, amazing things happen.
Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus illustrates what happens when we not only obey this commandment, but flip it upside down. When God replaces the love of money with radical generosity, amazing things happen.
Special note: Pastor Luke's sermon this week discusses sexual sin in its various forms. Parents with young children may want to watch this sermon privately.
Sex is a gift from God that also can become an idol. It can command our obedience in unhealthy ways. Jesus' radical instructions about this commandment are especially relevant during an age where internet pornography use is rampant, even among Christians.
Special note: Pastor Luke's sermon this week discusses sexual sin in its various forms. Parents with young children may want to watch this sermon privately.
Sex is a gift from God that also can become an idol. It can command our obedience in unhealthy ways. Jesus' radical instructions about this commandment are especially relevant during an age where internet pornography use is rampant, even among Christians.
This week, we take a break from the 10 Commandments series but we stick with the Israelites wandering in the desert. Very much like us in 2020, they're sick and tired of uncertainty and hardship. They are about to learn that God was with them in every step.
This week, we take a break from the 10 Commandments series but we stick with the Israelites wandering in the desert. Very much like us in 2020, they're sick and tired of uncertainty and hardship. They are about to learn that God was with them in every step.
We're good on this one, right? Not so fast. Jesus takes this commandment to a place much closer to home: unresolved anger against another person. How we handle it can chart the course of our whole lives.
We're good on this one, right? Not so fast. Jesus takes this commandment to a place much closer to home: unresolved anger against another person. How we handle it can chart the course of our whole lives.
The way we handle this commandment says as much about our relationship with God as it does about our relationship with our earthly parents. This message offers practical advice for whatever stage of life you're in.
The way we handle this commandment says as much about our relationship with God as it does about our relationship with our earthly parents. This message offers practical advice for whatever stage of life you're in.
We tend not to take this commandment as seriously as the others. Maybe that's because we don't understand what a gift it is. How we treat the sabbath says a lot about where we find our identity. This week's message could help us all recalibrate.
We tend not to take this commandment as seriously as the others. Maybe that's because we don't understand what a gift it is. How we treat the sabbath says a lot about where we find our identity. This week's message could help us all recalibrate.
We tend to think we're in the clear on this one if we don't use God or Jesus as a swear word. Not so fast. This commandment is about misrepresenting who God is. Let's look at some ways this can happen.
We tend to think we're in the clear on this one if we don't use God or Jesus as a swear word. Not so fast. This commandment is about misrepresenting who God is. Let's look at some ways this can happen.
With the second commandment, our minds quickly go to, "What idols have I created in my life?" That's well and good, but let's not be too quick to move past what this commandment meant to God's people in the ancient Near East. Then and now, it speaks to our identity, our calling and our mission.
With the second commandment, our minds quickly go to, "What idols have I created in my life?" That's well and good, but let's not be too quick to move past what this commandment meant to God's people in the ancient Near East. Then and now, it speaks to our identity, our calling and our mission.
We begin a new series taking a fresh look at the 10 Commandments. Jesus knew the centrality of Commandment No. 1 — and how love for God determines the state of our hearts, souls and minds.
We begin a new series taking a fresh look at the 10 Commandments. Jesus knew the centrality of Commandment No. 1 — and how love for God determines the state of our hearts, souls and minds.
For the final chapter in our Love Walked Among Us series, we focus on Jesus' final evening with his disciples before his crucifixion. His instructions and reassurance are meant for us, too.
For the final chapter in our Love Walked Among Us series, we focus on Jesus' final evening with his disciples before his crucifixion. His instructions and reassurance are meant for us, too.
Jesus challenges the rich young ruler to give away everything he treasures — the things that he has allowed to define him — and discover a new identity. The same challenge can radically redefine our lives today.
Jesus challenges the rich young ruler to give away everything he treasures — the things that he has allowed to define him — and discover a new identity. The same challenge can radically redefine our lives today.
Jesus puzzles his disciples when he curses a fruitless fig tree. His object lesson becomes clearer, though, when we look at what happened next in the temple courts. Then and today, Jesus cares about fruitfulness — not appearance.
Jesus puzzles his disciples when he curses a fruitless fig tree. His object lesson becomes clearer, though, when we look at what happened next in the temple courts. Then and today, Jesus cares about fruitfulness — not appearance.
What makes a person great? As usual, Jesus reflected the upside-down kingdom when he answered this question for his disciples — and for us. We are never more like Christ than when we do the thing he suggested.
