Faith Church Indy: Recent Episodes
Faith Church Indy
Together, the people of Faith seek to connect with God, each other, and our needy world. Through biblical preaching and teaching, passionate worship, deep friendships, and a focus on loving and serving, our mission is to declare the glory of God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.
Stephen, one of the seven chosen to meet needs in the church, faithfully serves, heals, and shares the good news of Jesus with others. Instead of blessings and recognition, Stephen's "reward" is hostility, arrest, and slander. What does Stephen's experience teach us about what it means to follow Jesus? Join us as we look at "The Accusation" from Acts 6:8-15.
From conflict inside the church Luke takes us to conflict outside the church, in the form of an arrest, trial, and beating of the church’s leaders by the religious authorities. Desperate to stop the Jesus-movement, they inadvertently embolden the apostles, who are thrilled that they get to suffer for the name of Jesus. What about us? Are we willing to suffer for Jesus? Join us for “The Rescue” from Acts 5:12-14, and we’ll ask ourselves what we’re willing to sacrifice for the name of Jesus.
Pastor Joey shares some extra info he couldn't share in his sermon on Sunday including a new vocabulary word!
As the early church begins to grow, some leaders are appointed because of their character and qualifications, while others try to buy their way in to leadership. But this new Jesus-movement has no room for manipulation and false piety. In this sermon, we’ll dig into Acts 4:32-5:11, the famous story of “The Field,” and consider what this story says about our church, today.
Pastor Joey talks about the role of the Holy Spirit within the context of this week's passage (Acts 4:23-31) and answers a few texted in questions.
After being explicitly told not to preach about new life in the name of Jesus, the early followers of Jesus gather to pray—not to pray for persecution to stop, but to pray that they would be bold to proclaim Jesus in the face of opposition. Do we want that same boldness? Join us for “The Prayer” from Acts 4:23-31 as we learn what this prayer has to teach us today!
Our annual One Worship Service was a celebration with worship, communion and baptisms. We combined elements of the traditional and contemporary services for a unified service.
Pastor Jeff answers a few questions that were submitted and we chat about the new sermon discussion questions that are available each week!
A good deed done in Jesus’ name leads to a message about Jesus being the promised Savior. Why does all this seem threatening to the authorities? What happens when the power and the message of the gospel clash with unbelief? And what does that have to do with us? Join us as we look at “The Council” from Acts 4:1-22.
Pastor Tom points out more parallels between the Gospel of Luke and Acts, encourages us in Bible-reading habits, and reminds us of the essential content of the Gospel.
What are the essentials of what came to be called Christianity? Following the healing of a beggar at the temple gate who was “lame form birth,” Peter addressed the gathering crowd with not only Gospel essentials, but by building a case that who Jesus is and what Jesus did is the fulfillment of the entire Jewish Scriptures. Illustrating from Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and “all the prophets” Peter declared that God’s plan of blessing for Israel and the future hope for “all the families of the earth” is centered on Jesus through his death and resurrection. Read all of Acts 3 in preparation for this message from Acts 3:11-26, The Call.
Pastor Joey shared a few things with us that he didnt get to share in his sermon, "The Beggar."
This GO time podcast is a little different than what we’ve done before. We usually interview our missionaries in the weeks leading up to their GO Time weekend and publish it just ahead of their event schedule. In this podcast, I interview Mark and Alyssa Dunker. I last interviewed them three years ago at a time when a lot of things about their ministry were up in the air, as was the whole world in 2020. Here’s a short update with the Dunkers, what they are up to next and how you can pray for them.
Will wonders never cease? It seems that way, as we watch the Peter who preached in the power of the Spirit now heal in the name of the Son. The good news that the Kingdom of God has come in Jesus the Messiah is authenticated in a miraculous healing, a healing that not only restores physical health, but spiritual health as well. Join us for “The Beggar” from Acts 3:1-10!
Pastor Jeff talks about the early Christian community, the challenges that we experience in community and how to find yours at Faith.
Peter preaches the good news of Jesus' resurrection and forgiveness, and 3,000 people come to faith - now what? What do these people do together? What defines the faith community they create? And what does that mean for how we "do" church? Join us as we look at "The Community" from Acts 2:42-47.
Lisa Meharry works with Wycliffe Bible Translation in two different support roles. Her GO Time weekend is July 14-16. Go to faithchurchindy.com/gotime for the full schedule of events.
Pastor Jeff talks more about baptism, and why Peter commands it as a response to hearing the first sermon of the Christian church.
Have you ever had a sudden revelation, a change of perspective that shifted everything you thought you knew? The worshipers in Jerusalem realize they’ve gotten everything about Jesus wrong – now what? What difference does it make when we see Jesus for who he really is? Join us for “The Response” from Acts 2:36-41.
Pastor Joey answers a few questions submitted by listeners and shares some great illustrations that help us understand the passage better!
With a rushing wind and tongues of fire proving that God now dwells with his people, that heaven meets earth in the brand-new church, Peter stands up to address the world-wide crowd of Jews attracted by the noise. This is how the kingdom of God begins, with the first sermon of the first church. Join us for “The Sermon” from Acts 2:14-36!
Pastor Joey answers a listener's question and talks about a biblical understanding of speaking in tongues and some of our common misunderstandings regarding this gift!
Pastor Joey takes us verse by verse to give us some more insight to the passage and answers a few of Claire's questions. This is a long episode, we hope that you'll stick with us!
What a story! But why is it in our Bibles? Just for the shock value of what happened to Judas? Or is there more to the story? Join us for “The Twelve” from Acts 1:12-26, as we explore the connection this story has with Israel in the past and the kingdom of God in the future!
Pastor Jeff preached on The Kingdom from Acts 1:6-11 on Sunday. In this episode of Cut for Time, he unpacks what it looks like to live within the reign and under the ruler of this Kingdom.
Pastor Joey summarizes the first sermon of our Advent series and answers some really great questions submitted from listeners!
In the beginning,” John says, “was the Word.” What a way to introduce the story of Jesus—by deliberately echoing the beginning of all creation. In these four weeks of Advent we’ll explore four images from John 1: the Word, the Light, the Flesh, and the Glory. Join us for “The Word” from John 1:1-5!
Jesus likes hanging out with the “wrong” people, he welcomes sinners, and his disciples don’t follow the rules that define good, decent people. Jesus just doesn’t make sense as a religious leader. That’s kind of the point – and that’s good news for all of us. Join us as we look at “The God Who Breaks All The Rules” from Matthew 9:9-17.
Pastor Jeff shares a few thoughts on Jesus' authority and our own invitation to respond to him, as well as the call on our lives to try to model the same inviation to others under our authority.
All of us are broken, wounded, or needy in various ways – physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually. And our awareness of our problems can lead to discouragement and even despair. Jesus meets us in that place with both encouragement and healing for all that’s wrong with us. Join us as we look at “The God Who Heals Body and Soul” from Matthew 9:1-8.
So far in this series, we’ve seen Jesus draw near to the outcast by healing a leper and even a Roman soldier’s servant, but how will Jesus react when his disciples feel helpless in the midst of chaos? Or what will he do as he confronts evil face to face? How would you react if you witnessed Jesus calm a storm with a rebuke, or cast out demons with a single word? Join us for “The God Who Rules Over Chaos and Evil” from Matthew 8:23-34!
Pastor Joey shares a little more from his study of Matthew 8:5-13 and answers two submitted questions.
As we continue in our series, “The God Who Draws Near,” we find Jesus continuing to heal. He’s healed a leper, and now a Roman soldier asks for help for a servant who is deathly ill. Will Jesus help a servant of the occupying army? Would you? Join us for “The God Who Is Worthy of Trust” from Matthew 8:5-13!
Pastor Jeff shares a few additional insights from Matthew 8:1-4 and connects it to some Old Testament passages to give us a better understanding of the God Who Brings Wholeness.
As Jesus finishes his message on life in his gracious kingdom, he comes down off the hillside into the reality of people’s everyday lives. In his first encounter with brokenness we see his compassion and his commitment to extend his wholeness, healing, and restoration to everyone he touches. Join us to see “The God Who Brings Wholeness” from Matthew 8:1-4.
Coming off the mountain, the crowds marveled at the authority with which Jesus taught. Every other prophet or wisdom teacher or law-giver pointed to someone greater than themselves; Jesus offered himself as the foundation of life in the Kingdom of God. How do you respond to someone like that? How do we? Join us for “With Authority” from the last verses of the Sermon on the Mount, and follow along as we summarize the entirety of the sermon and hear afresh Jesus’s call on our lives.
We’ve come to the end. We’ve heard the words of Jesus—who is more than a philosopher of the good life, more than a sage sharing God’s wisdom, more than a prophet teaching God’s law. We’ve heard the words of the one who is the final and definitive source of God’s truth. So, decision time: will you build your life on the sure foundation of his teaching? Or turn away, and build on an unstable foundation? We’ll consider the “Two Builders” in Matthew 7:24-27. Which do you want to be?
We expect that what we see on the outside reflects what someone or something really is. But Jesus warns us to beware false prophets who look good but lead people astray. How do we know who we should listen to? And who am I listening to? Join us for “True or False” from Matthew 7:15-23
As Jesus begins to wrap up his Sermon on the Mount, he ends with warnings: there are two ways to respond to his message. The foolish person will ignore what he says, preferring the easy path; the wise person will hear and put it into practice, regardless of the difficulty. Which path will we take? Join us as we consider the “Two Paths” Jesus lays out for us, from Matthew 7:13-14.
Jesus' picture of life in his Kingdom is profoundly beautiful and deeply challenging. I long to have that kind of life, but the more I think about it the more I see how far short I fall. What do I do? How does God help me actually experience his Kingdom? Join us for "Good Gifts to Those Who Ask" from Matthew 7:7-12.
With some of his most well-known, pithy sayings, Jesus instructs us in the art of spiritual discernment. If we judge unfairly, we too will be judged unfairly. How can we point out others’ faults if we’re unaware of our own? And is there ever a place for measuring others? Join us for “The Art of Spiritual Discernment” as we explore Jesus’s teaching in this critical area!
If I don’t rely on money or stuff for security and identity, life gets scary. How do I know things will turn out the way they should? Can I really trust God? Because lots of things go wrong. But Jesus invites us into a life of confidence and peace trusting in the Father’s goodness and care. Join us as we look at “A Restful Heart” from Matthew 6:25-34.
In a passage that serves both to wrap up the previous discussion—what kind of reward are you looking for, the kind that comes from God or from people?—and introduces the next section—what kind of riches do you want, the kind that wastes away or the kind that lasts forever?—Jesus shifts gears into talking about how his call to “greater righteousness” applies to the stuff of this world. What should the disciple’s relationship to money be? Join us for “Either/Or” from Matthew 6:19-24, where we’ll see Jesus’s radical call to be wholly oriented toward God, even in how we think about our stuff.
Calling us to “greater righteousness” in how we live out the habits that draw us closer to God, Jesus rounds out this trio of personal pieties with a discussion of fasting. Why are we tempted to make ourselves look bad in order to look good? Whose praise are we seeking? Join us for “Fasting for Compliments” from Matthew 6:16-18.
Prayer is conversation – talking with and listening to our heavenly Father. It connects us with God and keeps us walking in his ways. Jesus shows us how to avoid hypocrisy and instead trust in God, offering simple and heartfelt prayer. Join us for "The Heart of Prayer" from Matthew 6:7-15.
How do you keep your soul healthy when you live, work, and play in an environment that is hostile to Christianity—or worse, dismissive and negligent? What sort of practices do you need to sustain your faith? Join David and Emily as they share from personal experience about the value of personal soul care in ministry.
Today’s episode features our missionaries, David & Emily Cetola. They are currently serving in Forli, Italy with TEAM - the evangelical alliance mission. They are currently in town for their GO Time weekend, their events will run through August 15. Check out their schedule of events on our website: faithchurchindy.com/gotime.
As we near the very center of the Sermon on the Mount, we find Jesus giving instruction on how to pray. What does whole-person righteousness look like when applied to prayer, and how do we avoid the temptation to parade our righteousness for others to see? We’ll tackle those questions and more in “Praying for Praise” from Matthew 6:5-6!
We all know sad examples of people who didn’t live up to their promises or values. We can all see ways we do that, too. If God has poured out his love on us, called us his children, adopted us into his family, joined us together as a new kind of community, what difference does that make in how we live? In worship we look at "Worthy" from Ephesians 4:1-6.
Jesus highlights the danger of performative righteousness - doing good in order to be seen and admired. Jesus has come to set us free to be right in the right kind of way, doing good and trusting God for the results and the recognition. Join us as we look at "Giving and Recognition" from Matthew 6:1-4.
Hear Dan and Michelle share their expertise from years of ministering to (and raising!) missionary kids. MKs are a unique people group all their own, and their experience can help us better care for the MKs we know and love.
This episode features our missionaries, Dan & Michelle Tebbe. They are currently living in the Chicago area during a year-long furlough following the last 8 years in Indonesia serving with One Challenge International. Their GO Time events are this weekend, July 23 and 24th. Check out their schedule of events on our website: faithchurchindy.com/gotime.
Rounding out and summarizing these six heart-level interpretations of Old Testament Law, Jesus calls his followers to perfect holiness. But what exactly does he mean by “perfect”? Is he laying an unbearable burden on our shoulders? Or calling us to whole-person, integrated righteousness? Join us for “Perfect Holiness,” as we dig into the kind of righteousness Jesus calls us to in Matthew 5:48.
To wrap up his call to greater righteousness, Jesus focuses on love—not just love for those who already love us, but love for even those who hate us, who attack and revile us. This is greater righteousness at its highest and most virtuous. Join us for “Greater Love” as we examine Jesus’s high calling to love!
In one of the best known sections of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus appears to tell us not to resist evil, not to stand up to injustice, to accommodate unjust authorities, and to give even to the point of bankrupting ourselves. But is that really how we should apply his wisdom? Join us for “Lex Virtutis”—the Law of Virtue—as we explore how the disciples of Jesus “righteous-ize” an unjust world.
Jesus now addresses the topics of oaths and truth-telling. Are we literally not to swear oaths? And why are honesty and reliability so important for God’s people? Join us this Sunday as we look at “Tried and True” from Matthew 5:33-37.
