Elevate Christian Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Elevate Christian Church
The official podcast of weekly services from Elevate Christian Church in Hiram, GA. We exist as a church to connect people with God and each other.
You cannot give away what you don't possess. A healthy relationship with others begins with understanding who God says you are.
Before a musician performs, he tunes his instrument. Before God can make beautiful music through our lives, He must tune our hearts.
Jesus looks at a crowd of broken, tired, searching people and says: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” In other words: The gathering is ready. The moment is here. The opportunity is not coming — it’s now. We often think revival is someday. We think openness is somewhere else. We think impact is for someone more gifted. But Jesus says the gathering is now.
When God opens our eyes, He also sends our lives. Awareness is never the destination—obedience is.
God prepares hearts—we simply step through open doors. Evangelism is cooperation, not coercion.
Your story is one of God’s greatest evangelism tools. You don’t need to know everything—you just need to know what Jesus has done for you.
Evangelism starts with listening, not talking. Jesus asked questions long before He offered answers.
The gospel is best shared through love that expects nothing in return.People don’t care about what we believe until they believe we care.
A failure to love ourselves rightly—under grace and redemption—results in a distorted love toward our neighbor. Only when we see ourselves as God sees us—as forgiven, chosen, and beloved—can our love for others reflect His truth and mercy.
One of the greatest struggles in the Christian life is learning to see ourselves the way God sees us.We often look through the lenses of failure, comparison, shame, or past mistakes. But God never views us through those filters. He sees us through the finished work of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us that the god of this age blinds minds so they cannot see the light of the gospel.People are looking at the wrong thing. They are mesmerized by a fashionable god of darkness who offers a convincing illusion—something that feels real without being true. Because of that blindness, they miss the brilliant light of Christ, the exact image of God, shining right in front of them.
The way we think directly impacts our joy and peace.We can manage our lives by managing our thoughts. God has not left us alone in this battle of the mind. The thoughts that have characterized our past need not characterize the rest of our life.
Breakthrough requires obedience to God’s voice every time, not assumption based on last time.
The wise men traveled far, following the star, seeking truth. They represent the seekers of all nations—reminding us that Jesus came for the whole world. They brought their best gifts to Jesus—challenging us to consider what we bring to Him this Christmas.
Angels were God’s messengers, sent to proclaim peace and joy. Their song of “Glory to God in the highest” declares the purpose of Jesus’ birth. Like angels, we are called to be messengers—sharing the good news of Christ with a dark world.
The shepherds were the overlooked, ordinary, and often despised people of their day. God chose to announce the birth of Jesus to them first—showing that Christ came for the lowly and forgotten.
Rejoicing in the middle of a storm doesn’t come naturally — but Paul reminds us that through prayer, gratitude, and trust, we can experience God’s peace even when life feels chaotic.Paul wrote Philippians from prison — and yet his message was joy. He encouraged the church in Philippi to rejoice, not because their circumstances were easy, but because “the Lord is near.”If Paul could find joy while chained to a guard, we can learn to do the same when life feels heavy.
Death for the believer is not a defeat to fear but a graduation into glory.When we live with eternity in mind, we don’t just prepare to die—we prepare to step into the fullness of life with Jesus. The best way to prepare for death is to live faithfully. Start building an eternal legacy today.
Christians grieve differently. Grief is real, but for the believer it is never hopeless. Christians grieve deeply, but we grieve with the assurance of reunion and resurrection.Grief is real and necessary, but we don’t grieve like those without hope. Christ brings comfort even in our deepest loss.
A biblical look at the afterlife.The Bible is clear—death is not the end; it’s a doorway. We all face eternity, and our response to Christ determines our destination. Be confident in your eternal destiny—and help others find that confidence in Christ.
We avoid talking about death, but Scripture speaks of it honestly.Recognizing its reality helps us live with greater intention and eternal perspective.
This week we’re addressing the destructive force of sexual lust—a sin that quietly corrodes the soul, sabotages marriages, and distorts intimacy. When fed, especially through pornography, lust reduces people to objects—commodities to be consumed and discarded—leaving behind shame and broken trust. In today’s message, Lead Pastor Kevin Barton exposes this silent killer, drawing on powerful biblical examples that reveal how every hidden deed will one day be brought to light. He teaches us that freedom doesn’t come from sheer willpower, but through surrender—turning to God, who alone can break the chains of lust. If you’ve wrestled with this struggle, we invite you to watch and receive hope, healing, and the assurance that God’s grace is stronger than any sin.
Do you know the difference between jealousy and envy?Today’s message exposes the “Comparison Trap”—that silent snare we fall into when we measure our lives against others and crave what they have. Envy doesn’t inspire; it corrodes. It erodes your happiness, drains your peace, and robs your joy. Instead of building you up, it quietly rots away the beauty of your spirit.Join Lead Pastor Kevin Barton as he reveals how to break free from the grip of envy and reclaim the joy God intends for you. This teaching is more than a lesson—it’s a lifeline. Don’t miss the chance to learn how to overcome this silent killer and walk in true freedom.
Bitterness is a silent poison, turning old wounds into weapons we wield against ourselves and others. Forgiveness may feel impossible when your heart is still bleeding from past hurt, but clinging to bitterness only deepens the wound. We often fail to see it within ourselves, blinded by the pain we keep replaying like a broken record. Yet, it’s your spirit, your relationships, and even your worship that suffer.Healing begins the moment you choose to forgive. Not because they deserve it, but because you were never meant to live imprisoned by their offense. Today's message shows us that forgiveness heals this wounds freeing us from that prison and we hear a sobering warning from Jesus Himself (Matthew 6:14–15) should we choose to no to forgive. Please listen and start your forgiveness journey today.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew28:19-20). This is passage is referred to as the Great Commission. Why do they call it Great? Let us listen and see.
When the Church Leaves the BuildingWe are called to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13–16), living out our faith beyond the walls of the church. Our mission is to reach those who have yet to hear the Good News. Today, Lead Pastor Kevin Barton challenges us with the words of Paul in Romans 10:14–15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Are you carrying the Good News with you? Who have you shared it with lately?
Finding Yourself by Losing Yourself - Lead Paster Kevin Barton takes us though what it means to fully surrender to God. He defines 3 stages to the process. Please listen and to see if you can identify where you are on in this process.
Join Lead Pastor Kevin Barton as he shares a heartfelt message about the toll isolation can take on our hearts and lives. He reminds us that we were created for connection — to walk alongside one another in faith, friendship, and love. As the Church, we’re called to gather, to rejoice together in the good times, and to stand strong beside each other in the hard times. After all, two are always stronger than one.
