Living Word Galena: Recent Episodes
Derrick Hurst
When Jesus went up to the mountain, he took on a different form. He glowed in white. He was bright and shining. It was great for the disciples to be there but they couldn't stay. They had to leave. We're tempted to teach about a faith that is more show...
Throughout the Old Testament, the temple was a very important part of the worship life for the people of God. They would travel to be in the temple for special festivals. They would even just look in its direction because they knew that's where God was...
Our world loves to focus on the things that divide us. We look at colors, political parties, genders, and other life preferences and think these things define us. But the longer we look at these things the more divided we become. The more we look to th...
There are many different messages that bombard us in life. Some of them are useful and others are downright destructive. But there's one message that bursts through the difficulties and shines brighter than the rest. This week Pastor Derrick showed man...
Throughout the Bible we hear a lot about sacrifices. There were many different requirements for offering sacrifices but why did they do them? Why don't we do the same sacrifices? Listen as Pastor Derrick explains the ONE sacrifice that makes all other ...
As we wrap up the serie on YOU we focus on what it means to be a follower of Christ. Sometimes we don't know the difference that we make in the world. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shows the difference YOU make where you live, work, and play.
We say it all the time and we just assume we know what we mean. But can one really tell the difference between singular and plural when a person says the word you? What difference does that make anyway? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explains the t...
As we start a new year together it's important to get things off on the right footing. A great way to do that is to start with a blessing that God gave to his people in the Old Testament. While these words may be old, they are still very much alive. Li...
The final gift we unwrapped this Christmas was the gift of Christmas Glory. To see someone in all their glory is to see them how they really are. In this message, we see God how he really is. Nothing is held back. Nothing is hidden. Nothing is reserved...
Joy is not happiness. Joy is not a feeling nor is it an emotion. Joy is a state of mind that overcomes and allows us to overcome many difficult situations in life. This Christmas Eve we unwrapped the gift of Christmas Joy. Listen as Pastor Derrick shar...
Each of Scrooge's visitors brought him a new message of warning. From repentance to an eye opening of view of what could be, Scrooge finally saw the whole picture. While we don't receive these images from visitors past or future we do have warnings and...
Throughout the season of Advent we prepare for the coming of Jesus. We make ourselves ready for Christmas morning. Each week we unwrap another gift of Christmas. This week Pastor Derrick shares the importance of light and life. We hope you enjoy this g...
In the middle of the night, Scrooge is visited by three characters. We know them as the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. But what can we learn from the Ghost of Christmas Present? What message did this Ghost bring to Scrooge? And what does...
Christmas often birngs extra things to our schedules. We travel to be with family. We buy extra items for loved ones and thereby stretch our budget a little thinner than we probably should. With all of this extra that comes at Christmas time it's often...
Throughout the season of Advent we'll be unwrapping another gift. This week it's the gift of love. But don't assume you know what love looks like. It's not exactly what you think. When we discover the reality of God's love we'll be surprised how vast a...
Thought the season of advent we wait. We wait with anticipation for the things that will soon be here. We wait for Christmas but we, as followers of Jesus, also wait for Jesus. But we wait with hope. And hope is the certainty of things yet unseen. It's...
The famous story by Charles Dickens will guide us through our midweek Advent journey this year. Tonight we sit with Scrooge as he's met by Marley's ghost. We hear the words of caution for a life missed. Listen as Pastor Derrick shows how Scrooge and Ma...
When you hear a clock ticking incessantly in the background, you get the impression that there's a sense of urgency. You can feel the time slipping away with each tick of the second hand. The book of Malachi teaches us a message that is both urgent and...
This week we celebrated a day marked as All Saints Sunday. This Sunday is a time for us to reflect on the lives of those who have gone before us in the faith. For some this can be a contemplative event filled with sadness and loss. But for those who ar...
The message of the Reformation was actually a lot more simple than we make it out to be. We think it was about indulgences and popes. We think it was about Martin Luther and a host of other reformers. But in actuality the emphasis was Jesus. This week ...
No one wants to be alone. Just about everyone has a need to be needed. We may want our space from time to time but everyone needs companionship. This week Pastor Derrick shares some famous words from Scripture and some famous words from a popular song ...
This week Pastor Derrick shares the power of the bible. He gets personal with his desire that we read the bible and take it to heart.