In our final Cut for Time episode this season, Pastor Joey wraps up the mini-series "You Are Not Your Own" and answers your questions on divorce and re-marriage.
As if Jesus’s teaching on sex and lust wasn’t difficult enough, his position on divorce isn’t any easier! How do we understand what Jesus says here with what he also says in chapter 19? What’s the heart behind these words? Join us for “Unadulterated” from Matthew 5:31-32 as we tackle yet another of Jesus’s profoundly counter-cultural lessons!
The Path of a Disciple: Helping People Grow in the Relationship with Jesus — In this hybrid-format seminar, Jacob and Becca Hash will share the philosophy of discipleship they use in Poland and give us practical tools and steps for recognizing where people are in their relationship with Jesus and helping them take the next step on their Path of Discipleship.
Pastor Joey covers your tough questions about godly living, the pursuit of God's design in sexual ethics, and how to talk about this with others.
Jacob and Becca Hash share about their own walks with the Lord and how that has transformed their ministry over the last year in Poland.
As the gospel spread throughout the Roman world, the earliest Christians had to think through how Jesus’s teaching—including about sex and sexuality—applied in an “anything goes” world. Join us for “You Are Not Your Own” from 1st Corinthians 6:12-7:5, as we see how the Apostle Paul applies Jesus’s words in a pagan world.
Pastor Joey answers the questions you submitted following his sermon on Sunday. It's a long episode! Buckle up!
Now that we’ve understood the foundation of Jesus’s teaching about marriage, sex, and sexuality, we can turn to the text of Matthew 5:27-30 to see what Jesus has to say about the heart issue behind adultery--it’s about lust. It’s not enough to just resist the behavior. Jesus wants our hearts, too. Join us for “Don’t Look Now!” as we explore the source, the symptoms, and the solution to lust.
Pastor Joey answers the questions you texted in from his sermon on Sunday! It's a longer episode that has definitely not been cut for time, but it's worth the listen!
Just a few paragraphs into the Sermon on the Mount, and already Jesus is getting offensive. Anger is one thing, but now he dares to talk about lust? And divorce? Doesn’t Jesus know that these are private issues? Yes, he does—which is why he talks about them, and why we’ll spend a few extra weeks in these verses. We examine the assumptions about sex and sexuality that Jesus’s listeners bring to the conversation, and contrast them with our assumptions today. We examine “The Old Way” from Matthew 5:27-30 to get our bearings from the Bible’s teaching on this topic!
Jesus' kingdom is marked by peace in our hearts and living at peace with others. So anger, resentment, and scorn are heart postures that must be acknowledged and dealt with. Join us for "Rage, Resentment, and Reconciliation" from Matthew 5:21-26.
This episode features our missionaries, Joy and Dave Skinner. They live in South Africa and serve with Operation Mobilization. They have been doing vocational ministry for 40 years. Dave has been a part of our missions family since he was a child when his parents were a part of Faith missions family. Together, Joy and Dave have been teamed up with the missions family for 31 years now.
“I have not come to abolish, but to fulfill!” With these words, Jesus places himself at the pinnacle of revelation, the consummation of expectations and the conclusion of the whole Old Testament story. He’s not here to do a radical new thing, to throw away everything that came before. No, he’s here to finish what God started a long, long time ago. But finishing God’s work means new, intensified requirements for his people. Join us for Jesus’s call to “Greater Righteousness” in Matthew 5:17-20!
Jesus has pictured a people whose values stand out from the normal way of life in this world. What happens when Jesus' followers live out Kingdom values in their ordinary lives? And what does that look like? Join us for "The Witness of Kingdom People" from Matthew 5:13-16.
In an intentional echo of Psalm 1, the Sermon on the Mount begins by describing true human flourishing in relationship with God. We’re familiar with the picture: meekness, mercy, purity, peacemaking. But are these “beatitudes” promises of blessing from God for good behavior? Or descriptions of the happy state of those who live wisely? Join us as we explore Matthew 5:2-12!
Pastor Joey answers a few questions submitted by a listener and introduces the new series to us!
For the first few centuries after the first Easter, the Church used Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as its manual for discipleship. What does a follower of Jesus look like? How are they to live? What should they value? Why? These questions and more are answered in the Sermon on the Mount. For the next six months, we will walk through this famous sermon, building our own Kingdom Life. Join us as we set the foundation for our study—and for our life in the kingdom!
Have you ever had something happen that upended your life and how you saw things? Sometimes that happens in a scary or threatening way. But what if the worrisome, regrettable, or ruined things in your life were suddenly transformed? Join us as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and look at “The World Turned Upside Down” from Matthew 28:1-10.
Listen to Pastor Jeff share more thoughts from his sermon on Sunday and how he prepares for Holy Week.
God’s people are looking for the king who will come in power to destroy their enemies and bring in a reign of peace. Jesus enters Jerusalem - the center of religious and political power - to shouts of praise and acclamation. But what kind of King is he? How will he use his power? Join us as we look at “The Humble King" from Matthew 21:1-14
In this third and final test that the adversary puts in front of Jesus, he again is asking Jesus the question, “What type of Son of God will you be?” Specifically, Satan shows Jesus the kingdoms of the world and subliminally asks Jesus, “Are you the type of Son of God who is willing to suffer?” Join us to study Matthew 4:8-11 to see how Jesus responds to Satan, and how he demonstrates his willingness to suffer to fulfill his purpose as the Son of God.
Pastor Joey talks about dessert times in our lives and how we are to live and rest in God.
At the height of the temple, the next temptation comes. The devil continues his schemes to get Jesus to abuse his relationship with God by putting God to the test. “If God cares for you, he’ll save you! That’s what Psalm 91 says. So throw yourself off and prove that God loves you!” Jesus responds with Scripture of his own, and a lesson for us. How do we resist “The Temple Temptation”? Join us to find out!
Pastor Joey gives us the big picture of the temptation narrative from Matthew and spends time talking about spiritual hunger.
Immediately following his baptism, the Spirit of God leads the Son of God into the wilderness, where his qualifications for ministry will be tested. Will Jesus succeed where Adam failed? Where Moses failed? Where Israel failed? And if he succeeds, what does that mean for us? Join us for “The Trial of the Son,” from Matthew 4:1-4, the first of three sermons on the temptations of Jesus.
Pastor Jeff shares what he picked up from a few commentaries during sermon prep that he couldn't share during the sermon.
Matthew wants us to see how Jesus is the good news that God is fulfilling all his promises to save, rescue, and restore all that’s gone wrong with us. But it’s only when we see how much of a mess we’re in that Jesus really becomes good news to us. Join us for “Help Is On The Way” from Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17.
Pastor Jeff shares some more insight on the season of lent and what he's intentionally focusing on for Lenten practices.
For Lent this year, we'll follow the early chapters of Matthew's gospel to see how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to save and redeem. We see the good news of Jesus’ faithfulness to God's purposes in contrast to our failures. Join us as we look at "The Redeemer and King" from Matthew 2:1-18.
Pastor Jeff shares more insight to enhance the reading of this passage and talks a bit about Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Paul ends his letter with a final reminder and appeal - outward identifiers of 'righteousness' may look impressive but they come from bad motives and lead to destructive ends. It's only in the cross that our hearts are freed, that we know peace, mercy and love, and that we experience the life God wants for us. Join us for "In the Cross" from Galatians 6:11-18
Pastor Joey challenges us to "think Christianly" and what that looks like in a normal day.
As Paul wraps up his letter to the churches in south Galatia, he may be getting a sense that what he’s just written is going to need some explanation…so he makes a point to remind the churches that they need to set aside funds to supply the teachers they need. In a paragraph about the wise use of resources, Paul makes a profound connection: if self-giving love is at the heart of the message, it should also be at the heart of the messengers. Join us for “Doing Good” from Galatians 6:6-10!
Pastor Joey dives into the greek translation to look at verbs and gain new understanding from the text on Sunday!
With his admonition to all within the church to freely choose loving service to others, Paul knows that realistically, it’s going to take time to and effort to work that out. So he follows up that admonition with instruction that all communities must learn: how to be mutually support and individually responsible, at the same time! Some of us want to go it alone, others want everyone else to do the work—but neither approach fulfills “The Messiah’s Law,” which we’ll study from Galatians 6:1-5.
Paul has made his case, clearly, against dividing the church in Galatia along ethnic lines. And he’s argued persuasively that the gospel demands such unity. But what does that unity look like in practice? And what practices actually lead to disunity? Join us for “Practices of (Dis)Unity” from Galatians 5:13-26!
Pastor Joey gives us a pre-cut for time and shares some personal reflection from his own sermon application.
He’s not pulling his punches any longer. As Paul begins to wrap up his letter, challenging the Galatian believers to cut off the rival teachers and adopt the Spirit-filled lifestyle that leads to unity, he doesn’t hold back from condemning those who truncate the gospel. Though we aren’t facing the same situation as these first-century believers, are there ways we short the gospel as well? Join us for “Cutting In” from Galatians 5:7-12!
Pastor Jeff encourages us to live in the freedom of Christ, looks ahead to the rest of the book, and challenges us to apply the text to our lives.
The Apostle Paul tells us that it will never be through our obedience that we can know we are God’s children. The hope of righteousness is for those who through the Spirit wait for it with a faith working through love. Join us as we look at “Only Faith” from Galatians 5:1-6.
Pastor Jeff explains why he was pressed for time and what he wished he could have spent more time on or clarified in his sermon in the Galatians 4:21-5:1 section.
Some in Galatia are spreading the message that keeping the old covenant laws is what “really” makes you a child of God. The Apostle Paul wants Christians to see where that leads, and he points them to what God really wants for them. Join us for “You Deserve Better” from Galatians 4:21 – 5:1!
Pastor Joey shares on the purpose of the sermon on Sunday and how the passage from Sunday prompts us to praise Jesus.
As the Apostle Paul approaches the climax of his letter to the churches in Galatia, he appeals to them to remember their friendship with him. Should they consider him an enemy because he is being a good friend? And what does this personal aside have to do with Paul’s overall argument in this letter? Join us for “With Friends Like These…” from Galatians 4:12-20!
Pastor Jeff shares what he wished he could have included in Sunday's sermon and gives us a tool for the new year.
Paul reminds his readers that they are all children of God through faith in the work of Christ. But instead of growing in the liberty with which Christ has set them free, they have slipped back into old bondage. Join us for “No Going Back” from Galatians 4:8-11 as we see how remembering God's work in our past directs our lives in the present.
In a beautifully packed, Trinitarian paragraph, the Apostle Paul wants his readers to internalize their adoption as sons in the family of God. It’s our “sonship” — our status as first-born inheritors of the promise — that serves as the foundation for intimacy and communion with God. Join us for “From Slaves to Sons” from Galatians 4:1-7 as we examine how Paul’s ancient vision gives fresh life to us today!
Pastor Joey preached on Sunday and rebooted our series in Galatians following the break we took for Advent. We begin again in chapter 4, verse 1.
One day heaven and earth will be reunited. We will live in unity and peace with God, with others, and with creation, and we will know the fulfillment of our longings for love, goodness, and purpose. Join us as we see in Revelation 21 what it be like when we are Finally Home and how we live here and now in light of that future.
In the great story of the Bible, we begin coming “home” when we come to Jesus. But even those of us who have walked with Jesus for decades still feel a sense of restlessness, of homelessness. Why? Because no home here will last forever—we seek a home that is to come. So what do we do in the meantime? Join us for “Homeward Bound” from Hebrews 13:11-15!
Having lost their original home, humanity turned to making a home for themselves, a home where they could try to reclaim what they’d lost in the curse. Their attempt to build a tower to commune with God—on their terms, not his—failed, with disastrous results. Join us for “Home-Making” from Genesis 11:1-9, as we see how our longing for a home often leads us in fruitless directions.
Advent begins. In this season, we’ll prepare for Christmas by looking at Jesus’ birth in the larger story of the whole Bible. Many of us feel a sense of weariness, disconnection, and emptiness. We long for home – for the safety, identity, and love that God made us to know and share. Join us as we look at Genesis 1:1-5, 26-31 and “Our First Home.”
Paul wraps up his long explanation of how Abraham gets his one world-wide family by telling an astounding and astoundingly dense before-and-after story. We were locked up and under guard—until Jesus came!—but now we are sons and daughters of God. Join us for a deep dive into “Before-And-After” from Galatians 3:23-29!
Pastor Joey shares what he prepared to preach on verses 19 & 20 (which he ultimately cut for time) and why he felt it was not worth keeping in Sunday's sermon.
If the law could never deliver on the life it promised, why did God give the law to Moses in the first place? What was the point, if God had already promised a world-wide inheritance to Abraham’s family? And what does all this have to do with brand-new Galatian believers in Jesus? Find out when we explore “Why Then the Law?” From Galatians 3:15-22!
If you couldn't make it to Sunday's feast celebration, you may have missed out on good food, but we've curated the storytelling for you in podcast form!
Pastor Jeff shares more on the language Paul used regarding "curses" and his prayer for our congregation within this passage.
If we think that what defines us as God’s people is doing the things that he commands and avoiding the bad things that pagans do, we’re in real trouble – we are “under a curse.” Law-keeping righteousness condemns us. Join us as we see the good news of how we’re “Redeemed from the Curse” by faith in Christ in Galatians 3:10-14.
Pastor Joey shares more from his sermon prep that he wasn't able to on Sunday and asks us to consider some tough questions about the divisions in the church.
In the social and cultural world of the Galatians, the question, “who is included in the family of the God of Israel?” profoundly impacted Jewish and Gentile Christians alike. Jewish Christians wanted, and Gentile Christians needed to know “who are the true children of Abraham?” Paul’s answer? “Those who have faith.” Join us as we explore “The Family of Faith” from Galatians 3:1-9!
Pastor Jeff gives us some insight to verses 1:17-1:19 that he felt he didn't have enough time to teach from on Sunday.
In Christ, we give up every old way of being identified as God’s people – moralistic law-keeping, national identity, ethnic boundaries. By God’s free grace we experience new life, identity, and community. And all that is received and lived out through faith in the faithfulness of Jesus. Join us as we look at “Crucified with Christ” from Galatians 2:15-21.
Joey tells us more of the story... and reflects on his own sermon preparation and application from Sunday.
