Community Brookside: Recent Episodes
Matt Morgan
We are a church that loves people and Jesus. Check out our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/communitybrookside
Jesus did not come to make everyone comfortable. When He walked into the temple in Mark 11, He overturned tables, drove out merchants, and confronted a system that had turned a house of prayer into a marketplace built on exploitation. The money changers were gouging pilgrims, the cost of sacrifices had been inflated beyond what the poor could afford, and the outer courts where Gentiles were permitted to worship had been crowded out by commerce. Jesus quoted Isaiah 56 to remind everyone that God's house was always meant to be a place of prayer for all nations, not a profit center for the powerful. This moment raises an honest question for the church today: are there barriers in our communities, or in our own lives, that are keeping people from experiencing the love of God? Jesus overturned tables not to cause chaos, but to restore access and dignity to those who had been pushed out. He calls us to do the same.
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In Mark chapter 5, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee into Gentile territory to reach one man who had been completely abandoned by his community and left to live among the tombs. This man was bound not only by spiritual torment but also by social, religious, ethnic, and economic systems that offered him no way back. Jesus walked into every one of those systems and disrupted them, restoring the man's dignity, identity, and place in community. He then sent the man home as the first missionary to the Gentiles, commissioned to tell others what the Lord had done for him. The story is a direct challenge to the church today. Following Jesus means being willing to go to uncomfortable and messy places, asking who has been pushed to the margins, and showing up for them anyway. The same Jesus who crossed a lake for one forgotten man is still crossing every boundary to reach the least and the lost. Now He calls His people to carry that mission forward.
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Following Jesus does not guarantee smooth waters. The disciples found themselves exhausted and straining against a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, not because they had done something wrong, but because Jesus had sent them there. In the darkest hour of the night, He came to them walking on the water, declaring His identity with the same divine words God spoke to Moses. Peter stepped out of the boat in courageous, imperfect faith, and even when he began to sink, Jesus caught him immediately without hesitation. The moment Jesus climbed into the boat, the wind stopped and the disciples worshiped Him for the first time. Storms have a way of revealing who Jesus truly is in ways that calm seas never can.
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After hearing about the death of John the Baptist, Jesus withdrew to grieve, but crowds followed Him anyway. Even in His exhaustion, He looked at the people with compassion and healed their sick. When evening came and the disciples saw only five loaves and two fish to feed thousands, they felt completely overwhelmed by their own inadequacy. Jesus did not dismiss what little they had. He took it, gave thanks, and multiplied it until everyone was satisfied with twelve baskets left over. This miracle is not just about bread and fish. It is about what happens when ordinary people bring their limitations to Jesus and trust Him with them. God does not need your perfection. He asks for your availability.
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In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well, breaking cultural norms to offer her 'living water'—a symbol of eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. Despite her troubled past, Jesus shows her grace and transforms her into an evangelist who leads many to believe in Him. This story teaches us that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus' grace and challenges us to break down barriers to reach those who feel marginalized.
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The story of Bartimaeus reveals a powerful contrast between physical and spiritual blindness. While Jesus' disciples struggled to understand his true identity despite walking with him daily, a blind beggar immediately recognized Jesus as the Son of David and Messiah. When the crowd tried to silence Bartimaeus, he refused to be quiet and cried out even louder for mercy. Jesus stopped his urgent journey to Jerusalem to respond to this desperate faith. Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, abandoning his old life, and immediately followed Jesus after receiving his sight. This story challenges us to examine our own spiritual blindness and develop the kind of persistent, courageous faith that refuses to be silenced.
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Four friends carried a paralyzed man to Jesus, but when they couldn't get through the crowd, they dug through the roof to lower him down. Jesus first forgave the man's sins, then healed his paralysis, proving his divine authority. This story reveals that faith is often messy and desperate, and Jesus sees our efforts to help others in need. The friends' determination shows us what it means to refuse to give up on someone we love.
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The Ascension of Jesus is often overlooked but essential to understanding our salvation. When Jesus ascended to heaven in His human body, He brought humanity into the very presence of God, making us one with the divine. This isn't just about future hope - it's about bringing heaven to earth now. The Ascension completes our salvation story and commissions us to continue Christ's work in the world. We're called to address real needs like poverty, oppression, and brokenness while living out God's kingdom values daily.
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Jesus chose to teach from an ordinary fishing boat, showing that God loves to work through our everyday moments. When Jesus told the fishermen to cast their nets after a fruitless night, their obedience led to an overwhelming catch. This miracle revealed Jesus' identity and transformed their disappointment into purpose. The disciples left everything to follow him, not after years of success, but after experiencing how Jesus could transform their ordinary work into something extraordinary. God doesn't wait for perfect conditions or impressive circumstances to show up in our lives.
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In Luke 7, when a woman with a sinful reputation anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, the religious leaders judge her harshly. But Jesus asks a profound question: Do you see this woman? While others saw only her past mistakes, Jesus saw her courage, devotion, and worth. This story reminds us that much of women's work goes unnoticed by the world, but Jesus sees everything. He sees the late-night sacrifices, the emotional labor, the quiet faithfulness that keeps families and communities functioning. Whether you're a mother, mentor, leader, or caregiver, your value extends far beyond what others recognize. Jesus doesn't just see your work - he honors your dignity and calls you valuable.
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In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus encounters ten men with leprosy who were considered untouchable outcasts by society. When they cry out for mercy, Jesus tells them to show themselves to the priests, and they are healed as they go. However, only one returns to thank Jesus - a Samaritan, the most unlikely person in the group. Jesus tells this grateful man that his faith has made him well, using a word that means complete wholeness, not just physical healing. This story reveals that Jesus walks toward those society pushes away and that gratitude transforms healing into true restoration.
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Life's overwhelming noise can make it feel impossible to connect with God, but the story of Elijah teaches us that divine presence often comes in unexpected ways. After experiencing a great spiritual victory, Elijah found himself exhausted and running from Queen Jezebel's threats. When God met him in the wilderness, it wasn't through spectacular displays of wind, earthquake, or fire, but through a gentle whisper that required stillness to hear. God provided practical care through food and rest, reminding us that sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is tend to our basic needs. The story reveals that God speaks most clearly not in life's dramatic moments, but in the quiet spaces where we stop performing and start listening.
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The story of Zacchaeus reveals how Jesus intentionally seeks out those society rejects. As a despised tax collector, Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus, who then invited himself to dinner at his house. The crowd was outraged that Jesus would associate with such a sinner. However, Jesus' unexpected grace transformed Zacchaeus instantly - not through guilt or shame, but through being chosen and valued. This demonstrates that God's grace comes before we're ready, and that belonging leads to transformation, not the other way around.
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The story of Hagar reveals a God who sees those pushed to society's margins. When Abraham and Sarah's impatience led them to use Hagar as a surrogate, she became caught in a cycle of abuse and abandonment. Fleeing to the wilderness, Hagar encountered God who called her by name and promised her descendants. She became the first person in Scripture to name God - El Roi, the God who sees. Though God didn't immediately fix her circumstances, He provided dignity, sustenance, and hope. Hagar's story reminds us that God sees the invisible and calls us to refuse creating new systems of oppression.
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Easter morning began not with celebration, but with grief-stricken women carrying spices to anoint Jesus' body. They had forgotten His promises and lost all hope. Yet in their deepest despair, God revealed His greatest miracle. The angels asked a profound question: Why do you look for the living among the dead? This question became the first Easter sermon, reminding us that resurrection begins with hope, not understanding. Peter, despite his shame from denying Jesus, ran to the empty tomb when he heard the news. He didn't have all the answers, but he sensed the story wasn't over. Easter shows us a God who defeats death without violence and brings hope without conditions, exactly as we are.
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Palm Sunday reveals Jesus as the unexpected king who defied all worldly expectations. Instead of riding a war horse to claim political power, Jesus chose a humble donkey and went to the temple rather than the palace. The crowds wanted a political messiah to overthrow Rome, but Jesus came to transform hearts through self-giving love. His kingdom operates on completely different principles than earthly kingdoms, advancing through sacrifice rather than force. This challenges us to examine our own expectations of Jesus and surrender our desire to control how he works in our lives.
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Life sometimes leaves us feeling spiritually empty and exhausted, like the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. When dreams feel dead and faith grows cold, we might wonder if restoration is even possible. God intentionally leads us into valleys because He is not afraid of broken places and does His most powerful work there. Instead of trying to figure everything out, we need to trust God's wisdom like Ezekiel did when he said, "You alone know." God brings restoration gradually - first connecting the pieces, then adding substance, and finally breathing His Spirit to bring true life. The same God who transformed a valley of death into a living army can breathe hope into any area of our lives that feels dead or hopeless.
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Psalm 23 declares that "The Lord is my shepherd" in present tense, meaning God actively leads us right now through life's complexities. None of us have everything figured out, whether we're children, parents, or retirees - we're all making educated guesses while trying to balance work, relationships, and daily challenges. The story of the man born blind in John 9 shows how Jesus sees us as people, not problems, and how faith grows through experience from curiosity to worship. Sometimes God makes us slow down in green pastures because we won't do it ourselves, filling every hour until we're exhausted in ways sleep can't fix. Through sanctifying grace, God continues shaping us after we come to faith, teaching us to listen more closely and follow more faithfully as we grow little by little.
