The Sunday Sessions: Recent Episodes
Onalaska Church of Christ
Located in Onalaska, Wisconsin, Onalaska Church of Christ is a congregation where people are welcomed as visitors and quickly become friends and family. OCC is dedicated to the spiritual and educational growth of all ages. Our church is deeply rooted in scripture. If you are looking for a church home or spiritual guidance, we would love to help you find answers! We can't wait to meet you!
Because God has generously entrusted every believer with gifts, opportunities, and resources, faithfulness to Jesus means investing what you've been given - not burying it - so that His Kingdom grows.
You are uniquely created by God to uniquely influence and invite others to Christ and His Church.
Being a fisher of people means we influence and invite others to Christ and His Church.
Repentance is not a one-time moment of shame but a daily gift of grace - the ongoing act of trusting Jesus enough to turn around and follow Him.
You are qualified for eternity and purpose not because of anything you've done, but because God sent Jesus to take your sin and give you his righteousness - making you fully fit to receive His inheritance.
Every Christian is a pilgrim - passing through this world with a clear destination to heaven - and the daily choice to follow Jesus rather than living for self.
A Christian is someone so filled with Jesus - the living water - that grace and truth naturally overflow into the lives of the people around them.
When you put your faith in Jesus, you become a completely new person. This means owning your identity, throwing off the old life, and intentionally putting on the character of Jesus every day.
When you become a Christian, you didn't just receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit's presence in your life - you became a living, necessary member of Christ's body, the Church. And that membership calls you to belong (worship together), grow (in community), and serve (with your gifts).
Because Jesus is the light of the world, every Christian already carries His light - and we're called to own that identity, shine it openly, and stay close to the source so the world around us can find its way to Him.
Because Jesus has loved us by seeing us, showing up for us, and believing the best about us - we're called to love each other the same way.
God has made you a jewel - precious, purposeful, and place - so that you will reflect the light of Jesus and find your place within the body of Christ.
A Christian imitates Jesus by walking in love - how we think, talk, and act toward others.
A Christian gives cheerfully because they know God is the source of all they have, giving is an act of worship, and God will always provide more to give.
To experience true freedom, you must receive God's forgiveness, believe God's forgiveness, and live in God's forgiveness.
Our guest speaker, Curtis McGinnis from Crossroads Church Partners, spoke to us about how culture influences our minds. He referenced Romans and 2 Corinthians to explain that while we are made new, we are also in the process of renewing our minds. We are living in the already but not yet. So how do we change? How do we live out that new life?
A Christian is an Example. We're called to be an example in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
A Christian is dwelled-in. When Jesus makes His home in our hearts. His presence transforms us, His presence empowers us, and His presence assures us.
A Christian is a citizen of heaven. If you’re a follower of Jesus, heaven isn’t just a place you’re going someday – it’s the place you belong to right now.
Because of Jesus, a Christian is not a fearful slave trying to earn God's approval, but an adopted child who belongs to God's family, relates to Him as a loving Father, and lives with a secure identity and future.
Because time is a gracious but limited gift from God, we're called to live wisely with eternity in mind - redeeming every moment by investing our lives in what matters most.
God invites ordinary people to participate in His extraordinary plan - and our response determines whether we are spectators or contributors.
When God seems quiet or absent, He is still present and actively working, often building faith, preparing believers, or workings in ways that we cannot see.
God invites us to bring our questions - and He gives us evidence to trust that the story of Jesus is absolutely true.
You find your God-given purpose not by waiting for a bigger moment, but by faithfully pouring yourself out in love, trust, and service right where God has placed you.
God doesn't shame us for our anxiety; He meets us in it. Through prayer, perspective, and the promises of His Word, we can experience peace that surpasses understanding - even when life feels overwhelming.
Gossip may seem harmless, but Scripture reveals it as a heart issue that destroys trust, divides community, and dishonors God. When our words tear others down, we step out of step with the Spirit. God calls us to use our words to heal, not to harm.
Jesus weeps because He longs for people to experience the peace, purity, and presence of God— but when we harden our hearts or misplace our priorities, we miss the very Savior who came to save us.
Jesus is the King who deserves our praise – not because He gives us what we want, but because He is who we need.
Our guest speaker Rusty Hedger continues our series in Luke 19 with the Parable of the Ten Minas. Jesus is going to come back one day and he's going to ask what did you do with what I gave you?
Jesus seeks and saves the lost, no matter how far they've wandered. Our response is repentance that leads to transformation.
Healthy families grow out of healthy communication. When we are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry, we reflect Christ in our homes and create an atmosphere where love and faith can flourish.