The Apostle Paul almost never gives us autobiographical details, so it’s significant that he includes such an extended narrative of his early ministry days. Why does he include it? What’s he trying to prove? And how does that help us understand his arguments in Galatians? Join us for “Let Me Tell You A Story…” from Galatians 1:11-2:14!
Pastor Joey gives us a challenge for the duration of our time in this series studying the book of Galatians and re-caps his sermon from Sunday, "If you can't please everyone..."
You’re just a people-pleaser, Paul! That’s why you’re making it easy for these Gentiles to follow Jesus without adhering to the Judaism of which Jesus is a part!” It’s an accusation that stings, because it’s one Paul made himself, back when he was a devout Pharisee. But is he really giving in to public pressure, or fighting for the purity of the gospel? Join us for “If You Can’t Please Everyone…” from Galatians 1:10!
Pastor Joey gives us some additional context for reading and understanding the book of Galatians and shares what he was reminded of while prepping for his sermon.
Unlike any others of his letters, in this letter to the Galatians Paul gets right to the point: “I’m astounded that you’ve given up on the gospel! What happened!?” As we begin this study through the entire letter, we’ll begin to uncover the reasons behind Paul’s astonishment, and we’ll look at just exactly what Paul says the gospel really is. Join us for “No Other Gospel” from Galatians 1:1-9!
Mark Slaughter taught from this verse in his keynote titled, "The Ultimate Dream Team." How are you called to be a part of the global team that God is building? Are you called to pray, care, give, or go? Prayerfully consider how God is calling you now, in this season, to be a part of the team. Special Guest: Mark Slaughter.
Ruth 4 records the striking reversal of fortune of all the major characters in this story. But it’s no miracle; it’s the quiet faithfulness of God through the acts of greatness of ordinary people. Join us for “Ordinary Greatness” from Ruth 4, as we see God work in incredible ways through ordinary people.
This episode features our missionaries, Jenn & Isaac Stough. They live in Barcelona and serve with Youth for Christ. They have been doing vocational ministry for 5 years and have been partnered with the Faith Miissiioons Family for 2 years. They have a lot of stories to share and some exciting news about what’s to come in the next year! The Stough’s hybrid seminar is on Monday, September 20th at 7 pm.
This episode features our missionaries, Tom & Julie Meiner. They currently live in Florida and they have been a part of the Faith Missions Family for 25 years, and were members at Faith before being called to missions. In the episode you’ll hear how God used the lottery to convince them to raise support, and they share some encouraging stories oof what God is up to around the world though the Jesus Film project! The Meiner’s hybrid seminar is on Sunday, September 27th at 7 pm.
Today’s episode features our missionary, Ruth Hubbard. Ruth has been a part of our Faith Missions Family for the last 20 years. She spent 14 years partnered with Wycliiffe Bible Translation, and in the last 6 years has been on staff with Intervarsity. As you listen, I hope that Ruth’s passion and enthusiasm for the the younger generations comes through and you are encouraged by her message of hope for the future Church. Ruth’s hybrid seminar is Sunday, September 26th at 6:30.
It’s wonderful when God answers prayer by acting directly or miraculously to bring about good outcomes. But what if he more commonly works in and through people to accomplish his purposes? And what if that might include us? Join us as we see what that looks like in Ruth chapter 3 as we consider “The Hope of Rescue.”
Today’s episode features our missionary, Cindy Irwin. She has been doing vocational ministry and partnered with the Faith Missions Family for 35 years and was in Pakistan up until 8 years ago. As you listen to the podcast, you’ll be able to hear her heart for immigrants and refugees and we’ll have the privilege of learning from her in her seminar on Friday, September 24th.
The dramatic Biblical story of Ruth continues, almost written in the form of a 4 Act screen play ready for filming. Act 2, the second chapter finds the two widows, Naomi and Ruth, now in Bethlehem from Moab. What hope does a widowed Moabite woman have in a tight knit Jewish town that is filled with danger for a foreigner? From a human perspective, prospects are dim, yet in God’s grace, she finds favor and acceptance as we meet another main character, Boaz. Join us for an examination of Ruth 2, Under His Wings.
Today’s episode features our missionary, Mark Slaughter. He has been preaching the gospel for 44 years, been in vocational ministry for 37 years, and has spent 32 of them partnered with intervarsity and our faith missions family. One reason why we’re rolling out this podcast first is because Mark shares a few timely prayer requests that pertain to this very week that the podcast is published. In the podcast, he mentions his two podcasts. One is not open to the public, but the other one is linked below! Check it out! Mark co-hosts a podcast with the National Day of Prayer Task Force called, "Love Beyond (https://www.unitedinlove.org/listen/love-beyond-podcast)". This is part of NDP's "United in Love" initiative of mobilizing prayer, care (service, etc.), and sharing the gospel across the USA... mobilizing believers toward awakening. They alternate co-hosts and interview ministry leaders across America, offering ways people can pray and serve. Mark is also a part of the "A Conversation with a Mentor" (Lausanne's YLGen global podcast on mentoring) and you can check it out here (https://info.lausanne.org/en/pages/conversations-with-a-mentor-podcast).
How can we engage, love, and serve our neighbors with cultural differences and language barriers? Matt Soerens leads us through a discussion.
The story of Ruth is a glimpse into what God is doing to accomplish his good purposes, not despite the choices of people, but through them. When all things appear hopeless, God is faithful. It’s a message for those who doubt whether God is in control, whether God is good, and whether faithfulness to do what is right is worth it in hard times. Join us as we look at “Hope in Suffering” from Ruth chapter 1.
The writers of Proverbs have given us wisdom for relationships, work, family, community, money, possessions, perspective on life, and more. But how does that all fit together? What does wisdom look like actually lived out? Join us for the last sermon in our Proverbs series, as we look at “Wisdom Personified” from Proverbs 31:10-31.
Agur is an unknown writer except for this one chapter in Proverbs 30, yet he shares a confession of his weariness and need for wisdom beyond himself. This dependence on God and the requests he makes call to mind many of the appeals of the Lord’s Prayer – our need for God’s wisdom, our need for protection from evil, and our dependence on God for basic needs. Join us as Pastor Tom preaches from Proverbs 30.
From Pennsylvania to Afghanistan and beyond, Charlie and Loraine Kelley's journey has been filled with unexpected turns. Some were welcomed, others not so much, but all have been used by God as the couple has ministered to those in need of medical attention and those who provide it. The Kellys share their faith story, "Surprises on the Journey"
We continue our study of the book of Proverbs as Mark Dunker teaches from Proverbs 18:1-8, 12-21. Special Guest: Mark Dunker.
Let's focus on peace and unity – with God and especially each other. Our words and actions are too easily harsh and angry. What does Proverbs 16 have to say about our speech and how to interact with one another? How do we step aside, check our pride and motivations, and speak with self-control? We need to learn this now, more than ever, because it seems like our culture is too comfortable with the quick cancellation or harsh response.
We need God’s wisdom to navigate how we communicate and listen in a world where many are shouting at or talking over each other. Proverbs 15 gives us wisdom so we can have godly interactions in our daily lives with a heart pointed towards the Father. Join us as we study The Way of Wisdom with Words from Proverbs 15:1-10. Special Guest: Curtis Coston.
Anyone who has tried to build their own house knows that such a project involves a lot of work – and a lot of decisions. As it turns out, God is also building a house with his people. In this house project, God himself does the work but he also involves his people in so many important decisions. If God is building a house, what difference does this make to our life decisions? Special Guest: Nick Perrin.
Join us as we study Proverbs 11:1-7, and hear from our guest preacher, Jules Martinez. Special Guest: Jules Martinez.
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. - Proverbs 14:34 Starting with Proverbs 10, a long chain of proverbs contrast the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, poor and rich, good and evil. But this one is somewhat unique in that it speaks not of the individual, but of a nation, a tribe, an ethnic group, any people group. As Americans celebrate 245 years as a nation on July 4, this proverb definitely applies. Is the United States of America characterized by national righteousness? What sin is a reproach to our country? How does the church and individual believers contribute to the direction of our nation?
Did you miss our GO Time podcasts from the fall? We're releasing the five interviews over the next few months. In this episode, you'll hear a few stories from her in missions and catch up with Janet and Andy Singleterry. The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link (https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb) below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
Throughout the Proverbs "Lady Wisdom" constantly calls out to us, inviting us, welcoming us to rejoice in her good treasures. Why is wisdom personified this way? And why do we humans love folly so much? Why do we need to be persuaded like this to attain wisdom? The Lord is full of wisdom and all he does is wise. To be wise, therefore, is fully to bear the image of God and to be imitators of his ways. Special Guest: Nicholas Piotrowski.
Jose Luis and Franny Bolivar from Iglesia de Fé will share their story, "Jesus Renews."
Solomon tells us, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). A wise person fears, obeys, and reverences the Lord; a fool despises God’s instruction and cannot be told what to do. The wise person is wise because s/he has started at the starting place – the attitude of their heart. Join us as we start a new series in Proverbs with “Wisdom and Folly” from Proverbs 1.
Hear a few stories from their time in missions and catch up with Mark and Alyssa. The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
Pastor Jeff wraps up our time in James and gives us context for our new series in Proverbs that starts on Sunday.
The last few years have brought two shocking medical diagnoses that turned life upside down for Dan and Jenn Breitwieser and their young family. As they continue to navigate uncertainty, they're learning to trust in the goodness of God in new ways. Dan and Jenn Breitwieser share their story, "Deep Waters, Deeper Faith."
In his letter James has called us to a radical faith in a great God. We are to live by the wisdom that comes from above. Living and active faith will be seen in how we live – and in how we respond to all kinds of situations in our lives. Join us as we look at the last message in our series, “Radical Faith,” from James 5:13-20.
In 5:7-12, James gives us two main ways that we can develop patience especially when we face trials and suffering. He also shares two rather ugly responses that we demonstrate when we are impatient. To learn these truths from the wisdom of James’ words, we will need to wait patiently for this Sunday’s message. Special Guest: Bob Blahnik.
On more than one occasion, Ellie Hathaway has found her life taking an unexpected turn, whether it's a sudden job change or finding herself stuck on a toll road with no cash. Learn how the unexpected has taught Ellie to find strength in the phrase "Not my will, but His."
Did you miss our GO Time podcasts from the fall? We're releasing the five interviews over the next few months. In this episode, you'll hear a few stories from her in missions and catch up with Kathi Small. The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link (https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb) below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
James doesn’t pull any punches in his letter, and especially not when he is addressing the rich and the wealthy in the midst of the church. He is not condemning the act of having wealth, but rather he is condemning the acts and attitudes that flow from having wealth and riches that lead to pride and self-dependance. He is urging and pleading his readers to humble themselves before God and realize that true faith means having true dependance on God.
The this episode of Cut for Time, Pastor Joey talks more about his ordination process and how suffering well leads to wisdom.
Hey everybody! Got an opinion you’re just dying for others to hear? Do you know the solution to all the world’s problems? If people just listened to you, would their lives be immeasurably better? If so, step forward! Let’s see how wise your wisdom really is — does it come from above? Is it characterized by gentleness and meekness? If your life shows humility, then you’re just the person we’re looking for! Maybe that’s a bit over-stated, but not by much. James invites us to consider how our so-called “wisdom” really plays out in our lives. If we’re living according to heavenly wisdom, our lives will show humility and gentleness. If our lives don’t show humility, well, then…where does our “wisdom” really come from? Join us for “Wisdom Worth Sharing” from James 3:13-18!
Pastor Jeff shares application of this passage to his own life and challenges us to do the same.
James has told us our actions should reflect what we claim to believe; now he says something similar about our words. Words aren’t just random sounds or empty air, they are powerful and potentially dangerous –because they show what we really love. Join us as we look at “The Weight of Our Words” from James 3:1-12.
Did you miss our GO Time podcasts from the fall? We're releasing the five interviews over the next few months. In this episode, you'll hear a few stories from their time in missions and catch up with Jeff and Peg Shrum. The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link (https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb) below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
Pastor Jeff shares a few things that he had to cut from Sundays sermon studying James 2:14-26.
"By grace have you been saved through faith," Paul assures us. By his grace, God offers to us the gift of his rescue, forgiveness, and new life; and that offer is founded on what Jesus did for us. By faith, we accept or receive that gift. But how does the Bible describe this faith? What is faith? What is involved, what does it look like? Join us as we look at “Real Faith” from James 2:14-26.
Pastor Joey shares a bit on his upcoming sabbatical (just four weeks away!) and is vulnerable about his own sin nature in categorizing people and by doing so, challenges us to look at our own hearts and see what needs to change.
After telling his readers to be doers of the message of the gospel, not just hearers of it, James begins to give some concrete examples of how. And he strikes right at the heart of worship: the Sunday morning service, in which the well-dressed and socially significant are given prominence and honor, while the poorly-dressed and socially insignificant are relegated to wherever they can find room. But does this really fulfill the royal law of Scripture, to “love your neighbor as yourself”? Join us for “Doing the Word in Church,” as we dig in to James 2:1-13 to confront our own quick judgments with Jesus’s mercy.
Pastor Joey shares a sneak peak behind his sermon prep for the week and an illustration he had to cut for time.
After telling us to “trust the process,” James shifts his attention to our reception of the Word of God, implanted in us. We can’t just listen to the Word, we need to be doers of the Word, practicing faith like a doctor practices medicine or a lawyer practices law. How? Join us for “Doers of the Word” from James 1:19-27.
As a follow up to our GO Time podcast interview, we have a short chat with Joe to hear about what's next for his family and how we can join them in prayer.
Pastor Jeff preached this past Sunday and not only preached through a longer passage, he also had to introduce our new series. This means that he had a lot of content that he wasn't able to get to in the sermon. Listen to what he needed to cut for time.
We start a new series in the book of James, “Practicing Faith.” Faith in Jesus isn’t just something we know, it’s something we do – we put our faith into practice. We start in James 1:1-18 where James shows us how faith helps us see our trials differently, and how God helps us respond differently. Join us for “Trust the Process” from James 1:1-18.
Pastor Joey shares what he had to cut from his sermon on Easter Sunday and summarized our time in Isaiah over the past few months.
