Greenville Oaks Church Message Podcast: Recent Episodes
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This audio podcast features the weekly messages of the Greenville Oaks Church of Christ. We inspire people to follow Jesus. Visit us online at greenvilleoaks.org
Today is a celebration of the Iglesia Renova church and Greenville Oaks Church become One Church with Two Languages.
Wade speaks from Ephesians 4 to challenge us, as members of the Body of Christ, to embrace our role as ministers.
Ideally, there should be no distinction between a Christian and a disciple of Christ, but in our culture there often is. Building on this unfortunate distinction, we'll explore why inspiring more Christians to become disciples of Christ is one of our church's top priorities.
In Exodus 18, Jethro, Moses's father-in-law. gives him some much needed advice. Which Moses wisely heeds. This week we'll explore how Jethro's ancient advice still speaks to us today, and why embracing our limitations is essential to our flourishing.
This week Wade will follow the thread of "Covenant" through the Scriptures. Understanding the way the ancient covenants worked not not only helps us better understand the Biblical story, but also why being in relationship with a covenant-making God is such good news.
Our Guest Speaker Summer Series continues, with a well known "Guest Speaker", our Next Steps Minister Wes Rasbury focus on celebrating the stories of members of Greenville Oaks.
Executive Minister Matt Mazza discusses various ministries of Greenville Oaks and mission trip that is taking place this summer.
We begin our Greenville Oaks summer series beginning with Guest Speaker Jonathan Storment from Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Little Rock, AR with a message called "Greater Than Solomon".
In Jonah 4, we finally learn the reason for Jonah's initial flight from God. Turns out he wasn’t afraid of what the Ninevites might to do him. He was, instead, afraid of what God might do for the Ninevites.
The story of Jonah has been described as a work of comedy or ironic satire. Jonah 3 contains a few comically absurd details. Out of the absurdity comes some very good news about God.
What would you pray if you were stuck in the belly of a great fish? The answer seems obvious, right? Which is why Jonah's prayer is so surprising.
Just about everyone can tell you the story of Jonah is about a man who gets swallowed by a fish. While the fish makes for a great VBS skit, it's not the most important part of the story. If anything, the fish has distracted us from the deeper message of Jonah. A message which makes Jonah one of the most subversive books in the Bible.
Wade focuses on the elements within society that are contributing toward diminished mental health. How do we fight these factors?
Of all the many different factors impacting our mental health, our patterns and habits of thought is one of the most important. This is why it is essential, though not always easy, to think about the way we think.
Student Minister Zach Silva speaks to the Senior Class of 2024, encouraging them as they step into their next big season of life. He also presents ways that the church community can help support them as they move forward.
One way God helps us through our mental health challenges is by giving our lives a sense of meaning and purpose, which are not only essential to good mental health, but also to persevering through hard times.
Conversations about mental health can easily veer into extremes. One extreme, sometimes heard in Christian circles, is that mental health is exclusively a spiritual issue. Another extreme, often in response to the first, is that mental health is exclusively a biological or medical issue. This week we’ll attempt to navigate between these two extremes by considering what it means to be embodied souls.
If the saying, “Unclarified expectations are premeditated disappointments,” is true, then it is vitally important to clarify our expectations of what it means to be followers of Jesus who experience all sorts of challenges, including mental health challenges, on our journey through life.
Join us for the first message in our new series on mental health. In this series, Wade will push back against the myth that being a Christian protects us from or provides an instant cure for mental health problems. He’ll focus, instead, on ways our Christian faith supports us when we experience mental health challenges.
The Gospel of Mark ends with a surprise. No, not the resurrection of Jesus, but rather the way the women at the empty tomb respond to it.
Ancient kings typically established their kingdoms by defeating their enemies, not by letting their enemies defeat them. What kind of king is Jesus? And what difference does it make in our lives?
As one of my favorite writers likes to say, “When Jesus wanted to explain the meaning of his death, he didn't give his disciples a theory. He gave them a meal.” Likewise, whenever we eat this meal, we retell an old story given new meaning by Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection.
When James and John ask Jesus for powerful positions in his Kingdom, he teaches them a philosophy of power unlike anything the world has ever seen.
Jesus calls his disciples to embrace a paradoxical philosophy of life and death that initially seems like nonsense. But once we begin to listen to Jesus and put his teachings into practice, we discover he is actually the wisest person who ever lived.
Almost every scene in the Gospel of Mark focuses on Jesus. One exception is the story of John the Baptist's death in Mark 6. This week we’ll explore how this story serves as a warning to Mark’s original readers and to us.
Mark 5 includes a detailed story about a man tormented by unclean spirits. His encounter with Jesus reveals both the work evil aims to do in the world and Jesus’s power to overcome it. The challenge when reading this story today is to correctly locate ourselves within it.
Mark includes very little of Jesus’s actual teaching in his gospel. The teachings he does include usually generate more questions than answers, which seems to be Jesus’s intention. Sometimes clarify is overrated.
In Mark 3 Jesus goes up on a mountain and calls twelve disciples to him for a special purpose. The list of names of those he called is pregnant with gospel and helps us understand what the “ideal” church might look like.
Early in his ministry Jesus enjoys tremendous success. As his popularity grows, so does the danger of having his ministry hijacked by others. This Sunday we’ll explore a sequence from Mark 1 in which Jesus shows us how to stay focused and on mission when others are tempting us with a competing agenda.
The Gospel of Mark tells us that immediately after his baptism, Jesus is sent into the wilderness to be tested by Satan. The sequence of these events not only gives us a clue about Jesus’s mission as the Son of God, it also shapes our expectations for what it means to be a Christ-follower.
Over the next several months we’ll be working through some of the key events in Jesus’s ministry as depicted in the Gospel of Mark. The first thing we see Jesus do in Mark’s gospel is show up at the Jordan River to be baptized by John. Why did Jesus step into the water? How does his baptism shape the way we view ours?
Our Next Steps Minister, Wes Rasbury, delivers a message on ways we can renew our heart moving into a new year.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve as we complete the final candles of Advent.
As we draw nearer to our celebration of Christ’s birth, we’ll contemplate the stunning implications of John’s declaration that “The Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John 1:14)
As he does with many other elements of the gospel story, John gives us a slightly different perspective on John the Baptist when he describes him as the man who was not. Clarity around who John (and we) are not, can help simplify our purpose during the busiest and most hectic time of year.
As we prepare to celebrate Christ coming into creation as a baby, let’s zoom out and contemplate how creation comes into being through Christ.
Sometimes giving thanks comes easy. Sometimes it’s a struggle to praise God while drowning in deep disappointment. This Sunday we'll listen in on a dialogue between God and a disappointed man who resolves to praise God anyway.
Since Thanksgiving marks the official beginning of the holiday eating season, let us develop a robust theology of food so we are thoroughly equipped to eat and drink to the glory of God.
We wrap up our study of Philippians by digging into the final section of the letter, in which Paul expresses his gratitude to the Philippians for the financial gift they sent him while he's in prison. What could have been a simple "thank you" turns out to be much more complex, and for good reason.
Managing our anxiety when faced with trouble is an essential skill for a follower of Jesus. Chronic anxiety keeps us from making wise decisions and destroys relationships. In Philippians 4:1-9, Paul names several practices that can help us become a less-anxious presence in the midst of difficult circumstances.
At the end of Philippians 3, Paul drops a thought bomb on our understanding how to live the Christian life, when he describes Christ-followers as "citizens of heaven." The implications from understanding our primary citizenship in this way are staggering.
In Philippians 3, Paul uses shocking language to describe his past religious achievements. Perhaps because he knows how destructive and divisive building an identity on human achievement can be. He then reminds his friends in Philippi of the true and lasting source of his (and their) new identity.
Some passages of Scripture are easy to skim over. Especially when they're filled with ancient names, travel plans, and mundane details having no real contemporary significance. Tucked into the middle of Philippians is one such passage. Instead of skipping it, we're going to slow down and read it carefully, for it demonstrates an essential practice for becoming a more skillful follower of Christ.
Today we hear from Kevin Vance and the Mission work him and his wife do in Regina, Saskatchewan.
In Philippians 2, Paul encourages his friends in Philippi to cultivate a certain mindset that will enable them to maintain their unity. We've become so familiar with what he says that it’s difficult to appreciate how radical and challenging his instructions were (and still are).
This Sunday we’ll explore the implications of the image Paul uses to illustrate what he means when he implores his friends in Philippi to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
In Philippians 1, when Paul reflects on his imprisonment and possible execution, he shows us what really matters when facing adversity.
When Paul writes a letter of appreciation to the church in Philippi, he shows us both how Christian friendship works and why we all need friends who can help us see what really matters.
Keith Maloney speaks to the church about ways to combat isolation, especially in a post-covid world. He emphasizes the importance of connection with others and offers many options to create community at Greenville Oaks.
The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus shows what can happen when Jesus invites himself into our lives. It also establishes the basis for our core value of Celebrate Transformation.
Executive minister Matt Mazza conducts a panel discussion with our family, small groups, student and children's ministers. They discuss the ways GO members can become more involved in our various ministries and make a difference in the lives of people in and outside our church.
As we explore one of Jesus’ most familiar parables from a slightly different perspective, we may discover one of the more common obstacles to living out our value of Demonstrating Selflessness.
Prioritizing love in response to a number of needs, problems, needs, questions, and dilemmas can get messy in a hurry. Join us this week as explore the meaning and application of our core value of Love First.
In John 2, Jesus launches his public ministry by turning water into wine. This miraculous sign not only begins to reveal Jesus’s glory, but also helps us clarify our mission as a church.
In his book, Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology, Eugene Peterson reminds us that God is found among the margins and in places we often least expect Him to be. Our going out into the world on mission also holds opportunity for us to encounter the God who leaves the 99 for the one.
Guest Speaker Grady King from The Hope Network speaks from 1 & 2 Timothy. He challenges the church to pursue what we can to push ourselves toward focusing on the things of God, not the things within our culture that can cloud our direction as Christians.
We all have next step in our spiritual walks. God meets us where we are, but God refuses to leave us there. Like Abraham being called out of the familiar land that he knew, or like Sarah for receiving the promise to have a child at her age, or like Rahab for being hospitable to the spies, or like Peter stepping out of the comfort of the boat to walk on the water - we all have a next step. So, the question today is: what is your next step? Where might God be calling you?