"The greater our understanding and fear of God's wrath, the greater our understanding and appreciation of God's mercy and love in sending Christ to redeem us." -Bill Daily
Righteousness isn't found in ourselves. We are "justified" or declared righteous by God based on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. It is only by God's grace through faith in Jesus that we are saved.
Our faith is strengthened when we persevere in prayer, trusting that God hears and will answer in His timing and in His way.
When you feel overwhelmed, God is not far - He's your refuge, your listener, and your deliverer.
When life gets hard, when people are unjust, and when evil feels overwhelming - God is still your help.
The Holy Spirit is our God Positioning Spirit. He already knows where we are spiritually, and He knows when we have wandered off and have turned away from God. And He knows precisely how to get us back on the right path to God who is already waiting for us.
True preparedness for Jesus' return begins in the heart, shapes how we live each day, and requires letting go of anything that keeps us from fully following Jesus.
True thankfulness begins with awareness, expresses itself through action, and draws us into deeper relationship with Jesus.
Followers of Jesus are called to be agents of forgiveness and to serve faithfully, not because it's easy, but because that's what really matters.
How we steward what we have now shows what we truly treasure - and it shapes our eternity.
Jesus shed his blood and gave his life for our sins so that we wouldn't have to experience spiritual death and eternal separation from God. Jesus is the source of life, not death.
For God, nothing less than total freedom and wholehearted worship will do. Just as He called His people out of slavery in Egypt, He calls us out of our bondage to sin.
From the life of Moses, we learn that God calls in His TIMING and in His WAY, God uses IMPERFECT people for His MISSION, and God EQUIPS those He CALLS.
Do you know that God is always with you and really knows you? Have you ever tried to run or hide from Him? Our guest speaker David Upchurch shares Psalm 139 to reminds us that God really knows us.
In Luke 14, we see Jesus dealing with five different kinds of people and exposing what was false in their hearts. From the hearts of the people in the crowd, we learn to not be divided in our devotion. Following Jesus is costly, but He is worth it.
In Luke 14, we see Jesus dealing with five different kinds of people and exposing what was false in their hearts. From the heart of the host, we learn that God wants us to serve without expecting anything in return. From the heart of the Jews, we learn to not allow worldly distractions to keep us from God.
In Luke 14, we see Jesus dealing with five different kinds of people and exposing what was false in their hearts. From the Pharisee and his guests, we learn to value people over power and humility over the recognition of others.
This message will show us what it means to be a member of God's Church (One Body with Many Parts), why every member is essential, and how we can live out our God-given roles.
Deacons are the servants of the church who lead with their works. They lead alongside the elders as a vital part of the body.
Elders are God's plan for shepherding the church. It's important that we learn what an elder is, what qualifies an elder to serve, and what elders do as they shepherd the church.
Jesus is the Head of the Church. He is the Apostle who plants the church, the Leader who builds the church, and the Senior Pastor and Chief Shepherd who rules the church.
Building a habit of prayer should be a natural byproduct of a growing relationship with Jesus. We can build a habit of prayer by warming up in the word, choosing dependable habits, and learning to pray strategically.
The value of the Lord's Prayer is in using it as a "model" for our own conversations with God: praising Him, asking for His will in our life, requesting what we need, confessing our sins, and receiving forgiveness.
The value of the Lord's Prayer is in using it as a "model" for our own conversations with God: praising Him, asking for His will in our life, requesting what we need, confessing our sins, and receiving forgiveness.
Prayer is the most practical way to have a relationship with God. When a believing person prays, great things happen.
Unless we understand the events of Easter, it's impossible to grasp the heart of Christmas.
God is mindful of us, and mightier than us. The truth that God is both all-caring and all-powerful should make our hearts rejoice!
Spending time with non-Christian family members and friends can be a challenge around the holidays. Thankfully, God has given us timeless principles in His Word that we can apply to every situation we encounter. In this message, we will look at 4 Biblical Don'ts and 4 Biblical Do's that will help us balance conviction and love.
Our guest speaker Sam Helgerson spoke today about 1 John 5:11-13. This is one of the great “Assurance of Salvation” passages.
We serve a generous God who calls His people to follow His example by leading the way in spreading generosity.
"What does a person look like who has truly met God? He walks with a limp." This message will challenge believers to do a spiritual check-up, assessing how God has changed our lives.
God always keeps his promises, He knows our needs before we even ask, and He is determined to save sinners.
The beginning of Joseph's life teaches us that God gives us good gifts. We can use these gifts for self-service or sacrificial service to God and others. God will always provide us with a way to escape temptation. The life of Joseph ultimately points us to Jesus.