Water! Wine! Milk! Bread! We’ve got what you’re looking for! No cost to you, it’s already paid for!” Using the cadence and language of an Ancient Near Eastern market vendor, Isaiah calls us to a feast with God, to enjoy the blessings of God’s love for his people. The invitation will soon end, so come now, while God is near! Join us for your invitation to “The Servant’s Feast” from Isaiah 55:1-9.
On Good Friday we remember Jesus’ sacrifice. We’ll hear the accounts of his last supper (and share communion), and of his betrayal, trials, suffering, and death that our sins deserved.
Pastor Jeff shares a few more thoughts from the text on Sunday in the context of Holy Week.
Isaiah has shown us how the Servant of the Lord would be crushed and killed – because of the sins of God's people. But the point is not to berate or shame God's people; though we are guilty and our sins are shameful, God wants us to know us to know even more restoration, confidence, and hope in Him. Join us as we see “The Joy of the Servant’s People” from Isaiah 54:1-8.
Pastor Joey walks us through application of his sermon by way of sermon discussion questions.
At the end of it all, was it worth it? For the Servant, the answer is a resounding “yes!” Even though he was stricken, smitten, afflicted, pierced, crushed, punished, and wounded, Isaiah 53:10-12 teaches us that the Servant was satisfied with what saving his people cost him. Join us as we read Isaiah 53:10-12 together and see “The Satisfied Servant.”
Pastor Joey shares what he learned while prepping his latest sermon and gives us a few thoughts to walk away with.
We rounded the corner on this five-part Servant Song, reading how Jesus, the Servant, stepped in front of us to take the wounding that brings us healing. We’re continuing our march toward Easter focusing on the Isaiah 53:7-9, where we discover that Jesus was no passive participant in God’s plan to rescue the world. He willingly submitted himself to God’s plan, exchanging our rebellious wills for his submissive will. Join us for “Willing Submission” as we find rest for our rebellions in Jesus’s submission.
Did you miss our GO Time podcasts from the fall? We're releasing the five interviews over the next few months. In this episode, you'll hear a few stories from their time in missions and catch up with Joe and Kim Cluff. The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link (https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb) below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
We recorded Brenda Soderstrom's teaching on Faith Over Fear from Fill Your Cup back in February.
Pastor Joey gives us a few more thoughts from the scripture 53:4-6. Links: Every Moment Holy (https://www.amazon.com/Every-Moment-Holy-Pocket-Size/dp/1951872029/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=every+moment+holy&qid=1615388093&sr=8-1) Article: (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/03/tim-keller-growing-my-faith-face-death/618219/) Growing My Faith in the Face of Death by Timothy Keller
The centerpiece and middle part of the five-part Servant Song that is Isaiah 52:13-53:12 brings to the foreground the Servant’s suffering. He was indeed characterized by grief and sorrow, as 53:3 taught, but those sorrows were not his own: they were ours, which he lifted off of us and placed on himself. Carrying our sins and sorrows made him our substitute, the one who suffered on our behalf, the one whose suffering saved us and brought us peace. Join us as we dive into “Substitute Suffering” from Isaiah 53:4-6 and see how all of our griefs, all of our sins, and all of our defects are healed at the cross of Jesus Christ.
Cut for Time is back for Season 2! Our pastors are looking forward to sitting down, answering some questions, and sharing a few things from behind the scenes of sermon prep. Pastor Joey shares some application forIsaiah 52:13-53:3 and some tells us about his sermon prep process.
As we begin studying the last of the Servant Songs in Isaiah, we are immediately disoriented by the sight of a supremely exalted Servant so disfigured by suffering that those who see this Suffering Servant cringe in horror, asking, “is this guy even human anymore?” So unfathomable is the wisdom of God that this Servant was despised, rejected, and considered insignificant. But in his untold suffering comes our unearned salvation and his unending exaltation! So join us as we study “The Insignificant Savior” in Isaiah 52:13-53:3.
Cut for Time is back for Season 2! Our pastors are looking forward to sitting down, answering some questions, and sharing a few things from behind the scenes of sermon prep. Pastor Jeff shares some application for Isaiah 50:4-9 and some thoughts on Lent.
As we enter into the Christian season of Lent leading up to Easter, we focus on what it took for the Father to rescue and reconcile us to himself. We see Jesus’ obedience in place of our failure, and the terrible price he willingly paid out of love for us. We see the Servant of God who hears and speaks God's words, faithfully obeys God, and persists by faith in the face of opposition. Join us as we look at “The Faithful Disciple” from Isaiah 50:4-9.
Start this year’s Lenten season with a service of prayer, humility, and the reminder of our frailty and need of a savior.
We wrap up our series looking at the Heart of God for Weary People by focusing in on Isaiah 49, an incredible passage in which God gathers together his family. No distance is too far, no location too remote, no logistics too complicated for God’s family (re)gathering, as Zion, the city of God, revels in the reunion, and God’s people rest in his comfort and compassion. Join us for “Family (Re)Gathering” from Isaiah 49:8-18.
When you can’t carry yourself, who will carry you? It’s a question not many of us willingly face, worried that our answer will inevitably be “no one.” But what if you knew that you’ve never not been carried? What if you heard God saying to you “from before your birth I carried you…and until your gray hairs I will carry you”? Join us for “I Will Carry You” from God’s great promise in Isaiah 46:3-4.
When things seem overwhelming or out of control, we want to know things aren’t all out of control, that there’s a plan, that there’s someone in charge who knows what they’re doing. In this section of Isaiah 45:18-25, we hear God's encouraging reminders that bring “Strong Hope for Tough Times.”
From week two of Grow Classes, this is Pastor Tom's first class on "Opening the Bible with Your Kids (or Grandkids!)"
When we’re weary and worried about what’s going on and the future is uncertain, it’s easy to lose hope and feel like giving up. Join us as we discover “Renewed Confidence” from Isaiah 44:1-8.
In one of the most intimate passages in the Jewish Scriptures, comfort comes to Israel through God’s special relationship with them. That relationship grounds their security in the face of difficulty, and their ultimate hope in the future. Does God’s relationship with us give us the same security and hope? Join us for “I Am With You” from Isaiah 43:1-7.
From week one of Grow Classes, this is Pastor Tom's first class on "Opening the Bible with Your Kids (or Grandkids!)"
To encourage his people, God tells them a servant is coming! Who is this servant? What is he like? What will he do? And how does that bring comfort to God’s people? Join us to dig into these questions in “The Servant Appears” from Isaiah 42:1-9.
Weary? Exhausted? Overwhelmed? Ever wonder “Where is God?” or “What is he doing in this?” Life is hard, but things seem harder when we can’t make sense of what’s going on. God doesn’t promise to explain things to us, but he does promise “Strength for the Weary.” Join us as we look together at Isaiah 40:27-31.
Weary? Exhausted? Overwhelmed? Literally can’t even? We start a new series going through Isaiah 40-49. God's people are worn out and discouraged from his severe discipline. Of course, not all weariness comes from sinful suffering, so the message of God's comfort, strength, and hope is an encouragement to us. Because when we see God for who he really is, we are comforted and strengthened, our hearts are changed, our perspective shifts, and we respond with joy. Join us as we look at Isaiah 40:1-5 and the message: “Comfort my people.”
Christmas Eve is here! We're recapping our Advent series (Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Recreation).
We wrap up our deep dive in the Apostle Paul’s call to church unity in Philippians 2:1-11 by focusing on the last three verses. Here we see Paul setting our unity in its future context: one day every knee will bow before Jesus and every tongue will confess that He is Lord! Can we embody that kind of unity now, in this fallen world? Can we be unified in the midst of our division and diversity? Yes, by God’s grace, which we’ll explore in “Eternally Reunited” from Philippians 2:9-11.
During Advent, we focus on one passage through the lens of the Bible storyline: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Recreation. We’re spending time in Philippians 2:1-11 to see how God's triune nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit means we were created for oneness, a unity that was broken at the fall, made possibly by the cross, and will one day be made new in eternity. We look to the cross to see how Jesus’ reconciling work is the only foundation for lasting unity. Join us for “Redeemed in Unity” as we focus in on Philippians 2:5-8.
We look inside ourselves, at the self-centeredness and selfishness that poison our attempts at unity. Join us for “Fallen into Disunity” as we focus in on Philippians 2:3-4.
During Advent, we step back from our normal walk through a book or theme to do a deep dive into one passage, four times, looking at it through the lense of the whole-Bible storyline: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Recreation. We’re focusing on Philippians 2:1-11, that great hymn to Jesus to see how the essential oneness of God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — means we were created for oneness, a unity that was broken at the fall, made possibly by the cross, and will one day be made new in eternity.
Jesus’ “I am” statements show how he is the God who is the answer to what we made for: satisfaction for our hunger, light for our darkness, direction for our wandering, connection for our isolation, and more. But death brings an end to all those things. Finally, we long for life and love that do not end. Join us as we see in John 11:17-27 how Jesus is the resurrection and the life – not just when we die, but here and now.
Jesus describes himself as “the good shepherd” in John 10:11-21. Even though we may bristle at the idea of being sheep who need to be led, we do want leaders who aren’t using us for their own gain. And we want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Join us as we explore how Jesus satisfies our real desire “To Be Led.”
One of my favorite disciples is Thomas. Not because of his doubts (though I certainly resonate with those) but because of how earnestly he followed Jesus. He wanted to be connected to something bigger than himself, to know that his life meant something, to encounter ultimate reality. In pursuing transcendence, Thomas shows us one of the fundamental drives of the human heart and elicits a promise from Jesus never before thought possible: “You can know the Father.” You can touch transcendence. Join us as we explore Thomas’s desire and Jesus’s response in John 14:1-7.
We all know what hunger is like – we long to be satisfied and want no more. But not matter how often we eat we will always get hungry again. Jesus uses our experience of physical hunger to point to how he satisfies what our souls long for. Join us as we look at what we want when we want “To Be Filled” from John 6:32-51.
What do we want when we want to be connected? We’re made to be part of something bigger than ourselves. And we all long for a life that matters, that makes a difference. Join us as we explore John 15:1-11 and see how life with Jesus answers those needs and fills us with joy!
John, in recounting the stories of Jesus’ life, speaks often of light and darkness, culminating in Jesus’ powerful proclamation: “I am the Light of the World!” How does Jesus’ declaration of his divinity drive at the deepest desires of our hearts? Join us for “To See,” from John 8:12-20, as we turn our gaze on the Light of the World.
Jesus said, “I am the door of the sheep.” How does a door answer our deep needs and longings? Maybe it’s better to ask, “What do we want when we want to be let in?” Join us as we look at the answer to that question from John 10:1-10.
The first time Jesus speaks in the gospel of John he asks a question: “What do you want?” What are you seeking? In other words, what are you looking for? It’s a question that continues to resonate with us today. What are we seeking? And where do we find it? What do we want when we want intimacy? Jesus said, “I am the vine.” What do we want when we want to see? Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” What do we want when we want transcendence? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Join us in this series as we study all the times in John when Jesus said, “I am …”, and we discover in these statements the answer to Jesus’ question: “what do you want?”
Hear a few stories from their time in missions and catch up with Mark and Alyssa. The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
We're studying John 4:35 and learning what it means to "Look, See, and Go." Special Guest: Joe Cluff.
Hear a few stories from their time in missions and catch up with Jeff and Peg Shrum. The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
Hear a few stories from their time in missions and catch up with Joe and Kim Cluff. The purpose of our GO Time podcast series is to introduce our missionaries to you and to share a few stories from their time in missions. Hopefully these stories are an encouragement to you, and prompt you to praise God for the work He is doing in and through our missionaries. On this podcast, we’ll also encourage you to prayerfully consider joining their support team - this could look like financial or prayer support, or just even signing up for regular updates. Ready to commit support? Follow the link (https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb) below to join their support team: https://faithliveitout.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0843f958-c577-4607-829e-309b883e7bfb
In spite of our failure to honor God, walk humbly with him, and love others faithfully, God remembers his promise to show mercy, forgiveness and kindness to us. As the recipients of those blessings, we are the people who reflect what he is like to others. Join us as we see how “The Lord Delights in Steadfast Love” from Micah 7:18-20.
With all the injustices Micah saw and preached against, you have to wonder how he maintained his faith in a just and all-powerful God. Couldn’t God do something about all of this? It drives Micah to lament. And yet, somehow, he evidences an incredible hope: “as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation.” How do we live lament in a world gone mad? Join us as we learn from Micah’s example in Micah 7:1-17.
God has saved, guided, and cared for his people, and shown them how to live – but they’ve rejected him and his ways. How does God show justice and mercy to people who don’t know either one? Join us as we look at “God's Tough Love” from Micah 6:9-16.
In one of the most concise summaries of how God's covenant people should behave in the Old Testament, Micah gives us a beautiful picture of life with God. Justice, humility, and mercy. Join us as we ask and answer the question, “What Does God Command” from Micah 6:1-8.
In two back-to-back prophecies, Micah predicts both Israel’s absolute dominance and total humiliation. How can these two images, these two prophecies of Israel’s future go together? We explore Micah 5:7-15 together, “Dominance and Dependence,” and see how God exalts and humbles, vindicates and purifies his people.
Micah continues to point God’s people to hope in a glorious future in which greatness will come out of weakness, and restoration follows rejection. But this message comes in the immediate context of threats, loss, and judgment. And in those trials there’s hope – not in power or military might, but in Israel’s good shepherd. Join us for “The Great Reversal” from Micah 4:7–5:6.
From judgment, to hope, and back to judgment; this cycle runs throughout Micah’s prophetic letter. But in this short section, 4:1-5, the prophet ascends as high as poetry can take him envisioning the future glory of God in his deliverance of the people of Israel. Join us for “I’ve Seen Better Days” as we explore the hope of Israel’s deliverance.
In Micah 3, the prophet critiques the nation’s rulers with some of the most shocking language in the Bible. They pervert justice, fill the city with violence, and destroy the people. Worse, the religious leaders side with these wealthy oppressors, instead of defending the vulnerable and reflecting God’s justice and mercy. But there is hope that God will give strength to those who follow his word and that he will judge and remove the unjust leaders. Join us as we look at “Justice, Truth, and Power” from Micah 3:1-12.