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Many Christians view salvation as a finish line - a moment of prayer, forgiveness, or heavenly insurance. However, Scripture reveals salvation as a starting line for lifelong transformation. We are saved not just from sin, but for something greater: participating with God in bringing justice, mercy, and healing to the world. Grace involves three stages - prevenient grace that awakens us, justifying grace that reconciles us, and sanctifying grace that transforms us throughout life. When we treat salvation as complete rather than ongoing, we risk spiritual stagnation and become consumers instead of disciples. True salvation moves us outward to serve others and work alongside God in making the world new.
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Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual preparation before Easter. This sacred day serves as a holy interruption, reminding us that we are dust - fragile, finite, and beloved by God. The ashes we receive aren't threats but truths about who we are, calling us to stop pretending we're self-sufficient and return to God with honest, vulnerable hearts. Lent isn't about spiritual performance or proving our holiness, but about spiritual realignment - quietly strengthening the unseen parts of our faith. It's an opportunity to clean out our spiritual closet, examining what we've avoided and making space for God by letting go of what grips us.
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The line between loving your country and worshiping it can be dangerously thin. While patriotism involves gratitude and service to your nation, Christian nationalism confuses God's kingdom with earthly power. Jesus rejected political dominance when Satan offered Him all worldly kingdoms, declaring instead that His kingdom is not of this world. Christian nationalism replaces Jesus with political leaders, distorts the gospel message, and damages the church's witness. God's kingdom includes people from every nation, tribe, and language - it's not owned by any political party or country. Christians should love their country without worshiping it, remembering that our true citizenship is in heaven and choosing kingdom-shaped love over political identity.
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The cross isn't about God punishing Jesus to satisfy divine anger, but rather God entering human suffering to transform it with love. Jesus consistently demonstrated God's heart of forgiveness throughout his ministry, not just at the cross. Luke's Gospel shows Jesus forgiving his executioners, welcoming a criminal into paradise, and the temple curtain tearing to remove all separation between God and humanity. Paul uses figurative, legal language to describe the cross as liberation from shame and spiritual oppression. This understanding calls Christians to live cruciform lives, absorbing hurt and returning love, choosing forgiveness over retaliation in daily life.
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Throughout history, people have taken God's word and used it to justify terrible things. From slavery to domestic abuse, from silencing women to supporting corrupt leaders, the Bible has been twisted to serve human agendas rather than reveal God's heart.
This isn't a new problem. Even Jesus had to deal with people misusing Scripture. In fact, Satan himself quoted Scripture when tempting Jesus in the wilderness, pulling verses out of context to try to manipulate the Son of God.
Join us as we walk through ways we can know the difference between God's intended use of scripture, and scripture being used in a way to justify things it was never mean to justify.
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Many Christians inherit interpretations of Genesis 3 that emphasize guilt and condemnation, but reading the text itself reveals a different story. When Adam and Eve hide in shame after disobeying God, God doesn't abandon them but calls out with love, asking Where are you? This isn't a judge hunting criminals but a parent searching for hiding children. Instead of immediate punishment, God provides clothing and care, demonstrating grace even in the midst of human failure. Reading Genesis through Jesus' lens rather than inherited interpretations shows us a God who pursues us with relentless love, not condemnation.
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Modern Christianity has become cluttered with political affiliations, moral checklists, and cultural baggage that often obscure the simple truth of who Jesus really is. Christianity at its core isn't about systems or structures—it's about a relationship with the Jesus we encounter in the Gospels. Jesus is the Word made flesh, the perfect image of God who came to set people free and make broken people whole. Following Jesus means centering what He centered, loving who He loved, and allowing Him to reshape our worldview rather than fitting Him into our existing beliefs.
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As we enter a new year, we all carry different experiences - some filled with joy, others marked by struggle. The key to moving forward isn't about having a perfect year or leaving everything behind, but about trusting God's presence in all circumstances. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us that God is doing something new, making pathways through our wilderness seasons. Whether we're recovering from difficulties or celebrating blessings, moving forward requires faith rather than clarity. God doesn't promise easy paths, but He promises to walk alongside us, providing new mercies each day and going before us into the unknown.
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The Wesley Covenant Service offers a powerful way to refresh our spiritual lives and deepen our relationship with God as we enter a new year. This more than 300-year-old tradition helps us remember that our lives belong not just to ourselves, but to God and our community. Just as Jesus taught that He is the vine and we are the branches, we must remain connected to Christ through prayer, worship, and obedience to bear spiritual fruit. Making a covenant with God means recognizing that He has already claimed us, loved us, and called us into a life of purpose. This involves living as the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities, caring for others, and working for justice and righteousness.
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Life rarely goes according to plan, and the Christmas story reminds us that Jesus entered a world filled with chaos and danger. King Herod's threat forced Mary and Joseph to flee as refugees with their newborn son. Jesus experienced the full reality of human suffering, fear, and vulnerability. This matters because when we face our darkest moments, we need someone who truly understands our struggles. Faith doesn't remove life's difficulties, but it promises that God will be with us through every mess. Hope lives not in denial of our circumstances, but in the promise that God shows up in the middle of chaos and says we are not alone.
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Advent is about waiting for God's love to break into our world, just as generations before Christ's birth waited for the promised Messiah. The prophets spoke hope into darkness, promising a child who would be called Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. Elizabeth waited her whole life for a child and experienced overwhelming joy when God fulfilled His promise. Mary, despite her youth and uncertainty, said yes to carrying God's son, trusting that love was on the way. Joseph chose trust over fear, protecting Mary and standing by God's plan. The shepherds, ordinary people doing their jobs, became the first to hear the good news and couldn't contain their joy. Today, we continue this waiting, looking for God to move in our lives while sharing the hope we've found with others.
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Biblical joy during Advent looks radically different from holiday happiness. Mary's Magnificat wasn't a gentle lullaby but a revolutionary song about God's upside-down kingdom that lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry. When angels announced Jesus' birth, they chose shepherds - society's outcasts - as the first witnesses. True joy isn't passive emotion but active participation in God's mission to include the excluded and bring hope to the forgotten. This Advent, we're called to embody joy by seeking out those who are overlooked and meeting practical needs in our community.
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Christmas reveals a deeper peace than temporary calm or absence of conflict. Biblical shalom means wholeness, harmony, and restored relationships with God, others, yourself, and creation. While the Roman Empire enforced peace through military dominance, God offers transformative peace that works from the inside out. Jesus was born into chaos to bring true reconciliation, not just surface-level tranquility. This peace requires honesty, courage, and active pursuit of healing in our broken relationships and areas where we lack wholeness.
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Biblical hope is defiant and stubborn, believing God isn't finished with our story yet. Elizabeth and Mary, both marginalized women, became vessels of God's promise during Israel's darkest times. Elizabeth, elderly and childless, conceived John the Baptist after decades of shame. Mary, young and poor, accepted the call to bear Jesus despite the risks. God consistently chooses the powerless to demonstrate His hope. We can live out this hope today through encouraging speech, generous actions, and intentionally reaching out to overlooked people in our communities.
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The church is more than a building or weekly gathering—it's a living community where every believer plays a vital role. Using Paul's metaphor of the body, we see that just as each body part is essential, every church member has unique gifts that contribute to the whole. No one is insignificant, and everyone is interdependent. True church membership means moving beyond attendance to active participation, supporting ministries, and serving the community. When we embrace our role as part of the body of Christ, we strengthen the entire church and become more effective in serving God's purposes in the world.
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The book of Haggai addresses the Hebrew people who returned from exile expecting to rebuild their glorious temple, only to find their efforts looking small and disappointing compared to the past. God reminds them that His presence precedes His project - they don't work to earn God's presence, but work because He is already with them. The mess they see is part of God's method of transformation, like construction scaffolding that signals progress rather than failure. Resurrection logic calls us to live by God's promises rather than current appearances, participating actively in His long-term construction project even when we can't see the full picture.
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All Saints Day celebrates the living love of God that transcends death, honoring both those who have passed and the living saints around us. Through the story of Lazarus, we see that Jesus meets us in our pain and calls us out of our own graves of despair, wounds, and broken relationships. This holy day reminds us that faith doesn't end at the grave but walks right through it. We're called to remove our grave clothes of fear and hopelessness, recognizing the saints who have influenced our spiritual journeys. The best way to honor the saints is to become living saints ourselves, carrying forward their light through acts of kindness, peace, and generosity.
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The Book of Revelation is often misunderstood as a frightening prediction about the end times, but its true message is one of hope and redemption. Many people abandon reading it halfway through, missing the beautiful conclusion where good triumphs over evil. After describing battles and judgment, Revelation reveals God creating a new heaven and earth where He dwells permanently with His people. In this renewed creation, there is no more death, pain, or tears—God Himself wipes them all away. The scary story transforms into the ultimate story of hope, reminding us that no matter what difficulties we face today, we already know how God's story ends: the Lamb wins.