Sibling rivalry is a theme throughout Genesis. Ishmael persecuted Isaac, Jacob left home so Esau couldn't kill him, Joseph's brothers intended to kill him but decided to sell him as a slave, and Cain murdered his brother Abel. When sin entered the human race, it gave us dysfunctional and fractured families. Only God can put dysfunctional families back together.
Genesis 1 and 2 act as the reference point; the beginning point for all things. It is the beginning point for God to reveal Himself, His power, His plan, and His purpose for us throughout the rest of the Old and New Testaments.
Psalm 95 is part of a collection of hymns that include Psalms 90-100. This Psalm is an invitation to worship for God's people. The invitation is to sing, shout, kneel, and to be changed from the inside out.
Psalm 92 is a great psalm to begin the day with. Here we're reminded about God's love and faithfulness, the greatness of His works, and the depths of His thoughts. This is a starting point for our worship as we seek to be the people God has called us to be.
Our guest speaker Leland Sawyer asks us if we are doing our part. To help us see what our part is, he breaks down the story about the healing of the paralytic man.
We are called to forgive others in response to how we have been forgiven in Christ. Forgiveness kills the root of bitterness in our own lives.
If faith is caught more than taught, then we should first focus on our own personal relationship with Christ.
The data is in, and the average American has fewer and fewer true friends. We've grown increasingly lonelier over time. Have we forgotten about friendship? There are important lessons about friendship that we can learn from recent studies, church history, and most importantly God's Word.
Our guest speaker David Upchurch brought to us a message from the Old Testament when Elisha watched Elijah taken up in to heaven and he asked us to ponder this question: "What are you doing to replace yourself?"
In Haggai 1, God's people are asked to consider their ways. They had been building and handling their house while neglecting God's house. Are you doing the same in your Christian walk?
The Holy Spirit promises to give us the PUSH we need to live the life God has called us to live.
Our guest speaker, Gary Black, calls us into the lifelong journey of following Jesus by teaching us about the stages of faith we face. What stage of faith are you in?
Don't lose sight of what we've been called to do, and the freedom and responsibility that we've been given in Christ.
Human tragedies are not always divine punishments. There are consequences for every action, but God is not singling sinners out to punish them today. We are all guilty before God and will face judgment one day. We will parish unless we repent of our sins and turn to God. In Christ, we can live the kind of lives that produce good fruit for God.
While following Jesus causes division within our biological families, we're adopted into God's forever family. As we live for Jesus, we learn how to recognize and be ready for God's judgement.
The themes in Luke 12 all go together. One of the best ways to over come hypocrisy, greed, and worry is to wait and watch for the Lord's return. We do this by working faithfully for Him today!
There is a relationship between wealth and worry. People who are satisfied only with the things money can buy are in great danger of losing the things that money cannot buy. A dependency on wealth and material possessions quickly leads to worry because our trust is in the world, not God.
We need to have pure hearts to rid ourselves of any hypocrisy because the day will come when the real condition of our hearts will be revealed. God is looking for zealous hearts who desire to live for Him.
Our world and our generation aren't all hat different from theirs in the first century. Everyone today wants a sign also. Everyone wants to have a special experience. People are looking for a feeling. But Jesus has already given us everything we need to believe in and follow Him.
It's popular in our culture today for people to sit on the fence and be un-committed. The world wants us to be accepting of all opinions. Jesus wants us to understand that if we are not with him completely, then we are against him.
The value of the Lord's Prayer is in using it as a "model" for our own conversations with God, praising Him, asking for His will in our lives, requesting what we need, confessing our sins, and receiving forgiveness.
The value of the Lord's Prayer is in using it as a "model" for our own conversations with God: praising Him, asking for His will in our life, requesting what we need, confessing our sins, and receiving forgiveness.
Our guest speaker Bill Daily shares with us the nature of faith though the lives of Abraham, Moses, David, John the Baptist, Thomas, Peter and Jesus.
The best gifts are relational gifts. God gave Himself to us. We give ourselves to one another.
How we spend money around the holidays tells a story. We cannot serve both God and money. What story will your spending tell?
Our hearts are formed by what we worship. What do we worship during the Advent season? "Jesus" is the right answer, but is it the true answer?
Grace, gratefulness, and glory to God are all demonstrated in this portion of scripture.
Do we often go beyond that one day a year when it comes to thanking God for everything that He has done for us? Do we give thanks regardless of what is going on in our lives, or do we tend to only give thanks when things are going well in our life, and we can actively see God blessing us?
"God allows us to experience anger because there are certain kinds of anger that we should have towards certain situations." "Anger is often misunderstood, and as a result, wrongly used."