What makes a person great? As usual, Jesus reflected the upside-down kingdom when he answered this question for his disciples — and for us. We are never more like Christ than when we do the thing he suggested.
As the story continues, the Pharisees interrogate the man whom Jesus has just healed. We see spiritual pride and anger among Jesus' accusers ... and growing confidence in the man who could now see. Both sides offer lessons for us today.
As the story continues, the Pharisees interrogate the man whom Jesus has just healed. We see spiritual pride and anger among Jesus' accusers ... and growing confidence in the man who could now see. Both sides offer lessons for us today.
Is COVID-19 God's judgment? You've probably heard something like that lately. From this gospel story of Jesus and a blind man, we can come away with insights to better understand the true character of God.
Is COVID-19 God's judgment? You've probably heard something like that lately. From this gospel story of Jesus and a blind man, we can come away with insights to better understand the true character of God.
In the aftermath of Jesus' resurrection, this fishing story says a lot about how we tend to deal with fear and discouragement. Jesus offers a better answer — he orients us back to himself and offers us rest.
In the aftermath of Jesus' resurrection, this fishing story says a lot about how we tend to deal with fear and discouragement. Jesus offers a better answer — he orients us back to himself and offers us rest.
History remembers Thomas the disciple for one thing. He doubted. So did almost everyone else when they first heard reports of the Resurrection. Jesus' response to Thomas provides a beautiful picture of how he also responds to our doubt.
History remembers Thomas the disciple for one thing. He doubted. So did almost everyone else when they first heard reports of the Resurrection. Jesus' response to Thomas provides a beautiful picture of how he also responds to our doubt.
History remembers Thomas the disciple for one thing. He doubted. So did almost everyone else when they first heard reports of the Resurrection. Jesus' response to Thomas provides a beautiful picture of how he also responds to our doubt.
History remembers Thomas the disciple for one thing. He doubted. So did almost everyone else when they first heard reports of the Resurrection. Jesus' response to Thomas provides a beautiful picture of how he also responds to our doubt.
Participate from home in a time of worship, scripture reading, communion, and an encouraging message from Pastor Luke on the love and sacrifice of Jesus.
The past few weeks have been filled with difficult decisions for us all. How does “Lean not on your own understanding” actually work? The book of Proverbs points us to three ways we can make wise, godly decisions.
The past few weeks have been filled with difficult decisions for us all. How does “Lean not on your own understanding” actually work? The book of Proverbs points us to three ways we can make wise, godly decisions.
Finding God’s will is rarely about a single, life-altering decision. Rather, it’s following a long path in the same direction. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about this path.
Finding God’s will is rarely about a single, life-altering decision. Rather, it’s following a long path in the same direction. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about this path.
Our words carry the power of life and death. Our words say everything about the state of our hearts. During this global crisis, it’s useful to look closely not just at our own words, but also at the words God speaks over us.
Our words carry the power of life and death. Our words say everything about the state of our hearts. During this global crisis, it’s useful to look closely not just at our own words, but also at the words God speaks over us.
As we open a new series, we’ll look at what the book of Proverbs is, and isn’t. The ancient book begins with principles about seeking wisdom — principles that apply equally well to our lives today.
As we open a new series, we’ll look at what the book of Proverbs is, and isn’t. The ancient book begins with principles about seeking wisdom — principles that apply equally well to our lives today.
For the final message in this series, we reach the bottom line. If someone were to ask why you are a Christian, what would you say? How do we make sure we are being authentic and ready for that conversation?
Jesus’ conversations with a Samaritan woman and a disabled man provide valuable lessons in how to engage with our neighbors. Hint: It’s not as difficult as it might seem.
As a tax collector, Matthew may have been the least likely disciple. Yet he quickly turned his house into a place where spiritual outsiders could gather for a meal and meet Jesus. We can learn much from Matthew’s actions.
By our hospitality, we declare the “outsider” as our brother or sister … just as God has done for us. It boils down to whether we live in fear, or love.
Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, our culture works against biblical hospitality. If we’re not careful, the culture’s values can become ours. This week, we explore what it looks like to renew our minds in spite of all that.
We begin a six-week series on biblical hospitality. What does it look like, in a culture where neighbors barely recognize each other? Bring your hesitations, objections and fears. We all have them. But ... this could be simpler than we ever thought.
Our job as followers of Jesus is to be witnesses — to testify about what we have seen and experienced. As we come to the end of a 17-week series on Acts, we notice that the book doesn’t have a formal ending. It just ... stops.
Wait, no it doesn’t.