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Many Christians find themselves trapped in grave tending - constantly revisiting past hurts, regrets, and failures instead of embracing the resurrection life God offers. Romans 8:12-17 reveals that we are called to be led by the Spirit of God, living adventurously expectant rather than in timid grave tending. Age is never a barrier to serving God, whether you're young or old. When God gives you a vision or burden, He will refine it but never remove the call. According to Jeremiah 29:11-13, God has specific plans for each of us that He reveals as we seek Him earnestly. Stop making excuses and leave the cemetery of past failures behind to step into the resurrection life God has prepared for you.
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Revelation 12-14 presents a cosmic battle between the dragon (Satan), the beast (anti-God empires), and the Lamb (Jesus). The woman clothed with the sun represents Israel and the church, while the dragon's fury explains why bad things happen to good people. The beast symbolizes any system demanding loyalty at the cost of faith, whether ancient Rome or modern consumerism and nationalism. In contrast, the Lamb conquers through humility and self-sacrifice, not force. These chapters call us to examine whose jersey we're wearing and whose song we're singing, challenging us to live as worship becomes resistance against fear and empire.
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Revelation isn't a horror story but a message of hope wrapped in apocalyptic imagery. Written to persecuted churches in Asia Minor, it unveils the spiritual reality behind suffering and shows that Jesus remains sovereign even amid chaos. The four horsemen represent systemic evils like political oppression, war, economic collapse, and death—forces that appear in every generation. Yet the crucial message is that none of these terrors operate outside God's authority. For believers facing fear, Revelation offers the assurance that death isn't the final chapter and that Christ, not chaos, gets the last word.
When Jesus approached Jerusalem for the final time, he wept bitterly over the city's spiritual blindness. His tears weren't for himself but for people who missed the peace he offered because they were consumed with politics, religion, and power. This prophetic lament came true when Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 CE, exactly as Jesus predicted. His example teaches us to feel deeply about brokenness, identify what's missing in our world, and move beyond tears into redemptive action. Like Jesus, we must walk toward pain and injustice to bring healing and peace.
In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment, but not before letting out a deep sigh that reveals His holy frustration with the brokenness of our world. This wasn't mere exhaustion—it was a divine lament over how sin damages bodies, relationships, and communities. Jesus demonstrates that godly frustration should fuel meaningful action, not passive resignation. He gets personally involved in the messy work of healing, touching the man intimately before speaking the powerful word 'Ephphatha' (be opened). This story challenges us to identify what causes our own deep groans and to follow Jesus' example by transforming that frustration into compassionate action that brings healing to broken places.
In Luke 15:1-7, Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd leaving 99 sheep to find one lost sheep, revealing God's heart for the lost. Speaking to both sinners and religious elites, Jesus challenges the Pharisees' exclusionary attitude. As a rabbi, Jesus redefined spiritual leadership from mastery to mercy, choosing disciples others rejected. The parable demonstrates that God actively pursues the lost, celebrates their return, and values restoration over religious conformity. Heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over 99 who need no repentance, calling us to align our hearts with this divine celebration.
Jesus consistently broke social norms to reveal God's heart, as seen in Luke 7:36-50 when He welcomed a 'sinful woman' who anointed His feet with perfume and tears. While Simon the Pharisee judged both Jesus and the woman, Jesus used this moment to teach about forgiveness and true worship. He highlighted how the woman's extravagant display of love demonstrated her faith in His grace, contrasting with Simon's prideful restraint. This story challenges us to examine whether our own worship reflects the magnitude of forgiveness we've received and calls us to welcome the broken with the same scandalous grace Jesus offers.
In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus displays righteous anger when confronting religious leaders who valued rigid Sabbath rules over human compassion. When Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath, he challenges the Pharisees' legalistic interpretation that had transformed God's gift of rest into a burden. His anger wasn't a brief outburst but a deep, controlled passion against the hardened hearts of those using God's law to trap others and maintain social hierarchies. Unlike selfish anger that dominates our world today, Jesus demonstrates holy anger that leads to healing and liberation, though it often provokes opposition from those who value control over compassion.
God often leads us through wilderness seasons not as punishment, but as preparation for what lies ahead. In these difficult times, God refines our desires, reveals our dependence on Him, and releases us to our calling. Just as He led the Israelites through the desert rather than directly to the Promised Land, God sometimes takes us on the scenic route to prepare our hearts. Jesus Himself experienced the wilderness before beginning His ministry, emerging with power and clarity of purpose. When facing our own wilderness experiences, we should not rush through them, but stay rooted in Scripture and watch expectantly for God's provision.
God's mission isn't reserved for a select few with special training—it's the calling of every believer. As demonstrated by Andrew in John 1, true mission work begins with encountering Jesus and immediately sharing that experience with others. We are all 'living stones' being built into a spiritual house, strategically placed by God to fulfill His purpose. Our baptism marks not just our salvation but our commissioning into active mission work. The mission field isn't somewhere distant; it's in our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and families where we're called to invite others to experience Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to run our faith race with perseverance, especially during life's hardest moments. Building a firm foundation in Christ through prayer, meditation, church attendance, and Bible reading prepares us for inevitable challenges. When facing difficulties, we can learn from biblical examples like Peter walking on water and the woman healed by touching Jesus' cloak. Life is a marathon requiring daily spiritual practices, not a sprint. By fixing our eyes on Jesus rather than our circumstances and identifying what we can control, we can persevere through even the most difficult seasons.
The story of Lazarus reveals profound truths about Jesus's character and how He works in our lives. When Jesus deliberately delayed going to His dying friend, it wasn't from indifference but for a greater purpose. By waiting until Lazarus had been dead four days—past what was considered the point of no return—Jesus demonstrated His ultimate power over death itself. This narrative teaches us that Jesus brings life to dead situations, His timing always has purpose, He genuinely feels our pain, and He offers new life to everyone. The true Gospel isn't about condemnation but about hope and new life for those who feel spiritually dead.
Jesus challenges our tribal instincts in Mark 9:38-50, teaching that 'whoever is not against us is for us.' He warns against causing others to stumble and emphasizes the importance of being salt—preserving goodness while maintaining balance. Like Esther, we're often positioned 'for such a time as this,' facing choices to act courageously or become bitter. When life's challenges arise, we can choose to be salt that enhances others' lives or become 'salty' with bitterness. God remains faithful even in difficult times, calling us to surrender our illusion of control and find peace.
Jesus' parable of Lazarus and the rich man challenges us to examine the gates that separate people from justice and inclusion in our society. While Jesus never condemned wealth itself, he consistently emphasized caring for the poor and marginalized as central to his message. Today's churches often drift from this mission, focusing on beautiful buildings rather than dismantling systems of inequality. Modern gates include gentrification, healthcare deserts, and unequal education funding. The Bible calls us to break down these barriers by welcoming everyone equally and directing our resources toward those in need. By partnering with justice organizations, advocating for change, and creating truly inclusive spaces, we can live out the gospel's call to tear down the gates that divide us.
God's economy operates on the principle of enough, not excess. The Israelites receiving manna in the wilderness teaches us to trust God's daily provision rather than hoarding out of fear. Throughout Scripture, from the manna to the feeding of multitudes, we see that abundance isn't measured by excess but by trust in divine provision. John Wesley modeled this by living simply while giving generously. Practicing contentment means observing Sabbath rest, curbing waste, giving generously, and living more simply - finding that godliness with contentment is great gain.
The prosperity gospel promises financial rewards for faith and giving, but this distorts Jesus's true message. It misinterprets scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:9-10, and Malachi 3:10, which aren't promises of personal wealth. Biblical prosperity isn't about accumulation but shared abundance—the concept of 'shalom' meaning wholeness, peace, and justice for all. This false teaching harms believers by shaming the sick and blaming the poor, contradicting Jesus's example. True prosperity is found in wisdom, grace, relationships, and hope in Jesus, not material wealth.
Jesus invites us beyond mere belief into a genuine friendship where we share everything with Him. This relationship begins with small steps of trust, as seen in Simon Peter's story of following Jesus' instruction to fish again after a fruitless night. True friendship with Jesus develops through spending time together in Scripture, prayer, silence, and service. As we deepen this relationship, we're transformed—our prayers change, we see others differently, and we become more compassionate, forgiving, and gracious. The goal isn't just reaching heaven but becoming so full of Jesus that others glimpse God through our lives.
God's power is already available to us, but we need to activate our faith to access it. Like Peter walking on water, we must step out of our comfort zones when Jesus calls us. Many of us know about God's power but get distracted by worldly substitutes like wealth, status, or social validation. Our connection to God's power works like electricity—always present but requiring us to flip the switch. When we activate our faith, we not only transform our own lives but inspire others to connect to God's power as well.
Every Christian is called to be a missionary, not just those who cross oceans. Acts 13 shows us the first organized mission trip, featuring a remarkably diverse group of believers who were called by the Holy Spirit during worship and fasting. Paul and Barnabas were sent with the church's blessing and support, demonstrating that mission work is a team effort. On their journey, they faced opposition but overcame it through the power of the Holy Spirit. This story reminds us that mission isn't about geography but about having a willing heart and using the tools God has already given us.