. His message challenges us to reflect on these behavior that we do especially when we think no one is looking. Listen for yourself.
Narcissism is defined as a personality trait marked by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. As we conclude this series, Pastor Kevin Barton guides us through the key traits of narcissism and teaches how we can find healing from these tendencies.
Where do you place your hope?Is it in your wealth, your health, your skills, or maybe just luck? In today’s message, Lead Pastor Kevin Barton reminds us that true peace and salvation are not found in these fleeting things. Instead, we can be healed from the false hopes we cling to by placing our trust in the only One who is truly able to deliver us—Jesus Christ.
Things are alive and well at Elevate as we have the joy and blessing to add to our leadership this week. On this very special occasion we bring in a new worship leader and ordain a new elder. Listen to Lead Pastor Kevin Barton as he runs though several biblical examples instructing leaders that follow Jesus to have the heart of a shepherd as they tend to and protect their flock. Please join us in celebrating the arrival of Rody Inestroza to lead the worship team and Jake Click as our newest elder.
Today Lead Pastor Kevin Barton reflects on our Independence Day as he reviews the 4 freedoms called out by our 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt that he believed every person in the world should have. The freedom of speech, of worship and the freedom from fear and want. Kevin submits that the world should take hold of a 5th freedom, offered to us freely from Heaven. The freedom in Christ. Kevin draws from Galatians Chapter 5 to teach up that Jesus won the war against sin on the cross but many people still try to earn their way to Heaven out of fear and guilt about their past. Kevin reminds us we are no longer salves to sin and thanks to Jesus we can throw off the yoke of sin and carry the yoke of Jesus that He reminds us in Matthew 11:28-30 is easy and His burden is light. Which yoke will you choose to carry?
Are you tired of fighting sin alone?Do you feel like you've gone too far or messed up too much for God to forgive?You haven't.Jesus sees you. He hasn’t given up on you—and He is willing and able to heal you.In this powerful message, Pastor Kevin Barton reminds us that no sin is too deep, no shame too heavy for Jesus to heal.He’s calling you. Will you come home?
Are you afraid of death? You’re not alone.For many, the fear of death—whether our own or that of a loved one—can be deeply unsettling. It quietly steals joy, clouds our peace, and leaves us feeling powerless. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.Today, Lead Pastor Kevin Barton brings a message of hope and healing: we can be set free from the fear of death. When we are born again in Christ, death loses its grip on us. It is no longer a dreadful end, but a doorway to eternal life. Because of Jesus, we no longer need to fear the final breath—for when that day comes, we will hear Him call us gently to Himself.Come and discover how to live in the freedom, peace, and victory that only Christ can give.
As we continue our Healing is Here sermon series, Lead Pastor Kevin Barton confronts us with a deeply personal and challenging question: Do you truly believe Jesus has the power to restore you? Your answer isn’t just theological—it’s a direct reflection of your faith in His power and His promises.Through the powerful events of Mark chapter 5, Pastor Kevin unpacks the story of the woman who suffered for twelve long years with a condition that left her isolated and desperate. Yet in a single act of bold, unwavering faith, she reached out—and Jesus met her there.This message will stir your heart and challenge your trust.What are you willing to risk to reach Jesus? And do you believe He can make you whole?Listen closely. Reflect deeply. Restoration begins with belief.
In this passionate and soul-stirring message, Lead Preacher Kevin Barton delivers a powerful teaching on being healed from spiritual blindness. Drawing from the miraculous story of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9, Pastor Kevin reveals how spiritual blindness affects more than just our sight—it clouds our purpose, our identity, and our relationship with God.
Today’s message centers on healing from unworthiness.Lead Pastor Kevin Barton guides us through the powerful story of the Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus at Jacob’s Well. In this moment, Jesus goes out of His way—breaking social and cultural barriers—to meet her where she is. He reveals Himself as the Messiah and offers her the gift of Living Water. Yet, many today still hesitate to receive that same gift—not because it isn’t offered, but because they feel unworthy.Pastor Kevin draws a striking parallel between the Samaritan woman's shame and the deep, often unspoken sense of inadequacy many of us carry: the feeling of not being good enough, of constantly measuring ourselves against others. With compassion and clarity, Kevin reminds us that God isn’t asking us to be perfect—He’s asking us to let go of the baggage. To step out of shame and into grace. To move forward with Him, free from the lie that we’re not enough to receive God's love.
In this inspiring and truth-filled message, our Lead Pastor, Kevin Barton, guides us through the profound meaning and purpose of baptism. Rooted in the Greek word βαπτίζω (baptizō)—meaning “to immerse” or “to baptize”—this sacred act represents far more than tradition; it is a transformative step of obedience and faith.As we walk through the book of Acts, we see baptism intricately woven into every story of salvation. It is not an optional ritual, but a vital response to the gospel—an outward declaration of an inward change. Join Pastor Kevin as he explores the rich dimensions of baptism, its biblical foundation, and its essential role in the journey of every believer. This message will challenge, equip, and inspire you to see baptism for what it truly is: a powerful testimony of surrender, renewal, and commitment to life in Christ.
Today, Elevate Christian Church is celebrating mothers. Motherhood is both a beautiful gift and one of life’s greatest challenges. Our Lead Pastor, Kevin Baton, shares how moms consistently pour themselves out for the sake of others. Like devoted gardeners, they don’t simply plant seeds and walk away—they spend a lifetime nurturing, watering, and tending to those in their care.To all the moms, we say thank you. We wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day!
Today’s message is truly out of this world, brought to us by Elevate Elder Todd Hindmon. Embracing all things "geeky," Todd draws inspiration from Star Trek—specifically the iconic idea: "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few—or the one." His own prime directive is to show us how we can model our lives after Jesus Christ, who came to earth not to be served, but to serve all of humanity.Todd takes us on a "Trek" through the pages of Scripture, referencing how Jesus laid down His life for us and how, like the Good Shepherd, He leaves the ninety-nine to rescue the one. It’s a message of sacrificial love, service, and the value of every individual soul.
We’re so excited to welcome guest speaker Tim Smith to Elevate Christian Church today! Tim will be sharing a powerful message as we walk through Luke chapters 18 and 19 together, looking at the stories of the rich young ruler and Zacchaeus the tax collector. He’ll help us see the striking difference in how each man responds when they meet Jesus. Every day, we all have a choice to make—will we follow the world’s way, or God’s way? Today, we’re invited to choose change and follow Jesus!