Paul remains true to his faith while also engaging the thinkers and culture makers of his day. His wise approach in Athens applies equally well today in Rockford, Illinois.
Paul & company arrive in Philippi, where God is about to change the lives of three very different people: a rich merchant woman, a slave girl and a jailer. Their stories have much to teach us about the power of the gospel and the heart of God.
Over time, churches can drift from a heavy, outward focus on transformation to a subconscious, inward focus on conformity. Even the early church struggled with this. What questions do we need to ask ourselves to keep from becoming a barrier to people seeking God?
The gospel is for all people, for all time. This is a radical message, and not just for the first-century Jewish and Roman cultures. It’s equally radical and life-giving for our world today. Our whole world.
Saul has just been radically transformed. He’s preaching boldly. So of course, the next move for this future world-changer is … go away and wait for 14 years?! We sometimes forget that before God works through us, he works in us … patiently.
The Holy Spirit tells Ananias to go find Saul. Yes, that Saul — the man who, as far as Ananias knew, wanted every follower of Jesus locked up or killed. Saul’s story after this is familiar, of course. But it hinged on the obedience of a man hardly anyone remembers.
For Philip, following Jesus meant going to a place he never imagined going, hitching a ride, and having a conversation he never imagined having. God changed the world when Philip said “yes” to the Holy Spirit’s leading. The same thing happens today.
The church is being persecuted and scattered. In Samaria, a man named Simon sees the Holy Spirit’s power and wants to buy some for himself. Bad idea. But Peter's response tells us a lot about the heart of God.
Peter and John healed a lame man in Jesus’ name, then spoke to a crowd about Jesus. Now the religious authorities wanted answers — and they got an earful.
Here’s what we tend to forget: The same power and boldness are available to us today through the same Holy Spirit. How might that change the way we live?
Christianity is not a relationship with a book. The Bible points to life's ultimate meaning: a relationship with Jesus and a response to the power found in his name alone. As the apostles Peter and John discovered, this radically changes the way we see and interact with the world.
It’s Pentecost, and Peter definitely has the crowd's attention. Newly filled with the Holy Spirit, he explains exactly who Jesus is, and the heavy cost of sin. The people’s stunned response then was the same as ours today: What shall we do?
Pastor Luke opens a four-month series covering the book of Acts. In the opening scene, Jesus instructs the Apostles one last time before he leaves Earth. Nothing much — just go change the world. And, he adds: Soon you'll have help like you never imagined.
What do Jesus’ instructions look like for us today?
Community grows, and God is glorified, when we affirm his work in the people around us. That takes practice, and a change from our usual focus.
Everybody hurts. Without Jesus, the world’s remedy for suffering is to avoid it at all cost. But in his kingdom, suffering is a communal experience to be received with joy, creating a community that lacks nothing. Can this really work?
God has gifted each of us individually, to serve in community. What’s the best thing you can bring to the table? There’s a definite way to find out, and it might surprise you.
Do not conform … but be transformed … all with the goal of living on mission. We weren't created to do any of this alone. What does it look like to live transformed lives in community?
Elijah was coming off his biggest victory. Now an evil leader wanted him dead. The great prophet's response: “I’ve had enough, Lord. Just kill me.”
Fear wears on us. It can even make us wonder if God is really with us, despite his track record in our lives. But when he forces us to stop and listen, we discover we aren't nearly as alone as we thought.
We’ve all heard it before: Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The author of Hebrews tells us that to be the best possible marathon runner, we need to cast off any burden weighing us down, and any sin entangling our feet. But how? Doesn’t Jesus understand what we’re up against?
As a matter of fact, he does.
The king's bathroom break could have become an assassination, changing Israel’s history. Instead, the future king remained faithful, humble and loyal. How does this story speak to us amid challenges today? In God’s upside-down kingdom, how should we confront power and opportunity?
Three people, three radical acts. One person is asked to forgive radically. If he does, it will set the second person radically free from prescribed punishment. In making this request, the third person shows radical love — placing the need for two Christian brothers to reconcile higher than his own desire for comfort.
Jesus calls us to live radically different lives from what our world expects. What does that look like? Listen to sermon to dig deeper into this challenge.
Jesus and his disciples faced a sudden, fierce storm one evening while crossing the Sea of Galilee. What happened next helped reveal Jesus’ true identity and authority. Storms also can represent our deepest fears, obstacles and hardships. Even amid life’s strongest winds and waves, Jesus’ presence and purposes prevail.