Pentecost marks the birth of the Church when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in languages they never learned. Peter explained this miracle to the crowd, connecting it to Joel's prophecy about God pouring out His Spirit. About 3,000 people were baptized that day, joining the first Christian community. Today, the Holy Spirit continues to guide believers toward their calling, often working through community and wise counsel. Our mission remains the same: to make disciples and transform the world through our unique gifts, working together as the inclusive body of Christ.
The Ascension of Jesus wasn't an ending but a beginning—a pivotal moment when Jesus empowered His followers to continue His mission on earth. Like passing a baton in a relay race, Jesus stepped aside after coaching His disciples, trusting them to carry forward His work with the promised help of the Holy Spirit. Rather than remaining spectators gazing upward, we're called to be active participants in sharing the gospel. The Ascension reminds us that faith is a movement, not a monument, challenging us to stop looking up and start looking out to those who need to experience Christ's love.
God's work of renewal isn't just a future promise but a present reality we're called to participate in. While Revelation 21:1-6 offers a vision of a new heaven and earth, Jesus demonstrated that God's kingdom comes through immediate action against suffering and injustice. When we defer hope to some distant future, we become complicit in present pain. As new creations in Christ, we're already part of God's renewal project, called to bring heaven's values to earth through acts of mercy and justice. Heaven isn't just a someday fantasy—it's a today mission.
God challenges our preconceptions about who belongs in His kingdom through Peter's transformative experience with the Gentiles. Through a divine vision and real-world encounters, God demonstrates that His plan for salvation extends beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The early church learned to embrace this radical inclusion, setting aside traditional barriers that separated people. This powerful message reminds us to examine our own biases and actively work to break down walls that might prevent others from experiencing God's love.
Dorcas, a devoted disciple in the early church, was renowned for her charitable works, particularly making clothes for widows. Her story in Acts 9 demonstrates the profound impact of consistent service and faith in action. When she died, the apostle Peter was called to her side, where through God's power, she was miraculously restored to life. Her resurrection not only paralleled Jesus's miracles but also emphasized the importance of practical ministry and the lasting influence of faithful service in building God's kingdom.
Peter's journey from confident disciple to broken denier, and finally to restored church leader, illustrates the transformative power of God's grace. After boldly declaring his loyalty, Peter denied Jesus three times in the high priest's courtyard. Following the resurrection, Jesus orchestrated a beautiful restoration by the Sea of Galilee, asking Peter three times if he loved Him and commissioning him to feed His sheep. This restoration led to Peter's remarkable transformation, becoming a foundational church leader who preached powerfully, performed miracles, and helped spread the gospel to the Gentiles.
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus reveals profound truths about recognizing Jesus in our daily lives. Despite their initial blindness due to unmet expectations, Jesus patiently walked alongside them, explaining Scripture and revealing himself through the breaking of bread. Their hearts burned within them before their eyes were fully opened, demonstrating how spiritual recognition often precedes intellectual understanding. This transformative encounter led them to immediately share their experience with others, showing how genuine encounters with the risen Christ naturally lead to mission and testimony.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as history's most transformative event, beginning with Mary Magdalene and another Mary discovering the empty tomb at dawn. Their encounter with an angel and the risen Christ himself launched a new chapter in God's story. This divine intervention challenged established systems and continues to offer hope and transformation today. The empty tomb represents not just a historical event, but an ongoing invitation to experience new life and freedom through Christ.
Palm Sunday represents Jesus's deliberate confrontation in Jerusalem, not merely a triumphal entry. As He approached the city, Jesus wept, foreseeing its future destruction. Despite knowing the fatal consequences awaiting Him, He proceeded with divine purpose and determination. This profound act of courage serves as a model for Christians today, calling them to mirror Christ's resolve, stand up to injustice, and live sacrificially for God's kingdom.
Spiritual transformation requires more than surface-level changes - it demands a complete renewal of mind and spirit. This process involves letting go of worldly patterns and embracing God's truth through regular spiritual practices like prayer and Scripture study. True transformation manifests in changed attitudes, perspectives, and actions, reflecting Christ's character in daily life. The journey isn't about achieving perfection but making consistent progress through intentional surrender and spiritual discipline.
Prayer extends beyond mere requests to God - it's about developing a deep, two-way relationship with our Creator. Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by regularly withdrawing to commune with the Father, even after significant ministry events. Without consistent prayer, we risk drifting into self-reliance and missing divine guidance. The key to meaningful prayer lies in approaching God authentically, making it our first response rather than last resort, and balancing both speaking and listening in our communication with Him.
Self-denial goes beyond simple sacrifices, representing a fundamental shift in how we live our Christian lives. It involves releasing control, surrendering our desires, and following Jesus' example of selflessness. Through self-denial, we learn to pick up our cross daily, look different from the world, and align ourselves with God's purposes. This spiritual discipline leads to freedom from anxiety, better decision-making, and deeper spiritual growth.
True repentance goes far beyond merely feeling guilty or apologizing - it represents a complete transformation of heart and mind. Originating from the Greek word 'metanoia,' it describes a military-style about-face turn, symbolizing a total change in life direction. This transformation involves turning away from sin while moving toward God, resulting in freedom from guilt, renewed purpose, and restored relationship with God. When we genuinely repent, God responds with immediate forgiveness, celebrating our return and transforming our brokenness into beauty.
Throughout history, religion has been both a positive force and a tool for manipulation. Political leaders have often used religious institutions to maintain control, as seen with figures like King Herod who rebuilt the Temple for political gain. Jesus consistently challenged religious leaders who sought power rather than service, demonstrating true faith through actions of love and justice. Today, challenges like Christian nationalism and the misuse of faith for political agendas continue to demonstrate how religion can be manipulated for power rather than service.
Throughout history, the Bible's powerful teachings have been both properly used for transformation and misused for harm. False teachers often twist scripture out of context for personal gain, as seen in historical events like the Crusades, Salem witch trials, and the justification of slavery. Jesus warned about those who appear righteous but inwardly seek power and control. Protection against deception comes through regular Bible study, examining teachings in context, evaluating the fruits of ministry, and staying focused on Jesus' core messages of love, mercy, and justice.
Are you able to know the difference between God's word and the words of those who twist the truth?
Scripture misuse has been a persistent challenge since biblical times, with religious leaders often distorting God's word for personal agendas. Common misuses include cherry-picking verses, ignoring context, and weaponizing text for condemnation. Jesus demonstrated proper scriptural interpretation by teaching in full context, emphasizing mercy, and using it for healing rather than harm. Understanding historical context, studying complete passages, and applying scripture with love and mercy are essential for proper biblical interpretation.
Building strong faith in today's distraction-filled world requires a marathon mindset rather than a sprinter's approach. Like marathon runners who train systematically, believers must develop consistent spiritual habits, proper pacing, and mental focus for the long journey ahead. The key challenges include navigating social media distractions and maintaining eternal perspective amidst temporary trends. Through intentional spiritual training, daily devotion, and focused dedication to what truly matters, we can build the endurance needed for a lasting faith journey.
In our hyper-connected world, digital distractions can prevent us from hearing God's voice and lead to spiritual exhaustion. Drawing parallels from Moses' experience with burnout, we learn the importance of delegation and creating boundaries. By implementing practical steps like scheduled digital check-ins and dedicated prayer times, we can better manage our modern responsibilities while maintaining spiritual health. The key is creating intentional space for connecting with God, free from the constant pull of notifications and digital demands.
This morning, we are talking about ways that we can pause and reboot our spiritual lives.
Join us in this sermon as we focus on the ways in which we can tend our faith as we fight the busyness of our world.
In scripture, Jesus set for us the example of what it looks like to take time away to recharge and focus on spending time with God, even in the midst of the craziness of life. We are called to do the same thing today.
We had fun in this sermon, playing a game and learning about how to better focus on reconnecting to God through carving intentional time out of our busy schedules.
In our fast-paced world of constant notifications and endless to-do lists, many struggle to maintain focus on their relationship with God. The story of Mary and Martha illustrates how busyness can prevent us from experiencing God's presence fully. While Martha became consumed with tasks, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen. Today, we need to intentionally unplug from digital noise, create space for God in our daily routines, and build our foundation on scripture and prayer. By setting boundaries around technology use and prioritizing spiritual growth, we can develop a deeper connection with God.
A strong spiritual foundation built on Christ's teachings is essential for navigating life's challenges. This foundation rests on loving God completely and loving others authentically. Like a lighthouse withstanding powerful waves, faith grounded in Christ provides unshakeable hope, lasting peace, and enduring purpose. Building this foundation requires consistent Bible study, prayer, community engagement, and active service to others. When we choose to build our lives on these eternal truths rather than temporary pursuits, we develop resilience that withstands life's storms.
God's intentional love is powerfully demonstrated through the Nativity story, where He chose to enter our world in the humblest circumstances. By being born to an unwed couple in a manger and first announcing His arrival to lowly shepherds, God showed His love is for everyone, not just the privileged. This divine love extends beyond the manger through Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection, demonstrating that nothing can separate us from God's love. Today, we're called to mirror this same transformative love by reaching out to the overlooked and marginalized in our communities.
This week, as we light the 3rd candle in our Advent wreath, we focus on Joy.