In chapter 1, Micah pictured how sin spreads out like an infection. Now we see how it pops up in everyday life, among people who don’t think they have a problem – even while they take advantage of others and use God’s word to justify themselves. But God promises there is healing and deliverance for his people. Join us for “Break Out,” from Micah 2:1-13.
Micah begins his prophecy portraying God—like a parent who cares most passionately about their own child’s behavior—as a judge of the nations, beginning with his own people. The sin of his people, from the capital cities down to the rural towns, cannot go unaddressed, even if the most extreme measures must be used: exile. Is there any hope? Join us for “Infectious Sins,” from Micah 1:1-16.
We begin a new series in the book of Micah. Micah lived during troubling times of moral and religious decline, political instability, and social change and injustice. Even though God’s people are judged for their part in these wrongs, the LORD promises that justice, mercy, peace, and righteousness will flourish under the Messiah’s rule. Join us as we begin our introduction to Micah, “What does God require?”
We've all discovered the need for more self-control over the last few months. How is this last 'flavor' of the fruit of the Spirit similar to and different from self-restraint, delayed gratification, or biting your tongue? Join us as we look at "self-control" in 1 Corinthians 9:19-27.
Long before social media addiction came around, Paul listed gentleness as one of the Fruit of the Spirit. Carrying the idea of “not being overly impressed with your own self-importance,” this fruit hits us where it hurts: our temptation to let everyone know how important we are. Join us as we study Gentleness from James 3:13-18.
We all know what faithfulness is, right? But contained in the idea of “faithfulness” are virtues like reliability, courage, and endurance. So how do we grow in faithfulness? Tune in as we explore Matthew 25:14-30 in “Faithfulness”.
We might talk about good friends, a good job, a good car or tool, good teachers, good leaders, or a good cause. But what makes something “good”? And is that kind of goodness different from the fruit of the Spirit that the apostle Paul mentions? Join us as look at “Goodness” from 2 Peter 1:3-9.
“Be kind to one another” may be heard most often by mothers of squabbling children, the same as “be nice.” Certainly that is included, but kindness is more than that. Our call to kindness is to be modeled after the kindness of God toward us. Join us for a look at Ephesians 4:25-32 and 1 Peter 2:1-3 as we consider the fifth of nine flavors of the fruit of the Spirit - Kindness.
Patience: we all pray for it, but none of us want to go through what it takes to grow in it. At the very least, we don’t want to do the long, hard work of developing patience…we want it now! But James tells us that patience can be ours if we understand our present in light of our future. Join us for “Patience” from James 5:7-11!
As we grow in the fruit of the Spirit, one flavor we will grow in is peace. What does peace that flows from the Spirit look like? Is it peace with God, peace with others, or both? Join us as we study Philippians 4:4-9.
We interview 3 kids - Karis Ho, Callie Saefkow, and Johnny Derksen - in this episode of Cut For Time. They share their thoughts on what's going on in the world and what life has been like.
We all face struggles, doubts, challenges, and discouragement – maybe more now than ever. How does the Holy Spirit grow the fruit of joy in all our circumstances? Join us as we look at “Joy” from 1 Peter 1:1-9.
Kendra Carter, Director of Kids Ministry, shares about life and ministry and what we're looking forward to this summer.
“Love” is probably one of the most used and abused words. What does love really look like? Is it a feeling, a choice, an action? Join us as we begin looking at the fruit of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 13.
We interview Steve and Ann Marie Shambaugh on family life, parenting, and the balancing act they're managing right now.
We interview Becky Lawrence, center director at the Life Center in Hamilton Co. She shares ways for us to to partner with and pray for their ministry. Interested in serving? Go to their website: https://lifecenters.com/
Walk by the Spirit.” “Be led by the Spirit.” “Keep in step with the Spirit.” In just a short few verses, the Apostle Paul builds a word-cloud of analogies to describe the relationship between each believer and the Holy Spirit. As we grow to be more like Jesus, how does God empower us, and what’s our responsibility? Join us for “Walk by the Spirit” from Galatians 5:16-26!
This weekend we begin a new series, “Life in the Spirit.” How does the Holy Spirit help us grow? What does growth as Christians look like? Over the next twelve weeks we’ll focus on Galatians 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” and take our time learning about the fruit of the Spirit. Join us for “Life in the Spirit”!
Pastor Jeff updates us on his health and his new normal. Prayer Requests for Jeff and his family: For Isabel, our high school junior – like with many students, pray for connection with others, ability to focus on online school, cancelled college visits, upcoming AP and standardized college tests. For Amelia – frustration at not being able to work (furloughed from school admin role in Washington Township) For Jeff – recovery of strength, re-entering full-time ministry For all of us – finding the new “normal” rhythms of work, ministry, family, etc.
The “way things normally go” gets interrupted by Jesus – which can be frightening and unsettling. But he interrupts to bring hope and victory into our lives and our world. Join us this Sunday for worship as we celebrate “Death Interrupted” from Matthew 28!
In this episode of Cut for Time, we interviewed Nick Carter, entrepreneur and CEO of Market Wagon.
“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow…” We explored these words from Lamentations 1:12 at the beginning of Lent; we return to these words on Good Friday to explore the depths of Jesus’ sorrow—and love—on our behalf.
COVID-19 will be an interruption to “life as usual” for weeks to come. Jesus was often interrupted in his ministry with crises; he didn't respond in anger, anxiety, or even a need to fix it all quickly. We're learning from Jesus to answer the question: How should we respond to this coronavirus interruption and other intrusions? We’re looking at Luke 7:11-17 where Jesus is interrupted by – and interrupts – a funeral. He notices those who are grieving, enters others’ pain, and brings healing and hope.
In this episode of Cut for Time, we interview John Hobleman and Elli Jones. They are managing a new project, Indy's Table, to serve their local zip code during the COVID-19 crisis. Here are the links we mentioned during the show: Indy's Table Main Website (https://indychamber.com/news/member-news/indys-table-a-community-response-to-covid-19/) Neidhammer Home Website (www.neidhammer.com) Go Fund Me Link (https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/indys-table) Indy's Table Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/Indys-Table-A-Community-Response-to-Covid-19-101162648209012/)
This weekend we're studying Mark 4:35-41. A familiar story to all of us, but now we're studying it with the new perspective of interruptions. Pastors Joey and Nathan discuss the passage and use it to apply what we're working through in this season.
In this week's episode of Cut for Time, we interview Melissa Ho, a mom to three girls and wife to Caleb. Melissa has training in clinical family counseling and talks on anxiety and some simple remedies to try.
Pastor Joey takes a look at Luke 10:38-42, the story of Martha and Mary that we all know well. There are two interruptions in this story; Jesus interrupting Martha and Mary's day and Martha interrupting Jesus as he is teaching. Both are important to study and learn from. Join our pastors Joey and Nathan as they discuss the passage and give us practical ways to apply the text to our lives today.
It's a special episode of Cut for Time this week. We interview Jen Derksen on being a non-anxious presence during this challenging time.
We all experience loss and pain in life. Just as important as the wounds we suffer are the messages we take from them about God, life, ourselves, and others. How do we move through losses and griefs so that we don’t end up protective, bitter, distanced, and doubtful, but hopeful, worshipful, and confident?
Pastor Joey shares a few additional thoughts from Lamentations 2 and processing grief. It was at this point that Bilbo stopped. Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did. The tremendous things that happened afterwards were as nothing compared to it. He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait. At any rate after a short halt go on he did.
For the people of Israel to move into and begin to process their grief requires the courage to name their emotions, to identify the source of their lament. In this passage, the writer of Lamentations intensifies the expression of his own grief while calling the people of Jerusalem to turn in prayer to find comfort in God, their destroyer. How does God comfort us in our sorrow today when we feel that he could have done something differently to alleviate our sorrow? Join us as we learn to name our griefs before God from our study of Lamentations 2, “Comfort from the Destroyer."
Pastor Jeff shares a few additional thoughts on loss, loneliness, and lament, specifically with regards to community.
Lamentations is an extended poetic reflection on the destruction of Jerusalem, the exile of God’s people, and all the loss, horror, and confusion that went with those events. While the message of the gospel is joy and peace, it’s also healthy to grieve over losses, sorrows, and sin, especially as we head towards Easter. We see how our brokenness brings destruction and alienation as a people who mourns the difference between life as it is and the life of the world to come. And we long for a savior who offers hope. Join us as we look at “Loss, Loneliness, and Lament” from Lamentations 1.
Starting the Lenten season with a service of remembrance hosted by Art@Faith. With the application of ashes, we recognize our frailty and our need for a savior.
Why do we end our worship services with a benediction and commissioning rather than just saying “you are dismissed”? The character of God and the news of the Gospel empowers us to be sent out into the world. Benediction/Commissioning is the final form we will be studying in our series, and it gives us reason to pause and praise God for his goodness and his blessings.
Pastor Jeff shares a few additional thoughts and things he had to cut for time on Sunday.
Why do we focus so much on the Bible in our worship? We sing it, pray it, pray for it, read it, preach and hear it. What do we hope to accomplish? How does God’s word shape us together as God’s people? Join us for “The Word of God” from Psalm 1.
The Law required sacrifices for unholy people to approach a holy God. But in Psalm 66, we see the writer going far beyond what was required, in an expression of lavish generosity. We know we don’t offer sacrifices to draw near to God (much less to get something from him). And God doesn’t need anything. So why is giving a part of our worship? Join us as we look at “Offerings” from Psalm 66.
Every week in this transFORMation series we’ve said that what we do when we worship does something to us. But how does listening to someone else pray shape me, when they’re doing all the talking? Join us for “Pray With Me” from Psalm 73!
Pastor Joey shares more about communion and baptism and answers a few of our questions!
One of the best indicators of a church’s health is their sense of unity — are we here for the same reasons, pursuing the same goals, growing together? We consider the role that Baptism and Communion play in unifying our church as we study Psalm 133 in “Gospel Images.”
If Jesus has already paid for all our sins, why do we confess our sins? Confession isn’t about getting God to forgive us; it’s speaking the truth to ourselves and God about the way we really are. Confession frees us and confession grows us. But it’s only in the security of God’s covenant faithfulness that we are safe to be honest. That’s why we also need to also be reassured of God’s unfailing love and forgiveness to humble people who confess their failing and their need. Join us as we look at “Confession and Assurance” from Psalm 32.
We chat about the gospel proclammation and Jeff shares more on how he is a "bad preacher," and so are the rest of us.
We all believe some kind of gospel – something that gives us identity, hope, purpose, morality – and we’re all shaped by the gospel we believe. So, every week in worship we remind ourselves of the really good news of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Join us as we look at “Gospel Proclamation” from Psalm 103.
We just started a new series called Transformation. We spend this podcast talking more about worship, what it looks like for each person, and our heart behind it.
“First we form our forms, then our forms form us.” In other words, every time we gather to worship, what we do in our worship actually shapes us, forms us into a certain kind of worshiper, a specific kind of person. For the next eight weeks, we’ll explore together how our worship shapes us, why we choose the worship forms we choose, and what we (and God) are actually doing when we worship. Join us for our “Transformation” series, “The Call to Worship”, from Psalm 95!
The coming of Jesus our Messiah points us to a future hope we have of spending eternity with our God. But how do we wrestle with the tension of still living in this sinful world? Our bodies groan together with all creation as we await the 2nd Advent of Jesus. In Romans 8 we will see how these groanings lead us to patience, hope, and rejoicing as we anticipate the future glory we have in Christ.
From creation to fallen, from redemption to eternity - we were made to worship Him. Join us for a Christmas Eve recap of O Come Let Us Adore Him.
We were created for worship, but we rebelled and turned away to worship other things. Yet God is reconciling all things to himself through Christ. What does that include? What will that look like in a new heavens and earth? And how does that shape our lives as worship here and now? Join us for “Eternal Worship,” the fourth part of our Advent Series, Come Let Us Adore Him.
Well, we know how we got here. We were made to worship, but we refused to believe that God deserved to be worship most over all. We didn’t stop being worshipers, we just started worshiping other things. This week we’ll examine Colossians 1:15-23 again to see how God, in Jesus, moved into the world to recapture the wonder in our hearts, to turn us back to worship of him. Join us for “Redeemed Worship,” the third part of our Advent Series, “Come Let Us Adore Him.”
“What happened?” That’s the big question facing us as we explore Colossians 1:15-23 this weekend. The first stanza of this great poem reminded us that we were made to worship God in perfect harmony with him. But the second stanza talks about death, evil, the need for peace, alienation, and hostility. What happened to put us in this mess? Are we stuck there forever? Join us for “Fallen Worship”, the second part of our Advent Series, “Come Let Us Adore Him”.
The season of Advent is about anticipating and worshiping the Messiah. But we fully appreciate him when we see him as the one who fulfills God's promise to save, redeem, and restore. We start our Advent journey in Colossians 1:15-23 with the reminder that we are Created to Worship.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians has the most concentrated use in the New Testament of the words, Joy and Rejoice, comparable to Psalms in the Old Testament. And it’s not because life was always good for him by the usual measures. He was “in chains,” a prisoner, yet also “in Christ” and finding joy and contentment in Him. Join us as we wrap up the fall Philippians series with a focus on joy that is found throughout the whole letter. What is the source of true lasting Joy?
Along with a few special guests, Pastor Joey shares a few things that he had to cut for time on Sunday.
Seems like the best way to break a friendship is to make it all about money. And yet, in Philippians 4:10-23, the Apostle Paul finds his friendship with the church in Philippi strengthened because of money, even when he didn’t need it! How do we share the wealth we have with one another as a sacrifice to God? Come to find out as we “Share the Wealth!"
“Peace be with you” was the greeting regularly shared by Jesus’ first followers. But we live in a stressful world, we fight with each other, and we can be restless and worried. Even Paul talked about his anxiety for others. How do we experience the peace that Jesus promised? Join us as we look at Philippians 4:2-9.
An Arab and a Jew talking life, family, and following Jesus (without getting bogged down in politics).
Pastor Jeff shares some additional thoughts from his sermon development that he needed to cut for time on Sunday.
What is your life heading towards? Paul shows us how to make our lives really count in what matters most by living joyfully, humbly and purposefully for Christ. Join us as we look at “Eyes on the Prize” from Philippians 3:12-4:1.