We can know the love of Jesus, who cares for us as a father. It is crucial for us to look at earthly fatherhood through the lens of our our Heavenly Father, who is the perfect father.
How do we go about telling people the gospel? Pastor Josh Pardee teaches that Jesus Himself practices "relational evangelism": He connects with Zacchaeus by entering into his life, and He distinguishes Himself. We are to do the same by meeting unbelievers where they are, and by being distinct as Christians.
Pastor Luke takes us through Christ's description of The Good Shepherd. How do we better focus on His voice? How do we, through Gospel Conversation rather than Gospel Presentation, lead others to follow Him?
"When we are willing to submit ourselves to the mission the Lord gives us, there are no empty nets." Pastor Luke encourages us to find fulfillment in Jesus' mission for us, and to stop trying to prove ourselves before God.
Pastor Luke focuses on the Feeding of the 5,000 to show us that God wants to invite us, imperfect though we are, to be a part of the work of bringing others to His Table.
Pastor Josh Pardee teaches from the Parable of the Wedding Banquet to show us that many are offered an invitation to God's Table but few are willing to reorient their lives such that they are chosen to remain.
In this new sermon series, Pastor Luke urges us to accept God's invitation to His Table, to a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. In Part 1, we learn how to participate in ministry like Christ. Specifically, we are to use invitations as opportunities to point others to Jesus.
Pastor Luke examines the apparent contradiction between Luke 12:51 and Isaiah 9:6. The difference is that Isaiah speaks of the Messiah bringing peace between God and men; whereas in Luke, Jesus speaks of causing division between His followers and other men. There is no middle ground in our walk with Christ. We must "own" Jesus in all of our earthly relationships.
What is the meaning of "judge" as Christ uses it in Matt.7:1? Pastor Luke unpacks the meaning of this word in its worldly vs. biblical context and teaches how Christians should practice moral discernment.
Pastor Luke discusses the mystery of Christ's Second Coming and how we need to focus our lives until he returns.
Prefacing the SLT's vision casting for this year, Pastor Luke uses the story of Elisha and Jehoshaphat to encourage us to practice "faith that works." Our greatest need can become a blessing when it drives us to depend on God. Furthermore, Gods wants us to work and participate in His filling our needs.
Pastor Luke examines how the concept of "fairness" differs between a worldly perspective and a Kingdom perspective. Through the parable of the workers in the vineyard, he defines God's Grace as God's alone to bestow.
Sometimes the Lord uses drastic means to capture our attention. Pastor Luke draws life lessons for us and Jonah from inside the belly of the fish, which God sends not as a punishment, but as an instrument of grace.
Pastor Luke provides us with a packing list for following God into uncharted territory. He teaches from the story of Elijah and Elisha that we must be in a position of spiritual readiness for God's command to "Go."
Pastor Luke dispels the myth that you cannot lead people to where you have not already been. Our purpose is to obey God by stepping into uncharted territory where He already is.
How do we live in process with a holy God? Pastor Luke encourages us to focus on things above rather than our earthly circumstances and to act like who we are declared to be: children of God.
Pastor Luke begins this new series by urging us to throw away the maps we've created for ourselves and to focus on following the map that God has made instead.
Pastor Luke assures us that success in the Christian life is about obedience rather than perfection. When Peter steps out onto the sea, it is an act of faith: obedience despite fear. When he begins to sink, he calls on Jesus who is there for us whenever we obey.
In the start to this sermon series, Pastor Luke examines the parable of the Prodigal Son. He focuses on how each son finds himself “stuck” in an untenable situation of his own making, but is freed by the mercy of the father.
Pastor Luke defines persecution for today’s Christians and relates it to that suffered by the Apostles in Acts 5:17-42. Often in times of persecution, God works miracles.
How are we called to be working and praying for peace? Pastor Luke teaches us what it means to be a peacemaker in light of our reconciliation with God through Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22).
What does it mean to live with a pure heart? Pastor Luke draws answers from this Beatitude and Psalm 24, focusing on our relationship to God.
Although we live in a society characterized by fear, we must not stand in darkness but walk in the light of Christ. Pastor Luke urges us to embrace and share the joys of Christ’s first advent while anticipating His second and eternal advent.
Above all else, God desires a devoted heart. Pastor Luke concludes the Book of Haggai by examining our conditional obedience to God and urges us to take even small steps toward complete obedience.
Pastor Luke urges us not to discourage ourselves by comparing our start when God’s work isn’t finished. Instead, when God provides the resources, we must be courageous and press through opposition with faith.