Joy is a word that often is tied to emotion, but as Christians, we should tie our joy to the word and work of Jesus Christ. When we can move to this type of joy, we are no longer dependent on situations to bring us joy, but instead joy becomes a lifestyle.
In this sermon, Mary experiences the dread of having to bear a child as an unwed teenaged mother in the ancient near east. This could have dire consequences on Mary. Unwed mothers in this time, at this place in the world, could be stoned to death to avenge what would have been dishonor to Mary's family name.
As the angel tells Mary not to fear, how could she move out of that fear? The only way was to remember who was making the promise that she was "highly favored."
Mary could trust God because, time after time in scripture, God proves that his word is faithful.
Join us today as we shift from fear to joy through the story of Mary's song.
This week we focus on the passion of God to prepare his people for the coming of Jesus.
God spent hundreds of years preparing his people for the coming redemption through Jesus by giving us the Law, the Prophets, the scriptures, and then John the Baptist.
This week we spend time talking about how God's passion for saving his people came into fulfillment when John the Baptist prepared his people for the coming savior by calling the Jewish people, and in turn still calls us today, into repentance. John's passionate message of heart cleansing was compared to a "refiner's fire" and a "launderer's soap."
John's appearance would have been pretty shocking, but his message penetrated the peoples' hearts. He fulfilled prophecies that foretold of a messenger who would prepare then way for the Messiah. John recognized Jesus as the Messiah and pointed out that while John baptized with water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
The Christmas birth narrative would not be the same with the promise of John the Baptist being born to his parents Zechariah and Elizabeth. The intertwining of Christ's birth story with John's birth story is another beautiful way that God's passion for our salvation is made known to us.
Join us as we continue to focus in the Advent Season on the beautiful mystery of the coming before and coming again of Jesus.
This sermon by Pastor Matt Morgan is meant to inspire hope and anticipation throughout the Advent season as we prepare to remember the arrival of the Christ Child, and we continue to look forward to Christ making all things new in his return. Join us throughout the Advent Season as we focus on the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Discover how to find hope in a noisy world with Pastor Matt Morgan's insightful message. Learn the importance of listening to Jesus' teachings, even when they challenge us to step out of our comfort zones. Understand the significance of not being deceived by false prophets and staying steadfast in faith during trials and tribulations. Despite the chaos, Jesus remains our constant source of hope, providing strength and calm. As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of hope, living out His teachings and being a light to those around us. Keywords: finding hope, Jesus' teachings, false prophets, end times, trials and tribulations, source of hope, ambassadors of hope, spiritual growth, faith, encouragement.
In this insightful message, discover how faith in Jesus Christ should shape political engagement. Learn from Matthew 20:20-28 about the call to serve rather than rule, and understand the complex relationship between politics and faith. With references to John 18:36 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, the sermon emphasizes our primary allegiance to Christ's heavenly kingdom. Engage responsibly in earthly politics, seeking the welfare of your community as urged in Jeremiah 29:1-7. Follow the example of Jesus and historical figures like Miep Gies, and strive for unity and peace as instructed in Titus 3:1-2. Reflect on how your political actions can honor Christ and promote love, justice, and mercy.
Understanding Forgiveness: A Path to Healing and Wholeness explores the profound importance of forgiveness in Christian faith. Drawing from biblical teachings, such as the Lord's Prayer and the parable of the unmerciful servant, this message highlights how forgiveness is essential for spiritual and emotional freedom. Real-life examples, including Peter Holm's journey from grief to peace and Nelson Mandela's reconciliation efforts, demonstrate the healing power of forgiveness. Practical steps to practice forgiveness include acknowledging the hurt, deciding to forgive, seeking God's help, letting go of resentment, and moving forward. Keywords: forgiveness, Christian faith, Lord's Prayer, unmerciful servant, Peter Holm, Nelson Mandela, reconciliation, healing, spiritual growth, emotional well-being.
Explore the profound message of perseverance and faith in James 1:1-18. This passage teaches faith as an active journey requiring trust, perseverance, and wisdom. Trials are growth opportunities, refining our faith like a samurai sword forged through heat and hammering. Learn about the importance of perseverance for spiritual maturity and the role of wisdom in navigating life's challenges. Discover the fleeting nature of earthly wealth compared to enduring spiritual riches, and understand the source of temptation as our own desires. Embrace the refining process of faith, seeking God's wisdom and strength. Keywords: James 1:1-18, faith, perseverance, wisdom, trials, spiritual maturity, earthly wealth, temptation, God's goodness.
Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper, is a central act of Christian worship that commemorates Jesus' sacrifice. Its roots trace back to the Old Testament Passover, which celebrated the Israelites' liberation from Egypt. Jesus redefined this meal during the Last Supper, establishing a new covenant through His body and blood. The early church continued this practice, emphasizing repentance and thanksgiving. Today, World Communion Sunday unites Christians globally, reminding us of our shared faith and the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
In today's message, we explored the profound sense of awe that should accompany our worship of God. Using Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6:1-8 as a foundation, we examined what it means to be in awe of God and how this awe should lead us to humility and readiness to serve. Isaiah's response to God's presence is, 'Here I am. Send me!' serves as a powerful example of the attitude we should have when encountering God's majesty. We also reflected on the psalmist's marvel at God's creation in Psalm 8:1-9, recognizing that the vastness and intricacy of the universe should humble us. This same God who created the stars and mountains also created each of us with love and purpose. Our worship should be filled with awe and humility, inspiring us to live out our faith by serving others and sharing God's love. Worship is not just an event but an ongoing experience that transforms us and calls us to action in our daily lives.
Worship is more than just singing songs; it's a heartfelt expression of our love and adoration for God that involves our emotions, intellect, and spirit. The story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:16-36 illustrates how worship can transform our circumstances. Despite being imprisoned, they chose to worship God, leading to a miraculous intervention and the jailer's conversion. To fully experience the power of worship, we need to prepare our hearts and minds, setting aside distractions and focusing solely on God. Engaging fully in worship means actively participating with our whole heart, mind, and soul. This could involve raising our hands, closing our eyes, or journaling our thoughts and prayers. Worship also involves our intellect, as Romans 12:1-2 calls us to renew our minds and deepen our understanding of God. By making worship a daily practice, we can experience God's presence in profound ways and see His transformative power in our lives.
Discover the essence of true worship in this insightful message on worshiping in spirit and in truth. Learn how Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4:4-28 reveals that worship is not about location or rituals but about engaging with God genuinely. Explore the greatest commandment from Mark 12:30, which calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and understand how this commandment encompasses every aspect of our being. Find out how to prepare for worship by setting our hearts and minds on God, eliminating distractions, and approaching worship with clean hands and pure hearts as described in Psalm 24:3-4. Discover the power of corporate worship and the importance of community as shown in Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:24-25. Finally, learn how to live out worship daily by preparing for worship, eliminating distractions, engaging in community, and loving our neighbors. Keywords: true worship, worship in spirit and truth, Jesus and Samaritan woman, greatest commandment, love God, prepare for worship, corporate worship, community, daily worship.
Worship is often misconceived as merely the music we sing in church, but it's much deeper—it's a lifestyle of adoration and reverence towards God. True worship involves offering our bodies as living sacrifices, as instructed by Paul in Romans 12:1-2, and giving God the best of what we have, as exemplified by Abel's offering. Worship is also a form of spiritual formation, allowing us to encounter and embody scripture, fostering growth in Christ-likeness. Moreover, worship is a corporate experience that unites believers, strengthening the body of Christ. This week, take up the challenge to integrate worship into every aspect of your life, ensuring that every action and thought becomes an offering to God. Reflect on your heart's posture in worship and strive to make it a constant, not just a weekly hour on Sunday mornings.
Explore the profound biblical story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in this enlightening video. Discover how obedience, faith, and inclusion come together in this transformative encounter from Acts 8:26-40. Learn about the significance of the eunuch's status, his hunger for truth, and the joyous outcome of his meeting with Philip. This video delves into the themes of God's call, the inclusivity of His kingdom, and the joy of salvation. Whether you're interested in biblical narratives, spiritual growth, or the power of faith, this video offers insights into how we can apply these timeless lessons in our daily lives. Join us in reflecting on the barriers we can break down to extend God's love and grace to everyon
Discover the inspiring story of Naaman's healing in this biblical exploration, where faith, humility, and the power of God's love come to life. This video delves into the journey of Naaman, a commander afflicted with leprosy, and his encounter with the prophet Elisha. Learn how a young servant girl's compassion and Naaman's obedience to simple yet profound instructions lead to a miraculous healing. This account from 2 Kings 5:1-19 is a powerful reminder of God's inclusive love and the significance of faith in action. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, interested in biblical miracles, or looking for stories of redemption, this video offers valuable insights into God's grace and the transformative power of humility. Join us in uncovering the lessons from Naaman's story that are relevant to our lives today.