Jesus said that in knowing Him we would have real life and lasting joy. Why does it seem like that promise is difficult to experience? What works against us knowing joy? How do we find and keep real joy in life? Join us as we learn how to “Fight for Joy” from Philippians 3:1-11.
Just a few minutes from Pastor Joey Woestman on what he had to cut from Sunday's sermon.
After soaring on the theological and poetic heights of the last few paragraphs, the Apostle Paul lands on what seem to be mundane concerns: a travel itinerary. And yet these verses show us very real personalities, real situations, and real affection between Paul and the Philippian church. Join us as we explore Philippians 2:19-30, “The Low Road.”
Just a few minutes from Pastor Jeff Schultz on what he had to cut from Sunday's sermon.
Much like in our world, Roman culture in Philippi recognized people for their status, wealth, power, or celebrity. Jesus doesn’t tell us to hide in a corner and avoid being noticed, but he models a life that gets recognized for very different reasons. In this message we see from Philippians 2:12-18 how Jesus’ followers “Shine.”
An incredible encounter with God Himself, in His temple in all His glory, gave the prophet Isaiah a burning passion to represent God wherever and to whomever God would send him. Where do we get the same passion Isaiah had? Join us for our Global Impact Conference Keynote message from missionary Mark Dodrill, “Step Up to the Plate,” from Isaiah 6:8! Special Guest: Mark Dodrill.
Just a few minutes from Pastor Joey Woestman on what he had to cut from Sunday's sermon.
After a convicting admonition to the church to practice humility toward one another, Paul gives them (and us) a picture of what true humility looks like: Jesus. Jesus, who though he was equal with God nevertheless emptied himself, became a human being, and took on the role of a servant. And in this very action Jesus showed us what God is really like. Are we willing to follow God’s downward call as Jesus did? Join us for “The Downward Call” from Philippians 2:5-11.
On Sunday, Pastor Jeff preached on the difference Jesus makes. In this podcast episode, he shares a few things he wished he could include but couldn't because he was cut for time.
When we really see who Jesus is and what he’s done for us, it changes the way we look at our priorities, the way we define success; it changes the way we look at each other; it creates a community that’s totally unique, challenging, and life-giving. Join us as we look at Philippians 2:1-4 and “The Difference Jesus Makes.”
Pastor Jeff shares a few things he wishes that he could have included in his sermon from Sunday on Philippians 1:27-30.
Paul has said for him, dying for Jesus is not the true sacrifice – rather, it’s staying alive for the sake of others (1:23-25). Paul then encourages Jesus’ followers to take up the same mindset, living “a life worthy of the gospel” (1:27). We know we don’t demonstrate our worthiness to God in our lives, but what does that mean? And how do our lives demonstrate our commitment to Jesus and our confidence in him? Join us as we look at “Worthy of the Gospel” from Philippians 1:27-30.
Pastor Joey shares a few things he wishes he could included in his sermon in Philippians on Sunday.
With utter disregard for his own ego, the Apostle Paul rejoices in the preaching of the gospel of Jesus, even if that preaching is done by those with mixed motives. And in a startling turn, he continues to rejoice in the physical and mental suffering he is undergoing at the hands of the Roman government. How do we find the same joy that Paul found? Join us for “Yes, And…” from Philippians 1:19-26.
Pastor Joey helped us see how our destination determines our days. What happens when we head in the right direction and everything seems to go wrong? Paul has been faithful in following Jesus, but now he’s in prison. One of our greatest challenges is to make sense of God’s providence in suffering, hardship, and trials. Paul wants to assure God’s people that what has happened to him may not have been his plan, but it’s all part of God’s plan – and God often uses our difficulties to advance the gospel and shine his light in the darkness. Join us for “Growth in the Grind” from Philippians 1:12-18.
Pastor Joey spends a few minutes sharing a few things he wishes he had time for during Sunday's sermon.
In one of the most profound prayers in the whole New Testament, the Apostle Paul prays for his Philippian friends, that their love for God and for one another would continue to grow. But in Paul’s view, love is not mere sentimentality, love is an active force directed toward one another’s good. Join us as we unpack this prayer from Philippians 1:9-11 in “More and More.”
We’re starting a new series looking at Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi. God has shined the light of his life and joy into our darkness through the gospel (the Good News) of Jesus Christ. As we follow Jesus, we discover true values, real life, and genuine glory, and our lives shine His light to the world around us. Join us this Sunday as we start our new series looking at Gospel Partnership from Philippians 1:1-8.
As we round out our three-week discussion about discipleship at Faith (remember, disciples are “a people who do life with God for the world”), we turn to 2nd Corinthians 5:18-21 to explore how Paul exhorts believers to be Jesus's ambassadors of reconciliation. How does our building renovation help us do that? How do our facilitates facilitate ministry for the sake of the world around us? Join us Sunday in “For the World,” our last sermon in Building Ambassadors.
Matt and Audri Witham thought things would get better for their family after spending much of a year apart, but a bigger storm was to come. Hear how God was at work behind the scenes during a trying time to ultimately strengthen their relationship with Him and each other.
A greenhouse focuses light, heat, and life-giving nutrients for plants to enable their life, health, and growth. A church building can do that to encourage our spiritual growth as the people of God. Join us this Sunday as we discover what “Life with God” looks like from 2 Corinthians 3:12-18.
As we finish up work on our facility redesign project, we’re going to spend the next three weeks exploring how a building can help us accomplish what God has called us to be and do. Join us this Sunday as we start in Acts 2:42-47 with a picture of the kinds of relationships God uses to grow us together in Building Community.
We see how Jonah is like the ‘prodigal son’ of Jesus’ parable who ran away from his father. But he’s also like the ‘older brother’ who obeys his father but resents his kindness to repentant sinners. The story of Jonah ends with a question, as God invites his people to check their hearts. Join us as we explore “Prodigal Prophets and God’s Compassion” from Jonah 4:5-11.
As we continue learning from Jonah’s life, we encounter surprising twists and unexpected outcomes in Jonah 3:4-4:4. Join us this Sunday as we see how sometimes we are Our Own Worst Enemies, and how God graciously pursues enemies to turn them into friends.
Jonah’s first response to God’s call didn’t go so well. He fled from God in disobedience and faced judgment for his rebellion, but then was gloriously rescued. In the second half of the book, God gives Jonah a second chance. Will he do any better? Has he learned anything? What does the Book of Jonah teach us about our obedience to God today?
Through a storm that wiped away all of Jonah’s defenses, all of his pretenses, and all of his abilities to run away from God, the Lord brought Jonah face to face with his grace through the mouth of a great fish. What does God need to do to us to get us to look at his grace face to face? We’ll explore this question and more in “Face to Face with Grace” from Jonah 2:1-10.
While running from God, Jonah faces unexpected difficulty: a storm that grows worse and worse, sailors who can’t navigate the tempest, and the dreadful realization that only by losing his life will others be saved. Yet as the prophet runs away from God, the pagans run toward him. Join us for “Accidental Evangelism” from Jonah 1:4-17.
The book of Jonah records the story of a prophet, sent by God to an enemy nation, who does everything possible to avoid God’s call. Join us as we kick off six weeks studying Jonah, “The World’s Worst Missionary”!
In a fitting conclusion to his sermon, the author of Hebrews prays for his readers that God would equip them and work in them to do His will. We examine this prayer and apply it to ourselves as God works in us through His “Greater Mercy” from Hebrews 13:20-25.
Barry and Julie Foster begin the Faith Stories series! The title of their story should be more than enough to intrigue you and make you want to come and listen as they share, "Drop Kick Me, Jesus."
The author of Hebrews reminds his readers that part of “acceptable worship” is a proper relationship with authority in the church. He encourages us, too, to remember our leaders, obey and submit to them, because they carry the heavy burden of accountability for our souls. What can we learn about leadership from Hebrews 13:7-19? Join us for Greater Accountability.
Having brought his sermon to the height of exhortation, the author of Hebrews now shifts his focus to practical, moral application. This week we explore how the acceptable worship to which God calls us turns the world’s values upside down. Join us for “Disruptive Worship” from Hebrews 13:1-6.
In the last of the warning passages in Hebrews, the author enjoins his readers to pay attention to the message of God in the gospel! Only through the gospel will we receive an unshakable kingdom, one which will survive through the coming judgment. Join us for “Unshakable,” from Hebrews 12:25-29.
God calls us to respond to his voice by persevering in the race before us, pursuing holiness, and accepting his discipline. But how we perceive God’s voice – whether it’s angry, condemning, begrudging, loving, encouraging, welcoming – makes all the difference in how we respond. Join us as we listen for A Better Voice from Hebrews 12:18-24.
We will learn some helpful advice on how to keep running. How do we endure when we grow weary? How do we endure when we face persecution? What is God trying to teach us when we face persecution? Join us as we seek answers to these important questions from Hebrews 12:3-17. Special Guest: Bob Blahnik.
The author of Hebrews pictures following Christ as a long-distance race. He’s reminded us of all the people of faith who have ‘run the race’ before us, and now it’s our turn. It’s a race that’s characterized by progress and victory, but also struggle. It requires focus and determination. How does God help and encourage us? Join us as we look at Greater Endurance from Hebrews 12:1-3.
Even the best life offers never sees to satisfy us. And when pains and losses hit we definitely long for something better, something more – and for people to share it with. At the conclusion of Hebrews 11, we see that all who have gone before “did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us.” Join us as we see how Jesus’ resurrection points to the Something Better God has prepared for us and all who trust in Him.
The core of the Christian Faith—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—is compacted into this one week. In public worship, we re-enact key events of the last week of Jesus' life. This is not just a re-telling of events from 2000 years ago. This is not just an opportunity for uplifting worship services. This is not even about what emotions it produces in us. This is about what God is doing through Jesus Christ today in his people, and about the work Jesus will complete when he returns in glory. This is about rescue, purpose, community, hope, and life. Join us as we worship Jesus, our Prophet, Priest, King, and Savior.
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets: what are they doing in Hebrews 11 alongside the pillars of the faith like Abraham and Moses? These men conquered kingdoms, put armies to flight, and obtained promises through faith. However, the ultimate promise has been fulfilled by God through Jesus Christ. This greater reward is provided to those who persevere in faith.
Can I be a person of faith? We’ve considered the exemplary faith of the greats like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. What about ordinary people like me? What about faith in the midst of fear and doubt? What about faith when you aren’t in the acceptable group? Join us in Hebrews 11:28-31 for Faith in Odd Places as we consider three major faith stretching events in Israel as a nation, plus the example of a Gentile prostitute who joined the people of faith. Is there room for you?
Moses, the greatest leader of the Jewish people, faced more challenges in his life and leadership than any of us will. But his story is still informative and inspiring for us. We’re studying Hebrews 11:23-28, Faith in Hard Choices, to see how Moses’s faith in God gave him what he needed to serve well in difficult circumstances.
The examples of faith in the Old Testament had one thing in common: through the eyes of faith, they could see the coming fulfillment of the promises God had made to them, even if they didn’t see those promises fulfilled firsthand. What promises has God made to us? When will we see them fulfilled? Does having the same eyes of faith help us see God’s faithfulness? Join us as we dig into Hebrews 11:13-22, the Eyes of Faith.
As we journey through this life and season of Lent, we have the option of where we focus the expectations for our lives. Highlighting our example, Abraham, in Hebrews 11:8-12 and looking further to our example in Christ, Pastor Curtis Coston from Solid Word Bible Church will help us explore how our "Greater Permanence" can have a lasting effect on how we live in the present. Special Guest: Curtis Coston.
Lent is the season leading to Easter. It’s traditionally a time of self-reflection and letting go of some things to focus on what matters more. We’ll spend time this Lent in Hebrews 11, seeing how those who have gone before us model faith in the unseen God and the greater life and hope he offers. Join us as we explore The Life of Faith from Hebrews 11:1-7.
Jesus is worth more than anything, but following him can be hard, painful, and costly. Difficulty and opposition may tempt us to turn back or turn aside – with disastrous results. Join us as we discover how Jesus gives us Grace to Endure from Hebrews 10:26-39.
"Since we…., Let us…” We’ve spent several weeks being reminded that Jesus’ death is the basis for our access to God, that we no longer offer sacrifices, and that the Old Testament sacrifices are but shadows of the only sacrifice that matters. We now come to the “so what” of this great truth in our relationships within the church. In light of Our Greater Savior who made the Greater Sacrifice, how does that affect how we live? Join us as we consider Greater Community from Hebrews 10:19-25.
Over and over again the author of Hebrews has told us that Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross was the final, ultimate, definitive sacrifice. No more sacrifices are needed. Where does that leave us? If there are no more sacrifices, how are we purified from our ongoing sin? Join us for “No More Sacrifices” as we look at Hebrews 10:5-18 and explore the ongoing work in our lives of Jesus’s final sacrifice.
As the writer of Hebrews tells us, the Old Testament law and the sacrificial system only had “a shadow of the good things to come,” they could never “make perfect those who draw near,” and they could never “take away sins.” Join us as we see the reality of all those good things and the “Greater Hope” we have in Christ from Hebrews 10:1-4.
As the author of Hebrews continues to explain exactly what he means when he says “He entered once for all into the holy places by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption,” we read Jesus, our great high priest, entering into the Holy of Holies in the final and true Day of Atonement ritual. But this time, when he comes back out, it won’t be to deal with sin or bring judgment but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Join us for “Greater Entrance” from Hebrews 9:23-28.
"Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” We read these words in Hebrews 9:22, and they make us pause. Why is something as archaic and cruel and barbaric as blood so necessary for our salvation? What can we learn from the Old Covenant purification rituals, which required the use of blood? Join us for “Greater Mediator,” from Hebrews 9:15-22
Do you ever wonder if God can really forgive you, or if the shame of what you’ve done could ever really be washed away? Is there anything you can do to make it right, to find peace, to live differently? Join us as we look at Hebrews 9:1-14 and how the sacrifices and rituals in the old covenant point to the reality of Christ and his “Greater Redemption.”
The writer of Hebrews has told us that “Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant” (7:22). Join us as we see what that “Greater Covenant” looks like from Hebrews 8:7-13 and how we can live today in light of our confidence in Christ.