Pastor Luke opens this series with the Book of Haggai, stressing the importance of placing God at the center of our lives and above life’s conveniences.
Where in our lives do we need to ask the Big Question: “What is the wise decision?” In today’s Babylon, decisions are based on self-gratification rather than wisdom. Pastor Luke walks us through three ways to thrive through biblical wisdom.
Pastor Luke focuses on Philippians 2:1-11, and the 3 ways in which we are to thrive through humility in Babylon. In what areas of our lives do we need to have a more Christ-like attitude, placing others above ourselves?
If God is for us, then who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31). Learn from Pastor Josh Pardee to thrive in the face life’s difficulties with confidence that our victory is assured.
As we continue in week 2 of our Thriving in Babylon series Pastor Chuck shares ways for us to prepare to thrive in our own Babylon, including how to have an authentic faith, and a proper attitude toward adversity.
Daniel thrived in Babylon by predetermining ways in which to maintain his relationship with God. What predetermined decisions do we need to make to thrive in our relationship with Him? Pastor Luke teaches this week from Daniel 1:3-19.
Where are you investing your time, energy and resources? Where are you investing God’s grace into others’ lives? In Pastor Luke’s introduction to this new series, learn from the Parable of the Talents how to be faithful caretakers of God’s gifts to us.
What things are you fearful about that you need to surrender to my Heavenly Father? Learn from Psalm 27 how to overcome fear by examining your circumstances from a heavenly, rather than earthly, perspective.
What are the values in your life that are not God’s values? Pastor Josh Pardee uses Psalm 51 and David as our guide to repairing our relationship with God. David’s total honesty regarding his sin begets intimacy with God, which in turn inspires David to go and tell others about God’s glory.
We learn today about Abigail, who convinces David, through her wisdom and humility, not to avenge himself against Nabal. Pastor Luke urges us to fight for God’s justice rather than our personal objectives; and to become the people that God wants us to be, rather than who we ourselves want to be.
The story of Ruth and the themes of acceptance and redemption are the focus of Pastor Luke’s sermon. These themes relate to our year-long partnership with Reach Africa and Tabitha Centers, the purpose of which is “to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to the city of Kinshasa through the giving of our time, our energy, and our resources.”
Pastor Troy Solava teaches that when we rightly confess Christ, we are blessed with membership and authority in His everlasting church.
Pastor Luke begins this new series by drawing a parallel between us and Peter in Matthew 14:28-31, when fear robs him of courage and doubt replaces his faith in Christ. Pastor Luke teaches us that if we are put into difficulties as a result of obedience to Christ, then we need not fear.
Drawing on Jeremiah’s word to Judah, Pastor Luke reminds us that neither our inherently fallen natures nor our continual failures at conquering sin in our lives are adequate excuses for turning away from God. Sin has consequences, and we must turn away from it and live obediently.
Pastor Luke begins this series by drawing a parallel between God’s call to Jeremiah to seek the welfare of Judah and His call to us to seek the welfare of our own city, Rockford. It is a call that demands our obedience and faith despite our weaknesses and doubts.
Pastor Luke concludes this sermon series with an overview of the 10-part EFC Statement of Faith. He offers the wisdom that knowing why we believe what we believe is crucial, and concludes each of the 10 points with a statement summarizing its connection to the gospel.
Dr. Neely rekindles our wonderment at God’s grace, which He has bestowed on each of us. He exhorts us to serve according to our giftedness, for our service is an outcome of Jesus’s victory on the cross.
Pastor Luke begins this new sermon series by defining CHURCH: who it is composed of, who is its head, and what its purpose is. He emphasizes that more than a literal building, CHURCH is the Bride of Christ, an assembly of the sons and daughters of God, and an embassy of the future Kingdom.
Moving forward involves constant communication with God. Pastor Luke asks questions to help us establish a sound prayer life and uses the Lord’s Prayer as a model for purposeful and reverent prayer. He invites the congregation to open the new year with a week of prayer for First Free.
Pastor Chuck leads us through the story of the Annunciation found in Luke’s Gospel, highlighting the mystery and wonderment of the event from our human perspective. Particularly he notes the humility and grace of Mary’s response to Gabriel’s puzzling message, and asks if our trust in God can match hers.
Pastor Troy Solava draws a distinction between eternal joy and temporary happiness. Rather than depending on our achievements for our sense of well-being, we are to thrive on nourishment from God alone. God is sovereign, and places us where we can give him the most glory; thus we should find contentment in any circumstance.