Dive into the Old Testament narrative of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath, a story that exemplifies unwavering faith and God's miraculous provision during a time of great need. Elijah, a prophet of God, confronts the idolatry of King Ahab and is sent to Zarephath, where he meets a widow preparing for her final meal. Her leap of faith in providing for Elijah first results in a continuous supply of food, defying the harsh reality of a prolonged drought. The story reaches a climax when her son falls ill and dies, only to be brought back to life through Elijah's fervent prayers. This account not only demonstrates the widow's transformation into a believer of God's word but also serves as a testament to the power of faith in action and the importance of community in times of adversity.
The story of Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho, is a testament to the boundless nature of God's grace. Her faith and actions are highlighted as examples for all believers. This narrative invites us to embrace God's grace and to be ready to act in faith, even when it's uncomfortable or challenging.
Emily Robnett is bringing this morning's message titled Doubting Faithfully. If you are looking for a church to call home, see what we are doing at Community Brookside.
We hope you are blessed today.
This morning, we are discussing the lessons we learned in childhood. We are fortunate to have Emily Robnett, the Executive Director at TU Weasley, delivering the sermon. We hope you find today's message to be a blessing.
Welcome to our podcast! Today, we are blessed to have Kim Myers delivering the sermon, focusing on the theme "Mastering Our Desires." May you find inspiration and encouragement as we gather together in faith. We hope you are blessed today!
This morning, as we close out our sermon series called "Under Construction" we are looking at the necessity of taking care and investing in our spiritual lives!
This morning, we are looking at being prepared for whatever comes our way!
Just like a roof and siding protect a house from bad weather, heat, and storms, when we put on the armor of The Lord, we can have protection from whatever may come.
Part of construction involves making sure that there are windows and doors in your plans.
Windows and doors are openings outside of a home or building that allow people to experience the outside world on the inside.
Lockable windows and doors allow for a sense of safety to those dwelling inside, but often allows those on the inside to ignore what happens outside of the walls.
Part of our Christian faith is finding ways to connect with those outside the safety of our church buildings so that we can share with them experiences of God. The trick is doing this in such a way that we positively influence culture without being negatively impacted by the world outside of our Christian lives.
Join us this morning as we talk about windows and doors of faith.
This morning, we are talking about diversity.
God has given each of us differences and uniqueness that are designed to complement and complete one another! We are called to use our gifts to make a difference in the world around us.
Join us today as we talk about the difference we can each make in the Kingdom of God, right now!
This morning, we are going to have a fun time talking about sin.
Sin is not an easy subject, so we will take a lighthearted approach to the subject.
Join us this morning! Let's have some fun!
This morning, we are talking about diversity.
God has given each of us differences and uniqueness that are designed to complement and complete one another! We are called to use our gifts to make a difference in the world around us.
Join us today as we talk about the difference we can each make in the Kingdom of God, right now!
This morning is Pentecost, the celebration of the birth of the church.
This morning, we are going to be looking at how the church began, and how it relates to the time we are in at this moment.
With so much news about churches failing and division in denominations, can the church live again?
Is there hope for us that we can be the church of Christ that brings hope, if we are losing hope in our own institutions?
Join us this morning as we discuss what steps we need to take to live again.
Do we enough faith to follow the blueprints of our creator?
Scripture- Hebrews 11:1-40, Romans 10, 1 John 5:1-11, John 14:1-14
Building from the ground up requires a solid foundation. What is your faith foundation?
Scripture - Matthew 7:24-29, Matthew 5-6 (Sermon on the mount), Matthew 16:13-20, 1 Corinthians 3, Ephesians 2:11-22
We are starting a new series based on the epistles of John.
The letters of John have so much good theology and hope in them, it will be great to dive into them now that we celebrated the Resurrection.
We are starting a new series based on the epistles of John.
The letters of John have so much good theology and hope in them, it will be great to dive into them now that we celebrated the Resurrection.
Today, we are going to look at the passion that Jesus had for worship and remember that we are called to have that same passion!
As we look at Jesus' response to things happening inside the church that drew attention away from God, we have to ask ourselves, are we any less guilty of that today?
How would Jesus respond if he showed up at our churches today? Would he turn over our tables too?
Today, we are going to start a conversation that we need to begin as a church.
Join us this morning as we talk through one of the most controversial topics of our time.
Today, we are going to be addressing the controversial issues surrounding war.
War is one of those issues that scripture clearly speaks about from both extreme sides. When this happens, there is a lot of theological room that allows people to be on either side of the issue without undermining the Christian faith.
While the Old Testament depicts God on one side or the other when it comes to battles, the New Testament shows a God who desires peace and forgiveness over fighting and death.
Today, we are going to be talking about homosexuality. For some this is a very hard topic.
Homosexuality has been debated for generations in the church because it is something that we don't fully understand.
No matter where we stand on this issue, we need to be people of grace, as we have been shown grace by Jesus.
Join us this morning as we walk through the scriptures together and do our best to understand the meaning of the words used in scripture.
Today, we are looking at one of the most controversial issues of our time: abortion.
While I know this is a hard conversation to have, I believe it is an important one.
If you have struggled to understand abortion from a faith perspective, then I hope you will find some answers in our sermon this morning.
None of us have all the answers, but together we can better understand differing perspectives.
Join us for a hard, but important word.
Join us for a special podcast where a few of the staff members from Community Brookside talk about the positives and negatives of the purity culture movement from the 90's. On this episode, Matt chats with Rich and Amanda about these controversial topics.
We are looking at the extreme views surrounding issues like euthanasia, the death penalty, and suicide.
We will search scripture to see that there are diverse opinions supported by scripture. That is why some of the issues we will be talking about are considered controversial.
We hope you will join us as we look at how to be the church of Jesus in the midst of some of the hard choices.
We are going to examine the way the church and society interact.
What is appropriate way for the church to engage in politics? Is there a way that church and state issues can coexist?
This week, we started our new sermon series called "Confronting the Controversies." We began with an introduction sermon that sets the stage for what to expect going forward.
This week we looked at the story of the Magi, or the wisemen who come to visit the baby Jesus. We worked through some parts of the story that have been conflated throughout Christian tradition. We also looked at how the story of the Magi is important for us today.
One of the greatest gifts of the Gospel is that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are given a new song! For over 400 years, the people of Israel were without a word from God. The prophets were silent, and the Israelites were an oppressed and ruled people. They repeated the lament songs of their forefathers and lived in darkness. When Jesus, the Light of God, broke into the world, he brings with him a song of hope!
On the third week of Advent, as we celebrate the joy that comes with the birth of Christ, we look at the importance of the Light of God breaking into a dark world.
Light is an important illustration of God at work in the world. No matter where darkness is at work, God is working to bring light to those situations. This was especially true during the first century for the Jewish people.
When Jesus was born, he was born into a world that seemed to have forgotten the light of God. This week we look at not only how Jesus broke into the world to end darkness, but where Christ still shines light into our lives today.
This week, in the second week of Advent, we are looked at the traditions and spectacles that make up the heart of the Christmas season. We will took a deeper dive into the things that we focus our time on in the Advent season and see if they align with what Christmas should be.
I invite you to join us this week and reassess what makes Christmas special for you. If you are anything like most of America, there are some things that might be better served to be cut out of our schedule. Far too often, we focus on the wrong things and force our faith to the margins of our lives.
On this special podcast, we dive into the controversial Israeli conflict and the stance of the United Methodist Church.
This Advent season we focused on the story of the Grinch and the change that happens in his heart. Join us this week as we talk about the importance of having a radical hope in the midst of hard times.
In this podcast we are looking at how we use our words. We will see that our words can be used for both good and evil. Often times, what we say affects people more than we know. As we examine how we use our words we will see scriptural examples of how our words can make a difference in the lives of others.
In this episode we are looking at telling the world about Jesus in every way we can! We are going to talk about how we can be more creative in sharing the faith, but most importantly, sharing a true faith that looks like Jesus.
In America today, many Christians don't look like Jesus at all. If we expect to grow the kingdom, we will have to do better at actually following Jesus.
In this episode, we are going to look at the words of King David and Apostle Paul to hear again their heart for God.
These two men set the example of what it should look like for us to outwardly love Jesus with our whole hearts. These two biblical figures talk about God with the deepest reverence and love.
Is this how you talk about your faith?
What difference would it make if you became a cheerleader for faith in Christ?
Join us today as we explore being evangelists for our faith.
Join us as we dive deeper into the story of Jesus turning water into wine. We will learn about the importance of this miracle and how it's not just a party trick, but another way that Jesus saves a family from shame and embarrassment.
This story is one of the most memorable in all of the Old Testament. It is a story of the abuse of power and the repercussions when we mistreat others.
This morning, we are talking about how sometimes our heroes, and those in power take advantage of their authority and abuse others.
The story of David and Bathsheba is one that can be hard to hear, especially if the hearer is a woman who has been sexually assaulted. As we read through this story and hear it again from Bathsheba's perspective, I hope that we will come to a greater understanding on how the actions we take impacts others. If we abuse our power to take advantage of others, we bring about consequences that none of us can be truly ready for.
We will also see how Bathsheba could be viewed as one of scriptures strongest female characters.
Join us as we take on a pretty heavy topic.
***Be advised that we are going to be talking about sexuality and sexual assault.
Today we are going to dive once again into the story of the woman caught in adultery. When we look through fresh eyes at this story, we can get a deeper understanding of what Jesus is doing in this story.