On this Easter Sunday, we rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Lead Pastor Kevin Barton shares a powerful message about having a personal relationship with our living Savior—One who has risen from the grave.Pastor Kevin takes us through John chapter 20, where we witness Mary Magdalene searching for Jesus’ body but encounters two angels instead. Weeping for her savior she doesn't see Him until Jesus speaks her name. Are you seeking the Risen Savior like Mary? Call to Him today and claim the salvation He died for you to have.
Today, our lead pastor, Kevin Barton, shares a deeply personal and powerful story from his own life, illustrating that no depth is too great for God to rescue us from the grip of depression. Kevin draws from Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians, urging us to “take every thought captive” as we navigate this challenging emotion. He also presents three key points to remind us of God’s active presence in our lives. Far from being an absent father, God loves us unconditionally and will never forsake us.
Today, Kevin Barton delves into the powerful story of the woman with the alabaster perfume in Luke 7, who washed the feet of Jesus in an extraordinary act of devotion. We explore the Greek word Proskuneo, which encapsulates the deep, personal worship she offered to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Through her actions, she vividly demonstrates a profound truth: those who are forgiven little, love little; but those who are forgiven much, love much.
Today, Lead Pastor Kevin Barton takes us through Genesis 32, where Jacob wrestles with God, an encounter that changes his name to Israel and leaves him with a symbolic limp.We also explore Paul’s story, once Saul, who pleaded for God to remove his thorn in the flesh. God’s response in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) remains timeless: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Both stories remind us that our struggles and weaknesses are places where God’s grace can transform us. Let us surrender our sins to Him, allowing His grace to work within us, bringing true healing and renewal.
Today's message, delivered by our Lead Preacher Kevin Baton, explores the transformative power of God's grace. Kevin illustrates how God has the ability to turn the bitterness accumulated through years of hardship, pain, and sorrow into a profound sweetness. He challenges us to rise above the limitations of our discontented spirit, urging us to shift our perspective when we lose sight of the bigger picture. Kevin calls us to celebrate God's abundant blessings and reflect on His enduring faithfulness in our lives, reminding us to find joy in His provisions and take solace in what He has accomplished for us.
Welcome to the Elevate Christian Church service for March 16th, 2025. Our Lead Preacher, Kevin Barton, continues to have us reflect on where we are storing our treasures. In todays message, Kevin teaches on the principle of the First Fruits and Bringing those back to God
In his message today, our Lead Preacher, Kevin Barton, challenges us to reflect on where we are storing our treasures. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus, he reminds us of the dangers of materialism and the importance of prioritizing our devotion to God over the pursuit of wealth.
In today's sermon our Lead Preacher Kevin Barton tackles the subject of Doubt. Is normal to doubt God? How do I trust in Him and what should I do if I find myself in a season of doubt.
Ecclesiastes 4:11 illustrates the practical and emotional benefits of being in fellowship with our spouses. We all desire to have a beloved, not just a roommate. Fellowship in marriage provides strength, safety, and a sense of belonging, helping individuals navigate challenges more effectively than they could alone.
The power of partnership in a marriage lies in the unity, mutual respect, and shared purpose that form the foundation of a successful and fulfilling relationship. Marriage is a covenant, not a contract.
The Scriptures are clear that we are all born spiritually lost, poor andwithout hope, but through Jesus we can be given new life. But how often do we stop and stand in awe of the change that we have experienced? Or, to go a step further, how often do we share our story of redemption with others in the hope thatthey will see their own need for salvation and believe?Colossians is a letter about Christ and His work of changing people. Paul dealt thoroughly with the redemption of believers in the first three chapters, but as he moves toward his conclusion, he encourages the reader to consider their own responsibility in sharing the Good News. In this short paragraph Paul speaks to three areas of life that we must consider if we are serious about sharing the Gospel: The way we pray, the way we live and the way we speak.
The church is doing life together with other Christians in a way that reflects the love of God to a watching world.In biblical community, we are to encourage each other, meet together, hold each other accountable, pray for each other, care for each other, speak life into each other, study God's Word together, and grow in faith together. The Apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testament. His writings consisted of letters to different churches during various times of their growth. In short, his letters were instructions on how to live and grow towards each other!
Sin is not something to linger in or play with.Sin is mortally dangerous to the soul. Christians must not rest or become complacent in the battle against sin. Rather, we are to make war against the deeds of the flesh. Paul wrote, “Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature” (Colossians 3:5). Just like Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife, Christians should run from temptation. Like David slayed Goliath, Christians should actively kill sin.
The concept of “keeping in step” suggests a formal dance, where the man often initiates, and the woman follows. Both dancers excel when they move in synchrony, meaning that the woman keeps in step with the man. Considering that the church is Christ’s bride, this analogy seems fitting to illustrate what it means to keep in step with the Spirit.The Spirit initiates the “dance” by convicting sinners of their need for salvation through the gospel witness. He also regenerates our spirit in an act that Jesus calls being “born again”. We respond to the Spirit’s conviction by having faith in the Person and sacrificial work of Christ. The “dance” is set in motion as we begin to live by the Spirit. Although Paul’s instruction may sound abstract, it has practical implications for our daily lives.
Saul was the great enemy of the Church.He murdered Christians and was in his own words, “a violent man”. Saul was feared by the church. Then God moved! Saul came face to face with Jesus and everything changed, including his name. Paul the apostle became the Churches greatest champion. He did all this simply by moving with God. We can have that kind of movement in our lives as well.
The final tree that we will look at is the Cross of Jesus.Peter writes the following words: He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. During this message we will look at the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. We will learn that everything lost from the tree of knowledge can be regained through the cross of Jesus. This is the tree that God celebrates! The cross is the tree that leads us back to the tree of life!
For centuries scholars have tried to answer the question: Why did God put that tree in the garden?Skeptics bring that question up frequently. During this message we will examine the tree of knowledge and see that God allowed it to be put there so that we would have a choice. Love is not love without a choice.
We see the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and then we see it again in “The New Creation” aka heaven.The tree of life teaches us that God came to give us life. In creation God made us to be eternal beings and God desires for us to be part of His New Creation where we will gather around the tree of life!
This memorable story, far from being a moralistic tale about honoring elders or preachers, is a brief glimpse into the age-old war that began in a garden and ended at an empty tomb.Bears may play a significant role here, but the real animal in this overarching story is a serpent. His slithering and slandering tongue was inside the mouths of these mockers. The god whom they served, Baal, was just a mask for Satan. And their fate was a preview of the serpent’s eventual fate. Except it wouldn’t be a bear that mauled this serpent, but a lamb—the Lamb of God—who would take him down. That Lamb’s victory is for Elisha, and for all of us, who live in his resurrection kingdom that will have no end.