As the Church, we should remember what God has done, celebrate what God is doing, and trust God with the future.
When God knocks on the door of your heart and asks, "are you interruptible" what will you say?
The world seeks joy in all the wrong places. True and lasting joy can only be found in Jesus.
Contentment doesn't come naturally. It's learned as we grow in our relationship with Jesus.
In this passage, Jesus taught his disciples three important lessons about His person, His sacrifice, and His kingdom.
The feeding of the 5000 was a sermon in action. It gave the opportunity for the disciples to demonstrate compassion, see a problem as an opportunity for God to work, and to give God what they had, trusting Him with the rest. In the crisis hours of life, when your resources are low and your responsibilities are great, it's good to remember that God already has the problem solved.
Ministry can be demanding. If you have given yourself to Kingdom Work, you have accepted the call to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. As important as it is to use your gifts to serv God, it's also important to find time to rest.
Our elder Rich Pierce spoke to us this Sunday about Matthew 10:26-31 and the song based on those verses.
When God saves a lost sinner, you can see the change in the way they talk, walk, and dress. It's impossible to hide life!
Jesus braved a dangerous storm o get to a man who was possessed by demons. He delivered him by the power of His Word and restored him to sanity, society, and service. What Jesus did for him, He can do for anyone.
Faith must be tested before it can be trusted. Genuine faith is lived out in the everyday experiences of life.
Hearing is much more than simply listening to words. Hearing means listening with spiritual understanding and receptivity. When we truly hear God's Word, it changes us.
"Choices matter, and like it or not, what one of us does affects others, often lasting for generations." Our guest speaker Joe Ledvina talks to us about choices and the cross using the story of Genesis 13.
As temporary residents here on earth, we can build our lives on three important Scriptural truths as we live for God today and look forward to our forever home: (1) Our joy is in the Lord, (2) our strength is in the Lord, (3) our trust is in the Lord.
In uncertain times, and when he felt inadequate to face what was in front of him, David found three encouragements in the Lord. These are the three encouragements for our lives as well.
Psalm 75 gives us a glimpse into a worship service focused on gratitude and thankfulness for who God is and what He has done. When everything seems wrong. God is able to make things right.
When we begin with the Word, we are equipped to live in the world. Regardless of what goes on around us or what others seem to have, we have nothing if we don't have God.
We have been going through Luke 7 to see how Jesus responded to different people with His compassion. Today we are going to look at another story where a sinful woman showed her deep love to Jesus because of her forgiveness by Jesus.
Do you have a scriptural understanding and expectations of who Jesus is and what He came to do, are you dictating your own terms of service or are you completely submitted to God, and are you a friend of sinners? This message provides another opportunity for us to examine our lives as we seek to learn from Jesus to live like Jesus.
The story about Jesus raising a widow's son from the dead reminds us about how Jesus always gives help when we need it, Jesus understands our suffering, and Jesus faced death so that we don't have to.
Compassion is giving up my wants to meet another person's needs; it's your pain in my heart. As we learn from Jesus to live like Jesus, we will learn how to better serve others with compassion.
In Luke 6, Jesus established three new spiritual entities. He established a new way of understanding Sabbath, a new way of looking at a person's identity and worth, and a new way of understanding what it means to live a blessed life.
In Luke 6, Jesus established three new spiritual entities. He established a new way of understanding Sabbath, a new way of looking at a person's identity and worth, and a new way of understanding what it means to live a blessed life. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. God calls us for a purpose. In Christ, we have everything we need!
The Sabbath is a gift that is meant to help God's people, not hurt them. We should remember the Sabbath, experience the right kind of rest because of the Sabbath, and allow the Sabbath to lead us to worship.
Do you believe that God has got 'this'? Stan Smelser, our guest speaker from GBM, joins us to speak about the confidence we can have in God's sovereignty.
Mission is not something the Bible merely speaks about -- mission is what the Bible is about. God's mission is to make disciples. We have been invited to participate in this mission.
Guest Speaker David Upchurch spoke on Jesus' final words and what heaven would be like for our Palm Sunday sermon.
Jesus is the daily bread that reminds us of God's love. Just like bread must be eaten to sustain physical life, Jesus must be invited into our daily lives to sustain and satisfy our spiritual life.
Jesus intentionally spent time with the lost. He led with compassion and modeled for us how we can do the same.
We all experience moments of temptation. Even Jesus was tempted, as he spent 40 days with no food in the desert. There is a right way and a wrong way to handle tempting situations. And the way Jesus handled it was perfect!