Discipleship is a buzz word in the church. There are books written about it. People speak about it. Jesus even tells us to be about it. But do we really understand what it's all about? Listen as Pastor Derrick helps define a disciple and outline 3 char...
Who got you to where you are today? Who was your mentor? Who shared faith with you to teach you about the love of Jesus? Listen as Pastor Derrick shares the importance of sticking to the message and sharing the love of Jesus with people where you live ...
It's easy to preach a gospel message that sounds more like just be a better person. But in all reality, that isn't the message of the gospel. The message of the gospel is one of fighting, struggle, but also assurance in Jesus' work. Listen this week as...
For whom do you pray? Do you pray for your family? Friends? What about your neighbors, even the ones you really don't know? What about your co-workers going through rough times? All of these are great! But what about your enemies? How often do you pra...
The letters of Timothy in the new testament are actually letters to Timothy. They're written by Paul to his young student. As Paul writes, he is sharing simple truths with Timothy on how he should live. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick introduces thi...
What would you do to ensure you could have the best possible life right now? What's it worth to you? This week Pastor Derrick shares how there's a flaw in the 7-step approach to finding a good life. Listen as we discover how we already have access to o...
It's a matter of identity. We put a lot of weight into identity and how we see ourselves. But the fact of the matter is, a lot of our identity is determined by things that really don't matter. This week Pastor Derrick wraps up his Counter Culture sermo...
The Christian church needs to wake up to the challenges it's facing in the world today. It's not all roses and candy. We're called to live differently than society. But for some reason, we find ourselves just floating down the lazy river of culture. Th...
In a day and age riddled with personal agenda and opinion, it's easy to miss the point. Our culture would have us believe that life is a matter of choice or decision. But where else in our life is anything a real matter of choice? Listen this week as P...
Today Pastor Derrick discusses a topic that we've all had a problem with at one point. Listen as we learn about the negative effects of stress and the counter cultural way to live in the face of stress.
We all know what we do. We know where to go and what to do in most every situation. The problem is we rarely know WHY we do what we do. Listen as Pastor Derrick gets real about worship and why we do it.
Pastor Derrick just returned from the National Youth Gathering with several of our youth. This week he shares their experience and reminds us that In Christ Alone we are rooted and built up for the life God has in store for us.
With violence and atrocity all around how are we as followers of Jesus to respond? What are we to say? How are we to act? What are we to do? Listen as Pastor Derrick shares how we can learn from Jesus how best to respond in times of violence.
No one likes to talk about the cost especially when you're trying to gather followers to do something new. But Jesus tells us right away - even before we begin to follow we know the cost. In this first message in our Discipleship 101 series, listen as ...
In our final message in the Jesus _____ series, we find ourselves asking a peculiar question: Why don't you just leave me alone? This question can be posed in two ways. The first is a request for Jesus to go away. While the second is a humble plea for ...
Sometimes in life we go through struggles. Times get difficult and we are overcome by the challenges all around us. Loved ones die, illness hits too close to home, job loss, friends leave us, marital problems, children choose a path that is unhealthy -...
It's true that Jesus is the savior of the world. It's true that his death and resurrection are critical for us to preach and teach. But there's more. Jesus not only came to secure our future salvation but he came to impact our present as well. Listen ...
Throughout our lives we're tempted with prideful thoughts and actions. We think we deserve better than we have received. We pat ourselves on the back when we've accomplished something great. It's way too easy to think we are the best or that we're havi...
Trying to understand the Trinity is a pretty deep topic. If we try to get it, we'll likely at best mess it up and at worst say something pretty heretical. We try to draw word pictures and find great illustrations but they all fall short somewhere. This...
We often find ourselves empty. We try and try but seem to be getting no where in life. This week we approach life from a different vantage point. We come to a place where we realize that even when we feel empty, we're really not. There's a spring of li...
The events of Ascension day are often overlooked, but the facts of this day are very important. This week we journey into the past to see a glimpse of the future. We all know the reality that what goes up must come down. But Ascension Day adds a little...
We all like things that are familiar. When something new pops up it can be scary. Family is in many ways comforting. When we do things the way we've always done them we kind of know what to expect. But when we embark on a new endeavor we often don't kn...
In our lives we like to compartmentalize things. We have a place for everything and everything has a place. While that can be helpful, it tends to lead us to think that everything needs to be separate. There's a great comfort in knowing that somethings...