We are reminded that the new birth event that joined us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus always makes us new—always calls us to live in newness of life.
This Sunday we will focus on a short exchange between Jesus and Peter at the end of the Gospel of John that encourages us to accept the role we're given to play in God's story and to play it like no one else can.
In John 17, Jesus closes his farewell discourse with a prayer that reveals what is foremost on his heart and mind the night before he is crucified.
In our final message from the farewell discourse in John 14-16, we’ll wrestle with how Jesus’s physical absence works to our advantage.
As we continue our exploration of Jesus’s farewell discourse in John 14-16, we’ll dwell on what Jesus says proves we are truly his disciples.
The graduating Seniors lead our church in worship this week as we honor them entering into their next season of life.
In his farewell message to his followers (John 14-16), Jesus prepares them for his imminent departure by assuring them he’s not leaving them alone. His words of comfort and hope also show us how to rely on his unseen presence as we navigate challenging times.
Executive Minister Matt Mazza discusses community outreach opportunites with Agape Resources, Hopes Restored Ministries, and Shiloh Place.
At the heart of God’s relationship with God's people is a truth that is easy to forget when all is well and tempting to forsake when it’s not. Join us this week as we remember and celebrate God’s enduring, faithful love.
In the final chapters of John, the risen Jesus interacts with Mary Magdalene, Thomas, and Peter. In each encounter, Jesus gives grieving Mary, doubting Thomas, and wounded Peter exactly what they need.
Last week we noticed how in John's account of Jesus' resurrection, seeing is not always believing. This week we'll read a story in which Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing.
In John 20, the risen Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, but she doesn’t recognize him. Sometimes, it takes more than seeing to believe.
Before celebrating Jesus’s resurrection on Easter Sunday, this week we’ll dwell on the unfortunate prerequisite to his resurrection, which is of course his death. Join us at the foot of the cross as we ponder the meaning of Jesus’s crucifixion, as narrated in John 19.
In John 11, Jesus performs a dramatic sign, but only after challenging his friends to trust him, even when he disappoints them.
In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind, who as it turns out, was not the only one in the story who couldn’t see.
In John 4, Jesus has his longest conversation in the gospels with a Samaritan woman. Like his conversation with Nicodemus, it begins with misunderstanding, but where it goes from there couldn’t be more different.
In John 3, a respected, educated, religious leader comes to visit with Jesus at night. At the end of the conversation, he appears to still be in the dark.
When Jesus overcomes three temptations in the wilderness, he not only demonstrates his quality as Israel’s Messiah, he also strengthens us when we are tested in similar ways.
As organized religion, especially Christianity, is losing its influence in our society, many churches are looking for ways to repair and restore their credibility. This week we’ll look at a text from Matthew 5 in which Jesus tells us how to build, regain, and maintain our credible influence in the world.
In Matthew 5, Jesus begins his famous Sermon on the Mount with a series of blessings and promises known as The Beatitudes. While the beatitudes are more descriptions than commands, they do have a way of inviting us to live differently in a world Jesus is turning upside down.
When Jesus recruits four fishermen to help him share his message with the world, they immediately follow him. Their decisive response to his call is one of the last positive things we see them do in their time with Jesus. We’ll explore why on Sunday.
Wade Hodges will deliver the message about how Greenville Oaks can participate in God’s mission right here in Collin County.
Our guest speakers will be Charles Pierson & Eric Moore. Charles is the president of the board of directors for Mission Alive, a North American church planting ministry. Eric serves on the board as well. They will speak about God’s mission in North America and the ministry of Mission Alive which trained Greenville Oaks missionaries Kevin and Lisa Vance.
Our guest speaker will be Andy Johnson, the Director of Missionary Care for Missions Resource Network (MRN). Andy will speak from the perspective of a former missionary and a staff member at MRN, the ministry that oversees the ministry on the MedRim (Mediterranean Rim) where Greenville Oaks missionaries Caleb & Jenny Beck serve.
This is the time of year when resolutions are popular. But Jesus calls us to an abundant life through transformation that comes from training, not just trying harder.
There's only one person who witnessed Jesus' birth, life, and death. She was numbered among the disciples after Jesus' resurrection. This Sunday we'll explore her story and let her show us what it means to live a "blessed" life.
Sometimes, as in the case with Zechariah and Elizabeth, God answers our prayer and takes away our disgrace. Sometimes God calls us to do something that disgraces us in the eyes of our peers. Join us this Sunday as we explore the Christmas story from Joseph's perspective.
During the season of Advent, it's customary to revisit the story of John the Baptist, whose primary purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. This Sunday we'll imagine what John might say to us as we prepare for the coming of Christ.
This Sunday Wade will launch his new Advent series focusing on the cast of characters who encounter the baby Jesus before or after his birth. This week we’ll meet an elderly couple who embody a question essential to understanding the meaning of Christmas.
This Sunday we'll explore why it's essential for Christians in our context to recover and own our identity as missionaries. There are many good reasons to think and act like a missionary. Wade will share an oft overlooked one revealed in Acts 10.
In Acts 8, an angel tells Philip to go to a deserted city on a seldom travelled road. This strange command leads to an encounter with an Ethiopian eunuch who desperately needs to hear some good news. The story ends with the eunuch continuing on his way rejoicing. After we explore this story on Sunday, I hope you leave rejoicing too.
In Acts 8, an angel tells Philip to go to a deserted city on a seldom travelled road. This strange command leads to an encounter with an Ethiopian eunuch who desperately needs to hear some good news. The story ends with the eunuch continuing on his way rejoicing. After we explore this story on Sunday, I hope you leave rejoicing too.
In Acts 7, Stephen preaches a sermon that gets him stoned. This week Wade will explain why Stephen's sermon made his audience so angry, while trying to avoid the same fate as Stephen. Should be fun, but please leave your rocks at home.
Near the end of Acts 4, Luke describes a church of which I'm sure we'd all like to be a part. But I wonder how many of us would like to belong to the church he describes in Acts 5:1-11? This week we'll approach the story of Ananias and Sapphira with emotional and intellectual honesty and perhaps discover why it may be the most relevant story for us in Acts.
Near the end of Acts 4, Luke describes a church of which I'm sure we'd all like to be a part. But I wonder how many of us would like to belong to the church he describes in Acts 5:1-11? This week we'll approach the story of Ananias and Sapphira with emotional and intellectual honesty and perhaps discover why it may be the most relevant story for us in Acts.
In Acts 4, we see the followers of Jesus responding to challenges in powerful ways. What is it that enabled them to experience such an amazing life of faith and how do we allow God to work among us in similar ways today?
In Acts 4, we see the followers of Jesus responding to challenges in powerful ways. What is it that enabled them to experience such an amazing life of faith and how do we allow God to work among us in similar ways today?
In the economy of Jesus, followers of Christ invest money and possessions in the community as a demonstration of God's love for all creation. A people with met needs point the world to a God whose love exceeds.
In the economy of Jesus, followers of Christ invest money and possessions in the community as a demonstration of God's love for all creation. A people with met needs point the world to a God whose love exceeds.
Every hero (and villain) has an origin story. So does every church. This week we’ll dig into the early church’s origin story, which, as it turns out, is not all that different from ours.
We Christians love to read, talk, and sing, about Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and eventual return. But his ascension is often overlooked. This Sunday we'll focus on questions like: What happened when Jesus ascended? What does the ascension mean? What practical difference does make it in our lives?
Join us this Sunday for a new series from the book of Acts. We’ll be digging into some familiar stories that still have the ability to surprise. You can prepare for the first message by reading through Acts and noting the many different obstacles the gospel overcomes on the way from Jerusalem to Rome and beyond.
We are created for community. We can’t survive or flourish without it. Yet so often it proves to be elusive. This Sunday we’ll highlight some specific ways we are combatting isolation at Greenville Oaks.
Christians gather and Christians scatter. While both are necessary, the majority of the work the church does to fulfill its mission occurs while scattered. This Sunday Wade will share a simple vision for how every scattered Christian can participate in God's mission.
"Worship was good this morning!" How many times have you said this after a worship gathering? But what exactly makes worship “good”? Send your answer to wade@greenvilleoaks.org. Wade shares his answer in this Sermon.
The goal of the Christian life is to become more like Christ. While most agree on the goal, there is some confusion about how to achieve it. How do we grow in Christ-likeness? What is God's role in the process? What is ours? What keeps us from making progress toward the goal? These are some of the questions we'll tackle on Sunday.
Every time the gospel story is told, it calls for a response from those who hear it. This Sunday we'll explore how our response to the gospel is both a one-time event and a lifelong process.
Last week we explored the gospel story from above (God’s perspective). This week we’ll explore it from our perspective (below). In doing so, we’ll hopefully gain a better understanding of what it means to say, “Jesus saves.”
This week Wade is launching a new series about what it means to be part of God’s story by challenging us to begin our exploration of the gospel, not with our problems, needs, or desires, but with God’s activity in the world.
God’s grace is unearned, unmerited favor that he lavishes upon us, and is thus unfathomable. We often try to cheapen it by taking it for granted or by trying to “earn it” back. Since we don’t or can’t make sense of it, we struggle to model that kind of grace to others. But praise be to God for his good grace that is available and for each and everyone of us.
What if we just simply lived out the words of Acts 4:32?
I am not saying you should or that it is easy. I am just saying, what if we did it.
I mean, what if we simply worried less about our own needs and focused more on making sure that those around us and those in our community had everything they needed. And if they didn‘t have what they needed, that we would give it to them… we would just fill in the gap.
When you say it like that, it seem like a fairly simple challenge, but it’s not. It’s really hard sometimes.
We often fail to understand the incredible love God has for us. Sometimes, though, we can understand God’s love for ourselves, but we aren’t willing to recognize that His love is also given equally to those who are very different from us.
In a world of dizzying choices and multiplying options, Jesus shows us how to stay focused on what really matters
Jesus came offering us not a different or better way to be religious, but a different and better way to be human.
As we kick off our elder selection process, we’ll consider how Christ’s example redefines leadership in the Kingdom of God.
