Arise Ventura: Recent Episodes
Arise Ventura
Weekly sermons from Arise Ventura. A gospel-centered, multiethnic, and intergenerational church. Find out more about us at our website www.ariseventura.com
Acts 13 is where we're first introduced to the Christian mission. It’s been progressively revealed to us throughout Acts, but here is where we see the first intentional mission of the Church that would forever change the world. Listen as we make a few observations about missions and the local church.
*This message is part of a larger series covering Acts. Arise Ventura is journeying through The Acts in a dialogic teaching series. Much of what we're learning together comes through dialogue and discussion as the Spirit speaks to us through His word meditated on and obeyed. These recordings are meant to encourage the members of our church body and to equip them for mission and ministry in Ventura.
If you would like to join the discussion, contact us at the Connect link above to find a Gospel Community near you.
When Peter visited Cornelius’ home, he was once again surprised by God’s grace and the barrier breaking power of the gospel. Listen as we explore how in Jesus God has removed every man made barrier prohibiting any person from entering his presence by faith, and why that’s good news for us today.
*This message is part of a larger series covering Acts. Arise Ventura is journeying through The Acts in a dialogic teaching series. Much of what we're learning together comes through dialogue and discussion as the Spirit speaks to us through His word meditated on and obeyed. These recordings are meant to encourage the members of our church body and to equip them for mission and ministry in Ventura.
If you would like to join the discussion, contact us at the Connect link above to find a Gospel Community near you.
The story of Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch teaches us that faithful and fruitful witnesses are those who are in tune with the Spirit, in touch with people, and informed by the gospel. Listen as we explore and attempt to make this practical for the Church today.
*This message is part of a larger series covering. Arise Ventura is journeying through The Acts in a dialogic teaching series. Much of what we're learning together comes through dialogue and discussion as the Spirit speaks to us through His word meditated on and obeyed. These recordings are meant to encourage the members of our church body and to equip them for mission and ministry in Ventura.
If you would like to join the discussion, contact us at the Connect link above to find a Gospel Community near you.
The account of Ananias and Sapphira is a narrative that reminds us that though weeds may grow, God tends to His harvest ensuring the health of its growth. This vital message is a narrative pointing us to God as the Good Gardener. Listen and be reminded that God cares for and tends to His Church, even when it means weeding out sin.
*This message is part of a larger series covering the book of Acts. Arise Ventura is journeying through The Acts in a dialogic teaching series. Much of what we're learning together comes through dialogue and discussion as the Spirit speaks to us through His word meditated on and obeyed. These recordings are meant to encourage the members of our church body and to equip them for mission and ministry in Ventura.
If you would like to join the discussion, contact us at the Connect link above to find a Gospel Community near you.
Acts 4:32-37 outlines 4 Unstoppable Characteristics of Corporate Community that we desperately need today. In this message we look at the early Jerusalem Church’s example to see how an unstoppable church is one in which God is powerfully at work to glorify Jesus by manifestations of His power and grace.
*This message is part of a larger series covering. Arise Ventura is journeying through The Acts in a dialogic teaching series. Much of what we're learning together comes through dialogue and discussion as the Spirit speaks to us through His word meditated on and obeyed. These recordings are meant to encourage the members of our church body and to equip them for mission and ministry in Ventura.
If you would like to join the discussion, contact us at the Connect link above to find a Gospel Community near you.
The healing of the lame beggar is more than just a miracle, it was a sign. Listen as we explore why healing and transformation in Jesus’ name produces contagious joy, leading others to marvel at the power of God.
*This message is part of a larger series covering. Arise Ventura is journeying through The Acts in a dialogic teaching series. Much of what we're learning together comes through dialogue and discussion as the Spirit speaks to us through His word meditated on and obeyed. These recordings are meant to encourage the members of our church body and to equip them for mission and ministry in Ventura.
If you would like to join the discussion, contact us at the Connect link above to find a Gospel Community near you.
Acts Ch. 2 should be interpreted like the rest of Acts: in light of Acts 1:8. In Acts 1:8 Jesus gave the disciples a promise. That promise is that they would receive power to be Christ’s “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth” (1:8). In this sermon we explore what led to the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost and what that means for us today
The book of Acts is a reminder that God’s will and His ways are beyond our comprehension. Acts 1:12-26 teaches us that God may wish to use methods and means and men, and women, which will not only be more effective but which will give all the glory to Him. As disciples, our greatest act of faith is to trust Him and wait on Him to reveal His will to us.
The only way the kingdom of God is going to be manifest in our post-Christian world is if Spirit empowered Christians manifest our purpose. Listen as we rediscover our purpose and consider together some of Jesus' last words to His disciples before ascending to heaven.
*This message is part of a larger series covering. Arise Ventura is journeying through The Acts in a dialogic teaching series. Much of what we're learning together comes through dialogue and discussion as the Spirit speaks to us through His word meditated on and obeyed. These recordings are meant to encourage the members of our church body and to equip them for mission and ministry in Ventura.