We use them all the time. Sometimes they are spoken with the greatest of emotion. We use them to help others and at times we use them to do others some kind of harm. But how often do we really think about our words? This week Pastor Derrick shares the ...
It's easy to look down on Thomas for doubting but we all do it. We all doubt from time to time. In this series of messages we'll take a look at ourselves, not others, and determine what part of our lives needs to die that Christ might come alive in us....
In the house of prayer we've visited many rooms but this one is where the rest of them get their true significance. Join Pastor Derrick as we enter the final room in this great house!
What would it take for you to be 100% confident? In some of the darkest days of his life, Job had one of the most powerful claims in history! His world was taken from him in the blink of an eye, and Job gives the greatest testimony of faith known to ma...
Today we sit outside the walls of this great House of Prayer. It's here that we see the power of the house. It's here that we experience for a moment the cold, damp air. It's here that we meet Jesus who willingly left the comforts of this house to offe...
Throughout the Great House of Prayer we've encountered many rooms. Each room has significance of its own. In this message we stand under the covering of the roof. The roof is designed to keep us warm and give us shelter. The hallways allow us time to i...
It's easy to give in to temptation when we are hurt. When someone offends us or does something wrong against us, we are tempted to take up residence in a place called spite. But this is not a healthy place to live. If anyone had a reason to live in spi...
When we enter the kitchen in this great House of Prayer, we're overwhelmed by the beauty of this space. Everything is perfectly placed. From the stove to the countertops, from the table to the chair where you'll find your seat for the meal provided, ev...
If you've ever come face to face with a thief you know the feeling of being betrayed and violated. Your safety was compromised by one who came to destroy your belongings, perhaps your life. This week Pastor Derrick shows how we've all come face to face...
In the great House of Prayer there are many rooms. But today we look less at a room and more to something we often ignore. We rarely care about its existence until something goes wrong. But what if we managed it well on a daily basis? What if we checke...
In the middle of the storms of life, we're so very focused on the storm that we often fail to hear what's really going on. Job saw the pain of the storm but here he actually listens to the thunderous noise of God speaking.
In the Great House of Prayer we are invited into another room. The Office is today's stop. The focal point of this room is the desk. We try to spend too much time in the executive seat of this desk but that's not our chair. Listen as Pastor Derrick sha...
When we look at one element of a recipe, like flour, it's hard to imagine how the end will turn out. The same is often true of our struggles. We go through a difficult situation and get so caught up in the pain of the moment that we just can't see the ...
In God's House of Prayer there are many rooms, but today we focus not on a room. Instead our eyes and attention are drawn to a chair in the middle of a quiet room. The chair is where we spend our time together today. Listen as Pastor Derrick helps find...
When we say "It is enough" we can mean two different things. We can mean that we've had it and we're throwing in the towel. Or we can use this phrase with the understanding that even though we don't have everything, we still have enough. This week we f...
In God's Great House of Prayer there are many rooms. Each room has a specific significance. This week we find ourselves looking at the least recognized part of a house but inarguably the most important.
There are passages in the bible that are so confusing or even depressing that we'd like to just fast forward through them. But some of these passages have the ability to teach us great things! This week listen as Pastor Derrick shares the importance of...
As we journey through the season of Lent, we'll be looking at the Lord's Prayer. Over the next serveral Wednesdays we'll take small phrases from the Lord's Prayer comparing them to rooms in God's House. This week we enter through the front door, at the...
As we focus on the life of Job in this new sermon series, we see the power of God over our struggles and pains. This week we learn about surrender. Even though the world sees surrender as a weakness, Job understands that in surrender he finds true stre...
It's easy to make excuses. We do it all the time. Even some of the biggest names in the bible made excuses. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares why there's no need for excuses.
As we conclude this sermon series on things that happen In Christ, we focus on how we are now being forged in Christ. Being forged is a painful process but it's necessary in order for us to carry the image of Christ where we live, work and play. Listen...
As followers of Jesus we talk a lot about baptism and following Jesus but what exactly do these have to do with our lives today? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares the profound power of baptism not only for our eternity but also for our lives to...
If you could have anything you could ask for, what would it be? This week we come face to face with an offer to have anything for which we ask! Whether you're a leader of many or a follower of some, this message is for you. True leadership and being a ...