In this story; Elisha asks God for a double portion of the blessing that He poured out on the Prophet Elijah.The idea of a double portion was not to ask for twice as much as Elijah had, but to ask for the portion that went to the firstborn son, as in Deuteronomy 21:17. Elisha asked for the right to be regarded as the successor of Elijah, as his firstborn son in regard to ministry. Yet Elisha had already been designated as Elijah’s successor (1 Kings 19:19). This was a request for spiritual power to fulfill the calling he already received. Interestingly, Scripture records exactly twice as many miracles through Elisha (28 miracles) as took place through Elijah (14 miracles).
As believers in Jesus, we are ambassadors of heaven's kingdom.We are situated on the foreign soil of a fallen earth, but this compromised version of it is not our home. We are in the world, but we are not "of the world" John 17:14, 16). Instead of mixing in seamlessly with it, we must remain constantly aware that we are on assignment to represent the interests and ideals of the kingdom from which we've been sent. This means everywhere we go and in everything we do, we are ambassadors for Him. The assignment doesn't change depending on whatever else we are doing each day. We are always on mission. Everyone we meet, when they're around us for any length of time, should be able to tell who we are and what our assignment is, not because we're announcing it but because of the way we live out the ideals of our King and His kingdom. This is what ambassadors do.
During this message we will review the previous 5 weeks and learn that in order to leave our empire behind and to walk toward God’s Kingdom we must practice obedience, generosity, steadfastness, selflessness, and preparation.
I love a good Airbnb. Clean, luxurious, and in a great location. Airbnb uses a five-star rating system.In John 14, Jesus tells us He is going to heaven to prepare a place for us with many rooms. It’s the greatest Airbnb of all time. Jesus will meet us there. When we think about standing face to face with Jesus, are we prepared or panicked?
Synopsis-Jesus said, “On this rock I build my church.”Sometimes we try to make “his” church “our church”. We will examine what a healthy church should look like.
We all have monumental moments in life (towers).In our lives we build towers like families, port folios, businesses, careers, churches, retirements. The biggest tower we build is our faith. This message is about counting the cost of following Jesus. No one should build a tower without first counting the cost.
Walter Scott once said: “If a farmer fills his barn with grain, he gets mice.” We will examine the parable of the rich fool and ask the question: “Where are you storing your treasure?”
Our “house” is what embodies our minds, intellects, emotions, and our wills. Jesus teaches that the most solid fountain to build our house on is obedience.
Inspired by the BEMA podcast, we look at the competing narratives in the Bible: “empire” (the world’s kingdoms) and “shalom” (God’s kingdom).
During this sermon, we will examine the prayer: Send me.Sample Prayer:God, I know You want to use me to show Your love in this world. Give me eyes to see needs of others and a heart that dares to get involved where You are working. God, my life is Yours. Whatever You want, wherever You lead—here I am, Lord, send me.
During this sermon, we will examine the prayer: Break Me.Sample Prayer:God, I know You give grace to the humble. So, I ask You, God, to do a deep work in my heart and break me. Break me of my pride. Break me of my selfishness. Break me of anything that keeps me from knowing You. As hard as it is to ask, God, do whatever it takes to break me.
During this sermon, we will examine the prayer: Search me.Sample Prayer:Heavenly Father, as hard as this is for me, I’m asking You to search me. Search me, God, and know my heart. God, test my motives. Reveal to me my anxious thoughts. Show me anything in me that offends You. God, I want to see in me what You see in me so I can become more like Jesus. God, I ask You to search me.
During this sermon we will address the issue of playing it safe with our prayer life.When we are comfortable, our prayers become safe. We don’t want to upset the preverbal apple cart and mess up a good thing. We will learn that all throughout God’s word, men and women prayed dangerous, life altering prayers. As God’s church, we are called to do the same!
As we wrap of the series we will drive home the point that God does not part of us; He wants all of us.Jesus did not say love the Lord your God with some of your heart, soul, mind and strength. He used the word all. Are we all in?
Loving God with or strength includes the way we take care of our bodies.Are we good stewards of our health and wellbeing? Are we using our strength to be the hands and feet of Jesus? This message will include everything from the way we exercise, eat and rest.
To love God with all your mind means that you love God with your intellect, that you love God with determination and commitment.The intellectual part of our faith is an important component to having a deep love for God. Without this component of intellect, it’s difficult to have a meaningful relationship with the Lord that goes beyond momentary emotions.
Our souls are the core of our being.They make up who we are as a person. The souls determine how we think, how we act and how committed we are to following God’s will.
Loving the Lord with our whole being begins from our heart.Love God with all your affection. Don’t ever think of your salvation as some kind of business transaction in which Jesus Christ does certain things, and then you do certain things and it is all done and settled with a courteous handshake. Christ redeemed you. He shed His blood to bring you to Himself. He does this because He loves you. The relationship into which He brings you is one in which you know Him and you come, increasingly, to love Him.
The text offers 3 important love relationships.1. Loving God. 2. Loving our neighbor. 3. Loving ourselves. All three of these love relationships are tied together. They are stem and start with Loving God.
We will look at the difference between the crowds and the apostles. The crowdwere those who were curious and often astounded by his teaching and ministry yetfor the most part remained neutral or uncommitted. No life or heart change. Theywere spectators, seat warmers, just there to take it all in. During this message wewill ask our people this question: Are you all in or are you here to take it all in.
We will compare the call of the disciples to the rich young ruler. The disciples lefttheir nets and boats to follow Jesus. The rich young ruler went away sad becausehe could not let go of his possessions.
The advent season is a time to celebrate Jesus who is the Prince ofPeace.During this message, we will celebrate the peace that Jesus brings to us!
The Advent season is also a time to celebrate the second advent ofJesus.The purpose of His first advent was to provide atonement for mankind. The purpose of His second advent is to bring His church home. From this message we will learn that He is coming again. We eagerly await Him, but in the meantime, we get to work!
The Advent season is a time to celebrate the power of Jesus.We celebrate His divinity. He entered this world as a helpless baby, but soon His power was revealed. In this message, we will get a glimpse of the power he posses as the Son of God.
The Advent season is about waiting and anticipating.For centuries the Jewish people waited for and anticipated the first advent (His birth). For centuries people have been waiting and anticipating His second advent (His second coming).Isaiah 9:6 is a little verse tucked away that speaks both of His first Advent and His second advent. They both require one very common ingredient: Patience!
It has often been said: “Don’t tell me what you value, show me your calendar and your checkbook, and I’ll tell you what you value.”In this message we will examine the two C’s of generosity: our calendars and our checkbooks. How generous are we with our time and our resources.