What is Christian baptism? Why should I be baptized? Why do we baptize by immersion? Who should be baptized? When should I be baptized? These are all important questions.
John was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. He was a voice for God. He was compared to a farmer. And he was a teacher of others. John was faithful with the work that God had given him. Are you being faithful with the work that God has given you?
Children, teens, and adults should follow Jesus’ example, growing in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and all people.
Jesus was born to offer salvation to all people. Unless we understand the events of Easter, it’s impossible to grasp the heart of Christmas.
The good news of Jesus' birth should lead us to a response of joy. Let's allow that joy to lead to joyful worship as we're reminded about Who God is and what He's done.
Mary's response serves as an example for us to follow. God wants us to surrender our lives to Him completely.
God's people were living in dark times. But God always keeps His promises, and a child was about to be born who would prepare the way for the One who is the Light of the World.
In Christ, we can give thanks in all circumstances. But why should we be thankful and what can we be thankful for?
If we're not careful, it's easy to pass over the things we can truly be thankful for. God's Word reminds us that we can give thanks in all circumstances.
Contentment doesn't come naturally. It's learned as we grow in our relationship with Christ.
Christians are called to live holy lives. What does it mean to be holy, because God is holy? How can we walk in holiness?
Unity is essential if the church is going to be healthy, experience the right king of growth, and achieve the mission God has given us. Jesus prayed for unity, and the apostle Paul repeatedly taught on the importance of unity throughout the New Testament.
Healthy marriages cannot grow or be enjoyed without carefulness, hard work, communication, and sacrifice.
In submitting to one another, we are loving each other like Christ loves the Church. Submission is just as much a part of the Christian life as the practice of worship or the posture of thankfulness.
This week, we will look at the Bible says about singleness. If you do desire to get married, what are some important characteristics that you need to look for in a spouse?
As parents, we are called to accept our children's uniqueness, affirm their value, and trust them with more responsibility. We should raise our children according to their bent.
As parents, we should help our children understand the "why" behind their behavior. Behavior is always an issue of the heart.
Teaching your children to obey your authority will prepare them to obey God's authority. You should think of your home as a laboratory for learning.
The most important factor in parenting is having a sincere faith in Jesus. Parenting is not about perfection, it's about relying on a perfect Savior. Faith is caught as well as taught.
In times of waiting, God alone leads us, God alone encourages us, and God alone is worthy of trust.
Psalm 51 is a Psalm of repentance (we see the honest heart of a broken man crying out to God). But it's also a Psalm of mercy and grace, revealing the unchanging nature of our perfectly good God.
In this life we will have troubles. But we can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. Psalm 46 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, our true source of joy, and that He is still on the throne!
If you truly understand how much you’ve been forgiven in Christ, there’s nothing that can be done against you that you should not be willing to forgive. Forgiven people are forgiving people.
The letter of Philemon was written as a plea to Paul's dear friend Philemon on behalf of one of his new friends and brother in Christ, Onesimus. This plea gives us insight into how we can live for Jesus and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us.
Your fingerprints are all over the people you serve, true ministry takes a team, and as you grow in your faith, God will give you more opportunities to put your faith to work.
1 in 4 Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder. What can we do...if anything? We can help carry each other's burdens by listening, empathizing, and supporting.
Through faith in God and being obedient to His Word, godly mothers can have great influence as they raise and train their children to know and follow Jesus.
Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches. He is the true source of lasting fruitfulness in the lives of God's people.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the authority we are to submit to, the center of what is, and the summation of life. Jesus is forgiveness and grace.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life. This "I AM" statement reveals three promised experiences to all people.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He died for us, knows us by name, brings others into the flock, and was raised from death so that we could have life.
Jesus is the Gate for the sheep. He is our True Shepherd and the Gate (door) that leads to salvation and a full life.
There is not enough darkness in the world to put out even the smallest flame of the smallest candle because darkness never defeats light. Jesus is the Light of the World. When we follow him, we never have to walk in darkness again.
Jesus is the Bread of Life. He's the only one who can truly satisfy and provide purpose and meaning in our lives.
In the midst of our anxiety, God faithfully cares and provides for us. As Christians, we have been adopted into His family. These are promises that we can build our lives on!
Anxiety distracts us and weighs us down. Thankfully, God has given us His Word which gives us hope and help in any situation.
What if you could have a friend who knew you better than anyone, better than you even know yourself? And what if you could have a friend who, by his very relationship with you, would transform you to become a better friend to others? You can and his name is Jesus, the friend of sinners.
We can think of cultivating our friendships like cultivating the ground. True friendships require wisdom, intentionality, hard work, and time.
