Elevate Church - Perth, Western Australia: Recent Episodes
Elevate Church
Elevate Church is a fresh, bold church located in Perth, Australia. This podcast includes messages by Mark Pomery, along with key leaders and friends of Elevate Church. Visit http://www.elevatechurch.me to find out more.
What difference would it make to your everyday life knowing that God orders his angels to guard you
What you see is not all there is. We are in a battle. But we are not alone in our battle.
Having a savings goal and a plan will see you experience more peace, purpose, and freedom in your life
Consistently spending less than you earn will lead you to more peace, purpose, and freedom
In this message we look at Jesusâ principles for living with less worry when it comes to our money.
Jesusâ resurrection is the ultimate statement that God wants to give your new life and new hope.
Remember the Cross invites us to pause and reflect on the profound love and sacrifice that reshaped our world. It's an invitation to reflect on more than just a familiar emblem but the life-changing love it embodies, encouraging us to embrace its deep impact on our journey.
In the Easter story, Judas tried to get Jesus to do what he wanted, without regard for Jesus' ministry and mission. That may seem ridiculous, but thereâs a little Judas in all of us.
In the days and weeks preceding the first Easter, the high priest Caiaphas stood in the presence of Jesus, the Savior of the world. But he refused to abandon his quest for control and surrender to his Creator. It's easy to dismiss Caiaphas as a fool, but what have we put in the place of God?
When we take daily 'steps of faith', rather than an occasional 'leap of faith', it's easier to get closer to where God is calling you and the local church.
The Church has been a stabilising force in people's lives for 2000 years because they devoted themselves to three things
Paul finds a way through a series of tough situations, and weâll learn how we can use these strategies to get through tough times ourselves
Choose joy - a superpower that's available to you even in the midst of challenging circumstances
Through Jesus' resurrection, we're given new life - with a new purpose - that continues to weave our story into his.
Fear can freeze you in your tracks and make a better future seem impossible, but the story of Gideon reminds us that God can make a way when there seems to be no way.
Find out how focusing on eternal treasures over temporary gains can change your life and leave a lasting impact for generations!
Building our lives own the unshakeable foundation of Jesus words offers strength and stability through life storms
When we harbor a judgy attitude, comparing ourselves to others and demanding what we think we deserve, we only invite resentment and discontent into our lives. Instead, embracing the grace that God freely offers reminds us that every blessing is a gift, leading us to live with humility, gratitude, and joy.
Maybe the everyday miracles of God can be seen when we recognise the way He is working through all things, and all of the small "just so happens" moments...
True happiness and security doesn't stem from material riches but from contentment, generosity, and trust in God. It's a myth that more wealth solves life's problemsâa spiritually rich life is the answer.
Jesus shows us that trust in God, not more money, is the answer to our worries. By aligning your finances with faith, youâll experience the joy of trusting in God's provision.
Transformation begins when you allow God to change your life by first changing your mind. Not filled with worry, but peace. Not jealous, but content and grateful. Blessed to be a blessing.
When you know who you are youâll know what to do. Be salt and light and enhance everything and everyone in your sphere.
You were created on purpose for a purpose - to be used by God to reconcile people to him
Value your health by making conscious, healthy choices. When you take care of yourself, you're not just improving your physical condition but also investing in a brighter, stronger, and more resilient future.
Transforming your mind can change your life, so ground yourself in uplifting truths and persist in positive, purposeful thoughts. By embracing faith and confronting negative beliefs, you can break free from mental chains and live with hope and resilience.
Finding assurance in God's calling and qualifications empowers us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that our purpose is rooted in His plan and guidance. Embracing obedience to God's leading, even in moments of doubt, allows us to fulfill our calling and experience His transformative work in our lives.
In life's ongoing struggle, it's crucial to guard your heart and make choices that align with your values, like confessing, forgiving, celebrating others, and being generous, to stay on the right path and live well.
With so much happening in the world and our lives, having a peaceful mind can feel impossible. While Jesus doesn't promise a trouble-free life, He does promise you a path to peace.
Do you ever find it difficult to hear Godspeak? Jesus is a good shepherd, and wecan learn to recognise His voice. How?Ask God to speak to you, listen to whatHe says, and do what He tells you to do.
The Church isn't a building or a gathering of individuals staring at the back of someone's head. God's intention is something more powerful a loving family.
Discover the joy in generosity as you grow from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.
God is always faithful to do the things he promises, but what about the things he didnât promise?
Nobody likes being told what to do, but when we don't want advice is often when we need it most.
Jesus created the church, a new community of faith, to fulfil His mission, and that you might hear His voice, and follow Him
You don't need thousands of followers on social media to be an influencer, you just need to invest into the people in your sphere
Come to Jesus just as you are ... and create a Church that allows others to do the same.
The holidays can bring out our inner Grinch. Thankfulness connects us to the good things God is doing.
We don't face opposition because we're doing something wrong; we face opposition because we're doing something right.
To make a difference in this world, you don't have to be the best, you just have to care the most
Is there a next step God is calling you to that could change your world and the world around you?
Our shortness of breath can be replaced by life-giving rest. We can feel a peace that goes beyond all understanding.
In the later years of David's life some old mistakes come back to haunt him, and he must learn to once again hold fast to God.
David was a man after God's own heart, but his heart still led him astray. The story of King David and Bathsheba teaches us how to handle failure and the importance of seeking God’s grace.
We are tested by our success as much as our failures, because the more God blesses us, the more we are tempted to forget the One who blesses. Explore how David kept looking up to God, even as he was lifted up to be king.
The quality of your life is often determined by the quality of your relationships. The story of David and Jonathan's friendship not only shows us the power of a loyal heart.
We all want victory, and sometimes God uses an unlikely trial to prepare us for a breakthrough
The same God that helped David defeat Goliath is wiling and able to help you defeat your giants.