During this message we will examine the declarative gifts of the Holy Spirit. There are three of them.A) Prophecy -Message of encouragement from God through a person.B) Tongues- This is a message from God in a language unknown to the personthrough whom the message comes.C) Interpretation – This is understanding and expressing the thought or the intentof the message in tongues.
During this message we will examine the dynamic gifts of the Holy Spirit. Thereare three of them.A) Faith -A supernatural impartation of belief and confidence for a specificsituation.B) Healings – Supernatural endowments of divine health.C) Miracles -Divine intervention that alters our natural circumstances.
During this message we will examine the discerning gifts of the Holy Spirit. Thereare three of them.A) Word of Knowledge- To know something specific without having learned it bynatural means.B) Word of Wisdom- A divine answer or solution for a particular event.C) Distinguishing spirits- To be made aware of the presence of a demonic spirit.
During this message we will examine the discerning gifts of the Holy Spirit.There are three of them.
During this message we will look at two ways that we often insult the Holy Spirit.The Bible calls them grieving the Spirit and quenching the Spirit.
During this service we interviewed Tim Smith who will be traveling to work with the Thailand Mission and Mandy Cook who works with Bread @ Kennesaw State University.
In this message, Jude uses six analogies to describe a person who is devoid of the Spirit.
A person who looks like they follow Jesus on the outside, but on the inside they are empty.
We can't see what we cant see.In this message, we explore 2 ancient metaphors for wisdom that the Gospel of Mark uses to awaken our own awareness of the spiritual path we are invited into that helps us overcome that which we can't see.
In this message we will examine the three woes issued by Jude in verses 10 and 11.
The word woe is a warning that someone has stirred up the Righteous Anger of a Holy God. It is used to express a denunciation, i.e., it is used to pronounce someone or something as blameworthy and evil.
In the message we will examine the deadly progression of sin in our lives.
It starts with disbelief and it ends with death. Only Jesus is able to save us from this progression.
In this message we will look at four characteristics of false prophets.
False prophets exist because the real thing exists. Forgeries are never made of forgeries. They are not the truth, but they are proof of the truth.
There are some things in life worth fighting for.
In Jude 3 we are challenged to contend for the faith. We will examine how we can fight the good fight of faith!
In this message we will look at Jude 1:2.
We will learn that Christians should root for other Christians to succeed. Churches should root for other churches. We are all on the same team!
In this message we will look at the second half of Jude 1:1.
We will learn something about our identity. We are not what other people say we are. We are not what the devil says we are. We are who God says we are. God says we are called, blessed and kept!
In this message we will look at Jude 1:1.
We will learn that Jude did not start out well in his relationship with Jesus. However, he certainly did finish well. This gives us hope! We don’t always start our walk with the Lord well; but it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish!
Life is full of milestones. A baby's first word. A kid's first day of school. First boyfriend, first girlfriend. College, work, retirement - there are all milestones we go through. As believers, there are a few milestones as well. Join us today as Matt walks us through 1 Samuel 7.
Join us as guest speaker Tim Smith gives us his thoughts on one of Jesus' most popular and interesting parables.
In the New Testament, Jesus makes it clear - there are right ways and wrong ways to pray. The good news is that prayer isn't all that complicated. It's not about WHAT you say to God, but HOW and WHY you say it. It starts in the heart - join us as we begin a new series about prayer.
How connected can you be to somebody you never talk to? This week, we're discussing prayer, and how one of the best ways to connect with God... is to just talk to him!
When we connect with God, we are making a connection that transcends the normal human communication. Worship is not just about music, but it's an entire lifestyle.
Our mission at Elevate is to connect people with God and each other. This week we are beginning a brand new series that takes a look at our philosophy of connection as a church, and this week we are talking about the core of what makes a church a church - salvation.
Jesus said that this is the most important teaching in the Scriptures. Well, tied for first anyway. Love your neighbor. Have we ever really thought about what that means, though? Have we ever really considered what that looks like? It might be simpler... but more challenging than we think!
Could you imagine being Joseph, as the birth of Jesus drew nearer and nearer? The fear? The doubt? The anxiety? The questions? Often, we find ourselves confused and scared at what God is telling us, but we can know, for sure, that we can trust in him.
The story and essence of Christmas is the very presence of God, here, on Earth, with us. Not distant. Not unknown. But HERE. And Jesus is the greatest gift of all.
Following Jesus can sometimes be scary, but even when things feel scary or you feel ill-equipped, God calls us to be courageous, for he is with us! Join us as Rick, our children's minister, guides us through a couple New Testament examples of the Brave and the Bold!
Life is full of ups, downs, challenges, struggles, triumphs, defeats, and everything in between. Join one of our deacons, Allen, as he shares some of his thoughts and testimony about what God has done and is doing.
Some places are amazing because what's there. Some places are amazing because of what is NOT there. Heaven is great for both. Join us as we wrap up this series.
Believe it or not, although separated by thousands of years and generations of people, the book of Genesis and the Book of Revelation (the first and last books of the Bible) mirror each other in a profound way. Join us as we continue our series "O, Death" where we talk about life, death, heaven, hell, and what it means for us this side of eternity.
What is "Paradise," in the Bible? Is it Heaven, like Christians have historically thought throughout the history of the church? Or is it something else entirely? Kevin explains his unique position in this week as we begin to wind down our series on death, the afterlife, and what it means for us here and now.
There's a story in the New Testament that Jesus tells that is meant to give us an idea about what awaits us after death - many Bibles call this "The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man." But what if there were more to this story than meets the eye? What if it weren't actually a parable at all? Kevin explains his position in week three of "O, Death!"
Hell. It's not exactly a subject sane, well-rounded people just enjoy talking about, but the reality is that it's a biblical truth we must address. Heck (little joke, there), Jesus talked more about Hell than he did about Heaven. Join us as we continue our series today about death, the afterlife, and what it means for us in the here and now.
Why are we so afraid of death? Is death the end? This October, join us at Elevate Christian Church as we explore the topic of death, dying, heaven, hell, and what it means for us all anyway.
Compassion boils down to a very simple question: are we loving people like Jesus did? Like Jesus does? Are we including everyone at his table? Or are we still trying to pick and choose who is worthy of compassion, and of his love? Join us as we wrap up our series today with a message from Will.
We've heard the story of Jesus feeding the 4000 time and time again, but why did he do it? Just to show off? Or was it a deeper sign of love and compassion he was displaying for all people?
Zacchaeus - an often over-looked player in the New Testament (that is, unless, you're a kid in vacation Bible school who learned the song), but one that can teach us a lot about the compassion of Christ. Those who are scored, pushed aside... even the worst of us... are drawn to Christ and can become one of his.