Throughout the Old Testament we see law after ritual but what do they all really mean? This week we begin a series titled In Christ. This series will help us see the ways that Jesus has fulfilled the requirememnts of the old for us that we might live a...
On Christmas morning we celebrate the knocking on the door. The knock of Joseph on the door of the Innkeeper's home. The knock on the door that was answered. There was no room but the Innkeeper made room. There's another knocking in this story. Can you...
What would Christmas be like without Jesus? In a single word - messy! The children demonstrated that in a little Christmas play. Then Pastor Derrick explained how the presence of Christ speaks words that empower us to live our lives in a different way....
There are many voices that speak over our lives these days, but the challenge is to know which voice is the right one to listen to. There is the voice of the accusations and judgments and worries of this world. Then there is the voice of consistent lov...
In a world with ever changing voices, it's nice to find something that never changes. This week we listen for the still small voice of Jesus calling. Listen as Pastor Derrick helps us connect the promises of the Old Testament with our listening ears to...
There are many voices calling for our attention. What voice is the right one to listen to? How do you know? When you hear a voice that's familiar, you have a feeling of comfort. There's something comfortable about that voice from home. Listen this week...
As followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility not only to love God and love our neighbors. We also have the responsibility to share this love of Christ with those where we live, work, and play. Listen this week as we learn about this calling and how ...
The news has undoubtedly reached nearly every corner of the earth by this point. The attacks on nations around the world by militant extremist groups has people in an uproar. Nerves are shot. People are scared. But there's a question that's been floati...
Jesus interacts with his disciples in the temple area. In one particular instance, he sees people giving offerings to the temple. The story of the widow's mite teaches the importance of the life of the giver over the size of the gift. Listen as Pastor ...
Generally we refer to All Saints Sunday as a day to remember those who have gone before us in the faith. We remember loved ones who have died, but this morning we look at it from a different perspective. It's a reunion of sorts, and all because of the ...
If there were three pillars that hold up the life of a follower of Jesus, they'd be grace, faith and Christ. These were the three things that marked the new beginning of the church in the early 1500s. An event called the Reformation was a time when sev...
When we sit at the feet of Jesus we learn not only about the future salvation but also about our present reality. This week we encounter a man that was so wrapped up in his wealth that he couldn't see the needs of those around him. Listen as Pastor Der...
In this series, we spend time listening to some key teachings of Jesus. As we sit at his feet, we hear the message of salvation. In this message Pastor Derrick shares the struggles a young man had with following Jesus.
When you sit at the feet of someone you respect, you have the opportunity to learn great things. This week we sit at the feet of Jesus, our master and teacher. We listen as he tells us to have faith like a child. But what does that mean?
As followers of Jesus, there should be something that is different about the way we live our lives. Not only should we let our faith walk us through our day to day lives and guide the way we talk but it should also provide a unique strength. In the fin...
When we look at the obstacles in our lives, all we see the is the pain. When we look at failure, we end up failing. When we look at our strength it's easy to convince ourselves that we have it all together. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus in faith, G...
The book of James contain wonderful imagery of how powerful our words really are. This week we look at James 3:1-12. The words we speak have the ability to build up and to destroy. James is very clear that our words can wreak havoc in our relationships...
When you go to church you hear all about faith, but what does it look like? It's not something you can hold but it holds onto you. It doesn't move but it causes you to move forward. This week listen as Pastor Derrick shares what it means to have a fait...
There's a war brewing around us. It's war that's been around for ages. Admittedly we feel more prepared for this war than others, but there's no doubt about it - we are armed and dangerous! Dangerous to the enemy. But who is that enemy? Listen as guest...
There are tons of books written on good marriages filling bookstore shelves. Each of them take their own unique twist on the marriage relationship. But what if there was a single approach to all relationships that could set you up for success in everyt...
Replacing the original is usually not a great thing. As a matter of fact some things just are never the same when they're replaced. But Paul introduces us to a new thing, a replacement, that is better than where we started. Listen as Pastor Derrick sha...
As followers of Jesus we know that Jesus is important for our past because he died for our past sins. And we know that he's critical for our future because he is the reason we have a future hope. But what about today? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick...
Different but the same, that's the way to describe us all. We have our uniquenesses but we also are part of one body. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explains how we can learn about our role in following Jesus from the way our body operates.