In Luke 18 Jesus tells a story with a surprise ending that demonstrates how the heart of prayer is always more important than the art of prayer.
Lead Minister Wade Hodges takes a close examination of the Lord's Prayer and make a case that it is truly the perfect prayer.
This week Lead Student Minister, Wes Rasbury, honors our High school Graduating Seniors as they take their next steps in a new season of life.
Lead Minister Wade Hodges takes another look at Paul teachings. Specifically, how despite personal differences and preferences, we can put them aside use the example to be "for" others instead of opposing them. This is the way of Christ.
New Lead Minister Wade Hodges teaches from 1 Corinthians 1-2. He examines Paul's message and methods of presentation. It is very much a polarizing method of teaching in comparison too many methods used within the modern church. Wade uses this as a spring board to show that the cross alone is enough to draw people to Christ.
This week we welcome both Wade and Heather Hodges to the Greenville Oaks Church family. Wade is the new Lead Minister at Greenville Oaks and we take some time to learn more about Wade, Heather and their family!
Our DOUBT creates FEAR, that can only grow into FAITH through the gift of Easter and that gift is only fully realized in the HOPE that comes through Jesus Christ.
This week we take a look at the passover meal and the final days of Christ leading up to his crucifixion. Executive Minister Matt Mazza challenges us to put ourselves in the shoes of those losing Jesus in real-time, as if the story were to end there. The things and emotions they experienced while Christ was in the tomb.
We take time to hear the amazing stories that came to light because of the #ForCollinCounty initiative. Our challenge is to continue forward with this mindset for years to come.
Bonhoeffer wrote in Life Together that we always have Christ between ourselves and others. Whatever we say and do, we say to and through the Lord Christ. So it is with doing good. Whatever good we do, we do to Jesus. Whatever good we withhold, we withhold from Jesus. We are to be Jesus to others and see Jesus in the face of others.
The word translated as “pity” here is the Greek word for intestines—guts. Pity and compassion are not intellectual exercises. Our lives should be trained so we have a visceral response to the needs of others that we act on before we think ourselves out of doing the good we should.
Our doing good is an essential part of keeping the two great commandments. We have to deal with the challenge of love of the neighbor and the love of the one who is not like us. What pride and prejudice might keep us from showing the love of Christ to others?
Paul writes Titus a letter to help him with his ministry on the island of Crete. The Cretans had a reputation of being a horrible people. The difference Christ will make in the lives of his disciples on Crete is that they would be people who do what is good. This is a simple call for us now—do what is good.
Following Jesus demands that we adopt his way of doing things. His ways and values are not the values and ways of the fallen world. The way of self-sacrifice and service is the way of the Cross.
Being a disciple of Jesus is a matter of a decision and a process. We decide to follow Jesus. The journey is one in which Jesus becomes clearer to us, and our way to walk with him becomes clearer.
Student Minister Wes Rasbury finished up the Churches That Heal series by giving guidance by reminding us that this is not the end of journey- not in any way! That we have walked through this to begin the process and journey of healing, it is just the start!
This week we hear a story of loss through a tragic story within the Greenville Oaks community. While these moments are difficult, God is still God and sovereign in all situations.
In week five of Churches That Heal, we focus on the importance of setting boundaries in our lives to protect ourselves and the health of our relationships.
We take a look at a major life event within the Greenville Oaks community who were affected by Covid-19. Through this we see the support of community and loved once holds major power in the name of Jesus. Through this hard time we can see evidence that love and being there for others can truly bring real healing.
In the first week of the new year, Student Lead Minister Wes Rasbury takes a look at the hurt we have experienced within the past couple of years and offers any opportunity to heal in our new church-wide program called "Churches That Heal." This program deals with trauma and mental health related issues, with a goal to find ultimate healing in Christ.
Our Instrumental Worship Leader Christoper Green takes a look through the lens of the Shepards and what they might be going through the day after Christ's birth, and how we can apply that experience to our everyday lives.
The love of God is made clear in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Mary’s song invites us to celebrate the love of God that lifts the fallen and fills the hungry.
The good news of the coming of Jesus is life can be different. We can live in a different way. Our lives can experience renewal in the Spirit and in the fire of repentance.
The promises of God are not fulfilled in perfect circumstances. The promises of God are spoken into days of tumult to people walking in shadows. The coming of Jesus promises that the peace of God can come.
The coming of the Lord’s Messiah had been promised and he came in Bethlehem. We live now under the promise of the Second Coming, living in hope for Jesus Christ will surely come.
In Christ, we can choose lives with less conflict as we turn our hearts toward God in rejoicing, praying and offering thanks to God
In the third week of our Missions Series, we ask our church to generously give to help support those who has answered the call to take Christ to the world. Ultimately changing history as well know it.
We take a look in our second week of Mission focus to the efforts in Rwanda, and how God is drastically moving outside our Western culture.
Kevin Vance speaks on his mission work in Saskatchewan, Canada in this first week of our Mission focus series, Ignite Transformation.
Paul dares to pray that his readers will want to go deeper and deeper into relationship with Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, leading them to lives beyond their ability to imagine.
Paul reflects on his life and ministry. His ministry is a part of the greater ministry of God in the world. Our life in Christ is immediately joined to the work of God in the world.
The sacrifice of Jesus is powerful enough remove every dividing wall if we allow our life in Christ to be the defining condition of our lives.
This is the great text on salvation by grace, leading us from spiritual death to living as God’s workmanship in the world.
We take a moment to reflect back on the past 35 years and the foundation of the church.
Paul prays that believers will be fully aware of the blessings that God is giving them in Jesus. In Christ we are hardly a weak, hopeless lot.
God has done great things “in Christ,” beginning before the world was made and extending to this very moment in our lives.
Minister Keith Maloney, wraps up the I'm All In series with an over view of societies view on the church and how we as a church culture can be more influential in our surrounding areas.
In the last week of the I'm All In series, we discuss various avenues within Greenville Oaks where we can grow in our faith, with a focal point on community groups. Rooted and Going Deeper are a great entry point for those wanting to grow in their faith and serve others.
This week in the I'm All In series we focus on the two values of Combat Isolation and Demonstrate Selflessness. We focus on the dangers of isolation, especially during these unprecedented times and the ways, as a church, we can have an outward focus to help create a stronger community amongst our friends, loved ones, and those we do not yet know. We want to demonstrate Christ's love through selfless action.
In week two of the "I'm All In" series we discuss the value of Equipping Families. It's a call to go out into the world and give our families the tools to bring Jesus to all we encounter. The challenge this week is to reach out to someone of spiritual influence in our lives, and tell them "Thank you".
We begin our journey to seek what God can do within the Greenville Oaks community when we realign ourselves with our Mission to reach our immediate community, as well as and the world. This week we focus on "loving first".
Lead Minister Collin Packer preaches his final sermon at Greenville Oaks Church, putting emphasis on making the gospel easy and accessible for unbelievers to find salvation through Christ.
This sermon grows out of the parable Jesus told the teacher of the Law. The commands to love God and love our neighbors lead the teacher to ask, “Who is my neighbor?” This familiar story offers reminders that those who are called to the Kingdom of God will live lives of practical compassion.
This sermon grows out of Paul’s discussion of what motivates him to live and minister for Jesus. We will consider what it is to live because of Christ’s love for us and because our love for Christ. We will hear that in the death of Christ, we all have died to ourselves to live for Christ and embrace his mission in the world.
Guest speaker Eddie Sharp preaches his first message of four in the month of July. This sermon will grow out of Jesus’ response to the questions of Nicodemus. We will hear that we are the people of the new birth, people of the water and the Spirit, people of the Christ lifted up, people of the love of God and eternal life. We are the people in the light.
Guest Speaker Dr. Jerry Taylor joins the Greenville Oaks Church congregation for a second week. He discusses the subject of Spiritual Discernment in our own lives and seeking to live for the Spirit and not in pursuit of desires held within this world.
Guest Speaker Dr. Jerry Taylor comforts the issues of racism and polarizing political aggression that runs rampant in modern society. He offers an alternative in the love and peace found in Christ.
Guest speaker Randy Harris tackles the book of Revelation and further explores the imagery of "the Lamb", completing his two part series of "The Gospel in Two Days".
Guest Speaker Randy Harris speaks about his personal experience, truly exploring what the imagery meaning of Jesus being the "Lamb of God". He challenges us on how to feel the weight of this in a real, authentic, way.
We take the opportunity too bless and dedicate the lives of kids who were born over the past two years within the congregation of our church. We want to honor and support these families and promise to help guide and assist them as the parent progress through life with their new children.
We explore the importance of mentorship and the roles we can play to learn from the younger generation. Also we ask ourselves what we can do to teach and guide them to the betterment of the future in Christ.
We take the time to hear from our Seniors and how Greenville Oaks has impacted and helped them grow prepare spiritually, as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
We take a minute to show appreciation for our Mothers and look at the role God serves in our lives through a motherly lens.
The end of The Story provides a happy ending to a story filled with ups-and-down, heroes and villains, saints and sinners. In the end, there will be no more mourning, injustice, or pain. God is making all things new!
Paul fought the good fight. He finished the race. He was transformed by Jesus and
never looked back. What about you? Will the same be said of you?
The life and ministry of Saul/Paul offers us hope for the ways God can use us and
our story (the good, the bad, and the ugly) for the sake of his purposes. If God can use Paul,
I assure you, he can use you!
God’s work accomplished in Jesus continues through the early church. But before they can impact the world, they are called to wait and receive power to accomplish God’s Kingdom vision.
Our God is the God of the comeback. It doesn’t matter how dark and dire things seem. You can never count God out. If you can bring life out of death, you can bring life out of anything or anyone.
Jesus knew who he was. He was the Son of God. And because his identity was secure, he was able to lay down his life so that our identities could be found in Him.
The most important question you could ever answer is “Who do you say that Jesus is?” Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus is Lord!
Jesus was no ordinary man and taught no ordinary message. He invites us to welcome the Kingdom of God in our lives. And the Sermon on the Mount is the clearest picture of what life in the Kingdom looks like.
Jesus doesn't look like the king that people were looking for or expecting. He intentionally did things differently...because the kingdom of God is different, and isn't like the kingdoms we know.
The birth of Jesus is the turning point of The Story and the turning point of history.