Take a deeper look at David's life to discover what it means to have a heart like God and how this can position you for His favour.
God's goal is for us to be so convinced of who Jesus is and so grateful for what Jesus has done that we willingly choose to do what Jesus says
The good news of Jesus is NOT about a piece of advice that we may or may not want to pick up. The good news of Jesus is about something that happened, and because it has happened, EVERYTHING about our lives has changed!
A right standing with God is available from God through Jesus to everybody that believes
We know the story of Jesus' resurrection, but imagine if we had been there to witness the celebration of Palm Sunday, the confusion of the Last Supper, the pain of His crucifixion, and the miracle of His resurrection.
Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.
When it comes to your work, don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God
Consistently showing courage in the midst of trials is a ticket to experiencing blessing
How different do you think your life would be if you stopped asking God for simple things and instead ask Him to do mighty things?
Courage doesn't mean the absence of fear - it means choosing to let courage rule over your fear
Growth starts with a commitment to grow. God can transform us from the inside out if we commit to presenting everything we do as an offering to him.
We don't see enough joy in our world, but real joy is possible. Learn how focusing on what God has done for us in Jesus allows us to stand in joy no matter what we are facing.
Life change is challenging, and we often get in our own way. Discover how Jesus can empower personal change that allows us to live out our purpose.
What if fear is simply an uncomfortable emotion to be felt, expressed and potentially a catalyst for radical change and transformation.
Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once.
Honour builds up; dishonour tears down. So let's act like children of the King of Kings and build others up.
Where has your current identity come from ... and what impact is it having on your life?
God isn't opposed to somebody being rich - his warning is somebody not being rich towards him
If you choose what our culture says about managing money over what God says, you'll miss out on the better that God has for you
God's love for us isn't based on circumstances, it's based on who He is - the God of unfailing love
No matter how far you've run away or how far you've fallen down, God is ready, willing, and able to embrace you
Jesus came to turn everything upside down. His life was an example of how we are to live, and His death and resurrection made a way for each of us to experience God's forgiveness.
Who is the father you're listening to? Is it God, the Father of love? Or is it Satan, the father of lies?
You're not imagining things. The enemy is always at work behind the scenes to steal, kill, and destroy the life God has for us. The good news is: We win!
Spiritual warfare is a battle we can't avoid, but the only way to lose is to refuse to fight.
When you face challenges, itâs easy to ask 'Why?' ... But a better question is 'Who?'
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it - we're called children of God!
Optimism is the unwavering expectation that our loving God is working in every situation for our future good
Don't ignore the warnings that come when you are heading towards a not-so-wise decision.
Chaos and crisis are an inevitable part of life. While they'll come in ... you don't have to let them stay.
Uncertainty is nothing new. Times are uncertain, but God is not. He's still got the whole world in his hands.
God sometimes blesses us with less than enough so we learn to trust he is more than enough.
God sometimes blesses us with less than enough so we learn to trust he is more than enough.
Itâs impossible to come away from an encounter with Jesus and not answer the question, âWho do you say I am?â
It's impossible to come away from an encounter with Jesus and not answer the question, 'Who do you say I am?'
Life can be a mess sometimes, and it's great to know Jesus not only doesn't shame you, he wants to be part of the solution.
As we move into this next season, stay connected through our Online Experience. All in!
We all need encouragement. The Church is where God's love flows from one person to another. If you need God's encouragement, get around God's people.
It's not enough to ask whether the story of Jesus is true, it's also vital to ask 'Is it good?'
Potentially the thing that makes the 'good news' so good ... Jesus doesn't give us what we deserve.
Jesus didn't promise we won't have bad days. He does promise peace in the middle of tests and ultimate victory.
If you are stuck, know that with the right attitude, the right friends, trust in God, and grit, your ditch is not your destiny.
Because Godâs the owner and weâre the managers, our question is âWhat can I do with what I have?â
The world of the generous gets larger and larger. The world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.
Both greed and lack can lead us to a place God never intended - overwhelmed and anxious. Jesus teaches a better way.
Don't only focus on your defeat, look to the victory Jesus won when he rose from the dead.
Everyone can experience the good life ... though not always how you think it will look.
God doesn't promise we'll never experience pain - he does promise he always has a plan.
While we have an enemy that wants to keep us from experiencing God's best, we need to be informed but not intimidated.
There are opportunities in the realms God has placed you - the marketplace, university, school, and neighbourhood. You have a ministry on Mondays.
Take the energy and time you have been giving to putting on a show and re-direct it to allowing God's Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out.
It's too easy to live with just enough of Jesus to save us but not enough to change us.
Jesus calls us to follow him closely. Yet in the busyness of life and as a result of challenging circumstances, it's easy to drift. Learn how to stay on course to win.
God has placed certain gifts within you - like the next level of a video game, they just need to be unlocked.
Games aren't much fun without other players, and the same is true of following Jesus. When you level up in faith, you need a team to help you succeed, and you need to be a great team player.
I'm not good enough, I'm not pretty enough, I'm not smart enough - this is the internal dialogue we often have with ourselves. God says you are enough.
Your destiny isn't based on your circumstances, your destiny is based on the divine hand of God.
Sometimes we can get fixated about the mechanics of prayer. How long should I pray for? What is the right thing to say? God's grace means we don't need to get caught up in the legalism - He just wants to know your heart.
When you surrender your life to Jesus, it's not a declaration of defeat, it's a gateway to victory.
Beyond remembering the death of Jesus, remember what his death made possible - freedom and life.
Our culture tells us we'll get more joy when we get more money. God tells us we'll get more joy when we get more wisdom.
Pain is one of the biggest struggles of life and faith. How do we navigate the seasons of darkness and discomfort? When God leads your life, he not only comforts you in your distress, he works to ensure your pain brings you gains.
'I just don't have enough!' We've all heard or experienced this one time or another. Often we assume the answer to 'not enough' is to get more. But with God, the more you share, the more you have.
Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness is hard to find and even harder to hold onto. Learn why the key to lasting happiness is gratitude.
What you naturally want is often in conflict with what you ultimately value. But your heavenly Father knows what you need. He wants for you what you really want. So, how do you put aside those natural wants and pursue what you ultimately value?
What do you want? What do you really want? We'll never get what we really want until we discover what is most valuable. And what we naturally want is often in conflict with what we ultimately value. So, in order to figure out what you really want, you have to figure out what you value.
We'll never get what we really want until we discover what is most valuable. But choosing what's valuable isn't natural. We've all had the experience of getting what we naturally want, only to discover it's not what is most valuable - it's not what we ultimately want. So how do we avoid being deceived by our short-term desires?
We all have wants. But actually getting what we want can be tricky . . . and even dangerous. It usually leaves us wanting more. If what we want leads to a cycle of wanting more and more, maybe we want the wrong things.
2000 years ago people had struggles - despair was rising and hope was fading. God sent the answer - not as a How but a Who - Jesus.
Imagine living the life you were convinced was only a dream. Before you die, live the life you were born to live.
What drives passion? And is it available to all people? Learn how to live with passion for Jesus.
Shame will often cause us to hide away, stopping us from reaching all God has called us to. So how can we be set free from shame? Guest speaker Rob Mason.
The bad news is comparison kills contentment. The good news is you can overcome the curse of comparison.
When you look in the mirror do you see hurt, pain, failure, brokenness? Through Jesus we can gain confidence even through the brokenness.
The time God has given us here on earth is finite - so how can we make sure we don't waste the time we have while we're here? Guest speaker Kieran Johnson.
One of the greatest promises of God is that he'll be with us. We are never alone and we never have to face life's challenges alone.
Sometimes we need to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves. The way we look at God can help reframe our attitude. If we change our attitude, we change our lives.
Recapture the wonder of life by recapturing a fresh vision of God. When we feel weak, God is our strength.
Do you wake up with a feeling of excitement or exhaustion? Often the difference is purpose. Jesus lived above the noise with ultimate purpose, and offers the same opportunity to you.
We all want to be great in the eyes of others - top of the class, most valuable player, or the one calling the shots. But Jesus redefines greatness as a willingness to serve and sacrifice for others. Learn how to grow your influence.
Jesus gives us the ability to live with such character, grace and freedom that sparks curiosity in others. Learn how to rise above the noise of everyday distractions and discover the impact you were made for.
God has a vision for what it means to be a man, created in his image, and aligning your life with his purposes.
One of Jesus' greatest promises is that he would never leave us or forsake us. This means we never face our battles alone. Prayer is how we enlist God's help in our struggles to not only stand against our enemies, but overcome. Learn how to call for backup by making prayer your first response and not your last resort.
Sometimes we feel helpless in the face of temptation and despair. Thoughts hold us down, people hold us back, and we can't move forward. Thankfully God's armour comes with gear to help us fight back - the helmet of salvation and the sword of God's word. Discover the truths that will set you free.
There are so many ways we feel attacked - by doubts, insults, and hardships. But when we suit up in God's armour, we are prepared to stand against these assaults. Learn about the powerful gifts of peace and faith.
The grace of God is a gift, but old patterns of acting and thinking can get us in their sights and rob our freedom. Thankfully God has given us all the equipment required to stand up to these attacks. Learn how to put on the full armour of God so you can be bulletproof.
Your real enemy is not always easy to see, and very dangerous. Learn how to be strong, smart, and prepared for attacks on your faith, peace, and life, before they happen.
It can be easy to get stuck where you are - it's familiar, it's comfortable. But if you're wanting something you've never had, you need to do something you've never done. Jesus invites us to follow him to the other side.
Jesus said "In this world, you will face opposition - but take heart, for I have overcome the world." What exactly can we do to overcome this trouble and opposition?
It can be so easy to find yourself always 'on the go' which can lead to losing focus on what's important. How can we claim back the margin we need to avoid burnout, and gain real momentum towards the things that matter?
Whether you're digging out of debt or planning for your future, now's the time to invest in a foundation that endures.
Taking action on your generosity doesn't have to be a chore - it can be something you can't wait to do.
Living as a follower of Jesus is not a guarantee that everything will always go your way. If fact at times it can seem everything is going against you, even when you're doing everything you can to bring your best for God. So what does it take to persevere in living out what God has called you to? Guest speaker Dr. Wes Beavis.
Whether you're a Jesus follower or not, we've all been in, are in, or are only one decision away from a mess. But there's a powerful connection between your messes and your relationship with God.
If you were taught to believe in a personal God who is all-knowing and all powerful, how can you not turn your frustration on him when life gets difficult?
In the Easter story, Judas tried to get Jesus to do what he wanted, without regard for Jesus' ministry and mission. That may seem ridiculous, but there's a little Judas in all of us.
In the days and weeks preceding the first Easter, the high priest Caiaphas stood in the presence of Jesus, the Savior of the world. But he refused to abandon his quest for control and surrender to his Creator. It's easy to dismiss Caiaphas as a fool, but what have we put in the place of God?
In a world with an abundance of information and opinions, it's difficult to know what's true and who you can trust. But even when our circumstances look less than ideal, we can be sure that we have a purpose and God has a plan.
When used properly, passion can be a powerful tool. But what about when it seems like you've lost your passion? Learn how to find your passion again and put it in its place.
Many of us are praying for breakthrough in our life, but rarely does it happen as quickly as we want it to. What can we do to change things? And is it possible that something could be blocking our breakthrough?
There is a gap that exists between where we are now, and where we want to be. But sometimes, in order to move forward in confidence, you have to take a look back.
We have the strength to push through discouragement because we have God's Holy Spirit on the inside.