Having completed his explanation of how Jesus is our Great High Priest, the author of Hebrews begins to show us why that’s important. Join us as we explore Hebrews 8:1-6, Greater Ministry, and begin to see how Jesus has a greater ministry to us.
The words of the “angel of the Lord” to Joseph is one of the best summations of the Christmas event. “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name, Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Hebrews 7:11-28 details how Jesus saves and what this salvation involves. Join us for a post-Christmas celebration of our great Savior.
Join us for a celebration of Christmas at either service. 5:30 pm will be more family-friendly, with a mix of traditional and contemporary music. 7:30 pm will be a classic Christmas Eve with hand bells, choir, and traditional hymns.
The King of Righteousness, the King of Peace. Jesus? Or Melchizedek? We look at Hebrews 7:1-10 and begin our exploration of Melchizedek, the great king and priest, who is a picture of the greatest King and Priest to come.
Most of us have experienced things (or people) not living up to their promise – including ourselves! The writer of Hebrews has encouraged us to be like those “who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Can I be certain that I’ll make it? How can I trust that God will do what He’s promised? Join us as we discover “Greater Certainty” from Hebrews 6:13-20.
Balancing a gentle rebuke, a stern warning and a compassionate encouragement, the author of Hebrews encourages his readers to imitate the giants of the faith who have come before them. It’s a challenge we need to hear today, as we explore how to live Between The Advents. Join us as we explore Hebrews 5:11-6:12 and discover the ongoing relevance of this passage for us today.
Advent is the season in which we prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas by reminding ourselves who Jesus is and why he came to earth. We’ll continue in our Hebrews series, focusing on a theme that author has already introduced - Jesus’ unique role as our Priest. Join us as we look at what a priest does, why we need someone to stand between us and God, and how Jesus is the Better Mediator from Hebrews 5:1-10.
The nation of Israel always had a high priest, but only here in Hebrews is Jesus referred to as the great high priest. Join us as we explore Hebrews 4:14-16 to understand how Jesus as our great high priest gives us confidence to draw near to God in our times of need.
Throughout the book of Hebrews, Jesus is presented as greater in multiple ways. Greater than angels, greater than Moses and, in this Sunday’s text, greater than his namesake, Joshua. Joshua led Israel into the land of rest, but that rest points into the future where “there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” How can you be sure you will enter that Greater Rest? Join us as we consider Hebrews 4:1-13.
Hebrews 3 is unusual in that it is based on Psalm 95, which is based on Israel's failure in the Book of Numbers. From these two passages, we are warned that entering God's "rest" depends on "if we hold our original confidence firm to the end." Join us as we examine what this means for everyone who professes faith in Jesus.
All of us are wired for glory – for recognition, respect, purpose and significance. We either try to earn it ourselves or get it by association with someone or something greater. This week, we’ll see in Hebrews 3:1-6 how our “heavenly calling” leads us to a “Greater Glory” through our union with Jesus.
The One who is higher than all was made, for a little time, lower than the angels – in order to bring many to glory. How does Jesus’ identification with us in our humanity give us confidence and hope? How does that make us Jesus’ brothers and sisters? And what does it mean that we his share in His glory? Join us as we discover “Greater Confidence” from Hebrews 2:10-18.
Even though we’ve focused on the first chapter of Hebrews, showing how the Son of God is greater than angels, greater than the prophets of old, greater than all, we haven’t read yet who the Son of God is. Now we find out! But how could Jesus be the Son of God? He was a man, wasn’t he? Find out how the author of Hebrews uses Psalm 8 to explain the unexplainable, as we study Hebrews 2:5-9, “A Little Lower."
Jesus brings better news, higher hope, and stronger promises. The writer of Hebrews now warns us against the danger of “drifting away” from Jesus and his great salvation. How does that happen? How do we avoid it? Join us as we look at the “Greater Danger” in Hebrews 2:1-4.
We continue in Hebrews 1:5-14, where we’re told that Jesus is superior to the angels. Join us as we see how Jesus is the “Better Messenger” of God’s good news.
In many ways and at many times, God has revealed himself. But the greatest revelation? His son, Jesus, the very image of God. Join us Sunday as we explore Hebrews 1:1-4, “Greater Than: A Better Revelation."
What would you say if you were told that God had called you to mission? How are you currently involved in His mission? In our Evangelical world today many believe that a calling to mission is something for a select (or unfortunate) few. But, God’s word paints a different reality for the follower of Christ. We are not only called to God, but also called into His mission. We are called to become fishers of men! Join us as we look at Mark 6:6b-30 and learn more about what it means to be called to mission, and the realities of that calling. Special Guest: Eric.
This week we finish our study of the Lord’s Prayer by looking at a part of the prayer that probably wasn’t included by Jesus. How did “yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory” get into this prayer? What might these words teach us today? Join us Sunday for “Kingdom, Power, and Glory” from the Lord’s Prayer.
Lead us not into temptation…deliver us from evil… Why do we pray these words? What is Jesus teaching us from this part of the Lord’s Prayer? We’re almost all the way through our study of the prayer and Jesus now invites us to release our selfish desires to make our own decisions and to trust that our Father will lead and protect us. Join us for “Lead Us & Deliver Us” from the Lord’s Prayer.
We’re studying the second-to-last request in the Lord’s Prayer: the plea, “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” We’ll consider several questions that arise from this request. Are we supposed to ask for forgiveness over and over? Aren’t all my sins forgiven by Jesus already? Where does my sinfulness come from? Join us for “Forgiven & Forgiving” from Matthew 6:12, as we study the forgiveness of God and our forgiveness to others. Special Guest: John Crocker.
After we orient ourselves around God’s goodness, greatness, and purposes in prayer, Jesus encourages us to bring our requests to our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:11). Join us as we learn what it means to pray for “our daily bread” and what that tells us about God and ourselves.
In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed the hardest words he ever prayed: “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” When we pray in the Lord’s Prayer “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we are praying the words Jesus taught us, the words he himself prayed when facing his greatest agony. What might these words and Jesus’ example teach us about the struggle of obedience to God’s will? Join us for “Your Will Be Done” from Matthew 6:10, in the Lord’s Prayer.
“Your Kingdom Come,” Jesus instructs us to pray. But what exactly are we praying for when we ask that? And how do we live as a people who bear witness to Jesus’ kingship in our own lives; in our jobs, families, schools, finances? Join us for “Your Kingdom Come” from the Lord’s Prayer.
In the Bible, a name is more than a collection of syllables – it’s the representation of a person. Why does Jesus invite us to pray first that God would be “hallowed” or revered? What would that look like in our lives? Join us as we continue our study of the Lord’s Prayer with “Hallowed be Your Name.”
Jesus gave "The Lord's Prayer” for God’s children to use in their regular meeting with their Father in heaven. God's children are those who have received Jesus and believed in his name and have been given the right to become children of God. We focus on the first two words of this most important prayer, "Our Father." We'll look at what it means to call God "Our Father” and the implications of this little phrase, which extend far beyond what immediately comes to mind. Special Guest: John Crocker.
We begin a new series making the same request of Jesus his disciples made in Luke 11: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Join us as we walk through the Lord’s Prayer verse by verse and learn together from this model prayer.
We were made to live for something bigger than ourselves. The gospel changes our priorities so that as we live for Christ and his glory we’re set free from apathy and aimlessness, and we find real joy. Join us as we look at Colossians 4:2-18 and finish our series in Colossians looking at the Glorious Impact God can have through your life.
Colossians 3:1-17 switches from Paul’s theological teaching to practical ways for us to live out our faith as Christ-Ones. Last week, we looked at the architecture, excavations, and foundations needed to build our lives upon Christ. In Colossians 3:18–4:1, we will learn how to practically build our marriages and homes in ways that honor and glorify the Lord we serve. Special Guest: Bob Blahnik.
Colossians 2 clarifies that we don’t get right with God by following rules and extreme disciplines, but chapter 3 sets forth an expectation that the direction of our lives will be transformed by being in Christ. Glorious Foundations from Colossians 3:1-17 explains the basis for living in a way that honors the Lord and each other.
At first glance, it appears that in Colossians 2 the Apostle Paul is encouraging a young church to make sure they worship God the right way, not the wrong way. But is that really his point? Or is Paul referring to something much deeper in our relationship with God, something fundamental to how we are made right with God in the first place? Join us for Glorious Freedom from Colossians 2:16–23!
Join us as we see how Christ clears away confusion in life and gives us clarity about our identity, our purpose, and our direction. Colossians 2:6-15 leads us to praise God for the “Glorious Confidence” we find in the gospel.
As the Apostle Paul concludes his introduction of himself to the believers in the church at Colossae, he reflects on the riches of the gospel, Christ in us, the hope of glory. This message has become Paul’s mission, and the church’s responsibility to grow in maturity. Join us for “The Hope of Glory,” as we consider the mystery, the mission, and our maturity from Colossians 1:24–2:5.
Our lives – and this world – can sometimes seem chaotic, discouraging, and overwhelming. Is anyone in charge? Is there any hope, any point to it all? We find confidence, hope, sanity, and life in Jesus. It really is all about Jesus. Join us as we look at The Glorious Christ from Colossians 1:15-23.
In his prayer, Paul paints a picture of the glory of Christ reflected in people who have been brought from darkness to light. We see how the life of Jesus is lived out in his people; not that our lives can be ‘worthy’ of the Lord, but that we walk in a way that is suitable to our new lives – which makes sense given who we now are! Join us as we look at Glorious New Lives from Colossians 1:9-14.
We start a new series in the book of Colossians. We’ll see how Christ reigns supreme over all, and how gazing on the glory of Christ encourages our hearts, and leads to worship, hope, confidence, and joy. We begin by looking at what makes the gospel so glorious, from Colossians 1:1-8. Join us as we (re)discover The Glory of the Gospel!
In this final message in our Flourish series, we’ll pull together all that we’ve seen about discipleship. Missional Spirituality is life with God, for the world; it’s the kind of life where human flourishing takes place, a life modeled for us by Jesus, a life in which we can pour ourselves out for our neighbors because of our relationship with the God who poured himself out for us. Join us as we look at John 17:13-19.
In Jeremiah 29, God tells his people in exile not to hate or withdraw from the place they’re living, but to commit to, bless and even love their community in exile. That’s a helpful pattern for us as winsome ambassadors to our world. Join us as we look at what it means for us as Jesus’ disciples to seek the Common Good.
Part of our winsomeness towards a secular culture is to approach the world in the same way Jesus did. This doesn’t mean that we look to Jesus’s actions in particular, but to his mission in general. Can we identify with the world around us, pursue those in it, and offer them life through sacrificial love? We explore “The Same Mind," from Philippians 2:1-11.
The Apostle Peter’s first letter was written to be circulated among Christian communities scattered all over Asia Minor. These churches existed in areas that were overtly antagonistic to their presence. How is the church supposed to live in such a climate? How should the church posture herself to that world? We’ll explore 1st Peter 3:13-17, “Gentle Defense,” and learn from this ancient letter how we should relate to our modern world.
We live in a world dominated by stories, and in many ways, we don’t know how to act unless we know what story we’re in and what role we’re playing. That’s one of the lessons we learn from Jeremiah’s famous letter to the exiles in Babylon. Join us as we reframe our lives within a larger story in “Storytime” from Jeremiah 29:1-23.
We live in a racially and ethnically fractured society. The Church has a wonderful opportunity to display the reconciling power of the gospel among all peoples as a powerful witness to our community. We welcome Dr. Peter Cha, Professor of Church, Culture, and Society at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, as he helps us grow in our understanding of the reconciliation that flows out of Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross. Special Guest: Dr. Peter Cha.
Our experienced panel will discuss the impact of Christ-centered relationships in reconciling people of different races, classes, and cultures. Dr. Peter Cha will be joined by Pastor Curtis Coston of Solid Word Bible Church and others involved in Faith's local international outreach.
“Unless I see, I’ll never believe.” These words were spoken by Thomas, the apostle who missed the resurrection and couldn’t believe what his friends were telling him. How did Thomas move from Doubt, to Faith, to Purpose? Join us as we explore John 20:24-31, “Seeing and Believing.”
As we focus on the reason for Good Friday, worship and remember with us what Christ has done.
Many of the same people who hailed Jesus as king on Palm Sunday were calling for his death on Good Friday. Why the change? What happened? Join us as we look at what we have in common with those people as we explore “The Palm Sunday Problem” from Matthew 21:1-15.
The great reformer Martin Luther once wrote that the gospel has to be “beat into our heads continually” because believers are prone to forget the grace with which we have been saved. This week we turn to Titus 2:11-3:11 to explore Paul’s exhortation to a young pastor to declare the gospel, insist on the gospel, and remind people of the implications of the gospel. What might we learn about the ongoing applicability of the gospel to our lives today? Join us for Gospel Renewal.
“For freedom Christ has set us free,” says the Apostle Paul. But freedom from what? Freedom to do what? We’ll turn to Galatians 5 to explore the life of virtue we are free to explore through life in the Spirit of God.
We are made for relationship. We will not grow to be what God intends on our own. Join us as we look at how we grow as disciples of Jesus in the context of spiritual friendships from Acts 20:36 – 21:8.
We’re all being shaped according to a goal or pattern – the question is by what? The patterns of our lives reflect our ultimate values. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, Paul encourages us that we can use our freedom in Christ to take on habits that will shape our hearts for God and his Kingdom. Join us in worship as we look at Habits of the Heart.
In light of our resurrection with Christ, Paul admonishes us in Colossians chapter 3 to put to death what is earthly in us and to put on virtue, bound together with love. Join us as we explore how God forms our character, in “Put on Love,” from Colossians 3:1-17.
We’ve spent the last two weeks at Faith exploring the idea that our deepest orientation to the world is through what we love. So how do we share the gospel with friends, neighbors, and coworkers in a way that appeals to the heart? From 2nd Corinthians 4:1-12, we’ll discover how an encounter with the beauty of God in Christ radically transformed the Apostle Paul’s deepest loves.
Jeremiah was not known as a particularly encouraging prophet. So when he saw the faithlessness of the people of Israel, he used a provocative metaphor to try to shock the people into realizing the gravity of their sin. Putting the people’s relationship with God in the picture of a marriage, he challenged Israel to repent of their spiritual adultery. Join us as we study the contemporary application of Jeremiah 2 in the next sermon in our Flourish series, Disordered Love, from Jeremiah 2:1-13, 20-25, 32-33.