But the greatest invitation is to make the birth of Jesus the turning point in your life.
It’s all a set up. The Temple and the wall are nice and all. But there’s got to be more
to life than this. And if you’ll hang on a bit longer, you’ll discover that there is. The story is
just getting started…
Even when God seems absent (the name of God isn’t found in the book of Esther), he’s never far from us. And Esther is a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, God is hidden in the details.
You have received a calling, a stirring from God for a purpose. Discouragement and distraction often delay the fulfillment of that calling. Yet, it’s time to continue and complete your calling.
We’re exiles and strangers, citizens of heaven exiled on planet earth. The call of God is for us to abstain from sinful desires and live such good lives that the people around you glorify God.
The destruction and fall of Jerusalem is the darkest moment in Israel’s history. It is in this moment, that Ezekiel and Jeremiah share about God’s discipline of Israel. It’s hard, and yet, this discipline is for the glory of God, and ultimately, for their own good.
In this season of challenging circumstances that are beyond our control, we need an encounter with our holy God to recalibrate us to the truth. He is over it all and in the middle of it all. Our sin is great, but his cleansing is greater!
God sent prophets to warn Israel of the dangers of pursuing other lovers and gods. God wasn’t interested in an open relationship. He jealously pursued Israel despite their adultery and idolatry. He does the same with us today!
God doesn’t require perfection from us. God desires faithfulness from us. And our faith can create a ripple effect that will pour out blessing on a thousand generations!
A look into the life of Solomon and the times where his wisdom excelled and others when it failed.
There’s an invitation lurking in Advent – the season of preparation for Christmas. It’s an invitation to patience, a fruit of the Spirit.
Jesus came to earth in the middle of a story that was already in motion. He came from a long line of saints and sinners. And yet, he also came to offer a new hope in a world full of darkness. He still comes to do the same!
God works through the righteousness of Uriah, the truth-telling of Nathan, and the repentance of David to reveal his mercy and love through terrible situations. In the same way, God wants to show his love and mercy to and through our lives.
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Message Text: 1 Samuel 16
Throughout history, God has used unlikely people to do amazing things. This week in The Story is no different. God takes a small shepherd boy and turns him into a warrior and then into a king. The secret to his success is not the boy, but in who owns the boy’s heart.
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Message Text: 1 Samuel 1-15
If we are going to live an abundant life, we must align our expectations with God’s expectations. Are you living a life of obedience to his commands? That is the way to life!
God redeems Ruth and Naomi’s stories after they experience despair. God also uses
Boaz’s family history to prepare him to welcome Ruth as the outsider. May God use our
despair and difficult family circumstances for His good purposes.
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Message Text: The Book of Judges
Without godly leaders, the people of Israel repeat a cycle of sin and destruction. We need leaders who will lead with integrity, courage, and love.
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Message Text: The Book of Joshua
In the midst of a season filled with reasons to be afraid, do not be afraid for the Lord your God is with you wherever you may go!
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Message Text: Numbers 11-Deuteronomy 34
The cloud doesn't move backward. The cloud moves forward. So, leave Egypt behind you and set your sights on the Promised Land. It's a promise. And God is with you!
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Through the 10 Commandments, God provided a sound framework for how Israel would function and live together as a people. The laws of God are an expression of His actual nature. Jesus Christ was the ultimate law keeper so that we, as lawbreakers, can obey the law out of love and not out of fear.
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Message Text: Exodus 1-14
God brings deliverance to individuals so that they can bring deliverance to others. How might God be freeing you to help free others?
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Message Text: Genesis 37-50
n the midst of the valleys when it seems God is most absent, Joseph reminds us that God is with us, even then. That’s true in our lives as well!
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Message Text: Genesis 12-29
God is going to build a new nation to live as a contrast community that will bless the entire world. We’re now called to be a part of that community as his church.
Series: ReEngage with the Story
Message Text: Genesis 1-8
God created an incredible world, and we, as humans, are his crowning achievement. We make a mess of things, but God wants relationship with us and will do anything to get us back!
Series: ReEngage with the Story
We are the stories we tell ourselves. So what story has formed your imagination? What story shapes your identity? What story do you find your story within? The Bible offers us a story worthy of our lives, our identity, and our purpose.
Series: Anchored
Message Text: Mark 1:14-18
In this season of uncertainty and chaos, you can anchor yourself to this truth: Our God is the God who invites us to more. And by His Spirit, we have the resources to grow and mature into people who glorify Him in all we do.
Series: Anchored
Message Text: Mark 10:35-45
In this season of uncertainty and chaos, you can anchor yourself to this truth: Our God is the God who selflessly offers himself on our behalf. The greatest in his kingdom is the one who serves others.
Series: Anchored
Message Text: Ephesians 2:10
In this season of uncertainty and chaos, you can anchor yourself to this truth: Our God is the God who prepares us for the good work he has for us. Often, the preparation for our good work comes in the form of suffering. God is preparing us, even in this pandemic, for our abundant future.
Series: Anchored
Message Text: Exodus 17:1-7
In this season of uncertainty and chaos, you can anchor yourself to this truth: Our God seeks relationship with his children. Our God is God who has always moved toward humans.
Series: Anchored
Message Text: Exodus 34:6-7
In this season of uncertainty and chaos, you can anchor yourself to this truth: Our God loves us deeply. Our God is a God of abounding love and faithfulness.
Message Text: Psalm 137:1-4
How does one continue to grow spiritually when everything associated with worship has been stripped away? Explore lessons from the Psalms sung during the Babylonian captivity to learn how to intentionally drink deeply of God to bear healthy fruit and thrive.
Message Text: Job
The biblical story of Job provides an example of a man who remained devoted to God despite the suffering we experienced. Through this story, we learn that trusting God is more important than understanding God.
Series: Disrupted
Message Text: Acts 1-15
The invitation in our disruption is to accept God’s invitation to grow more into the church God desires for us to be. God is ahead of us inviting us forward. Let’s accept His call!
Series: Disrupted
Message Text: The Gospels
Our expectations of how God will appear carry the danger that we might miss the presence of God in this disruption. Pay attention! God shows up in the most unexpected ways.
Series: Disrupted
Message Text: Jeremiah 29:4-14
Don’t be idle while you wait. Plant trees others will sit under. Build houses others will occupy. Sow what you will not reap. The New Jerusalem awaits!
Series: Disrupted
Message Text: 1 Samuel 8-2 Chronicles
Longing for a king "like all the other nations" will lead you to look "like all the other nations." Human rulers will fail us. God will never fail us.
Series: Disrupted
Message Text: Exodus 1-16
God’s laws were given to Israel to rehumanize them after slavery. In the same way, the commands of God remind us who we are to be after sin has done its work on us. The way of Jesus is the way to an abundant life.
Series: Disrupted
Message Text: Exodus 1-16
We can remain rooted in the bitterness and anger of our past or we can choose to follow God into the beautiful uncertainty of His path for us. Stay on the path. There are better days ahead!
Series: Disrupted
Message Text: Genesis 1-12
Disruption often includes an invitation into the unknown. But on the other side of disruption is a blessing and a mission.
Message Text: Numbers 6:22-26
The Lord longs to bless His people. The world was created with original blessing. The people of God were blessed to bless the world. The ministry of Jesus was rooted in blessing as well. May you receive the blessing of the Lord.
Series: The Quarantine Church
Message Text: Philippians
We can do all things - even be content in the middle of quarantine - through Christ who gives us strength.
Series: The Quarantine Church
Message Text: Ephesus
The peace you battle to find is within your grasp because God has made available to his holy people his mighty power. Out of his glorious riches, may he strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being.
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Series: The Quarantine Church
Message Text: Philemon
Paul changed the trajectory of slavery while under house arrest. We have the same opportunity to help people see the image of God in every human being during this pandemic.
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Series: The Quarantine Church
Message Text: Colossians
Jesus is enough. Jesus is the cosmic Lord, the mystery revealed, the firstborn over all creation, and our reconciler. Any gospel that requires anything beyond Jesus is no gospel at all. May we allow this epidemic to deprive us of our dependence on anything other than Jesus.
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Series: Nothing to Fear
Message Text: 1 Corinthians 15
The resurrection of Jesus changed our relationship with the Great Enemy, Death. "Hey Death, where is your victory?"
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Series: Nothing to Fear
Message Text: Philippians 1:20-24
The one thing that puts fear in fearmongers is fearlessness. Fear is a useless weapon when we have been freed from the slavery to the fear of death. Jesus and Paul showed us how to live like that. It’s our job to show the world the same kind of fearlessness.
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Series: Nothing to Fear
Message Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Christians ought to be the best at dying because we can die with confidence that death is not a period. It's a comma. If we believe that at our core, we have nothing to fear!
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Series: Nothing to Fear
Message Text: Hebrews 2:14-15
Fear lies to us. Fear isolates us and can make us hopeless. But throughout Scripture, God commands us not to fear. Why? Because he promises to be with us throughout whatever comes our way.
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Series: Coaching the Next Step
Message Text: Matthew 28:18-20
We're called to make disciples, not churchgoers.
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Series: Coaching the Next Step
Message Text: Mark 1:15-20
Everyone has a next step on their lifelong journey to becoming like Jesus.
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Series: Coaching the Next Step
Message Text: Mark 8-10
The path to significance comes through sacrifice rather than success.
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Series: Coaching the Next Step
Message Text: Luke 15 & 19; John 3 & 19
We will be a church that loves first and celebrates transformation.
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Series: Coaching the Next Step
Message Text: John 13:34-35; 2 Peter 1:3-9
We will be a church that loves first and celebrates transformation.
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Series: Coaching the Next Step
Message Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
As we move forward, we will continue to value Scripture, Jesus, unity in diversity, and our focus on equipping families.
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Series: Coaching the Next Step
Message Text: John 10:10
We exist to inspire to follow Jesus because His way is the best way of life possible.
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Series: Ecclesiastes
Message Text: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
The way to enjoy the gifts of God is to acknowledge the giver of the gifts. Fear God and keep His commandments. Then, you'll be able to enjoy all of God's gifts.
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Series: Ecclesiastes
Message Text: Ecclesiastes 2:4-11
Ladder climbing can lead to despair or melancholy. Make sure your ladder is propped against the right wall. The abundant life isn't found over every wall.