There's so much more God wants for us than to just get through each year and move on to the next. But what does it look like to transition well? And what kind of faith do we need in order to cross over while not forgetting where we came from?
God knows what you need. He sent Jesus into the world for you, to meet your greatest need. The Christmas story is personal. Here's how to make it your story.
The Christmas period is often described as the 'Most wonderful time of the year'. Christmas can also be a reminder of broken relationships, unmet expectations and missed loved ones. But there is a story that is the most wonderful - the story of the light that will always overcome the darkness.
You are not on the earth at this moment in time by accident or for no reason. God has called you and wants to do great things through you. Your starting point is declaring, 'Here I am, send me!'
We live in a culture that values comfort and security above all else. But God sometimes allows us to experience situations that break us and force us to place our security in him.
We all have blind spots to things we do that are less than God's best - thoughts, motives, actions. Asking God to reveal them to us starts the launch sequence to getting unstuck and free.
In life we go through times of 'being in the fire'. Financial struggles, relationship problems, health issues. Whatever fire we are in, we can stand firm and continue to rely on God, because He is right there in the centre of the fire with us.
Just because you haven't received an answer to your prayer, doesn't mean God hasn't heard you. Sometimes the answer is 'not yet'. What does it take to stand firm in faith for the promise God has for you?
We can often find ourselves in a place of fear or anxiety. What does it take to stand strong?
God will often call us to stand up for something. How we approach that can make all the difference.
Life is full of pressure to conform to what the culture around us considers "normal". So what does it take to stand out?
Why do we go to church? The answer can change everything. Do you ask what God can do for you? Maybe there's a better question to ask ...
At Elevate Church, our code is we bring our best. How do we make sure what we bring God is always our very best, and not just whatever is left over? Guest speaker Dean Groetzinger.
When God deposits a seed, the next step isn't fruit, it's root. God knows exactly the right time for you to take your turn, so how can we ensure we don't become discouraged in the process?
Life can be full of complexity - but how can we find a pathway of simplicity? Guest speaker Dave Ryder brings some clarity on how not to get lost in the complexity of life.
We often want the blessing of the harvest before we plant the seed or work the soil, thus leading to disappointment
Daniel Indradjaja - Lead Pastor of The Rocks Church invests into our Elevate Church team members with 5 practical ways to increase our leadership capacity.
Our faith isn't meant to simply make us look good on Sundays; it's meant to function in our daily lives
It's not what you don't have, it's what you're not doing with what you do have that is limiting you.
There is one word that makes a difference for everyone, whether or not they know Jesus: grace. God has an unlimited supply, and He wants to use it to reach people who don't know Him. Who do you know that needs grace?
Grace is not simply for you to get into heaven after you die. It's for living in freedom from sin and addiction. Grace doesn't just impact your destiny - it changes your identity!
The church should be the first place we go to get healing and help. God isn't mad at us for being sick; He just wants us to be well.
God's love for us is not based on our performance; it's based on our position as His children. Because of grace, our activities do not determine our identity. He loves us - period.
Grace is the unmerited favor of God, and when we step inside of His grace we find freedom, forgiveness, and assurance.
When it comes to determining self worth, why do we find it nearly impossible to measure up to our own expectations? Discover how a God who is able to do immeasurably more can drastically affect the way we evaluate our own lives.
It's easy to thank God when we feel blessed - but when life gets hard, praising God can seem like the last thing we want to do. How do we shift our perspective in the face of our greatest struggles?
We all have parts of our lives that aren't turning out quite like we planned. But how do we know when it's time to keep pushing or just cut our losses? And how can our disappointment help direct us to the life God designed for us all along?
Our imagination can be amazing - but it can also get the best of us, and we find ourselves chasing thoughts into places God never intended us to go. So how do we take control of our minds and begin to think the way God designed us to?
Frustration comes in all shapes and sizes - disappointment, impatience, other people. The good news is that God still has a way of working in all of our frustrations. But what are we supposed to do when we're too frustrated to wait on Him?
We all deal with stuff we don't want to talk about. Bad decisions, addictions, frustrations. But what if the struggles meant to destroy us could actually point us toward our future purpose?
Jesus didn't just experience a resurrection - he declared he IS The Resurrection. Dead things don't stay dead when The Resurrection walks in the room.
God doesn't want anything or anyone getting in the way of the relationship he wants with us - his good plan all along. Good Friday is called 'Good' because Jesus closed the gap.
There's no better thing you could invest in than the local church. Lives are being changed because of your faithful giving, and we say thank you.
Jesus doesn't ask us to surrender some things, He asks us to surrender everything. When we give Him complete control of our life, God will do bigger things than we could ask or imagine.
Most of us are way more blessed than we think we are, but we're still unsatisfied. That's because satisfaction is the result of seeking Jesus first in everything you do. Until then you'll keep wanting more.
God doesn't want your money, He wants your heart. And He knows that money is the number one competitor for our affections.
Everyone wants to know the secret to success. But, when we talk about bearing fruit and leading fulfilling lives, we're not talking about quick hits and short-term gains. So how do we actually find success that lasts?
Our lives are overwhelmed with possibilities. And we'd like to think that priorities and productivity go hand in hand. But how do we remain faithful through our frustrations, when the work we're putting in isn't yielding the results we're hoping for?
Many of us believe that our problems are a result of life's randomness, but in reality, our lives all have similar patterns. How do we determine the patterns that dictate the direction of our lives and is it possible to change them?
We live in a world of what's new and what's next - but, when it comes to living a life of purpose and progress, sameness can be underrated. Discover why the greatest catalyst for change can often be found in the most mundane routine.
Sincerity of belief doesn't affect truth, so the better starting point to what you believe is whether it's true. Mark Pomery unpacks evidence that support Jesus' claim that he is the only way to God.