If you would like to join the discussion, visit us online at www.ariseventura.com to find a Gospel Community near you.
BE: The ChurchWe will never change the world by just "going to a church." As followers of Jesus, on mission with Him in the world, we put our faith into practice when we walk closely with others as a local body. BE: The Church, is a short series encouraging the Arise family to live out our purpose as world changers exalting Christ, embracing community, and engaging culture, together.
BE: The Church We will never change the world by just "going to a church." As followers of Jesus, on mission with Him in the world, we put our faith into practice when we walk closely with others as a local body. BE: The Church, is a short series encouraging the Arise family to live out our purpose as world changers exalting Christ, embracing community, and engaging culture, together.
BE: The Church We will never change the world by just "going to a church." As followers of Jesus, on mission with Him in the world, we put our faith into practice when we walk closely with others as a local body. BE: The Church, is a short series encouraging the Arise family to live out our purpose as world changers exalting Christ, embracing community, and engaging culture, together.
As the Church, we must call each other UP to the only one who has the power to save. We care for each other best when we call each other to love God and love people.
BE: The Church We will never change the world by just "going to a church." As followers of Jesus, on mission with Him in the world, we put our faith into practice when we walk closely with others as a local body. BE: The Church, is a short series encouraging the Arise family to live out our purpose as world changers exalting Christ, embracing community, and engaging culture, together.
As the Church, we put our faith in action when we prioritize gathering and look for ways to push one another to becoming more like Jesus.
BE: The Church We will never change the world by just "going to a church." As followers of Jesus, on mission with Him in the world, we put our faith into practice when we walk closely with others as a local body. BE: The Church, is a short series encouraging the Arise family to live out our purpose as world changers exalting Christ, embracing community, and engaging culture, together.
As the Church, the first step of putting our faith into practice is believing together.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
What must the Church be devoted to in and out of season? What is the mandate on the Church no matter the politics, culture, time, and place? Acts 2 provides a lens of what the early church was devoted to, and thus, what we must devote ourselves to.
Reflection
Think about your former manner of life before you met Jesus.
What has Jesus saved you from?
Are there aspects of your former manner of life that still manifest itself in your life today?
How does Ephesians 4:17-20 describe our former manner of life? Why is it necessary to flee this type of faultily?
Think about your life in Christ.
What things have you learned about Jesus in your walk with him?
Read Ephesians 4:25-32. Where do you see these qualities in Jesus? Take some time to read through the Gospel of Mark to identify them.
What kind of spiritual habits do you have that help you spend time with Jesus?
If you don’t have any, why not?
What are some health habits you can begin now.
Pray
Ask God to help you see areas of your life where you have allowed futility to creep in.
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the humility you need to submit to Christ’s authority.
Pray for the universal church. That God would protect her from futility and that she would display the unity that we have in Jesus to the world.
Summary
James' final message is: Faith works, by lovingly pursuing wandering people back to the truth. This is a reminder that the Church is in the business of soul winning. As good as it is to feed the hungry and clothe the sick, we must remember that God has called Christians to preach the gospel and make disciples.
Reflection
Can you think of a time when someone lovingly pursued you back to the truth of the gospel?
How about a time when you pursued someone else? How did it go?
What about a time when you decided not to pursue them? Reflect on reasons why.
Do you find it difficult to confront those who wander away from the faith?
Why or why not?
Pray
Pray for the person(s) you believe God is calling you to loving pursue and encourage back to the truth.
Ask for the boldness to speak
Pray for humility and gentleness
Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught in sin, you who are spiritually mature should restore them with a spirit of gentleness... Carry each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Join Steve Ross (Arise Ventura), Bert Alcorn (Anthem Ventura) & Brent Hisayasu (Harvest Bible Chapel) as they chat about Advent, our collaborative teaching series, and how we can press into biblical hope in a deeper way this year!
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ariseventura.com/advent
Reflection
In episode 3 of our Advent podcast we're going to identify several ways we can grow in hope. What are some practical ways you can think of that will help you gain a clearer vision of the future promised to us, so that it affects your present walk with Jesus?
Remember: our working definition of hope is "The present life lived remembering God’s faithful past, with confidence in God’s promised future.
Pastor Brent opened up with a story about his son watching Iron Man for the first time. Is it hard for you to remember the end of the story as you journey through life's trials? Why or why not?
Can you think of someone who has lost hope, and perhaps their faith, in Christ because of trials? How would you encourage them with the truth of Romans 8:18-32 in order to help them?
Prayer
Pray for the person(s) you've listed above asking God to give you an opportunity to share the truth of His hope with them this season.
Join Steve Ross (Arise Ventura), Bert Alcorn (Anthem Ventura) & Brent Hisayasu (Harvest Bible Chapel) as they chat about Advent, our collaborative teaching series, and how we can press into biblical hope in a deeper way this year!