The data is in, and the average American has fewer and fewer true friends. We've grown increasingly lonelier over time. Have we forgotten about friendship? There are important lessons that we can learn about friendship from recent studies, church history, and most importantly, God's Word.
There are certain foundational truths about prayer will help you grow in your prayer life.
Even though prayer is just communicating with God, it's often still a mystery. God says no to some of our prayers because they are frivolous, contradictor, or come from a disobedient heart. God also says no because He knows what's best for us.
There are four conditions for experiencing God's healing and restoration in our lives; Humility, Prayer, Seeking God, and Repentance.
Guest Speaker Ryan Ross give us 5 points to Hear God in Prayer, and having a conversation with God.
Growing in prayer should be a natural byproduct of a growing relationship with God. We can grow in prayer by warming up in the Word, developing a dependable habit, and learning to praying strategic prayers.
Because of Christ's work on the cross, we can walk with Christ and live for Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the battle within.
Jesus is the only person who can break the power of sin in our lives and remove the weight of sin off our backs.
Our inward struggle leads to confusion, guilt and shame, compulsions and addictions, and discouragement and despair. But Jesus is God's rescue plan!
Jesus' fourth challenge is an invitation to be disciple-makers. Disciple-makers are spiritual parents, friends of God, and they face unique spiritual attacks.
The challenge to "Fish for People" is a challenge to be a Kingdom Worker. Being a Kingdom Worker is all about engaging in the work of the ministry.
Jesus was intentional about engaging and reaching the lost. As we learn from Jesus to live like Jesus, God will use us to do the same.
Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus gave four challenges to his disciples (come and see, follow me, fish for people, and go and bear fruit). These challenges help us take the next step in our walk with Christ and teach us how to make disciples like Jesus.
The Great Commission is an everyday commission given to every believer for every moment of his or her life. Loving God and loving people is the motive behind this everyday commission.
Motherhood is a sacred privilege and is one of the greatest avenues for the impact of the Gospel.
In a time when many fathers are absent, the Apostle Paul reminds us about where fathers should be. God has given fathers a specific role in the home.
We can leave the right kind of legacy by modeling and teaching a life of faith, by regularly affirming our child's value, and by praying that our children would accomplish God's purpose in their lives.
Love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.
The characteristics of love that we're going to focus in on today say something positive by the use of a negative. Sometimes, for us to learn about what something is, we also need to learn about what it is not.
Love is built on two pillars that best define what it is. Those pillars are patience and kindness. All other characteristics of love are extensions of these two attributes.
Worship is more than just singing praises to God. Start your foundation of worship with this message on your life being worship to God.
God wants His people to be people of prayer. As people of prayer, we should look for opportunities to pray throughout the day. The Lord's Prayer is a great model for how we can do that!
For our own walk with Christ and for the health of our church, it's important to have a Biblical perspective on giving and generosity.
When we learn how to love one another as family in the church, God is glorified, the church is built up, and we give the world a front row sat to the grace and goodness of God.
God has created all of us with a need for community. When we learn to love one another as family in the church, God is glorified, the church is built up, and we give the world a front row seat to the grace and goodness of God.
The Church is a community unlike any other. We are formed by God's Word, we are always prepared to share God's Word, and we stand firm on God's Word.
James encourages us to patiently persevere in times of trial and trouble. Like the farmer, we're called to work hard in the present and wait for a spiritual harvest in the future. Like the prophets, we're called to keep witnessing to others, regardless of how difficult the circumstances may be. And, like Job, we wait for the Lord to fulfill His purpose in our lives.
Our sins are great, but God's grace is greater! Instead of pursuing fulfillment in the world, we can humbly submit to God's leading, living in the promise and power of His grace.
As we fill our hearts with God's Word and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, God can use our speech for His glory and to speak life into the lives of others.
Genuine faith creates works. Works complete our faith. Good works in our lives is evidence of faith in our hearts!
As countercultural and counterintuitive as it sounds, Christians can actually experience joy in the midst of difficult experiences. In fact, God will often us trials of all kinds to help grow our faith and to make up more and more like Jesus.
The book of James offers a practical guide for Christian living. The instruction that James provides is intended to help us grow in our faith.
When life changes physically, mentally, and socially, how do we handle those situations?
The resurrection is what confirms everything else about Jesus. If the resurrection is true, then it's all true!
The crucifixion is God's love demonstrated. What does the cross mean to you? Did the crucifixion really happen? And what does the crucifixion mean in Scripture?
Jesus offers grace and forgiveness to all people. This passage reminds us that the greater the debt forgiven, the greater the gratitude towards God.