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Series: Ecclesiastes
Message Text: Ecclesiastes 1:1-2
A meaningful life will never be found in the acquisition of things, experiences, people, or pleasures. Ultimately, all of these things are meaningless in themselves.
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Series: Love Came Down
Message Texts: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23
Christmas was God’s decision to show His love by coming close. In the birth of Jesus, God chose not to look on us from afar. Instead, he chose to live among us. Thanks be to God!
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Series: Love Came Down
Message Text: 1 John 4:1-11
Love isn't proud. Love doesn't teach or preach above people's heads. Love is willing to get on another's level. Love always stoops.
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Series: Love Came Down
Message Text: Matthew 1:18-25
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Series: Love Came Down
Message Text: Matthew 1:1-17
The Creator of the universe came to be born as a baby in a manger. Why? Because love is best communicated up close.
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Series: Stand Alone Message
Message Text: Luke 6:22-30
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Series: Gratitude
Message Text: Matthew 17:1-5
Gratitude is the way we learn to stay in the moment. It's the way we train our muscles to look for joy in this moment rather than longing for the past or future.
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Series: Gratitude
Message Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Gratitude is an invitation. Giving thanks is the path to rejoicing always. May we thank God for the flowers and the fires.
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Series: Called Out
Message Text: Matthew 14:22-33
We don't do things because they're easy. We do hard things.
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Series: Called Out
Message Text: 1 Kings 19:1-18
You are not alone. You are not a victim. You've just exited the boat and entered the arena. It's not easy, but it's exactly where you've been called.
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Series: Called Out
Message Text: Matthew 14:22-31
God has called everyone out of their comfort zone and into his exhilarating and sometimes dangerous Mission. Greenville Oaks wants to help you step out as you are Called Out!
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Series: Ahead of Their Time
Message Text: Leviticus 24:17-20; Matthew 5:38-42
"Eye for an eye" was an extraordinary way to limit violence in its time. But Jesus gave us a higher standard, to love and pray for our enemies. We must train our imaginations for peace rather than violence. And that is a struggle in 2019 in America.
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Series: Ahead of Their Time
Message Text: Genesis 22:1-19
All of the other gods demand that you give more and more. With those gods, you never really know where you stand. But YHWH is different. Our God draws near, gives of himself, and lets us know we're loved and saved.
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Series: Ahead of Their Time
Message Text: Exodus 20
When Israel left Egypt, they had to relearn how to be human. They had to learn how to be God's tribe. And the Law was God's way of introducing them to that life.
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Series: Ahead of Their Time
Message Text: Exodus
God hears the cry of the forgotten, the enslaved, the abused, and the marginalized. God remembers His covenant. And God liberates those who cry out to him for relief. May we join him in liberating all of God's children.
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Series: Ahead of Their Time
Message Text: Genesis 8 & 15
Other gods seem to be fine with wiping out humans again and again. But YHWH won't do it. YHWH can't do it. YHWH loves the humans He created and covenants with them for the good of the world.
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Series: Ahead of Their Time
Message Text: Genesis 12:1-3
We are a part of a tribe that has always existed for the sake of blessing all of the other tribes. And yet, the temptation we face is to turn inward toward self-preservation. Let's follow Jesus' example to love and bless the world as God intended.
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Series: Ahead of Their Time
Message Text: Genesis 1-2
God is not behind us trying to take us back to a perfect moment in the past that we strayed from. God is ahead of us inviting us forward into God's perfect future.
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Series: Unitable
Message Text: Luke 24:13-35
We long for a mystical encounter with the divine. Yet, far too often, we settle for hearing about the mystical encounters of others.
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Series: Unitable
Message Text: John 17:20-23
We gather around the table together, despite our differences and disagreements, for the sake of all our neighbors, so they might find themselves at God's table.
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Series: Unitable
Message Text: Ephesians 4:1-6
Unity isn't uniformity or the absence of conflict or discomfort. Unity is a gift of God that we are called to maintain so that we can show the world God's future in this present moment.
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Series: Unitable
Message Text: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
It's not agreement on beliefs or principles that unites us. What unites us is our commitment to Jesus and sharing in his table together.
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Series: Connected
Message Text: 1 Corinthians 12-14
We should excel in the gifts we've been given in order to build up the church.
Series: Connected
Message Text: Ephesians 6:10-17
If we would only open our eyes, we would see the armies at war!
Series: Connected
Message Text: James 5:13-26
Through Christ, we are free to choose to walk a path that is different and better than the path that every human since Adam took: the way of the Spirit.
Series: Connected
Message Text: James 1:5-6
God is less concerned with the decision you make and more concerned with the person you are becoming.
Series: Connected
Message Text: John 14:25-27; 15:26-27; 16:12-15
The Holy Spirit empowers us to join in his work: completing Jesus's mission to bring in the kingdom of God. Since we have received the gift of the Spirit, we have work to do in the world.
Series: Connected
Message Text: Acts 8:9-25
The Holy Spirit is not a force or a power to be harnessed for our agenda. The Holy Spirit transforms us to accomplish God's program, the Kingdom of God.
Series: Connected
Message Text: Acts 2
Something happened. Actually, I take that back. Someone happened. And that someone changed everything!
Series: Connected
Message Text: John 17:20-21
As humans created in the image of God, we were made to exist in community with God and one another. When we do things that destroy these relationships, it breaks God’s heart. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into the kind of community that reflects the nature of relationships in the Trinity, it brings God great pleasure and allows us to experience that for which what God created us.
Series: Connected
Message Text: 1 Corinthians 13:8-10
We've forgotten about the Spirit because we were too afraid of dividing over the Spirit. That's not an option! It's the Spirit that unites us!
Series: Connected
Message Text: John 14:12; 16:7
We're better off with the Holy Spirit in us than having Jesus among us. We've better open the incredible gift of the Spirit that's ours in Jesus.
Series: Launching Disciples
Message Text: Matthew 13:31-32
Your choice to make a small step to impact a young person can have a massive impact on the trajectory of his or her life. Just take one small step!
Series: Launching Disciples
Message Text: Ephesians 3:14-20
We celebrate the graduating class of 2019, counting down until their launch into the world at this life milestone.
Series: Launching Disciples
Message Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
We don't launch rockets on Day 1. We build a rocket piece-by-piece, stage-by-stage, phase-by-phase. Don't get ahead of yourself. Every phase is vital.
Series: Launching Disciples
Message Text: Proverbs 22:6
Start your children on the path to faith. If you never start them, they'll never finish the journey.
Series: Launching Disciples
Message Text: Nehemiah 4:13-14
We’ve got a problem that needs to be named and addressed. We’re not launching our kids into the world with stable faith. But we’re not going to sit on our hands. We choose to be a church with a launchpad that increases the chances of launching faithful disciples who thrive in the world.
Series: Easter According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 24:1-12
Joy is found in wonder and awe. The resurrection has changed everything in our world. May we live our lives in wonder at the resurrection of Jesus.
Series: Easter According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 23:56
Christians rarely discuss Saturday. Jesus was dead and had been buried. Saturday was the Sabbath, but that "day of rest" was not very restful. They did not know the resolution that God would provide the next morning. So what did the disciples do? They waited. Had they just wasted their time? Were the Jewish leaders and the Roman government coming for them next? What was going to happen tomorrow?
Series: Easter According to Luke
Message Text: Matthew 5:4
The Crucifixion was over. The tomb was sealed. Jesus’ friends and followers thought this was the end, that they had failed in their mission. They entered into a time of weeping, mourning Jesus’ death.
Series: Easter According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 22:66-23:25
Evil lurks and conspires against God and his kingdom. Rather than becoming unsuspecting actors in Satan's tactics, an awareness of Satan's schemes allows us a prime opportunity to subvert his plans and promote truth and justice for all.
Series: Easter According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 22:1-6,21-65
Betrayal has the ability to cause us to want to lash-out or check-out. But Jesus wants to free us so that we can show the same response that he did to his betrayers.
Series: Easter According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 22:7-20
This simple meal with simple food reminds us of our story and gives us a taste of what the future will be like when God comes to make all things new.
Series: Easter According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 9:18-36
If you're struggling with doubt or wondering about the path ahead, you don't need to know more information about God. You need an encounter with the living God. You need to hear who you are in Him so that you can live out his calling on your life.
Series: Gospel According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 14:1-24
The “insiders,” who are caught up in pursuing the things that measure what the world considers success, are the outsiders where God is concerned. While those who are considered the outsiders, the poor, the disenfranchised, the disabled, the undesirables as the world views them, are the ones who will enjoy the true significance found only in Jesus Christ.
Series: Gospel According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 10:38-42
Anyone can choose to "sit at Jesus' feet." All of the barriers that prevented you from following and leading are removed in Jesus. So, sit at his feet and join the revolution.
Series: Gospel According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 8:26-39
We've still got demons today. They go by different names and appear in more subtle ways. We must not allow them a comfortable place in our lives. Let's allow Jesus to cast them out.
Series: Gospel According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 7:36-50
We miss out on so much when we fail to look closely into the eyes of people. When we truly become curious with people around us, much becomes possible that isn't otherwise.
Series: Gospel According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 7:1-10
Words are powerful. Words created the world. Words on stone spelled out the Law. And the words of Jesus calmed storms, raised the dead, and replaced the words on stone with love. "Say the word!"
Series: Gospel According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 5:27-32
Doctors were meant to spend their lives with the sick. Jesus is the doctor. We're sinners healed by Jesus pointing other sick people to Jesus.
Series: Gospel According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 6:17-49
Jesus' message to those willing to listen is absurd, counterintuitive, and the kind of radical message that if lived out could change the world for the better. What if we lived this way?
Series: Origins According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 4:31-41; 5:12-15
Jesus came to demonstrate and announce the kingdom of God. "Going viral" wasn't the goal because Jesus "why" shaped his "how."
Series: Origins According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 4:14-30
Jesus wasn't considered dangerous for preaching about the exclusivity of the kingdom. Jesus was considered a threat because of how inclusive his message of the kingdom of God was.
Series: Origins According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 3:1-4:13
We all have an origin story. Some choose to own that story. Others choose to forget it. Either way, baptism is an invitation to plant ourselves in a larger and greater story.