I hope that this morning you will join us to hear one of the most powerful stories of forgiveness and mercy in all of scripture.
Our job as followers of Jesus is not just to experience this grace for ourselves, but to offer this radical grace to others.
Join us for part 5 of "From a Different Perspective" as we talk about the story of Lazarus.
Join us as we dive into our newest sermon series called "From a Different Perspective". Originally from September 10, 2013
Join us as we ask the question "What are you filling your life with"! Originally from September 3, 2023
Part 1 of "Journey Towards Redemption". As we walk towards Easter, Matt leads us through the story of redemption. From March 26, 2023.
Join our special guest Jeff Jaynes for his message from March 19, 2023 @ Community Brookside.
"For Such A Time As This" is a message series on the story of Esther. Join us as we discover how the events of this story line up with our lives today.
"For Such A Time As This" is a message series on the story of Esther. Join us as we discover how the events of this story line up with our lives today.
"For Such A Time As This" is a message series on the story of Esther. Join us as we discover how the events of this story line up with our lives today.
"For Such A Time As This" is a message series on the story of Esther. Join us as we discover how the events of this story line up with our lives today.
This morning we are going to be addressing the fallacy that United Methodists don't preach the Gospel of Jesus, in accordance with the ancient creeds of the church.
We are starting a new sermon series called "What We Believe" and will base each sermon for the next few weeks on the contents of the creeds of our faith.
Join us as we look at what we truly believe and how we should try to live out those beliefs every day.
This sermon was recorded on 8-7-22.
Today we are going to look at a strange story of one of God's prophets.
God asked Hosea to do some hard things in order to illustrate to the Israelites how much his heart was hurting because of their abandoning God's ways.
Join us this morning to hear God's word!
This sermon was recorded on 7-24-22.
Join us this morning as we look at how we can strengthen our families by following the gospel.
Jesus tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, but often we don't remember that our families make up some of our closest neighbors.
This sermon was recorded on 7-17-22.
This morning, we will be looking at the story of how Abraham's life of obedience to God brought him blessing.
We will see that even though Abraham made mistakes all throughout his life, his obedience to do what God asked differentiated him from all other biblical characters.
Join us today as we learn about one of the flawed fathers of our faith.
This sermon was recorded on 7-10-22.
We will read the story in John 9 where Jesus heals a blind man in a very unique way.
Join us as we hear God's word and celebrate our freedom together today.
This sermon was recorded on 7-3-22.
This morning we are looking again at the Pharisee named Nicodemus. We will watch as his encounter with Jesus changes his whole life.
Nicodemus doesn't let other peoples' opinions and comments change his desire to know Jesus more.
There is a lot we can learn from the story of Nicodemus. Join us today as we try to do just that!
This sermon was recorded on 6-19-22.
Good morning! This morning we are discussing Spiritual Gifts and why they are important.
This sermon was recorded on 6-12-22.
Today we are hearing from our very own Allen Wallis. He is talking about our Mission Possible.
This sermon was record on 6-5-22.
Today we are talking about loving our neighbors by serving them in the mission field here at home.
This sermon was recorded on 6-26-22.
This morning, we are talking about the story of Job. This is a story that reminds us that life can be hard at times, but we need to remain faithful to our God.
I know many of us are hurting this week from issues that have happened in our world, but there is always hope that joy will come after our mourning.
This sermon was recorded on 5-29-22.
This morning we will look at the people who were some of Jesus most fierce opponents. The Pharisees were a religious order in Jesus' day who thought they knew the only path to heaven.
The Pharisees are an important piece of the story of Jesus, and they acted to Jesus like a real-life comments section.
Join us this morning as we learn about how to appropriately deal with those who challenge us.
This sermon was recorded on 5-8-22.
Join us this morning as we look again at one of the Bible's most powerful stories of forgiveness and redemption.
This sermon was recorded on 5-15-22.
This week we are starting a new sermon series called "Life in the Comment Section."
This week we will hear a story that introduces us to the idea that people sometimes just want to be trolls and sometimes that comes back to bite them...literally!
We will start this series with a strange story that's a bit unexpected, but shows us sometimes when people start trouble, they may reap what they sow.
Join us this morning for a fun time!
This sermon was recorded on 4-24-22.
This morning we will look at how some of the prophecy spoken through John the Baptist ended with his murder.
Join us this morning as we walk through how sometimes our comments can impact us and others deeply.
This sermon was recorded on 5-1-22.
The Gospel of Mark gives a us a perspective of the resurrection that no other gospel offers.
The resurrection story in Mark ends with the women who visit the tomb afraid and trembling so much that they keep the mystery of Christ's resurrection to themselves.
If we are a people healed by Christ's resurrection, we can't keep that fact a secret.
Join us this morning as we celebrate the risen Savior!
This sermon was recorded on 4-17-22.
This morning we are celebrating Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king!
We will focus on a very important but underappreciated part of the story. Join us this morning.
This sermon was recorded on 4-10-22.
This morning, we are continuing in the Gospel of Mark as we see Jesus predicting his own death.
In those moments when Jesus tells his disciples about how he must suffer, they don't get it. They had heard the Messiah was coming as King, and here Jesus is saying he must die.
Jesus tells them that they must follow his example. We must each pay the price for following Jesus. Do you know the cost?
This sermon was recorded on 4-3-22.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus spends a lot of time showing his disciples and his followers that the Messiah they had been expecting has come. The issue was that the disciples and others misunderstood the full depth of what the Messiah being here meant. On a mountain top, Jesus for the first time revealed himself fully to his disciples. We will look at that scripture today and see how we can better see Jesus ourselves.
This sermon was recorded on 3-27-22.
This morning we will revisit a story of Jesus we have looked at before, but we will approach it a bit differently. Join us this morning as we look again at the Genesarene demoniac.
Let's dig into what Jesus can do!
This sermon was recorded on 3-13-22.
This morning we are looking at the 8th chapter of Mark to see areas where blindness is not just literal, it is also spiritual.
Join us this morning for a conversation about better recognizing Jesus in our day to day lives.
This sermon was recorded on 3-20-22
This morning we are going to look at a couple stories from Mark 2 where Jesus and his disciples are challenged for breaking tradition.
We will see his response and try to figure out who is included in the kingdom.
Join us this morning for more stories of Jesus!
This sermon was recorded on 2-27-22.
This morning we are diving into the book of mark and talking about an often-overlooked piece of scripture in a one of Jesus' larger teachings.
This morning we will see what Jesus really means when he tells his disciples that we must live like children to inherit God's Kingdom.
This sermon was recorded on 2-13-22.
This morning, we are going to revisit one of my favorite scriptures. This morning we are looking at Mark 2 and once again hearing the story of the paralyzed man lowered to Jesus.
If you have never heard this story, then I invite you to join us this morning for one of the most powerful stories in scripture!
Can't wait to see you all this morning!
This sermon was recorded on 2-20-22.
This morning we are looking at what it means to truly be disciples of Jesus. We will look at the warning of Jesus to those who would follow him. We will also hear a story of a Theologian who knew what it meant to truly follow Jesus and, in the process, lost his own life.
This sermon was recorded on 2-6-22.
Join us this morning as we talk about the importance of the way we live as witnesses to our faith. We will learn about what it means to be a good Christian witness and how we can begin to change the perception of our faith among critics.
Join us today as we learn what it means to better follow Jesus together.
This sermon was recorded on 1-30-22.
This morning in worship we will talk about the United Methodist membership vow of Service. We will look at the ways Jesus changed what the word service means and see how Jesus expects us to be in service to others.
Join us this morning as we hear some of the most powerful words in scripture!
Let us be in service to the world in the name of Jesus Christ.
This sermon was recorded on 1-23-22.
This morning we are continuing our sermon series focused on the vows we take to become United Methodist. This morning we will look at the importance of the gifts that God has given us and how we can use these gifts to change the world!
This sermon was recorded on 1-16-22.
This morning we will talk about how Jesus' arrival in the stable in Bethlehem so long ago changed the world. We will look at how the world has fallen back into disarray since his crucifixion and ascension.
This sermon was recorded on 12-26-21.
This morning, we are going to talk about the stories in our lives that make Christmas so special. We will also talk about the stories that shape our faith as we look closer at Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds.
This sermon was recorded on 12-19-21.
Being a part of the family of God is an amazing gift, but it also a tremendous responsibility!
If you have spent any amount of time with family, you know how strange it can be. God chose intentionally to show up in the world through the people of the Hebrews. The Israelite people had a tremendous number of flawed people in their history, yet these are the people that God chose.
What do you think that says about us?
This sermon was recorded on 12-12-21.
This morning we are taking another look at the prophet John the Baptist as we see how important his voice was in calling back the Jewish people to God. We will see how his words reminded the Jewish people that they needed to once again put God first.
John the Baptist had to be the one to tell the Jewish people that they were on God's naughty list.
Join us this morning as we hear his story and how it relates to the Christmas story.
This sermon was recorded on 12-5-22.
This morning we will look at a story that doesn't often get preached in order to see where in our lives we are falling short of God's expectations for us.
This sermon was recorded on 11-14-21.