Our culture often tells us swinging a baseball bat in an empty room is fine, because you won't hurt anyone. Problem is we don't live our lives in an empty room. Our actions, both wise and unwise, have implications in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Why would God allow you to have more than you can handle? Listen in as Mark Pomery unpacks an great foundational truth from God's word.
God delights in our happiness, though it is not his highest priority. His highest priority for us isn't the pursuit of happiness, it's the pursuit of Him. And, in turn, the pursuit of holiness. These lead to something better than happiness, an upgrade ... a blessed life.
The game of life is guaranteed to have as many upsets as victories. And the odds of us foretelling our future are futile. But what if it was possible to guarantee that some predictions in our lives were really unfailing promises?
No one likes it when life blindsides us with a change of plans. This Christmas, discover God's purpose in the unplanned interruptions.
It's not that hard to believe in Jesus, as long as we get to do it our way. But what if the most fundamental lesson Jesus wants us to learn has very little to do with our preferences and more to do with what He's done?
We have a tendency to think everyone sees life the way we do. But more often than not, our perceptions lead to problems - and we don't realize that the way we see our situation is actually reflective of our greater perception of God.
When something in our life breaks down, we always try to find a quick fix or an answer we can handle ourselves. But, what happens when our problem is bigger than our plan?
Life is full of lessons and tests. So how do we answer all life's questions? And what are we learning in the process? No one likes to struggle through tests - but the good news is, when you know the right answer, you can't fail.
A passionate life, filled with drive and purpose is not something that's easily sustainable. In fact, life can often feel like it's smothering us, but that is never God's plan. Discover what God has placed inside us, and why it is the key to living life without burning out.
We can try to get by running on our own, but sooner or later we all break down. Instead of looking for quick fixes to sedate our needs, what if we let a different diagnosis begin to heal our broken spirits?
There are so many outside factors in our lives that can swing our emotions from good to bad. But what if the secret to lasting joy has more to do with protecting what's going on inside us?
Is life just a series of random events, or does God have a grand plan? What happens when we're not sure if the place we're at is where we're supposed to be?
Guest speaker Dave Ryder from Kelmscott Church of Christ shares a great message from 2 Kings 4. An encouraging and uplifting message about being open to God's direction in our lives.
We have the tendency to think of success as a final destination. But, what if we're still a long way off from where we'd like to be? How do we find both contentment and the strength to keep stretching?
We're all working toward something and we all face obstacles along the way. What are we reaching for and what stands in our way? What happens when we align our goals with the unstoppable nature of God?
We cant grow if we wont change. So what do we do with the challenges standing in our way? How do we stretch past our limitations and start taking part in God's purpose for our lives?
It's not easy to be brave when it seems like good news is hard to come by. But fortunately for us as Jesus followers, the news we receive is not as important as the report we believe.
There's no limit to the good thoughts God wants us to have. So, why do we waste so much time preoccupied with our doubts and fears? How are we supposed to handle these thoughts? In part two of our series How to Be Brave, Mark Pomery teaches us how to be brave in our faith by developing a courageous state of mind, holding onto the thoughts that come from God, and demolishing the thoughts that take hold of us.
In the first week of our new series, How To Be Brave, Mark Pomery preached that we can be brave in the face of the winds and waves of our lives when we learn to cultivate hearts that are anxious for nothing!
It's not how far you wander from God, it's how quickly you return. And when we turn to god, He runs to us!
This morning Peter Goodall continues the INFIN8 series and looks at the story of Jonah. When we are faced with the consequences of our decisions; our prayers change from cutsey prayers to desperate prayers! Jonah was turned to face the source of his salvation and focus on the presence of God!
For part five of our series INFIN8 Mark Pomery uses the story of Daniel in the lions' den to teach us how to trust God in any situation.
God did not bring us into existence so that He could only reign over certain areas of our lives. God did not send Jesus to rescue a sinful, broken world so that He could just be one of our options. So why do we treat Him that way? Why, as followers of Jesus, do we want God to reign over our spiritual lives, but then often choose to follow other options when it comes to our job, our relationships, or our finances? In part three of our series INFIN8, Mark Pomery shows us, though the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, the problem with keeping our options open.
If all we want is a life of convenience and only convenience, then God's way is not the best way. Because when it comes to God's will and His plan for our lives, His way is not always the shortest way or the easiest way. It's better than that. In the second part of our series INFIN8, Mark Pomery uses the the story of Moses and the Red Sea to show us that God's way is the way that causes us to press in towards Him, stretching our faith and increasing His glory.
There is a very real and present Enemy lurking in our lives. He wants to destroy us and our relationship with God. But Satan is crafty in his deception. Instead of showing us how he wants to ruin us, he asks us questions that cause us to doubt the instructions, intentions, and promises of God. In this first part of our series INFIN8, Mark Pomery looks at the story of Adam & Eve to help us understand the questions Satan asks us - and the questions God asks us in return.
God has designed us to regularly rest in order for life to be sustainable and effective.
We care 40% less than people did in the 1980s ... but God calls followers of Jesus to a higher standard.
Facebook allows us to acknowledge relationships can get complicated. Add layers of technology and social media and our struggles with relationships can be amplified. In the second week of our series Struggles, Mark Pomery teaches how we can navigate relationships well, because life's better together.
The more we compare the less satisfied we can become and, while social media hasn't created a culture of comparison, it has brought it front, centre, and constant. In the first part of our series Struggles, Mark Pomery teaches the secret to being content no matter what your circumstances are.
A Great Mothers Day special from Luisa Pizzolante! Circumstances, disappointments, and life in general can dent our confidence. Yet God calls us to not only hold onto our confidence but to experience a confidence that is grounded in who He is and what He promises.
Is God first in all areas of your life? Learn how to put God first in all areas of your life, including your finances.
Compared to everyone else, it's easy to see what we don't have, where we're lacking, and how we don't measure up. We protect ourselves from vulnerability by projecting a flimsy, false perfection to the world around us. But what do we miss when we choose to hide our true selves? In the final part of our series The Hope of Glory, Mark Pomery shows us the pain comparison can cause, and teaches us to redirect that attention towards a far more beneficial pursuit.