Knowledge, as we know it, moves us. You can go places with the right kind of knowledge. But there's a knowledge that doesn't move you forward or allow you to soar to new heights. This knowledge keeps you level and grounded. Listen as Pastor Derrick exp...
The story of Scripture often addresses a specific issue or trouble. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares the problem Paul is addressing in the book of Ephesians.
Created in the image of God we've broken his creation. We need more than just a simple redecorating job. We need a complete rebuild, and that's what we have in Christ. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains what it means to be RE-framed in Christ.
The New Testament contains many teachings of Jesus. Nestled in the teachings of Jesus is a call to his disciples, and to us today. There are three keys for us to understand about this call. Listen as Pastor Derrick shares these three key points to bett...
It's all the buzz today. The phrase #lovewins, but do we really know what it means to have a winning kind of love? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares a little on what winning love looks like.
We all have storms in our lives but how we deal with them is critical. Jesus took a little nap in the boat and his disciples lost their heads. At least they knew who to call when the storm got out of hand. Who do you call when life crashes in?
The church was founded on a BIG message by a BIG God. He encourages us to pray a BIG prayer of boldness. And now he gives us a BIG opportunity. Listen to see what that BIG opportunity is.
There was one fundamental message for the church in the book of Acts. This week we dive into that very message. And you'll never guess just how simple that message is!
When the Church was started, it didn't have a building or an agenda. It had a simple calling from God to be His people wherever they go. In the face of trouble and danger the church didn't pray for safety but for boldness. And God delivered! God has fi...
The bible tells us that Jesus is building his ekklesia on a true confession that he is Savior. But what is ekklesia? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explains this bible term and how it impacts us as Christians today.
This week we wrap up our series on 1 John with a message about witnesses. A witness is called to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares us the truth of a three-fold witness that we all carr...
This week we focus on the idea of being grafted into a new vine. If you're not familiar with the process of caring for vines in a vineyard, give this message a listen to see what it means to be grafted into Christ and how his power is now flowing throu...
What does it look like to live your love out loud? Listen as Pastor Derrick explains what this looks like.
Everyone has a father but not everyone sees their father the same way. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares what our Father in heaven has done for us.
It's not a popular word. It's a word we'd rather didn't even exist, but it's critical for us to truly understand God's amazing love and mercy. The word is sin. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains why this word is so very important.
What can an Easter Lily teach us about the resurrection? Listen as Pastor Derrick shares how the resurrection of Jesus makes us as a new creation.
What would happen if we didn't speak? Perhaps if we saw a king and didn't recognize his presence, maybe, just mabe the rocks might cry out.
From the people, Chosen by God, Gental with people, and offers sacrifices are all requirments of preists. But the main point is how the priest makes sacrifices and how Jesus was and still is the greatest sacrifice. We are more than simpily man and wome...
Do you like snakes? Listen to Pastor Derrick tell what a snake is both in the New Testiment and now. Look to the one lifted up, both the serpant to heal in John 3:14-21 and to Jesus on the crosss healing us from sin. Look to the one lifted up.
Are you foolish? Listen to Pastor Derrick tell how we are fooloish to the world, but full of wisdom to God.
Faith in Christ is faith MADE alive. Listen as Pastor Derick explains the importance of faith in our daily lives.
The events of the bible are sometimes so incredible that we have a hard time relating. But what happens when the incredible invade the everyday? Listen as Pastor Derrick explains how your everyday moments can be incredible.
Eagles are amazing birds! They fly with such ease. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares the power of God's word to help us soar.
When God's word is present so also is His power. This week we listen to God's Word. We trust in its power. And we allow the Spirit to open our eyes to see the world differently. Listen as Pastor Derrick shares how God's word changes the way we see life...
Trust is earned not given. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares what trusting in Jesus looks like.
When Jesus speaks things happen. In this series Pastor Derrick shares the importance of God's word in our lives. Listen and see what happens when God speaks.
Water is all around us. We even use it in church. But there's something in that water. Curious? Listen as Pastor Derrick shares what's in the water.
Do you make New Year's resolutions? How are they going? Listen this morning as Pastor Derrick explains some things that might help in your resolutions.
What can the ABCs teach us about our New Year celebrations? Listen as Pastor Derrick shares his version of the ABCs.