In the story of "The Woman Caught in Adultery," the title alone implies the villain of the story was the sinful woman... but not so with Jesus. With Jesus, those who will receive the most judgement from God are those who judge others most harshly. The compassion of Jesus often looks like turning a blind eye to sin for the super religious, but his arms are open wide... no matter what we've done.
In Biblical times, folks with leprosy were often ostracized and marginalized, forced to life an isolated life all alone. But Jesus reached out to such people, and calls us to do the same. Maybe you don't know anybody with leprosy, but you know someone who needs that same kind of compassion
When we look at Jesus' compassion, he offered it to those who had been pushed to the edges of society. The crowds who were hurting and oppressed were the people who Christ sought out, and so should be the same with us. Join us as we begin our new series "Heart of the Savior."
Memorial Day is a special holiday set aside for us to remember and consider the brave men and women in the US military who gave their lives defending our country throughout time. In Christianity, there is a 'memorial' we partake in often that serves the same purpose. It goes by many names - The Lord's Supper. The Eucharist. Communion. At Elevate, we take Communion every week. This Memorial Day, let's discuss why we do so.
We wrap up our really, really long series on the armor of God by looking at a warning from scripture: that there are some out there who purposefully and deceptively preach a false Gospel. What are we to do when it comes to keeping our armor ready to go?
Just like an amazing smartphone without any battery charge to it, so is the armor of God without the "charging" of the Holy Spirit. How do we, then, pray in the Spirit? What could that change in our lives?
Join us as we continue to examine the Bible as the Sword of God, as described by the Apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians.
Paul calls the Word of God "a sword." It cuts through to the deepest part of a person. It is our weapon against our enemy, it is an offensive tool that allows us to strike back against deception, against oppression, and against all that would dare try to pull us away from the Lord. In fact, it may very well be the most important part of the Armor of God.
Jesus. Fully God, Fully man. Often, in Christianity, we focus so much on the theological, doctrinal, spiritual aspect of Christ that we forget his human side. Jesus was and is a person - he walked among us, he spoke and lived like we do, and yet was without sin. How can we shift our thinking into considering the fact that Jesus was a man as well as God?
Easter. Resurrection Day. It's the the crux of our lives as Christians. It's the day where our entire focus is the resurrected life of Jesus Christ. This is gonna be good.
In battle, the most important part of the body to protect is, without a doubt, the head. In Ephesians, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God, including the "helmet of Salvation." This is the most important part of the armor - what does that mean for us in our day to day?
As we talk about the armor of God, think about this - what is the biggest piece? What even IS righteousness? Join us as we continue our series.
As we shift from talking about the "War Within," to "The Outer War," we introduce the two other enemies of the Spirit - the "World," and the Accuser himself: Satan.
Almost every battle our flesh faces against the Spirit has something to do with either sex or money, doesn't it? Sex and money are actually great, good things - gifts from God! But the flesh always struggles against the Spirit behind those good things, and because those things are such a big part of our lives, we need to be ready. The solution? The armor of God.
When it comes to the war between the flesh and the Spirit, a laser-focused strategy is often best. But with all the distractions leading us more often toward sin instead of God, how do we counteract those impulses?
One of the best ways we can continue to fight in this battle between the "Flesh" and the Spirit is to continuously be "washed in the word," as Paul puts it. Consistently accessing and learning from the scriptures is critical to knowing the heart and mind of God. But, honestly? That can be tough. Join us as we discuss why, even when it's hard and it feels like you're not getting anything from the Bible, it's important to stay diligent anyway.
Jesus prayed for us, that we would have not perfect doctrine, that we would correctly interpret scripture, that we would be sinless, or that we would save the world... but that we would be united. Join us as we talk about what it means to "choose unity," even when we don't want to.
In each of us, there is a raging battle. Often we think of "spiritual warfare" as us against demons and the devil... but more often, the battle that rages is the Spirit of God and our own flesh. Join us as we begin setting the stage for the battle we all face, every day.
Each year, there's a chance to start again with fresh perspectives, new opportunities, and a new calendar to begin again. Join us as we discuss the things in the new year to retain, release, and remember.
The birth of Jesus came about in such a way that is far less dramatic and theatrical than you'd expect the incarnate, son of the most high to be! Join us as our guest speaker, Tim, walks us through the extraordinarily un-extraordinary birth of Jesus.
As we kick off the Christmas season, we have a special guest speaker (Tim Smith) who is going to share with us the good news of Christmas, and why it matter that it was first given to the most unlikely of people.
There seems to be a rhythm to the universe God created, and we see that manifest in the stars, in the people God has created, and in Christ himself.
As we wrap up this series, let's get a little vulnerable about how the fruit of the Holy Spirit interacts with us and others on a daily basis.
Remember - the Bible says that the Holy Spirit produces "fruit" in our lives - singular! Join us as we discuss this week.
As we begin our new series on the Holy Spirit, we ask ourselves a question... are we full of fruit? Or full of... something else?
The raven. The dove. The rainbow. What do these have to do one another? And why do they matter to God's promise to us?
The flood. Judgement. It's coming for all of us. What keeps us safe from the verdict we so greatly deserve?
What exactly is an ark? It's not a boat or a ship. It's a box. It's the box God designed and Noah built as sort of a fallout shelter when God would flood the world - it was the place where Noah and his family would find salvation. If Noah reflects Christ, what does the Ark reflect?
The most popular Bible story in the whole world might just be the story of Noah and his ark. Noah was unlike anybody else of his generation - he stood out. How can we be like Noah and "stand out" in the time we find ourselves in?
As we wrap up this series, we read about the kind of heart that Jesus speaks about in his teaching as being the kind that produces life change - the fruitful heart.
In our lives, there are a lot of things that can choke out our pursuit of a relationship with God. Jesus said that those things can be like weeds and thistles, crowding out our hearts and killing the seeds he has planted in our hearts. How do we weed out that garden, so to speak, so our faith can grow?
Jesus taught us that we should love God with our whole mind. Sometimes, our faith story is based more on feelings and fear, thus creating a shallow heart. What do we do about that?
Before there were modern personality tests that put people in boxes, Jesus taught a way that actually categorizes people based on something that matters most of all - the condition of their hearts. We kick off this new series by looking at one of those hearts: the 'hard heart.'
The longest season of our existence comes after we leave this life - the season of eternity. The truth is that everybody spends eternity somewhere, either with Jesus or without him. Everything else in this life is nothing compared to that season. So where will YOU end up?
Towards the end of our lives, the "winter" season sets in. We don't move as fast as we used to, and a lot of things that once excited us don't anymore. We are longing for a home we've never been to, but we know who is king of our lives and where we're going!