It's easy for us to define ourselves by our worst moments. And it's hard to be hopeful if we are only known by our worst days. But, in part two of our series The Hope of Glory, Mark Pomery examines the life of Abraham to show us that, when God defines our lives through Jesus, he doesn't focus on past mistakes or even our current feelings and circumstances. And even at the end of hope, God can use our faith to fulfill His great purpose in our lives.
Inside all of us there is a longing for something. A deep passion to fill our lives with purpose and meaning. We chase the world and all it offers, but our own pursuits always fall short, reminding us of a thirst for something more. And in the meantime, our mistakes and missteps have left is broken and ashamed. But no matter where we are or what we've done, Jesus has a way of working in our lives to point us to Himself - and what He can offer us instead. This Easter season, Mark Pomery uses the story of the woman at the well to show us the power and eternal impact one encounter with Jesus can have on each and every one of our lives.
We work hard to make a living, and many of us are not sure how or why we should give any of it away. Besides, after the mortgage and the bills and the tuition payments, there really isn't much left over. But the Bible tells a very different story when describing what belongs to us and what belongs to God. In part 2 of our series Consider the Source, Mark Pomery challenges the way we approach our giving, and why our generosity says a lot about how we view God.
In the middle of our daily struggles, it can be easy to focus on ourselves and get caught up in a wave of worry. Why is this happening? What did we do wrong? When are things going to get better? But God tells us to look in a different place. In the first part of our series Consider the Source, Mark Pomery teaches us what God says about our situations and our worry, and why knowing where we come from is paramount in understanding where we're going.
Few things will derail us faster from the plan God has for our lives than discouragement. The enemy wants us to believe the discouraging words he puts in our heads and our hearts. But the truth is, God has given us everything we need to silence those thoughts that hold us back every day. In part 5 of our series, Crash the Chatterbox, Luisa Pizzolante examines the Biblical story of Leah, and teaches us ways to use what God has already shown us to quickly counter the discouraging chatter we face everyday.
Our fears are fueled by worry. Playing out the 'what if?' scenarios of things outside our control and producing nothing more than anxiety and insomnia. But what is really at the bottom of our worst fears? In part 3 of our series, Crash the Chatterbox, Mark Pomery teaches us through the story of Paul's shipwreck to show us how to shift our fear to faith, and how, through Jesus, we can face any situation with the promise, "God says He will."
You're not ___________ enough. This is the lie the enemy plants in our heart every single day. We aren't smart enough. We aren't talented enough. We aren't beautiful enough. At their root, our insecurities don't necessarily make us question God, but they make us question whether or not we are valuable enough to be used by God. How can we give God glory through our lives when we are so dysfunctional, deficient, and doubtful? In part 2 of our series, Crash the Chatterbox, Mark Pomery teaches us through the life of Moses how we can overcome our insecurities with the promise God says, I Am.
We are all fighting the same battle. No matter who we are or where we come from, we each have a common enemy - ourselves. Our negative thoughts overwhelm us on a daily basis and often dictate how we react and respond in almost every situation. So how do we get rid of these thoughts? And how do we focus on God's will when our own negative thoughts of insecurity, fear, condemnation, and discouragement are speaking so loudly in our lives? In part one of our series Crash the Chatterbox, Senior Leader, Mark Pomery explains what the Chatterbox is, why we're all fighting it, and how the promises of God give us the ability to silence the lies of the enemy.
We all have our battles. Our issues. Our struggles. Situations we just wish would end. Fights we just want to get through and move on. But Jesus didn't come so that we could just survive the battle. He defeated death and sin so that we could also have total victory. So how do we win? How do we finish the fight the right way? To round out our conversation Sticks and Stones, Mark Pomery explains the advantage we have as Jesus' followers, and why simply surviving life is no longer an option.
Some of the biggest battles we fight aren't against others, but against ourselves. The battles we combat in our own head and heart. Our enemy will invade our thoughts and try to accuse, belittle, and provoke us - and if we don't approach the fight in the right way, he can crush our spirit and derail our lives. So how do we defeat our enemies when they seems so much bigger and stronger than us? What is the right way to fight? In part 4 of our conversation Sticks and Stones, Mark Pomery teaches us the importance of approach, and why choosing the right weapon can ensure our victory and God's glory.
Today we take a further look at the life of King David, exploring the story that precedes the glory and how God uses His anointed people for His greater purposes. We learn about the passionate attitude it takes for a greater level of success!
As we set goals for a new year, we pray for God to give us chances to grow and increase in our gifts - make the team, get the promotion, become better at what we do. We can trust in the power of prayer, but there is more than just asking God to use the talents He's put inside us. In part 2 of our conversation Sticks and Stones, Mark Pomery gives us a new perspective on maximizing our unique talents, and teaches us tools we can use to develop all that God has entrusted to us.
In the new year, it's natural for us to want something new for our own lives. New resolutions. New endeavors. New circles of influence. We pray for God to give us new areas of our lives where we can make an impact. But what if something new isn't what God wants for us? What if He simply wants us to continue doing what we were already doing - but experience His anointing in a fresh new way? In Part 1 of our conversation Sticks and Stones, Mark Pomery teaches us what it means as Jesus followers to be anointed by God, and why where we're at right now could be exactly where God wants us.
Can you imagine what could happen if we gave control of our life to God? It's scary, but the benefits are world-altering. It's time we start taking risks and making decisions the world doesn't understand. Hear what life can look like when we let go ... when we decide to have Ridiculous Faith.
Can you imagine what could happen if we gave control of our life to God? It's scary, but the benefits are world-altering. It's time we start taking risks and making decisions the world doesn't understand. Hear what life can look like when we let go... when we decide to have Ridiculous Faith.