Series: Origins According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 2:39-52
Growth requires curiosity, putting yourself in a place to learn, and owning your true identity.
Series: Christmas According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 2:25-38
As you prepare to begin 2019, in the midst of whatever you are currently dealing with, wait for God as you walk through your pain. Stay in the presence of Jesus. Claim the promise of God. Walk into God's purpose. You pain can lead to His purpose.
Series: Christmas According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 2:1-21
Is the world merely made up of molecules, atoms, neurons, and laws of nature that hold us in check? Or is the world filled with the movement and action of God? Christmas is an invitation to believe that there’s more going on that what we can smell, feel, taste, see, or hear.
Series: Christmas According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 1:46-55
Mary was more than the mother of Jesus. This woman formed Jesus to see the upside-down kingdom from the time he was in her womb. Do we see the world like Mary?
Series: Christmas According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 1:26-38
You can seek to secure the favor of God or you can receive the favor of God. It's your choice. But favor cannot be earned. Favor is the gift of God.
Series: Christmas According to Luke
Message Text: Luke 1:1-17
John was sent to prepare a people for the arrival of the best news the world has ever received. Are you ready for Jesus?
2 Peter 3:17-18
Growth will look different for each of us because God has gifted us in our diversity to fulfill the roles played by each part of the body. Let's grow together!
Series: So Will I
Message Text: John 20:21
God has called us to "make disciples of all nations." God's mission is our mission, to share the Good News of Jesus. God is actively sharing His love. The question is if we will respond to His call with the answer "So Will I."
Series: So Will I
Message Text: Mark 10:17-23
The failure to be generous isn't going to delay God and the growth of God's kingdom. The question isn't if God's going to get it done. The question is if we're going to miss out on the opportunity to be in on it. Don't miss out!
Series: So Will I
Message Text: Hebrews 13:11-14
Though the church has experienced a millennium and a half at the center of power and influence, we find ourselves in a new place, at the margins. And this new place holds all kinds of promise for the future of God's mission.
Series: Back to the Bible
Message Text: Genesis 32:22-29
The Bible offers a blessing to those who are willing to enter its story and wrestle with the God who still breathes life into its pages.
Series: Back to the Bible
Message Text: Hebrews 11:39-40
God isn't behind the times. God is ahead of us. God is pulling us forward a click at a time. The new heavens and the new earth aren't far from us now.
Series: Back to the Bible
Message Text: Hebrews 6:1-3
The Bible is an incredible library of books. There's always more to discover when we go back to the Bible. Study it and you'll discover its treasures.
Back to the Bible
Matthew 5:17-20
The Bible points to Jesus. And Jesus teaches us how to properly read the Bible. The lens Jesus gives us is one of love. When we love God and our brothers and sisters, we fulfill the Law and Prophets.
Back to the Bible
John 5:31-40
Life is found in Jesus. The Bible serves as a witness to Jesus. It points us to Him for the life found in His name.
Back to the Bible
2 Timothy 3:14-17
God has breathed into Scripture for two purposes: to lead us to Jesus and make us more like him.
Back to the Bible
2 Kings 22:1-13
It's time that we go back to the Bible. But as we do so, let's read well and read with curiosity about the treasures we may discover that may just change everything.
The Way
2 Peter 1:3-11
Our God has equipped us with everything we need for a godly life. And that equipping is meant to lead us to maturity, to do the good works God has given us to do, and to give glory to God.
The Way
Matthew 5-7
Jesus' teaching was revolutionary. It was unlike the other teachers of his day. He taught as one who had authority. He knew how to correctly interpret the Law.
The Way
Matthew 4:18-22
You've been called. The invitation has been extended. Don't miss out!
The Way
Matthew 7:24-27
We often talk about Jesus giving the great commission or emphasizing the great commandment, but he began his ministry with what we might call the great invitation: "Follow me." And those who followed him became his disciples.
Choosing Kingdom Leaders
1 Samuel 16:7
What if choosing leaders is less about getting our agenda accomplished and more about creating the best intervention squad in case we need it one day?
Choosing Kingdom Leaders
Mark 10:35-45
Choose leaders who are servants because the Kingdom of God is a kingdom of power-under, not power-over.
Sidedoor Stories
Matthew 13:24-30
Thank God that He's the judge and we're not. Let's entrust that role to Him. We're not nearly as good at it as we think we are.
Sidedoor Stories
Luke 18:1-8
We spend a great amount of time talking about what we believe, but often how we act doesn't reflect what we claim to believe. What might it look like if we lived like we actually believed the things that we say we believe?
Sidedoor Stories
Luke 13:1-25
The Kingdom of Heaven is something that must be sought. It holds the power to change hearts. Connect with the Kingdom to move your dialogues with others from a sharing of life together toward spiritual forming conversations that point to God, helping others to do Kingdom life in the middle.
Sidedoor Stories
Luke 12:13-21
The challenge of this parable is to refuse to step aside from Jesus' words. It's to assume that Jesus is calling us out. Don't be a fool. Listen to the story.
Sidedoor Stories
Luke 16:1-9
Our interpretation of parables often says more about us than it does about God. God, help us to see what you see!
Sidedoor Stories
Luke 15:11-32
This parable is at the heart of the gospel. It's the clearest picture of God in a culture desperately lacking in examples of love and forgiveness. So, turn in your lesser stories about God and accept who you are in the father's eyes.
Sidedoor Stories
Luke 15:8-10
Parables are so much more than they seem. They invite us into a world, disrupt our expectations, and invite us to live in a new way.
Ephesians 5:22-6:9
There may not be a more prophetic message in our time than a message about submission.In a culture that is obsessed with rights and power, Josh Ross shares a message that is a call to the church to be different, to submit to one another out of reverence to Christ.
Tech@Home series
Mark 1:35-39
We are constantly nudged by external forces to live a life of distraction. But the abundant life Jesus offers is a life focused on learning to be present.
Tech@Home series
Galatians 5:13-26
What does your technology and social media usage produce? Does it make you more vice-filled or Fruit of the Spirit filled?
Tech@Home series
Genesis 3:1-5
We're so afraid to miss out on what's on our screens that we're missing out on what's going on right in front of us.
Tech@Home series
Genesis 11:1-9; Exodus 1:8-14
Technology writes checks it can't cash. Technology makes promises it can't keep. Technology without boundaries will eventually make us slaves.
Tech@Home series
John 10:9-10
Despite the way many of God's messengers have delivered God's message of good news, Jesus came to offer a life lived to the full.
Easter Season series
Matthew 27:45-53; 28:1-7
To put your hope in power over others is to misunderstand the Christian story. When we say "Hosanna!", we can only shout it at Caesar or Jesus. But never both.
Easter Season series
Mark 11:1-11
To put your hope in power over others is to misunderstand the Christian story. When we say "Hosanna!", we can only shout it at Caesar or Jesus. But never both.
Just As I Am series
Mark 9:21-24
Anything is possible. There are far too many examples of God's action in our world to lose hope for the future.
Just As I Am series
Luke 18:9-14
If there is one thing we as a church really need to get, it is this truth: that no one is perfect. Jesus has started a new community, His church. It is a place where we're going to keep it real, because it's only when you're really known that you can be really loved.
Just As I Am series
Matthew 9:9-13
The people farthest from God were drawn to Jesus. Too often, we find that is not the case with the body of Christ, the church, today. To fulfill our mission, we need to be a place where everyone is welcome.
Good Work series
Ephesians 4:10-16
You don't go to church. You are the church. You're a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, go find your church and minister to them well.
Good Work series
Exodus 20:7-11
Relax. Rest well. Your life does not consist in meeting the quotas you're given. Work hard. And rest well.
Good Work series
John 17:15-18
We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. We must continue to resist the extremes of separation and assimilation.
Good Work series
Luke 10:25-37
Discovering your calling is one of the most important and difficult quests in a person's life. May you see what you are called to do and do something about it.
Good Work series
Ephesians 2:8-10
Healthy work isn't accomplished in a frantic search for the blessing. It's done from the clear acceptance that is already ours in Christ.
Good Work series
Genesis 1:28; 2:15
Your work is more than the task at hand. Your work is an invitation to participate in God's work of cultivating the good earth he has given to us. And that's a high calling.
Good Work series
Colossians 3:23-24
Work isn't a necessary evil or a 4-letter word. We were created in Jesus Christ for good work.
Matthew 28:16-20 A change in the calendar doesn't mean a change in purpose. In 2018, we're going to fulfill a commission that's been around for thousands of years. We want to make disciples who make disciples.
Exodus 14:5-12, 16:1-3. The temptation to remain comfortable is powerful, especially in our modern world. This can be a dangerous and unhealthy path to fall into, however. God’s call for our lives does not include our comfort, and this thought should guide our approach to beginning another year.
Illuminate Series John 1:1-9 We come to celebrate light. We come to shine our lights in defiant hope that darkness will not win.
Illuminate series. Isaiah 8:19-9:7. The world is a dark place. Nevertheless, God has brought light before and he promises to do it again.
Illuminate series. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8; Isaiah 58:1-10. The world is illuminated when the children of God shine our lights of love, mercy, and justice.
"Illuminate" series. 1 John 1:5. Where God is...there is light. The darkness must flee. Night will be no more.
Hebrews 12:14-17. Do not let the root of bitterness grow in your life. Instead, feed the root of gratitude.
3rd of 3 week series on Missions. Luke 10:1-12. Helping people better understand the mission of God and what it means to be on mission.
1st of 3 week series on Missions. Do you know what we call the toughest cities to reach with the gospel in the 1st Century? We call them books of the Bible.
The Simple Truth series. Genesis 12:1-3. God's people are called to bless the world God loves.
The Simple Truth series. Galatians 3:26-28. Baptism unites us where the world divides us. In baptism, our primary tribe becomes the kingdom. All other identifiers become secondary.
The Simple Truth series. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. The Holy Spirit gifts believers to edify and empower the church.
The Simple Truth series. Hebrews 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-20. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus! He is the image of the invisible God.
The Simple Truth series. Ephesians 2:4-9. We are saved by grace through faith. And this leads us to gratitude rather than boasting. His grace covers it all!