When asked what the most important teaching in the Old Testament was, Jesus responded simply: love. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” What might Jesus’ emphasis on the priority of love have to teach us about discipleship? Join us as we look at Matthew 22:34-40 and explore "The Priority of Love.”
When St. Paul entered ancient Athens, he saw that the city was incredibly religious but spiritually dead. The secular age we inhabit is much the same. What can we learn from Paul’s approach in Athens that helps us as we seek to become informed and winsome ambassadors for Christ? Join us as we explore objects of worship In Our Secular World from Acts 17:16-23.
Everyone is a disciple, a follower of somebody. The question is, Who am I following? We’ll look at 1 Peter 1-2 and the image of Christians as “chosen exiles.” The world demands our attention and devotion and seeks to conform us to its ways. Though we live in this world, we reflect the values and priorities of another king and his kingdom. Join us for Resident Aliens from 1 Peter 1:1-2, 2:4-12
A new year means new possibilities, new directions, new priorities…or at least a chance to reinvest in priorities we need to tackle in new ways. This year Faith Church will invest in discipleship in our secular age as we seek to become informed and winsome ambassadors of Christ. Join us for “What’s a Disciple?” from 2nd Corinthians 3:18, the first in our new series, “Flourish”!
This past Sunday, we welcomed Pastor Don Beachy as our guest preacher. We celebrated Advent and Christmas through our series: Home for Christmas. We continue that theme and hear how God uses us to bring others home to Him. Family Gathering, from Matthew 28:16-20. Special Guest: Don Beachy.
On Christmas Eve we refocused on our Advent messages: we were lost, then found, bringing us home again through the one true King.
Jesus left his home to bring us home to him – but we’re not home yet. We get hints and shadows of the goodness of the true, eternal home we’ll experience in Jesus’ second advent. We concluded our Advent series with, Home Forever from Revelation 21.
How can we find our way back home? The Good News in the Christmas story is that it is not our pursuit of God, but God's pursuit of us that is the answer. Lost and Found from Philippians 2:5-11 is our third Advent message for 2017.
“I’ll be Home for Christmas” is in some sense, the longing for all people, to find a place called home, reflecting Genesis 3, when all of humanity became lost, losing their God-given home and thrust into a world of suffering and death.
We start at the beginning: Where did we come from? Why do we long for security, meaning, purpose, relationship – for home? And how does Jesus fit into the picture?
We conclude our series on Goodness by looking at Psalm 145:13-21. God’s goodness is evident in who he is and what he does, and yet the world we live in doesn’t always reflect his good rule. How do we understand the struggle and pain of this world in light of God’s goodness?
We continue exploring God’s goodness through Psalm 145. As King David invites us to reflect on God’s goodness, he calls us to respond by reflecting God’s goodness. If God is good and all He does is good, how do we reflect his goodness in what we say, do, and are?
Jesus said, "at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves." - John 14:11. Last Sunday, Pastor Joey introduced Psalm 145 and the theme of God's goodness, focusing on goodness as essential to who God is. This week, I'll take us a little further in Psalm 145 as we focus on the works of God's goodness.
"I will pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” So says the psalmist as he contemplates the essential goodness of God. Does God’s goodness move you to worship? Join us this week as we jump into a four-part series on God’s Goodness from Psalm 145!
The Reformers insisted that God alone deserves the glory for saving us from sin, death, and hell; it is his gracious work in us. But they also insisted that we are saved for something. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ to live for God’s glory.
Sola Fide (Faith Alone) is one of the rallying cries of the Reformation, the belief that people are declared righteous by God on the basis of their faith in him, not on any works they do to earn salvation. Sola Fide remains the cry of Faith Church, as we together are called from our attempts to justify ourselves to rest in God’s grace.
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.” One of the most well-known of all hymns, John Newton’s 18th-century lyrics celebrate what was almost lost in the Medieval church, God’s grace. The very heart of the Good News, that salvation is by grace, God’s gift, not earned by religious acts or good works. As we celebrate this month the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, I am privileged this Sunday to preach Ephesians 2:1-9 and address the 3rd of the five solas, Sola Gratia, Grace Alone.
What was the Protestant Reformation about? Indulgences? Sacraments? Purgatory? The authority of the Pope? The answer is simple: Jesus. Specifically, the Reformation was about Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as our only source of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Luther said, “The cross alone is our theology.” When we look at Ephesians 1:15-23 we find what Solus Christus, or “Christ Alone” means for us!
This month marks the 500th anniversary of the start of Protestant Reformation, a key movement in the history of the church. Begun by reformers across Europe, it gathered steam when the monk Martin Luther posted ninety-five complaints against the theology taught by the Catholic Church on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. At root was the issue of Sola Scriptura, or “Scripture Alone.” A reaction against the Church’s use of tradition as an authority, Scripture Alone teaches that the Bible itself is sufficient and complete revelation from God.
On September 24, 2017, we "Ran the Race" together as a church family with our missionaries from around the world. It was a weekend packed with opportunities to hear personal stories of how God is expanding his kingdom around the globe. Ruth Hubbard, VP of Urbana for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, was our keynote speaker. Special Guest: Ruth Hubbard.
All of us struggle with doubts and fears – about ourselves, about our relationships, about the future, even about God and his promises. And we all look for someone or something that offers security, hope, and direction for our lives. There’s good news in God’s word about the security we have in Christ; “The God Who Secures” from Ephesians 1:11-14.
In Ephesians 1:7-10, we see the “big picture” of God’s plan to unite all things in Christ, making it possible for us to have peace in ourselves and with others.
Ephesians 1 contains one of the Apostle Paul’s most-used analogies for salvation, that of adoption. We’ll explore that theme in Ephesians 1:3-10 and discover how being adopted into God’s family gives us a new identity, a new family, and a new purpose.
In Ephesians 1:3-4, we find a God who blesses us in accordance with his will and character.
Ephesians chapter 1 gives us a picture of an amazing God who exists beyond our understanding; a God who is the source of all life and goodness and joy; a God who invites us to experience the fullness of life he has in himself. This Sunday, we’ll look at how the real God is different from all the other gods and idols of our culture, and how he alone freely blesses us.
Anger: Is it a holy emotion, one we’re called to express? Or is it a hellish passion, something we should repress? As we turn to Psalm 109 to learn from King David’s expression of anger at injustice, we’re reminded that we can express our anger before God, while trusting in his sovereignty to work his will.
What do you do when you know you’ve blown it? In Psalm 51, God helps us find the way forward when we’re broken, lost, or trapped in sin.
This past Sunday, we welcomed Pastor Andrew Rogers, a former counselor with Soul Care, College Park's counseling ministry, and currently serving as Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator of Biblical Counseling at Boyce College. From Pastor Andrew: There are seasons in our lives, some longer and more intense than others when we are consumed by grief and despair. When we feel like we are in the deepest darkest gully in between the mountains. We feel like we are in a pit that we have no idea how to get out of. We are full of grief, we are tired, we are sore, we sense the darkness coming in on us, all hope seems lost – we are stuck in a gully of gloom. We see the mountaintop, which promises tranquility, calmness, and serenity, but we don’t see how to get there. David expresses that feeling in Psalm 13. He shows us the path from the gully of gloom to the summit of serenity. Special Guest: Andrew Rogers.
We finished examining the difficult and universal experience of Walking Through the Wilderness, in part 2, with a focus on Psalm 23. Special Guest: Randy Beaverson.
What do we have in common with Moses, Elijah, Jesus and John the Baptist? Whether short visits, extreme excursions or prolonged journeys, we all experience a season in the wilderness. We examine this difficult place and how to traverse it. Both scripture and story will permeate our study, starting with a focus on reasons for being in the wilderness and what takes us there. Special Guest: Randy Beaverson.
High expectations, wrong motives, limited perception and mistaken priorities can lead us to disappointment. How does the Lord by His grace allow disappointment to show us His appointed purpose? Pastor Luis Martinez of Iglesia de Fé takes unpacks Psalm 71. Special Guest: Luis Martinez.
Psalm 136 summarizes the Old Testament story, God’s rescue of Israel; and illustrates the ultimate rescue of both Jews and Gentiles in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Expressing joy is so natural to us that it seems odd to think we need to be trained to do it well. But that’s exactly what the psalmist teaches us to do in Psalm 33. Learn with us how to express joy through praise!
Sometimes it seems that everyone has it better than us. It's hard not to let envy rule our hearts and rob us of our contentment in Christ. The writer of Psalm 73 almost lost his faith because of his envy, but eventually came through with a stronger faith than before.
The world can be a scary place, with accidents, assaults, disease, violence, conflicts. What are your recurring fears? We continue our series in “Songs of Rescue” looking at Psalm 55. We’ll look at what causes fear and how we tend to respond to it, and we’ll see how to find peace in the middle of fear.
They have been called the hymnbook for God’s people, instruction in the life of faith, and an anatomy of every part of the human soul. In Psalm 116 we find the encouragement to cry out to God in trust with all our joys, hopes, needs, concerns, and fears because he is caring, wise, and powerful.
We finish our exploration of Josiah’s life by following the destruction and exile of the nation he led. Can there ever be hope for exiles? What does that hope communicate to us today?
Josiah’s tragic death led Judah into a downward spiral from which it would not recover. The faithful can’t expect that their faith will make everything go right, so how are we to respond when tragedy strikes? (2nd Chronicles 35:20-27)
Holidays can evoke either sentimentality or cynicism. At their best, though, holidays point us to something significant that’s bigger than us. They show us what really matters and how we should respond. And they point us to a lasting hope. We’ll see how all that comes together in the Passover celebration from 2 Chronicles 35:1-19.
We’ve watched King Josiah lead his people into a deeper relationship with God. Learn about his recommitment to their covenant, in 2nd Kings 23:1-20, the marriage of Law and Love.
As Josiah grew deeper in faith, he began a work project to restore the Temple. In the process, a hidden treasure was found. We explore 2 Kings 22:3-20 and uncover what that treasure means for us today.
Explore the life of Josiah, the boy king. Discover how a life of faith flourished in the midst of a formerly religious society gone pagan.
We run at the gym, at work, at the airport; we run with pleasure, concern, hurry, or even joy – but who runs through a cemetery? What was it about the first Easter morning that caused people to run? And how do we respond to Jesus’ resurrection? Each year on Easter, Christians around the world celebrate Jesus’ victory over death! He is risen indeed!
The cross looks like a tragedy. And Jesus warns us we will have difficulty in life. But he also overcomes the world. Join us Sunday as we explore how God can use trials and loss to bring hope and accomplish his good purposes.
Have you ever been confronted by someone who shared a bit of truth you didn’t want to hear? Jesus tells his followers in John 16:5-15 that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. See how love leads Jesus to speak challenging, important, and life-changing words to us, and through us, to the world.
Love him or hate him - those are the only two choices Jesus gives us. But do people really see Jesus that way? And how should his followers respond?
In Jesus' last words to his disciples before his crucifixion, he told them to "remain in me”, and in so doing, he promised they would bear much fruit. But what does it mean to bear fruit, and how do we remain in Him?
Jesus warns his disciples of his departure, his seeming defeat, and his delay in coming back. When is he going to come back? How long will he be gone? And what will happen to us? How will we live in this world with the evil one in it and Jesus departed? Jesus reassures his disciples that though he is gone, we are not alone and helpless; Jesus will send the Spirit to live in us, to guide and empower us, and to reassure and remind us of all we need to know.
We’re starting a series leading up to Easter looking at Jesus’ final words of instruction and encouragement to his disciples from John’s gospel. This week, we start with some of the most offensive and intolerant words Jesus ever spoke: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” We’ll see how Jesus’ exclusive claims actually give us confidence, hope, and purpose. Join us as we discover what it means to have “our home in God” from John 14:1-14.
Faith Church’s Directional Vision Statement calls for us to be “informed and winsome ambassadors of Christ to our secular culture.” To do that we must boldly stand for God’s truth but do it in a way that will attract our neighbors to the Gospel. Micaiah, an obscure prophet in the Old Testament, serves as an example for us as we learn to be “winsome to win some.” Special Guest: Bob Blahnik.
How do you respond to a society that’s opposed to your beliefs and values? How do we live faithfully and reflect God’s character and purposes in a fragmented culture? God’s message to the exiles in Jeremiah’s day gives encouragement to us who live our lives here “as strangers and exiles on earth.”
Dr. Paul Borthwick, professor at Gordon College and author of Western Christians in Global Mission, shared a reflection from John 3:16, and challenged us in our commitment to reach the world with the gospel of Christ. Special Guest: Dr. Paul Borthwick.
What’s the mission of the church? It’s an easy question with an easy answer – after all, Jesus told us to “go and make disciples.” Watch as Pastor Joey digs into this command of how God is leading us to live it out at Faith Church!
God is a community of love between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are made in God’s image to experience and reflect his love. And through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are adopted into God’s family. So why is real community so hard to find? And what does a loving community look like, anyway?
If you were called before God, could you stand in his presence? The prophet Isaiah records that in 740 BC, he saw the Lord on his throne, and the experience drove him to his knees. His response shows us that worship is more than an event or an activity, it is a heart aligned toward God, one we can only have through God’s gracious initiation.
Where do we go from here? As we start a new year and a new season of ministry together, we look back at our vision and values to guide us. We have a new structure for pastoral leadership at Faith. But it’s based on Jesus’ example of servant leadership. Finding our identity in the gospel frees us to joyfully love and humbly serve others to the Father’s glory. Let's focus on Jesus’ call to humble leadership.
2017 starts with big changes at Faith as I start my new half-time role and Pastors Jeff and Joey step into their new roles. I look back with deep thankfulness to God and to you, the Faith Church family; but also a look forward with you to serving under our new pastoral leadership. We rejoice in the truth of Philippians 1:6. I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.
“This year I’m going to …” January rolls around, and many of us look at things we’d like to do better or differently. And many of us know what it’s like for our resolutions to crash on the rocks of reality. Is there hope for lasting change? Can I really become the person I want to be and God created me to be? How does God help us change? We’ll look at Genesis 32 for hope and help. You don’t have to stay the same!