Christmas morning is all about gifts, but this Christmas we pray that you find freedom under your tree.
God's love is the Greatest Gift of Christmas and his love sheds new light on the lives we live everyday.
The Greatest Gift of Christmas is LOVE. Listen as Pastor Derrick shares how God's love is the greatest gift of Christmas.
A baby is such a precious thing, but when you aren't expecting it sometimes the news "you're pregnant" can be a bit of a shock. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains the news of the angel to Mary and her reaction.
Rarely do kids enjoy getting clothing for Christmas. It's just a let down. You can't play with them. So how can the Greatest Gift of Christmas be clothes? Listen as Pastor Derrick explains the importance of the right clothes.
It's a small world isn't it! Well, not really. The world is huge! Just try traveling with children sometime, but to God the world is small enough to fit in his hand. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains how God's hand is the greatest gift of Christmas.
The people of Israel were waiting for a king, but they got Jesus. They were looking for one to deliver them, but they got one who died for them. They had what they needed all along, but they just didn't know how to wait. Listen as Pastor Derrick explai...
On this day we celebrate that Jesus is Lord of lords and King of Kings. We celebrate the way Jesus rules in the world today. He came to rebuild our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains why acknowledging Christ as Kin...
It's easy to fall asleep. Sometimes it's embarassing to fall asleep and other times it down right dangerous. Paul talks about sleeping in his letter to a group of believers in 1 Thessalonians. Listen as Pastor Derrick shares why it's so important to st...
We use the word all the time but do we really understand what it's about? Hope? What is it? What happens when it seems like all hope is lost? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick discusses the importance of properly placed hope.
The world around us is such a fog sometimes. It's hard to see which way to go. It's hard to see God's promises and blessings in the challenges we face in the world. The reality of our sinfulness hides the blessings that are already ours. Listen as Past...
Nearly 500 years ago an event rocked the landscape of the church, but it wasn't about the church or the event. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains what the real point of the Reformation really was.
This week we learned a little about how precious we are to God. However your life turns out, know that you are cherished by God. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains how we are like a beautiful glass jar with a great purpose.
No matter where we are, there are people watching to see Christ in us. Paul gives a great lesson on the life we are to live wherever we go.
Jesus didn't give us the rest of Him but the best of Him. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains.
Tithing is the buzz these days but that's not really what stewardship is all about. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares the real meaning of stewardship.
We know the story of creation, but rarely do we talk about creation and stewardship together. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shows how we get the best view of stewardship when we look at it through the lens of creation.
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that juxtaposes elements that appear to be contradictory. Listen as Pastor Derrick shows how Jesus uses an oxymoron to teach an important lesson of faith.
What difference has Jesus made in your life? As a follower of Jesus, we should live differently. What are the marks of Jesus' life that are present in your life?
There are many things that help us identify someone, how would you identify Jesus? What things would you look for? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares how to identify Jesus.
We've probably all heard that Jesus answers our prayers and that's true. But what would happen if your prayer didn't get answer? How would you feel? What would you do? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares a bit about persistence.
This week's message is brought to you by the elders of Living Word Lutheran Church. These messages remind us of God's goodness, grace and mercy. They remind us what it means to live by faith and not rely on our works for God's love, but that his love f...
Most of us have heard of Jonah and the big fish, but have you ever taken the time to see some of the comparisons to Jesus' life? What about to your own? What can we learn from Jonah to apply to our lives? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explains how...
Jesus is a master story teller. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shares two sentences from scripture that tell a huge story.
Sometimes life if filled with troubles and trials of all sorts. How do you react? Do you feel pulled in every direction? Do you want to give up? Do you pray the troubles just disappear, making your life easier? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explai...
A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly significance. This week we look at Jesus' words about the sower and the seeds. What can we learn from a farmer, seeds, and soil? Listen as Pastor Derrick explains.
Are you more like Superman or Batman? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explains how we are to be like them.
When God put skin on he confronted our sin. He stood before us and took the punishment we deserved. He then gave us the life he was supposed to live. Jesus confronted the sin, and comforted the sinner.
Jesus was named many things, most of which were terms of endearment. All of these names describe part of his character. But one of the names was intended to do him harm. Listen to see what this name was and what it means for us.