The Simple Truth series. Genesis 1:26-27. All humans are created in God's image. Every one of us. That includes you. That includes your greatest enemy.
The Simple Truth series. The Bible. The Bible tells the truth. The Bible refuses to be propaganda. If God's comfortable with the Bible telling the truth, we ought to grow more comfortable with admitting the truth in our lives.
Life Is Better Connected series. 2 Corinthians 3:18. Our Community Groups are places where transformation takes place.
Life Is Better Connected series. Philippians 2:25-30. Our Community Groups are places where care is given and received. Circles are better than rows because our circles call us to take care of one another.
Life Is Better Connected series. 1 Corinthians 12:12-20. Our Community Groups are places to find belonging. Everyone needs a circle. Everyone needs their people. Community Groups are where you go to find a place to belong.
Believers In Babylon series. Daniel, chapters 7-12. Regardless of the details down through the centuries, God's kingdom will outlast all of the other kingdoms.
Believers In Babylon series. Daniel chapter 6. We need practices of faith that we return to when things get crazy. What spiritual practice would your opponents create a law against to throw you to the lions?
Believers In Babylon series. Daniel chapters 4 & 5. One day, every ruler will bow their knee to King Jesus. The best leaders are the ones who don't wait for their knees to be forced to bow. They bow to King Jesus in every moment.
Believers in Babylon Series. Daniel 3. When we take our stand for God, we may experience difficult struggles. God can deliver us, but even if He does not, we must continue to trust and serve Him.
Believers in Babylon series. Daniel chapter 2. Don't wait to praise God until the outcome is as you want it. Praise God before He brings the victory.
Summer of Service series. Luke 10:17-18. It's vital that we reflect on and celebrate God's action in our lives. But let us never assume we see everything God is doing in the world. He's always doing more than we can see.
Summer of Service series. Matthew 25:31-46. Keep your eyes open. When you serve, those with eyes to see, just might come across Jesus himself. We don't take Jesus to people. We discover Jesus among people.
Summer of Service series. Luke 10:1-12. Put yourself out there. When you serve, take on the role of a learner and wait for what God will teach you.
Summer of Service series. Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 5:13-16. We serve in order to imitate Jesus and to direct people's glory to the Father. We invite you to join us in our Summer of Service.
Declaration of Dependence series. 1 Kings 19. You are not alone. There are people all around you every day who need your story because it's their story. They need to know they are not alone as well.
Declaration of Dependence series. John 9:18-23. Many of us are isolated because we fear our greatest moment of doubt, revelation, or secret won't be received by the community of faith. That has to change!
Declaration of Dependence series. Proverbs 18:24. Isolation weakens our defenses against sin. And sin leads us into greater isolation. Spiritual community is one of the great weapons in our arsenal against the power of sin.
Declaration of Dependence series. Genesis 2:18; Ecclesiastes 4:7-12. It's not good to be alone. Literally, it's killing us. Countercultural community is what we have to offer a world dying as a result of independence.
The Weekend series. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Death and resurrection shouldn't come as a surprising ending to Jesus' story. Death and resurrection is the very rhythm of the universe. It didn't just happen. It happens every single day.
The Weekend Series. Matthew 27:45-46. The ache of Saturday is real. We know Saturday. We live after Friday. We long for Sunday. But we know the story is not complete. There's more to the story . . .
The Weekend series. Colossians 2:15. Friday reveals that the story of sacrificial love is the way of God's kingdom.
Worship Wars series. Joshua 24:14-15. It's the time for a decision. Burn the scrolls. Torch the ships. Choose God. Go all in! He won't disappoint you.
Worship Wars series. 2 Corinthians 7:8-10. False apologies, regret, and remorse will get us nowhere when it comes to our idolatry. God desires true repentance.
Worship Wars series. Genesis 3:6. Idolatry is the attempt to use things or people to meet our deepest needs. Until you deal with your deep idol, you'll never gain mastery over your surface idols.
Worship Wars series. Acts 1:1-6. God doesn't play favorites. He doesn't do partisanship. His tribe is to be a blessing to all other tribes.
Worship Wars series. Luke 18-19. Sermon money and God isn't a real option. We choose every day. We seek our security in bank accounts or in God. One option can run out. The other never will.
Worship Wars series. Ecclesiastes 2:1-11. God's good gifts are meant to be enjoyed, but never worshipped. Things make great servants, but terrible taskmasters.
Worship Wars series. Genesis 29:16-35. No human relationship can bear the burden of godhood in your life. We love others best when we love God most.
Worship Wars series. Genesis 1:26-28. When humans worship created things rather than the Creator, chaos is always the result.
Worship Wars series. Exodus 20:1-5. The question is not if you will worship. The question is what or whom you will worship. We are made to worship. We are built to bow.
Rich Toward God series. 1 Timothy 6:17-19. God doesn't pour financial blessing into our laps to be accumulated. He blesses us so we will decumulate his blessings to others.
Rich Toward God series. Deuteronomy 24:19-22. Before Israel had land of its own, God commanded them to set aside margin to be generous with. Your overflow is someone else's necessity.
Wait For It series. Hebrews 11:39-40. We live in an amazing time. We live after the birth of Jesus, the time all of the heroes of faith were waiting on. Let's not waste the gift of Jesus!
Wait For It series. Jeremiah 29:1-14. Sometimes you wait and don't receive. Sometimes you sow and others reap. But rest assured, God is making all things new.
Wait For It series. Genesis 6:5-22. Periods of waiting don't excuse us from action. While we wait for God, God often waits for us. Sometimes he calls us to build boats. What might God be calling you to do while you wait?
Wait For It series. Genesis 37-50. The question isn't if you will wait, but how you will wait. The value of waiting depends on our outlook. Wait expectantly. First of 4-week advent series focused on "learning to wait well."
Psalm 136. Train your eyes to see all that God has done. Gratitude is the greatest factor in our happiness and our righteousness.
Right Side Up series. Matthew 5:10-12. Congratulations to those whose lives are worthy of persecution! As a credible threat to the way things are currently, we have our lives set on God's future kingdom.
Right Side Up series. Matthew 5:9. Congratulations to the peacemakers, to the ones who choose to actively make peace when it would be much easier to keep the appearance of peace.
Right Side Up series. Matthew 5:8. Congratulations to the single-minded! When you desire God with everything you have, you get the very thing you desire most.
Right Side Up series. Matthew 5:7. Congratulations to those who remember the mercy they have received. These are the ones who offer mercy lavishly to those they could just as easily look down on.
Right Side Up series. Matthew 5:6. Congrats to the hungry and thirsty...to those who can't seem to get enough of God.
Right Side Up series. Matthew 5:5. Congratulations to the meek! You know who you are and what you inherit, so you have no reason to use manipulation, violence, or power to help God in establishing his kingdom.
Right Side Up series. Matthew 5:4. Congratulations if you've stepped out of denial and have much to mourn. When you name that pain and mourn the loss, you are ready to receive comfort that comes in no other way.
Right Side Up series. Matthew 5:3. Congratulations if you’ve come to see yourself as you actually are. If you step out of denial and acknowledge your spiritual poverty, you’re in the exact place to receive God’s kingdom in its fullness.
John 1:14. We all want to be fully known and fully loved. And no group of people ought to offer that combination like the local church.
Rooted series: Renewal. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9. We are all ministers of this gospel. It's good news. And our world needs it. Get out of here! Go! Pastor the flock God has given you.
Rooted series: Renewal. Luke 10:1-20. What we do today has implications that will ripple throughout eternity. In fact, our earthly actions can have cosmic implications. Just as the disciples caused Satan to “fall like lightning,” our actions matter in this world.
Rooted series: Renewal. 2 Peter 3:10-13. Heaven is a place to be enjoyed by those who learn to love heaven on while on earth. If you traffic in the ways of the world, heaven might not be paradise. Its flames may be hotter than the flames of hell.
Revelation 22:17-21. What does it mean to pray "Come, Lord Jesus" believing that Jesus is coming again? What does it mean to believe in "heaven"? For some, this is reassurance that everything works out in the end so we should just hang in there until that time. From this perspective, the work is to do everything possible to not get too messed up by the world until we can escape it all. But what if our belief in heaven is actually a reality to be received, embraced, even constructed right here - right now? What if the prayer for Jesus' second coming is a posture for welcoming his dominion and his reign right here in our midst? What if forever is now!?!
This way of seeing eternity, of believing in heaven, of praying for Jesus' return was crucial for the earliest Christians. When John writes his apocalypse, he is inviting those who believe in the return of Jesus to be fully in the world in two ways: (1) To be fully in the world as it is, and (2) To be fully in the world as it will be. This requires us to move between weeping and rejoicing - from brokenness to confession to full participation in the in-breaking reign of God. This requires us to spend our days re-imagining, co-creating and participating with God's desire to see the kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Come, Lord Jesus!
Rooted series: Renewal. Genesis 1-2; Revelation 21-22. When you leave out the beginning and ending of the gospel, you get a truncated version that leaves out God's ultimate purpose. It's not just about me. It's about all of creation.
Rooted series: Renewal. Isaiah 65:17-25. Heaven is not our home, we'll just be passing through...
Rooted series: Kingdom. 1 Corinthians 12-14. We live in a culture focused on what can be done for us. But the Spirit is given to us in order to build up the church.
Rooted series: Kingdom. James 1:5-6. Walk through Door #1 or Door #2. The Spirit isn't found on the other side of the door. The Spirit lives in you, which will remain true whichever door you choose.
Rooted series: Kingdom. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. We've forgotten the Spirit because we were fearful of dividing over the Spirit. That's not an option! It's the Spirit that unites us.
Rooted series: Kingdom. John 14:12; 16:7. We're better off with the Holy Spirit in us than having Jesus among us.
Rooted series: Kingdom. Acts 1. The "wait" is more than something to get through as quickly as possible. The "wait" can be the most formative part of the process of what we are becoming.
Rooted series: Kingdom. Mark 1:15; Matthew 6:9-13. We don't sit on our hands until Jesus returns. Jesus established a kingdom for us to welcome, celebrate, and enjoy. What a moment we live in!
Rooted series: Life. John 3:1-10. God is making all things new. He’s rebirthing, restoring, and remaking it all. Don’t settle for one birth. There’s always another birth awaiting us all!