Many of the religious leaders in Jesus' day had a false concept of righteousness, ministry, greatness, and success. We can learn from their mistakes so that we can be affective witnesses for Christ.
When sin inhabits, exploitation is discovered and restoration is needed. Like cleansing and restoring the temple, Jesus wants to cleans and restore our hearts.
The disciples were an unlikely group of people, but Jesus chose to use them anyway. The invitation to follow Jesus is extended to all people today; but this invitation is not to be taken lightly.
We all experience moments of temptation. Even Jesus was tempted, as he spent 40 days with no food in the desert. There is a right and wrong way to handle tempting situations. And the way Jesus handled it was perfect!
This message focuses in on what the Bible says about baptism - including Jesus's baptism - and why baptism is such a significant event in the life of a Christian.
Children, teenagers, young adults, and adults should follow Jesus' example to grow in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and all people.
Guest Speaker Ryan Ross preaches on Micah 6:6-8, doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly.
The "Armies of Heaven" model some powerful characteristics for worship. We should worship God intentionally (with purpose), verbally (with words), corporately (with others), and expressively (with passion).
In Christ, we experience Peace WITH God, Peace with EACH OTHER, and the Peace OF God in our own lives.
God uses suffering correctively, constructively, and for His glory and for our Good. There is true joy that can be found in Christ, even in the midst of suffering.
If we're not careful, it's easy to pass over the things we can truly be thankful for. God's Word reminds us that we can have an "Attitude of Gratitude" regardless of the circumstance or season.
In the steps that Ruth takes towards Boaz, we see the steps we should take if we want to grow in our own relationship with Christ.
For God to accomplish His great purposes in your life, you must walk by faith, depend on God's grace, and live in hope.
Ruth 1 reminds us about three mistakes to avoid and how God is a God of new beginnings.
The Church needs believers who will courageously share the message of God's love with their neighbors and around the world.
Jesus came not to be served but to serve. Jesus modeled a "say yes first" attitude for us.
When God knocks on the door of your hear and asks "are you interruptible?" what will you say?
Church members should be equipped and released to use their spiritual gifts as they build up the church and help the church accomplish it's mission.
Deacons are the servants of the church who lead with their works. They lead alongside the elders as a vital part of the body of Christ.
Elders are God's plan for shepherding the church. It's important that we learn what an elder is, what qualifies someone to serve as an elder, and what and elder does as they shepherd the church.
Jesus Christ is the head of the church. He is the ultimate authority over the church, the one who builds the church, the Good Shepherd who lays his life down for the church, the Great Shepherd who cares for the church, and the Chief Shepherd who is preparing a place in heaven for his church and will one day return in glory.
Psalm 37 gives believers four assurances that remind us "Don't Worry Be Trusting in the Lord!"
Psalm 34 serves as a great reminder for how to face life when life isn't going your way.
Jesus is The Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep and secures our salvation.
The Psalms teach us the fundamentals for how we can stay focused on God, regardless of the situation or season.
The life of the faithful person is contrasted with the life of the faithless person. The righteous walk in the counsel of God, stand firm in Christ, and grow as they are seated in Christ.
Even when it's hard to pray, God wants to give you the strength and desire to always pray and never give up!
We may not always pray as we ought, but there is still hope for redeeming our prayer life. Let's learn from the life of Jehoshaphat.
The value of the Lord's Prayer is in using it as a "model" for our own conversations with God: praising Him, asking for His will in our life, requesting what we need, confessing our sins, and receiving forgiveness.
The value of the Lord's Prayer is in using it as a "model" for our own conversations with God: praising Him, asking for His will in our life, requesting what we need, confessing our sins, and receiving forgiveness.
Christ's resurrection is the bedrock of Christianity. Because of his resurrection, Jesus is enthroned, and believers are empowered to be Kingdom workers.
If Jesus is who he claims to be, then as my Creator he rightfully deserves my allegiance, obedience, and worship.
Even if the very worst thing were to happen today, it's possible, with God, to be confident and at peace with what will come next.
Even if the very worst thing were to happen today, it's possible, with God, to be confident and at peace with what will come next.
We have great reasons to believe that the Bible is reliable and that it presents God's truth with accuracy and authority.
God wants us to use our doubt to grow our faith. When we address our doubts in the right way, we can experience the upside of doubt.
To understand the upside of doubt and to respond more effectively to the potential dangers of doubt that is not addressed.
Investing and Inviting should be motivated by compassion, driven by prayer, and accomplished by work.
Going to the Lord in prayer and meditation will help us approach our mission with a "next to them" attitude and a "mind to work".
The question is not, will God keep his promises, but, will we build our lives upon them?