–
ariseventura.com/advent
Reflection:
Biblical hope is the present life lived remembering God’s faithful past, with confidence in God’s promised future.
Read Romans 5:1-5
How does it challenge or encourage you to know that our hope grows out of our enduring suffering?
In Psalm 42:5-6 David found encouragement to hope by remembering 3 occasions of God’s faithfulness.
How has gratitude for God’s goodness helped give you hope in tough circumstances?
Pray
List out 3 things in your life for which you’re grateful and thank God for them.
Join Steve Ross (Arise Ventura), Bert Alcorn (Anthem Ventura) & Brent Hisayasu (Harvest Bible Chapel) as they chat about Advent, our collaborative teaching series, and how we can press into biblical hope in a deeper way this year!
–
ariseventura.com/advent
Forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian faith. Without forgiveness, we have nothing. We cannot allow cancel culture to convince us that forgiveness is never an option.
Jesus gives us a great example of what it looks like to ascribe dignity to an otherwise outcast human. Join us as we reflect on the actions of Jesus in John 4.
We begin a new series called CANCELED. We will look at Luke 4 and see how the gospel speaks to rejection vs redemption. We live in a world that misses the beauty in what redemption can do.
Enjoy reflecting on Psalm 126 with us. This Psalm of ascent calls us to look up to our God who cares for us.
Join us as we reflect on Psalm 73.
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Do you trust God for everything? Is He your hope in times of trouble? Allow the words of Psalm 18 to drive you to a deeper dependence on Him.
God calls his people to sing. Listen with us as we reflect on Psalm 13 and our privilege to sing to our God.
This week we round out of focus on Psalms that cause us to pause by surveying Psalm 46. Life in a fallen world will always be wrought with brokenness and chaos. In the midst of the chaos, there is a distinct voice calling out to the Christ-follower: “Be still and know that I am God.”
We begin our series in the Psalms by meditating on the words in Psalm 3 focusing on the theme of Selah, a word that indicated pause. We will consider the idea of Selah through the eyes of lament.
We get a sneak peak into how Paul confronts a brother in love. The story of Philemon and Onesimus provides great insight to the depths of brotherhood and partnership.
As a result of the transforming power of the gospel, we get to participate in God’s mission as His ambassadors. With such a great privilege comes great stewardship.
God's design for the family is rooted in his call for us to be a new humanity. We should love different in our marriages and lead different in our homes. Jesus helps us to do both well.
As a Transformed humanity, God calls us to live out that new humanity with a new priority: thankfulness.
Happy Resurrection Sunday! The resurrection of Jesus helps us to live like a new humanity. This week we walk through what that new humanity should look like.
God has created a new humanity in Christ. In this new humanity, cultural, ethnic, or economic distinctions no longer divide. Instead, this new humanity is marked by one key element: unity—which is guided by two realities Paul has been driving home across the entire epistle.
In this passage Paul turns his attention away from the false teachers who reject Christ, to the false teachers who otherwise judge as if they are Him. In verses 16-23 Paul exposes self righteousness for the legalism that it is and calls to attention three reasons we Christians reject it.
In Colossians 2:8-15 Paul contends against the gnostic heresy and charges believers to keep their focus on Christ and not let anyone lead them to turning away from him. Taking Paul’s example and exhortation to heart we consider 3 Priorities for Engaging Culture.
Continuing a look at Paul’s purpose statement, we unpack the last of five things every effective minister struggles for and envisions for the Church — a walk of Deep Unwavering faith. An encouragement to joyfully go on with Christ in the same way we received Him.
As we turn to Colossians 2 we see Paul keeping the goal of maturing disciples in mind, and get introduced to somewhat of a purpose statement he intends for us to carry on. As we consider this passage we see five things every effective minister of the gospel will find worth fighting for.
Paul’s attitude and actions in Colossians 1:24-29 reminded us that because of our victory in Christ, we can and should strive toward the goal of maturing disciples that make disciples. A call to rejoice in suffering for the sake of the church by the grace of God, with the power of God, and for the glory of God.
After praying and praising God for the Colossians’ faith in the gospel, the Apostle Paul burst into singing a hymn about the supremacy of Jesus. This sermon reminds us that Jesus Christ is Supreme in all things, from creation to new creation, and therefore worthy of worship.
One of the natural characteristics of being alive is growth and maturity. From the time we’re born we look for signs of life by measuring physical, mental, and other evidences of development. Spiritually it’s no different. As Paul continues to pray, having thanked God for the Colossians’ new life, he goes on and prays for their walk with Christ, and maturity in Him.
Everyone wants to be known as authentic; the Colossians were no different. So Paul, writing to the Church at Colossae, sought to reassure them of their genuine faith and new life in Christ. In this sermon we explore Paul’s opening prayer of thanksgiving and discover why he considered faith, hope, and love to be Authentic Christianity.
An introduction to Colossians exploring why everything in God’s creation hinges on the eternal grace and peace He brings to the world in Jesus Christ.