Middle age. It's a time of reflection, assessment, and change. There is a season for everything, and the "fall" season of life is all about decisions and growth. Can we trust God in the midst of all the change and transitions?
When we reach age 20, we enter the 'summer' season of our lives, which can be categorized with one word: busy. If we're not careful, and don't seek out rest and time with God and some time for ourselves, we're on a one-way road to burnout... or worse.
To kick off our new series about the different stages of life, we begin with... well, the beginning. Our youth. The first twenty years of our life. What does the Bible have to say about being a young person? What does the world try to tell you about being a young person?
When Jesus was resurrected, one of the very first things he did was fry up some breakfast with some of his disciples, and reminded them of who he was and what was at stake. Jesus, the one who was and is fully God and fully man, loves the world and every person in it so completely and totally that nothing could stand in his way of salvation for all who believe. Join us as we wrap up our "Gone Fishing" series.
When it comes to doing the work of God, He will always provide a way. He serve Jesus because he love him, and because we love him, we do what he says! He has instructed us to become fishers of men... so let's get out there and do it!
You can't out-give God. He is generous and when you decide to let your generosity reflect his generosity, it changes everything.
There is a through-line that leads through the entire Old Testament and ends up being fulfilled by Jesus in the New Testament - to be a blessing to all people. Today, we examine why Jesus focused on blessing the nations through his church rather than establishing an earthly kingdom.
Our job as believers is to cast a wide net, not pick and choose what fish should be caught. That's God's job. We're not to judge or sort or select which fish are worthy of God's love. Join us this week as we talk about casting a wide net!
Jesus told the first disciples, who were fisherman, that they would become 'fishers of men.' What on earth does that even mean? Join us for week two of our summer series, "Gone Fishin'!"
In the Old Testament, we see a story about the construction of a place called "The Fish Gate" in ancient Jerusalem that Jesus and his Disciples often used in the New Testament. Jesus calls his disciples to be 'fishers of men,' so what does that mean? And what does it mean to enter through the "Fish Gate?"
We all know that anger isn't a great thing. In Christian circles, we often talk about "righteous anger," as a way of justifying our anger, dressing it up as something holy, but this is a lie. Join us today as we speak about anger, and what God commands us to do with it when it shows up in our lives.
Time. It's not unlimited, and we don't live forever. For those of us who are parents, time with our kids are so, so valuable. How do we spend our time wisely with our kids? Enjoy the worship set and this mini-message today!
Today is Pentecost Sunday, which is the birthday of the Church! It is the day, two thousand years ago, when the Holy Spirit came onto the scene and changed the world forever. Join us as we close out our "Third Person" series and celebrate the Holy Spirit, the God who is always with us.
Human sexuality is something we all experience and deal with, just like everybody else has from the beginning of time. God invented sex, and the Holy Spirit of God has told us how to experience it in a godly, holy way.
This Mother's Day, we talk about what moms are best at - comfort. Sometimes, though, Mothers Day is not a happy occasion for all of us, and we find ourselves lacking comfort. The Holy Spirit is not only a great comforter, he's known as THE Comforter! Join us as we talk about him today.
The Bible tells us not to quench or grieve the Holy Spirit, but what on earth does that mean, exactly? Quenching means not doing something good when you know you should, and grieving means to do something bad when you know you shouldn't. How do we know what that is, though?
The Holy Spirit is God who lives within those who believe. He's the one you can always go to, always talk to, always speak to, and always trust. Do we treat him like our friend? Or some disembodied spirit?
As we begin our study of the Holy Spirit, we talk about how it's actually a GOOD thing that Chris has gone and left the Holy Spirit here with us instead. He's our Helper!
We finish off our walk through the Gospel of John with the story of Lazarus, whose resurrection from the dead sets the stage for what is not only the climax of the book of John... but the climax to the story of eternity. Happy Easter.
Jesus said that he was the light of the world... but only while he was here in the world. Now, we, his people, are called to be the light of the world!
Freedom is something we all value in one way or another. Jesus offers us true freedom that can't be taken away by anything or anybody. But, sometimes, we feel like we're better off in chains.
Everybody likes bread, right? I mean, unless you have a gluten allergy or are on a keto diet. But, you know, bread is awesome. But the thing about bread (or any food) is that you can stuff yourself with it... but you're going to get hungry again. We all hunger for something, and if you're hungry enough... you'll eat anything. Jesus calls himself the bread of life, and when you "eat" what he has for you, you'll never grow hungry again.
There are different ways we, as human beings, have sought healing throughout the ages. Sometimes, we go after superstitions to cure what ails us. Is Jesus more than just superstition? Is he more of a healer than, say, knocking on wood or picking up a good luck penny? We think so!
Sometimes, when there's a wound in the body, the germs that can get in there and cause an infection are worse that the wound itself. You need something to wash it clean - not old, dead, stagnant water, but fresh, living water. We all have a wound we carry. Sometimes, they have scarred over, but sometimes they run deep. Jesus is the only true way of washing those wounds clean and the only one who offers healing.
We're all been bitten and have a poison running through our veins. Can we admit it? What is the cure?
Sin is something that affects all of us. It's a sickness, a disease, that we carry with us from birth. Who can cure us of this terminal illness? Here's a hint, his name starts with a "J" and ends with "esus."
In America, the word "king" rubs us the wrong way. We think of foreign tyrants or absent figureheads, don't we? Join us today as we discuss who the King really is in our lives, and how maybe... we've had the wool pulled over our eyes.
John the Baptist was called "the greatest man who ever lived"... by Jesus himself! That's quite the comment! John's work was to "cry out in the wilderness and make straight the path of the Lord." What does that look like for us, today?
Join us as we kick our our new series, "Rediscover Jesus," where we go into all the amazing, incredible, and almighty titles that Jesus Christ holds in sculpture.
Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow... but what about those of us who are wrapped up in yesterday? Our mistakes, our regrets, our shame, our mistakes? The past can haunt us and give us anxiety more than the future does! Join us as we talk about how Jesus is the God of our futures and our yesterday.
As we begin our new series where we explore the seven feasts of Leviticus 23, we start with a celebration most of us are familiar with: Passover. But what does an ancient Jewish feast have to do with modern day Christians?
We've been talking a lot about Angels and Demons in this series, but how do they operate in the world today? How do they function and effect us in our current time? Join us as we finish off this series with this service.
Demons are creatures with thoughts, feelings, ideas, and motivations, just like other living creatures. Join us today as we explore the nature of demons and how we can resist the plans of the Enemy.
It's become a thing in Christianity to lump 'fallen angels' and 'demons' together as the same creature, but is that true? Maybe they're different? Maybe there's a different explanation?