Pastor Luke describes for us a life lived in pursuit of knowing Christ. Knowing Him is more than knowing about Him. It means standing united in Him, finding joy in His peace, and thinking right because of Him.
Pastor Lareau Lindquist teaches from Philippians 2:1-11 how we might grow in humility. Just as Jesus humbled himself when he became a man, so we are to humble ourselves by modeling Him.
Pastor Luke discusses what it means to live a worthy life. He shows us that, regardless of our circumstances, we must always conduct ourselves in a manner befitting followers of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Luke starts off this series with the church’s foundation at Philippi, as related in Acts 16. He discusses 3 aspects of the gospel at work in the lives of the rich woman, the enslaved girl, and the brutal jailer. He draws a distinction between worldly happiness that is temporary and eternal joy that is worth fighting for.
Pastor Luke concludes this sermon series by examining Christ’s humility, service, and self-sacrifice. We are to follow His leadership example in our homes and community by serving others to the glory of The Father.
Pastor Steve reads Psalm 67 in the general context of missions. He shows short videos and relates testimonies of missionaries in the field who are currently supported by First Free.
Pastor Brian Erickson examines 8 ways Jesus consoles his disciples by telling them where He is going, what he is going to do for His people, and what they must do in turn to know The Way to eternity and The Father. They must recognize that Jesus Himself is the only way and their only assurance of everlasting life.
Pastor Chuck proclaims that we cannot believe in Jesus separate from the resurrection. The resurrection is the initiation of our faith, the power for our daily living, the consummation of our lives, and our hope for the life to come.
Pastor Rusty warns us against doing things in the name of Jesus without really knowing who He is. In this series, we will study what Jesus says about Himself in the 7 “I AM” statements found in the Gospel of John, and thereby gain insights to Him and greater intimacy with Him. In today’s lesson, Pastor talks about Jesus, the Bread of Life. Using the story of the Feeding of the Five-Thousand, we look at Jesus as more than what we want from Him or more than what we get from Him. Rather, we see Jesus as He reveals Himself: He is our eternal nourishment.
In observance of Memorial Day, Pastor Rusty talks about four types of memorials in the Bible: veneration (honoring the dead), recollection (reminders), exhortation (warnings), and celebration. He urges us to create memorials of each type in our daily lives in order to inspire the younger people we know.
Pastor Rusty uses the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42) to illustrate steps that we can all take to increase our faith in God: we must seek Him, submit to Him, identify Him and enjoy Him. Only then will we experience a life that is more.
Pastor Brodie Swanson uses stories from Jesus’ life, and from his own experience as a pastor, to support the Apostle Paul’s assurance in Romans 8:38-39 that we believe in an unstoppable Christ.
Pastor Chuck uses the story of Ruth to illustrate 4 principles of building relationships: intentionality, commitment, reciprocity, and worship in community. He encourages all of us to join a small group at church, be it a life group, a Bible study, or an Adult Community.
Pastor Rusty teaches that God the Holy Spirit wants to speak to us individually about the issues in our lives. He talks about the means God uses to communicate with us, including visions and dreams; and teaches us how we are to verify messages we think might be from God by using Scripture, God’s inerrant word. It is essential for us to study the Bible daily and to develop our faith through relationships with other believers, such as in a life group.
Pastor Rusty notes that we all carry burdens of worry and fear. He draws encouragement from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:25-34) that God provides us everything we need to deal with our concerns for today. Using analogies from nature, Christ commands us to live without worry like the birds of the air and flowers of the field, focusing on what we know today rather than what we cannot fathom.
Pastor Rusty illustrates the “Faith Physics of Giving”: what we give to those in need, we give to God; and what we give to God, He gives back several times bigger. Furthermore, the direction of our spending matters. The person who gives more to his church, to the poor, or toward the advancement of the gospel, lives a happier life—a life that is more.
Dr. Merritt reminds us that God unfailingly hears, heeds and honors our prayers. Hear Dr. Merritt share his own story of how God’s will for his life was revealed through the faithful past of those who came before him.
In this first week of our new series Pastor Rusty unfolds the mechanics of faith, and why "Life is More When I Believe".
In this sermon Pastor Luke shares what it means to be Bold in the way we share our faith.
In this stand alone sermon Troy Solava teaches us that the way to move from Duty to Delight in our prayer life is by focusing our prayers on God Himself….before our own requests. His Glory before our requests. Join us for this last sermon of 2015 here at First Free Rockford.