Rooted series: Life. Deuteronomy 30:11-14. The abundant life isn't a moment to remember or look forward to. It's right in from to those with eyes to see and ears to hear.
Rooted series: Life. Romans 8:11. Far too many of us have settled. We don't live in a time where we have the luxury of settling. We are called to fearless risk believing the good news is still good.
Rooted series: Life. John 10:10. Jesus came to offer us life. Who wouldn't want in on that?
Rooted series; Life; : Acts 17:6-7; The church has skeletons in our closet, but this world would be unrecognizable were it not for the life of Jesus and his followers.
Rooted series. Mark 16:1-8. It's just the beginning of the good news. There's more to come. And we get to be a part of it!
Rooted series. Hebrews 4:15. We want explanations for our suffering. But answers do us no good in our pain. We need someone to walk with us and say, "Me too!" The cross is God's way of doing exactly that.
Rooted series, Acts 20:22-24, Paul went from using death to control others to no longer fearing death in his own life. God wants to do the same in our lives.
Rooted series; Luke 9:51; The path to becoming like Jesus includes more losing than most of us are comfortable with.
Rooted series. 1 John 4:18. As Christians, love is the only driver worthy of the keys to our driver's seat.
Rooted series. Matthew 4:1-11. We are tempted to be relevant, spectacular, and powerful when our identity is not firmly planted in Jesus.
Rooted series; Hebrews 2:14-15; Much of our lives is dictated by our slavery to the fear of death.
Generations series; Mark 12:28-31; We will be at our best as a church when we value loving God with all of our hearts, souls, minds, AND strength.
Rooted series; 1 Corinthians 15:12-23; We're not animals or angels. We are humans. It's time to stop using our humanity as an excuse. Our humanity is a high calling to live into.
Rooted series; John 14:6-11; Most of the time, incarnation is bad news. But with Jesus, it's the best news possible. What about with us?
Luke 1:26-38; The incarnation isn't just a doctrine. It's a story of passion that gives our souls worth.
Rooted series; Isaiah 9:6; Violence and evil are not defeated by trumping them with more violence and evil. The only cure for violence and evil is self-sacrificing, absorbing love.
Rooted series; Psalm 1; "North America is in desperate need of "rooted" Christians who will be able to stand firm no matter what is ahead."
Break Bread series; Acts 2:42-47; People are drawn to people who are filled with gratitude.
Break Bread series; James 2:1-13; The Lord’s Supper gives us a glimpse into the future. This is not a meal of preservation. This is a meal of protest against the status quo.
Break Bread series; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; The Lord's Supper isn't about me and God. It's a meal that reminds us of the miracle of the body of Christ that partakes around us.
Party@Home series, Luke 10:25-29, Sometimes loving your neighbor means loving your neighbor.
Party@Home series, Luke 14:15-24, If your guest list only includes people who look, believe, and sound like you, it's not a kingdom party.
Party@Home series, John 2:1-11, The first sign Jesus gives to point people to the kingdom is a wedding celebration filled with wine.
Party@Home series; Exodus 15:1-21;The world parties to forget. But we party to remember.
Baggage Claim series; Luke 15:11-25; Ultimately, this story isn't about sin or the son. It's about the Father who can't wait to receive us home and celebrate our return.
Deuteronomy 30:11-14; We settle for telling stories of God's action in the past. But what we long for is an encounter with God today to prove the stories we've been told are still true.
Baggage Claim series. Matthew 12:43-45. You won’t find healing by ending your addictions. You find healing when you deal with your hurts and find healthier addictions.
Baggage Claim series. Mark 10:46-52. Stop settling for heaven when you die and start experiencing the abundant life now.
Baggage Claim series; Matthew 11:28-30; "Religion often heaps heavy burdens on people. Jesus’ yoke is light. It’s ok to drop the heavy yoke your church handed you growing up."
Baggage Claim Series. Mark 2:113-17. The church, at its best, is a hospital for sinners, not a country club for the "well to do."
Baggage Claim series. James 5:16. If you want do be healed, it’s going to take more than a simple prayer to God. It’s going to mean sharing your secrets with others.
Shine Like Stars series; Philippians 2:14-15; Grumbling isn't a speech problem. Grumbling is a memory problem.
Shine Like Stars series; Philippians 1:12-26; "Fear is as imaginary as the monster under your childhood bed. Call its bluff."
Choosing Kingdom Leaders series; 1 Samuel 16:7; What if choosing leaders is less about getting our agenda accomplished and more about creating the best intervention in case we need it one day?
Choosing Kingdom Leaders series; Mark 10:35-45; Choose leaders who are servants because the kingdom of God is a kingdom of power-under, not power-over.
Milestones series; The Book of Ecclesiastes; "We get the greatest fulfillment when we pour into other people. That's the secret to enjoying the abundant life God has given us."
Genesis 1-3; Milestones Series; The places we learn to stake our identity cannot sustain what we ask of them. Eventually, they will fail. And it’s ok. It’s only the first half of the race, so pace yourselves.
Matthew 19:28; All Things series; Restoring the church is a small vision when God is working to restore all things. And He will do it!
All Things series; Job 42:2; There's a large gulf between confessing that God can do all things and knowing by experience that God can do all things.
All Things series; Jeremiah 10:16; God is the maker of all things. And since he made it all, we should trust that the way of life he commands is the best way to do life.
All Things series; Romans 8:28; "Our God isn't doing everything in the world, but he is doing something with everything in the world. He's working for our good."
Palm Sunday; Mark 11:1-11; Our victory comes through suffering rather than power and violence. It’s time for our lives to show we believe that.
Just GO series; 2 Corinthians 8:1-12; We give financially to remind us that we are dependent on one another.
The Book of Jonah; "The experience of short-term missions changes us. Often, in surprising and unexpected ways."; Focus on short-term mission trips
Just GO series; Jeremiah 29:4-7; "Our church is called to be good for our city. Are we?
Meals@Home series; Luke 24:13-35; May our meals be more than meals. May our tables be more than tables. May your eyes be opened. I do not wish heartburn on you. But I pray our hearts will burn because God is our host.
Meals@Home series; John 21; Meals are powerful events. May we never let busy schedules, fast food, and TV trays keep us from creating memories and strong families.
iGive series; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Tithing isn't the ultimate goal. It's the training wheels of giving. Let us all begin our journey toward excelling in the grace of giving.
iGive series; Philippians 4:13; There's no need to "get rich". We already are. The trick is learning to be content with what you have. We need God's help for that.
iGive series; Psalm 24:1; Every one of your resources is on loan. You're a steward, not an owner. And the owner has enough to go around. So, spend recklessly for the kingdom.
iGive series; Matthew 6:19-24; Invest your resources well. Because according to Jesus wherever you place your treasure will soon be the obsession of your heart.
Uncut series; The New Testament; God's power is made perfect in weakness. And Paul was weak. But no one is beyond the scope of God's redemption. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Uncut series; 1 Kings 17-2 Kings 2; God speaks powerfully in mountaintop contests and in gentle whispers. It may just be more difficult to hear him in the painful moments where he whispers.
Uncut series; 1 Samuel 16 - 1 Kings 2; Judging is difficult business. We judge by what's on the outside. God looks at the heart. David's sins would have excluded him from our list of great leaders. But the condition of his heart prepared him for great impact.
Uncut series; The book of Esther; Even when God seems absent (the name of God isn't found in the book of Esther), he's never far from us. Esther is a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, God is hidden in the details.
Uncut series; Genesis 12-25; Faith doesn't remove questions. Faith creates questions. The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is certainty, and Abraham's faith leads him into uncertain circumstances.
Uncut series; The New Testament; Often, conversion isn't a moment. It's a process. When was Peter converted? How else might God want to convert you?
Uncut series; Acts 7:17-36; Your current stage of life is prepping you for your next stage ...if you let it. Your ability to be used by God is not often found in your resume or success. Often your failures are the very thing needed to humble you so that God can use you.
Uncut series; Book of Ruth; Ruth isn't just about loyalty, it's about how one's past affects one's present. Boaz has eyes to see Ruth because of his childhood. Our past can embitter or empower us.
Uncut series; Genesis 6 - 9; "Sin is more than a simple mistake. It is a power at work to destroy. We often underestimate the damage sin can do in our lives and in the world.
Philippians 3:4-14; The "Love God" portion of the Go Boldly directive: "Love God, Love People, Serve Others".
Luke 2:1-20;The amazing story of God becoming flesh and living among us for a while. The joy of His coming and what that means for us is indescribable!
Psalm 103:8-18; "I am thankful for God's,,,Long fuse ("slow to anger", v. 8); Short memory ("nor will he harbor his anger forever"); Thick skin ("he doesn't treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities"); and Big Heart (" as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him).
Luke 19:1-10; Jesus Sees You in the Crowd. He knows all about you...hurts, anxieties, etc. Let's remember what we are to be about. We are to do as he did...seek and save what is lost. To the degree we remember what business we are in will we be successful in accomplishing the task He gave us.
John 14:1-3; How can you beat Heaven for what awaits us! First: When you don't understand...trust! Second: When your heart wavers...remember the room that awaits you. Third: When your heart doubts...remember WHO awaits you.
Matthew 14:22-33; What are you trusting God to do in your life that if He doesn't come through, you're through? It's a challenge to our faith and trust in the Savior when we find ourselves up against it. What Peter did that night should be an encouragement to all of us to risk something for God and trust Him to come thru for us.
Mark 12:28-31; While methodologies & strategies change, some things never change...love God, love your neighbor!! No matter what changes are made to be relevant with the gospel, this message never changes...and you can trust that!
Revelation 1:9-18; Jack Hayford wrote the song "Majesty" after meditating on this passage. We serve a majestic Savior who comes to us in the midst of our troubles--we need not be afraid! Even when change & transition come, we need not fear for He is with us & He is awesome!! The message of this passage is: stop fearing, for I am your King!
Luke 5:1-11; Jesus shops the clearance racks! It's about the fact that he chose this rag-tag group of men to follow him because he believed they had it in them to "be like him." Application: He still shops the clearance racks...he sees the potential in you & believes in you. He believes you have the potential to be like him! Question is...do you believe him? Do you see what he can make you into?