The Bible tells us that, in order to withstand the onslaught of the Enemy, everyday we should wake up and 'put on the full armor of God.' What does that mean? Armor is built for warfare - join us and one of our deacons, Allen, as we discuss!
There is a battle for the very soul of the planet going on all around us that we can't even see... a battle between angels and demons. This week, join us as we kick off this exciting and interesting series where we discuss the different types of angels found in the Bible and how they might be different than the cute, chubby baby angels of pop culture.
We've spent a lot of time talking about light... but where do we come in? What does Jesus mean when he calls US the light of the world? "A city on a hill cannot be hidden..." Let's be lights to this world.
When we are surrounded by darkness, it's hard to find our way. It's like driving down a stormy highway, at night, with no headlights. When Jesus, the light of the world, is guiding and leading us towards light, it makes all the difference.
Join us for part three of our series entitled "Light" where we walk through the Bible and see what God has to say about the subject of light.
Today, we'll be discussing the story of Gideon and his 300 men, and how God used a small number of people and some light to win a battle against a huge army and turn the tide of a war.
The first words recorded in the Bible spoken by God are, "Let there be light." Jesus calls himself and his followers the "light of the world." Join us as we kick off a new series, called "Light."
Sometimes,we will, as Christians, replace God with our religion. We will mistake Bible knowledge or church attendance or theology with knowing and being close to Jesus. That's such a big mistake because there is nothing like knowing the person of Christ rather than just belonging to the religion of Christianity! What would our world and church look like if we changed our focus?
As we wrap up our series on the prodigal son, we ask the question: in the story, who was the REAL prodigal? Who was the one who gave something away, extravagantly?
Sometimes, a change in thinking is necessary. When we 'shift gears,' we turn our attention from something to something else. In the story of the prodigal son, when the young man realizes just how far he's fallen, he has a choice to make: to stay where he is, or return home to his father. That question is being asked of us, too - will we stay where we are? Or will we run back home to the Father, who loves us?
We've all been there. A place where we feel our absolute lowest. Where we feel like it can't get any worse. Where is God when you find yourself in the mud and dirt? Waiting for you to come home.
Sometimes, it's easy to forget that God, our Father, loves us despite what we've done or where we've been. Sometimes, even when we want to 'repent' we focus on our badness rather than Jesus' goodness! Join us as we discuss today.
It's obvious to us which son in the parable of the prodigal son is far from the far, but have you ever thought about the other son? How he was just as isolated? Turns out, there are many ways to isolate yourself from God, whether that's running away... or even being in the same room.
In Luke 15, Jesus gives us three key lessons in what it's like for God to pursue the people far from him. Join us as we explore two of these - the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin
Both Jesus and the Enemy stand at the door. The devil waits behind it, waiting like a lion to devour you, but Jesus waits and knocks - if you let him in, it changes everything! Join us as we close out our series on Cain and Abel.
Anger rarely stay with the person it originates with - it gets passed along easier than we'd like it to. Join us as we continue speaking on anger in the Cain and Abel story.
There are a lot of angry people in our world today. Somebody is angry about something, all the time. Is anger ever righteous? Where does anger come from? Where does our OWN anger ever come from? Join us today as we discuss Cain and Abel, and the all important question that God asked him... "Why are you so angry?"
Cain and Abel both brought offerings to God, but God accepted Abel's and rejected Cain's. Is it even possible to worship God inappropriately? Can we worship God with bad motives? Join us as we talk about worshiping God in spirit and in truth today!
The story of Cain and Abel is playing itself out today. The name Abel means "breath" or "vapor." When we let hatred and anger drive us, we lose perspective - that life is but a vapor. Join us today as we discuss!
James, in the New Testament, specifically points to Job, in the Old Testament, as a prime example for patience. Join us as we take a look at the incredible tale of Job, and how, even in the midst of the worst things the Enemy can throw at us, we have a Savior who declares us victorious!
James tells us that, in our patience, we are to "remember the Prophets." Join us as we take a look at the longsuffering of the prophets of the Old Testament.
Patience, we're told, is a virtue. James says that patience is integral to the life of a believer, but we're not always the best at that, are we? Join us as Kevin leads us with a message about patience
The Bible says "The prayer of a righteous man is very effective." But who among us can be considered righteous? Does that mean God doesn't hear ANY of our prayers? Let's discuss what that means.
James tells us how and when to pray for the sick. What does that look like for us, today?
With everything going on these days, it is more important than ever to pray. James says that, whether you are suffering or are well, prayer and praise should be our response. Join us as we explore why we believe now is the time to pray!
James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you." In times as turbulent and uncertain as these, God is the only unchanging, trustworthy thing that we can rely on. Join us today as we discuss "drawing near" to God.
Jesus Christ is our hope. His resurrection is the proof that he is who he said he was, and that death is forever defeated and we belong to God. Join us online in celebrating the empty tomb, and the risen savior!
The shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35. Most people know it - "Jesus wept." In these two little words, there's a lot to unpack. Why is Jesus weeping? What would make the God and creator of the universe experience such deep emotion? And what does that have to do with Easter and Palm Sunday? Kevin unpacks these two little words.
Life is short. How do we live it well? During all this craziness with the coronavirus, it's one the forefront of our mind more than ever, isn't it? The Bible calls life a vapor - here today, and gone tomorrow. How do we learn the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom?
Wisdom - something everyone desires, but few people actually have. What does the Bible have to say about wisdom? Join Kevin as we explore what the book of James and the book of Proverbs have to say about wisdom.
The words we speak have the power to change the world... for better or for worse. This week, Kevin talks about the tongue, and what the book of James has to say about controlling your speech.
James uses some pretty powerful words to describe the different kinds of faith we can have. Is just believing in God enough? Is knowing about God enough? Or does our faith require action? Kevin discusses James, chapter 2, in week three of "Alive and Well."
Where does temptation come from? Does it come from God? The devil? Maybe from ourselves? Kevin talks about what the book of James says about temptation, and how we can overcome it in part two of "Alive and Well."
As we begin our study in the book of James, Kevin teaches us about what the Bible teaches about trials. What do we do when trials and struggles come our way? What does the Bible say about the difficult times in our life?
We kick off a brand new series where we take a look at Deuteronomy, chapter 6, where we are called to "love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and all our might." But what does that look like, for us? Kevin walks us through what it means to love God with our hearts.
When the Bible says we are to love the Lord with all our might, what exactly does that mean? Kevin closes out our New Years' series with a call to focus on Jesus in everything we do.
What does it mean to "Love the Lord with all your soul?" Kevin walks us through just what that means, and how we can love the Lord from the very core of our being.