Until we understand the events of Easter, it's impossible to grasp the heart of Christmas.
God is mindful of us, and more mighty than us. The truth that God is both all-caring and all-powerful should make our hearts rejoice!
Contentment doesn't come naturally. It's learned through a personal and sincere faith in Christ.
We serve a generous God who calls His people to follow His example by leading the way in spreading generosity.
The greatest example of the Spirit-filled life is love for one another. If the world sees Christ in us best as we love and serve one another, we must learn how to love and serve one another well.
Our freedom in Christ is not freedom to do whatever we want to do, but rather freedom to do what we ought to do.
In moments of insecurity and doubt, we can find strength and comfort in knowing that, if we are followers of Christ, we belong to God and are part of God's family.
God's delight in you is not based on your performance for Him. Instead, it's based on Christ's work on the cross on our behalf.
God has entrusted us with the gospel and calls us to help others experience forgiveness and faith through Jesus.
We are bombarded with many ideas about what it means to be a Christian, but Paul teaches that we become Christians by God's Grace, through faith in Christ.
As parents, we're called to trust our children with more responsibility as they grow and to correct without condemning. This is how our heavenly Father parents us.
As parents, we're called to accept our child's uniqueness based on who God has created them to be, and to affirm their value apart from performance. This is how God accepts and affirms us.
If we're not intentional about how we use technology, our relationship with technology can distort our view of who we really are.
If technology is such a big part of our lives, how do we relate to it in a healthy and Scriptural way?
In Christ, we have the opportunity to tell other people about Jesus and what he's done for us. To reach people who don't yet know him, Jesus works through people who already follow him. It's a privilege to share our faith with others.
All Christians can greatly benefit from the Bible's guidance about friendship. The right kind of friendships can help us grow in our faith journey.
In our relationship with Jesus, doubts and questions are normal - and can help us grow in our faith.
Prayer can be daunting for any person in their faith journey. Having a model of prayer from God's Word gives us an idea of how to begin.
Through Jesus' grace, he transforms each new Christian into a new creation. Although new Christians may not feel different, God's word promises that Jesus has changed us and has a plan for us.
If being quick to listen is the start of healthy family communication and being slow to speak is what sustains healthy family communication, then being slow to anger is what keeps the door open for healthy family communication.
Mission is not something the bible merely speaks about- mission is what the bible is about. Our Mission as a church is to make disciples.
We can rejoice and be glad in persecution because we have a Savior who understands what we are going through.
Happy are those who actively pursue peace with all men because of what Jesus has done in our lives.
Guest Speaker David Upchurch from Lincoln Christian University preaches on how to be used by God and be involved in your church and throughout your community, spreading the Good News of Jesus.
There is happiness in showing mercy (compassion) to others. We show mercy because God is first merciful towards us.
To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to hunger and thirst for legal, moral, and social righteousness.
Meekness in not the inability to impose our will, but the ability to. Other people can humble you, but only you can choose to be meek.
Happy are those who recognize their own sin and are not happy about it; they will be comforted.
Happiness is found in humility. Humility means living with a deep dependency on God and a care for other people.
God wants us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Being quick to listen is the start of healthy family communication. Being slow to speak is what helps sustain healthy family communication.
God loved us when we were at our worst. Being Rooted in love starts by receiving God's love and then learning to love others by following the example of Jesus.
Part 2 of Craig's series Rooted. Being rooted in hope is eagerly waiting patiently and confidently for something we do not yet have, because of someone we now know.
Craig's first message of the year, starting the message series Rooted. Craig talks about how Our Faith is Rooted when it is Our Own and when it is Lived Out.
Today, Guest Speaker Matt Sutman closes the year with steps to making decisions for the New Year.
Today, Craig concludes the message series talking about how God uses the unusable, and that being used by God does not always bring fame or comfort.
Today, Craig opens the message with an interesting story with his son and our church Elders. Craig also talks about how the Lord is always faithful, in his own time.
The Title Message opening Craig's Christmas Series diving into the investigation by Luke.
Craig starts Part 1 of his last message in the Parenting by Design Series, and will wrap it up next week.
The second message in the Parenting by Design Series, where Craig talks about finding the reason behind behavior.
The first message in Craig's new series PArenting by Design, where we learn that we're not perfect parents, but we should rely on a perfect Savior
Today, Craig talks about how we have a helper who helps us fish, and that we as a church should get excited about fishing.
Today, Craig talks about how we're uniquely created by God to influence and invite others to Christ and his Church.
The Third Message in the Storyteller Series, talking about the importance of prayer and trusting God because of his promises to us.