Can you imagine what could happen if we gave control of our life to God? It's scary, but the benefits are world-altering. It's time we start taking risks and making decisions the world doesn't understand. Hear what life can look like when we let go...when we decide to have Ridiculous Faith.
Are you willing to go down without a fight? Because it could be happening. Your marriage, your family, and your heart are in the battle zone. It's time to man up for God.
Most of our frustrations are born out of our own personal experiences not meeting our expectations, but what about when the tables are turned? What do we do when we are the ones not living up to the expectations of others? How do we avoid the weight of disappointment when we don't measure up? And what should our response be to the negative opinions in our lives? In part 3 of our conversation, The Expectation Gap, we learn the proper position to take when the expectations of others get between us and who we are in Jesus.
Frustration is born when our expectation doesn't match our experience. But what happens when God is at the center of our expectation - and He doesn't come through? When our prayers seem to fall flat. When it seems like the God who loves us didn't provide for us in the way we had hoped. But God doesn't share our perspective. And His plans won't always match up with our plans. And in part 2 of our coknversation The Expectation Gap, we explore the story of Lazurus, an learn how to realign our expectations with a new perspective on who God really is.
Frustration. It's born in the space between our expectations and our actual experiences. This isn't what marriage was supposed look like. I thought this job was going to be different. I never thought my kids would act that way. We have all been there. Overcome with frustration and left with nothing but unmet expectations. How are we supposed to respond? Do we suck it up and get on with life? Do we just lower our expectations? Or is there another way? In the first part of our series The Expectation Gap, we use Mary and Martha to teach us about the source of our greatest frustrations, and what our response should be, in light of who Jesus is.
Giving has always been a topic that makes some people clench their fists, shift in their seats, and begin checking their watches. But maybe that's because we approach our giving from the wrong perspective. Far too many of us see giving as an obligation to God, or as a way to manipulate Him into blessing us. If that's the way we were taught about giving, then yes - there's not much there to get excited about. But in the final part of our conversation This Is Your Permission Slip, we explore a third way to approach our giving - one that breaks us free from our own selfish desires and draws us closer to a God who will not be out given.
When we think about our future, what keeps us from moving forward? And what is limiting us in our lives today? The irony is that often the answer to these questions is rooted in our past. Failure. Disappointment. Shame. We feel chained to these failed past performances and broken dreams. In part three of our conversation This is Your Permission Slip, we explore the idea that when we make Jesus our Lord, God has given us permission to let go of our past as He takes us into the future He has planned for us.
Most non-believers see Christianity as a burdensome religion, leaving its people bound with rules and regulations. And for good reason. Throughout the Bible, God gives extensive commands for His people to follow. And often times, it's these rules that many people use as their proof that God is a punishing taskmaster. So how do we reconcile the freedom that Jesus promises, with a God who seems to say 'No' so much? In part two of our conversation, This Is Your Permission Slip, we explore the deeper response God gives when He commands 'Thou shalt not' and what this reveals about His heart for us.
If we ask the average unchurched person what a relationship with God looks like, what would they say? For many, a life following Jesus looks like a life of restriction. Rules. Regulations. "Here's a list of the fun things you can't do anymore - welcome to Christianity." But this is not the heart of Jesus. He did not leave heaven and come to earth to enforce limitations - he came to liberate. To rescue us from ourselves and our sinful state. In part one of this conversation, we introduce a paradigm-shifting concept about the true purpose of scripture and how Jesus changed the way we approach God.
There is no guarantee that once we place our faith in the hands of Jesus, that our lives will suddenly, magically improve. In fact, we often find that it's quite the opposite. But a life following Jesus is not built on the outcome of our circumstances, no matter how shaky and unstable they may become. And in part six of our series I Don't Know What I Believe, we explain how to keep our confidence when our circumstances are under attack.
Most of us would feel more confident about what we believed if all we had to do was memorise the right vocabulary and understand the right concepts. But God never intended for life to be an exam we passed just by simply knowing the right things.
God is our provider and gives us power to create wealth - for our needs and his purposes.
A lot of us wish that our lives as Jesus followers were a constant stream of never-ending blessing... like God is some sort of celestial Ellen, giving away all His favorite things. We get the parking spot. We get the tax refund. We get green lights and clear skies. But if that's our view of God, then how are we supposed to deal with everything that doesn't turn out just right? When we hurt, and grieve, and suffer. How are we supposed to find God there? In part four of our conversation I Don't Know What I Believe we look at the issue of suffering, and how God ultimately intends to use it in our lives for our good and His glory.
In addition to our first ten percent giving, God calls us to give to spaces and places. Our expression is Building The Future.
Paul's instruction to the early church gives us a great pattern to follow with our giving to God - Priority, Proportional, Prepared
God is in control. It sounds nice and it makes a great bumper sticker - but do we really believe it? How can God, and all His infinite power, love, and grace, coexist in a world with cancer, divorce, human trafficking, and genocide? How can God possibly be in control when life often feels very much the contrary? Here we explain how God and His sovereignty give us a hope to cling to during the most tumultuous seasons of our lives.
If we truly believe what the Bible says about God's love, what Jesus did for us, and who we are in Him - why then so often do our lives not reflect that? We believe our salvation is secure, but what is keeping us from experiencing the life-changing sanctification that God has called us to? Today we examine areas of our lives that can easily derail us from living a Holy life.
Our first ten percent giving is both a goal and a minimum. We first resource our local church, and stretch our faith and generosity beyond that to impact people beyond our four walls.
God gives us a guideline without a finish line when it comes to how much we should give.
God loves us. He has rescued us and He has a plan for us. These are some of the foundational statements our faith found in scripture. And when we read these words, it fuels our faith. We want to believe God is good. But we don't live in a perfect vacuum. So what happens when the circumstances of our lives don't align with what God says? How do we keep our faith in the midst of struggles and pain and trials? Here we talk about how to establish a deep-rooted confidence in Jesus, able to withstand lives that can shake us at our foundation.