This morning we start a new sermon series inviting us to all come home to church for the holidays.
Today we will be talking about longing. What are some things you long for at Christmas? Is it gifts? Is it the peace that comes at Christmas? Is it time with family?
What if we once again longed for the presence of our Savior in our lives? Would that change our world? Today we will look at why Jesus first came and hopefully look again for his return.
This sermon was recorded on 11-28-21.
In this sermon series we will be looking at some of the stories of Jesus that don't get preached or taught as often. We are starting this morning with the story of Jesus delivering a man from demons.
This story serves as a great example of how Jesus changes lives and when he does, we get to participate in changing lives too. The Story of the Gerasene Demoniac shows what happens when people who have been healed by Jesus aren't afraid to tell others about it.
This morning, let us remember the times and ways that Jesus has changed and healed us so we can tell the world about it!
This sermon was recorded on 11-7-21.
This morning we will look at what happens when we pretend to be someone that we are not. We will look through some of Paul's thoughts on how we should look like Jesus and not like everyone else.
This sermon was recorded on 10-31-21.
This morning we are looking at how we act as followers of Jesus when we are faced with scary things in life. We will look at how the disciples respond in fear and hear stories of how fear impacts us and manifests itself in how we treat people.
This sermon was recorded on 10-24-21.
This morning we are talking about overcoming fear so that we can experience all that God has for us.
This sermon was recorded on 10-17-21.
This morning we are going to look at a couple stories from Mark 2 where Jesus and his disciples are challenged for breaking tradition.
We will see his response and try to figure out who is included in the kingdom.
This sermon was recorded on 10-10-21.
Today we will read through the story of King Solomon and see how he was called to build God's temple in Jerusalem. We will also get to see how his wealth and wisdom both helped to serve the Lord and also how it caused competition for his loyalty and devotion to God.
King Solomon struggled later in life as his own splendor got to his head and he began to fall away from God. This caused a huge problem for al of Israel. Even though he was warned to follow God's laws and stay loyal to God, Solomon focused more on his own wants and desires than the good of his country. This would lead to devastating consequences.
This sermon was recorded on 9-19-21.
This morning we will be looking once more at the Bible's most intense call out. We will hear how King David's sin was brought to his attention and what his response was.
We will also look at how we as Christians should graciously call our brothers and sisters out when they sin. Join us this morning for some accountability talk and a good morning of worship.
This sermon was recorded on 10-3-21.
This is a sermon that might be a little inappropriate for some younger viewers. We will be talking about the story of Judah and Tamar found in Genesis 38.
Join us as we see some of the strangest parts of the family tree of God.
This sermon was recorded on 9-26-21.
This sermon was recorded on 9-12-21
Today we will learn more about Aaron, the brother of Moses.
Aaron had a very special calling to be the High Priest of Israel, but really messes up when he creates a false idol for the Israelites to worship. We will see today what happens when people bow to peer pressure and how there are always consequences for our actions.
It is an amazing story of an incredible fall from grace, and then restoration and forgiveness. We serve a good, loving and forgiving God, and today we will see just how forgiving he is.
Today we will look at the quasi-tragic story of Samson. He is a Bible character that many of us are familiar with but his story has so many places where he made some pretty big mistakes.
As we start this sermon series for the month of September, we are looking at places where people are called by God, but also called out by God or others for the way they act or treat people. In this story, Samson is pretty much given free reign over his own life. And because of his poor decision making skills, people are put at risk. If only someone would have just called him out for his actions....
This sermon series begins with a tragic story where SOMEONE should have spoken into Samson's life to help him answer his calling better. This very easily could be any of our story. Being called out may hurt, but it is important so we know our place in God's plan
This sermon was recorded on 9-5-21.
Does the world tell you that if you rest, you are lazy? That if you take some time to breathe that you're not "Giving it your all?"
Then today's sermon is for you.
God doesn't want us to be overwhelmed. God doesn't want us to run from one thing to another. God wants us to follow Christ's example and take some time to rest and restore our souls.
This sermon was recorded on 8-29-21.
This morning we are reading some of the parables of Jesus that speak directly of the Kingdom of God. We will see how the Kingdom of God is not something we only look forward to once we die, but we can have hope that we can play a role in bringing the Kingdom of God into the here and now.
This sermon was recorded on 8-15-21.
A couple of weeks ago we got to hear about how God loves us and equips us for life's journey from Pastor Jeff Jaynes. This week, we pick up on the surrounding scriptures in the book of John to see just where some people drew the line at following Jesus and then walked away from faith in him.
Today, we will recount the world that Jesus walked into when he came to earth and we will see how our world today compares. Join us today as we consider how far we are willing to go to love Jesus and follow him.
This sermon was recorded on 8-22-21.
Last week, Pastor Andy Henson reminded us to accept the invitation of Jesus into something new. This week we will be reminded of the dedication it takes and the challenges we will face when we decide to follow Jesus.
No matter what the cost, following Jesus is worth it!
Join us this morning as we worship our loving God.
This sermon was recorded on 8-1-21.
Today we will have some fun looking at instructions and directions that impact our lives. We will have some fun today as we talk about what exactly is the ultimate authority in our lives!
This sermon was recorded on 7-18-21.
This week we conclude our sermon series called Follow Me by looking at attributes of Jesus that make his ministry unique. These attributes should be a part of each of our lives too, as we call ourselves Christians.
This sermon was recorded on 7-11-21
This week we are going to finish the story of Joseph as we learn about forgiveness and reconciliation. We will see how Joseph, despite the way he was treated, invites his family to come and enjoy the spoils of the land of Egypt, where he is second in command.
The story of Joseph is one that reminds us that while things may look scary for us, God's plan is always for our good! God proves through this story that when we follow where he leads, things will eventually work out...even when it doesn't look like it will.
This sermon was recorded on 7-4-21.
Join us as we dive deeper into the story of Joseph!
This sermon was recorded on 6-27-21.
We are learning about what trust looks like as we see how Joseph trusts God in every circumstance. We start the story of Joseph this morning by learning about his family dynamics and how his brothers' hate changed his life forever. This is wee one of a two week story, so be here with us!
This sermon was recorded on 6-20-21.
The story of Abraham is a wonderful story of obedience mixed with human fragility. When we think about trusting and following God, the story of Abraham is one that should inspire us. Abraham trusted God in all things and when God asked him to go, Abraham faithfully went.
Abraham is a great example of what obedience looks like...even when it means he has to offer up his greatest treasure as a sacrifice. Join us as we dive deeply into the story of one of our faith's greatest fathers.
This sermon was recorded 6-13-21.
This morning we are starting a sermon series called Follow Me. We will focus on people who changed the world when they began to fully follow God. Join us this morning as we start out talking about the prophet Samuel.
This sermon was recorded on 6-6-21.
This morning we are going to be looking at the story of Nicodemus visiting Jesus in the night. Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again, and the same is true for us. We have to let the Spirit of God change us so that we live like Jesus every day that we live.
We are also going to look at the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre and the role that the church played in spite being filled with born again Christians.
We have to work towards making sure our future looks drastically different from our past.
This sermon was recorded on 5-30-21.
This morning is Ascension Sunday, the day we remember Jesus' ascension to heaven. When Jesus ascended, the disciples watched in awe and stood there and just stared. What happened to Jesus? Where did he go? What's next?
An angel had to come and remind the disciples that they couldn't just stand there staring up at the sky. They had to get busy!
This same message is important to us today. We have to be ready to look around us and see the needs of people nearby and be willing to serve.
This sermon was recorded on 5-16-21.
On this day roughly 50 days after Easter, we celebrate Pentecost. Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and filled them with hope in such a way that they immediately left the locked upper room and began to preach in the name of Jesus. They did miraculous things through the power of the Spirit and over 3,000 people came to know Jesus that day. It came to be known as the birthday of the Church.
Today we will talk about the birth of the church and how the church is aging. Join us this morning as we focus on what makes Pentecost so important and how we can honor the move of Jesus by bettering the church.
This sermon was recorded on 5-23-21.
This morning we are continuing on the theme of God's big, inclusive kingdom. We are focusing on the vision that Peter has in Acts 10. Join us this morning to hear a message of hope and inclusiveness! This sermon was recorded on 5-9-21.
This morning, we will see how inclusive the Kingdom of God is through the story of the apostle Phillip evangelizing a man who previously would have been considered unworthy. Jesus breaks down the barriers that we sometimes erect and brings people into the Kingdom even when we think they are unworthy or not good enough. We want to be a church that looks like Jesus. This sermon was recorded on 5-2-21.
Pastor Matt frames racial justice in the context of Pentecost. This sermon was recorded on 5-31-20.
Matt Morgan explores the idea that in a world of black and white principles, we should be living in the gray areas described by Jesus's red letters.
In scripture we find Jesus operating in the gray areas. This week Matt explores that idea in the beginning of his sermon series "50 Shades of Gray"
Matt Morgan and Jeff Jaynes talk about the importance of tradition, Advent, and preparation of our hearts.
Fear has no business ruining our lives when we are in Christ. Guest pastor Michael Long joins us to bring us a word on calling out fear and putting it in its place.