Honouring God is front and centre when it comes to how we handle the money he blesses us with.
Conflict resolution done poorly erodes relationships. Conflict resolution done well has the power to build trust in relationships.
We all, to some extent, live in "the gap." Whether you are a lead pastor with a lifetime of experience, or a brand new believer in Christ "the gap" exists. On one side is who God says we are and His commands for our lives. And on the other side is how we actually feel and what we do instead. So how do we fix "the gap"? Spoiler alert - it has less to do with our activity and far more to do with our identity.
We all live subject to the laws God established in the world - The Law of Gravity, etc. But Jesus broke one of Gods laws ... and he did it because he loves you unconditionally.
No matter who you are, we all have at least one thing in common. We all share the natural, conscious desire to know who we are and why we are here on this planet. But before we can understand ourselves, we have to gain an understanding of who God is. If we don't have a knowledge of the Creator, we'll never fully grasp the purpose of His creation and the plans He has for us.
Where there are promises there are almost always problems. Good news is God can bring breakthrough - we need to understand the power and authority we have access to.
Hear the inspiring story of Amina Mendez and how a small loan of $123- transformed her life, her family, and unleashed her dreams.
It is not enough to just to discover the will of God. Thats just the first step. Besides, many of us are educated well beyond our level of obedience. So what do we do once we understand Gods will for our situation? And how do we do it the next time? And the time after that?
Chances are most of us are not hearing from God with an audible list of instructions when we are seeking direction for our next steps. We want to trust Him and step out in faith, but there's no burning bush or blinding light. So how are we supposed to hear from God when it comes to the important decisions in our life?
When we choose Jesus as our Lord, we make the single most important decision of our lives. But once we make that choice, we open ourselves up to endless new decisions, all centering on one over-arching question: what does God want us to do with our lives? Trying to decipher the will of God can be a frustrating prison of fear and second-guessing. Here we explain a life-altering perspective shift that changes the way we approach our place in God's will.
God wants us to be contributors not consumers, and to bring our best to serve his kingdom through our local church.
Gods calling isnt somewhere in the distant future - its built on what you are doing now.
Ever find yourself comparing who you are or what you have with someone else? Can be depressing. Comparison kills contentment.
God promises we will be transformed into the likeness of Jesus, however to make that a reality requires something of us - Training.
Genuine sustained change is rarely achieved overnight. We need to move from approaching change as a project to approaching change as a process.
Jesus declared himself the light of the world ... have you made him the light of your world?
Being referred to as 'sheep' can be a bit demoralizing ... unless you are following a Good Shepherd.
If you're waiting for Jesus to respond to your prayers and are freaking out while he seems to be hanging out, listen to this.
What you see is not all there is. We are in a battle. But we are not alone in our battle.
We have been chosen by God to share the story of Jesus - an enormous responsibility and blessing.
Ever discovered God does not answer all your prayer? Caused you to lose motivation to pray? Then listen to this message from our good friend Daniel Indradjaja.
We were created to do life in community. Who in your world has "Refrigerator Rights" ... the answer is linked closely to your emotional and physical health.
Ever been mad at God for not doing what you thought he should do? Learn how not to handle yourself ... straight from Jonah's playbook.
Ever disobeyed God? You can run but you don't need to hide. Learn from Jonah's example as someone who turned back to God and got a second chance.
God often asks us to do things we don't want to do. At these moments we have a choice ... and our choices determine our destination.
Elevate Church was launched just 6 months ago. Here we take a screen shot of our progress so far and look ahead to what God has called us to be and do.
Have you ever wondered whether God can and will use you, with all your insecurities? Learn how God uses the unlikely to accomplish his plans.
We all have a different measure of faith - both the total amount and in each sphere of our lives. Learn how you can increase your measure of faith.
Great faith often begins with great doubt. Learn from the example of Thomas, whos determined pursuit of truth is an example worth emulating.
God wants to open our eyes to possibilities, move us to obedience, and help us overcome blind spots.
Things often get worse before God makes them better. Learn how to trust God to come through, even in the little details.
We can be dead while we live. Learn how to allow God to raise your dreams, hopes, and future from the dead.
Are you facing lingering circumstances that you need Jesus to turn around? Learn how to better position yourself for your miracle.
Following Jesus is not storm free. But it is storm proof. Learn why and how Jesus allows the storms.
Sometimes in life you will have to choose between pleasing God or pleasing people. If you are an Approval Addict you will short-circuit doing what God has called you to do.
People will act offensively towards you - how you respond is your choice. Choose to take offense and live trapped; learn to live at a higher altitude and live free.
We try to control people and circumstances and get tied up in the process. Learn how God wants you to let go of control, and experience the freedom he intends for your life.
Criticism and comparison can leave us feeling inadequate and incapable of living out our destiny. God's view of you is different than your and he has given you more than you think.
We love stories that end with a twist, and the Easter story ended with the greatest twist ever ... Jesus rising from the dead. Learn how Jesus can help your life come back from the dead - emotions, relationships, finances, and more.
Jesus was crucified between two criminals - one of those criminals derided Jesus while the other asked to join him in paradise. Learn which approach Jesus responded to.
Find out what really matters in life and how to make sure you don't get sidetracked on distractions.
It's simple > a disciple watches the person they are following and does what they do. Learn how to more closely follow Jesus.
You are extremely valuable to God and extremely powerful to fulfil his purpose for your life.
Fact > you will have trouble in life. With Jesus, your life won't be crisis free but it will be crisis proof.
There's stuff wrong with all of us but thanks to Jesus we are made right with God. Learn how to look at yourself the way God sees you and learn to live from your identity not for your identity.
God says you are Jesus' ambassador sent by God from heaven to earth. Learn why he chose you and how that frames your future.