Jesus is often depicted as a blonde hair, blue-eyed man but what did Jesus really look like? Better yet what does he look like today? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick shows what Jesus looks like today.
We don't give the Holy Spirit the credit he deserves. This morning we find ourselves learning from Peter. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explains what an empty cup and Peter have in common.
Like water running down a hill, our words and actions run into the lives of those who follow us. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick discusses our legacy in Christ.
Conflict is inevitable! No matter what the make up of your home, there is certainly argument or conflict. But what's the source of it? Listen this week as we hear some practical advice on dealing with conflict.
One of the most controversial bible verses is Ephesians 5:22. This passage is loved by men but hated by women. Check it out! Then listen as Pastor Derrick explains why this verse is so misunderstood and how we can strengthen our relationships.
Is your home healthy? Better yet how do you define a home or family situation? Families are so different and we begin to think that our version of life is all that there is. Jesus teaches the Pharisees a startling truth that we are not who we are calle...
What is the real reason we worship? Why do we do it? What is the heart of this thing we call worship? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explains the true heart of worship.
No this sermon isn't a throwback to the famous REM song. In this message Pastor Derrick draws a distinction between religion and Christianity. This message is a colaborative effort between Pastor Derrick and a High School Senior who is contemplating ...
There are a lot of things we believe to be true in life, but do you know why you believe them? Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explains why we believe in Jesus.
On Good Friday we look back with somber hearts at the death Jesus died. But we have to remember that no matter how dark Good Friday is, Sunday is always coming!
On the day we celebrate as Maundy Thursday, we remember the work that Jesus did for us. It was a meal called the Passover that was to remember when God delivered the Israelites from captivity. But for us, this day is set aside to remember something di...
There is a danger that comes when something is too familiar. When we get too comfortable with something we often fail to see the problems that are right in front of us. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains how the danger of familiarity has infected our ...
In this final message in our EXPOSED! series, Pastor Derrick leaves nothing hidden! All of God EXPOSED! for all of us! Listen in to see what a difference faith in Christ can make to some of life's challenging moments.
In this week's message Pastor Derrick exposes a rarely talked about truth about God. Jesus' died for our future, but lived for our present! That's right - Jesus cares about your life TODAY! That's God EXPOSED!
Being EXPOSED! is not something many of us really want for ourselves. We take precautions to prevent this from happening in our lives. In this week's message we see how God exposes a crucial piece of his identity to his people. No matter how many ti...
Being EXPOSED! is not something many of us really want for ourselves. We take many precautions to prevent this from happening in our lives. In this week's message we see how God exposes himself to Abram and his family. God calls Abram, and us, to bl...
It's a challenging thought but we are all called to live lives that are exposed. In the garden, Adam and Eve realized they were exposed when they ate of the forbidden fruit. We too are in need of exposing ourselves before God as we come to him in con...
The Bible is full of descriptions of who we are in Christ. We are forgiven and we are set apart for eternal life with Christ. But it's also full of evidence that shows how Christ has made a difference for us today. In this series Pastor Derrick will...
The Bible is full of descriptions of who we are in Christ. We are forgiven and we are set apart for eternal life with Christ. But it's also full of evidence that shows how Christ has made a difference for us today. In this series Pastor Derrick will...
The bible is full of descriptions of who we are in Christ. We are forgiven and we are set apart for eternal life with Christ. But it's also full of evidence that shows how Christ has made a difference for us today. In this series Pastor Derrick will...
The bible is full of descriptions of who we are in Christ. We are forgiven and we are set apart for eternal life with Christ. But it's also full of evidence that shows how Christ has made a difference for us today. In this series Pastor Derrick will...
There are two areas in most Christian's lives that cause trouble. In this series Pastor Derrick will disclose these areas and talk about ways to overcome the challenges. Be ready to be challenged because this two-part series is going to get personal....
There are two areas in most Christian's lives that cause trouble. In this series Pastor Derrick will disclose these areas and talk about ways to overcome the challenges. Be ready to be challenged because this two-part series is going to get personal....
This is the conclusion of a three part series on repentance. In this message, Pastor Derrick rewinds back through weeks 1 & 2, reminding us of where we've been. Then moves forward into what happens after repentance. Listen and prepare to be chal...
If you never used one, you have to go out and buy a Magic Eraser. They are so amazing. A little elbow grease and they can remove that stuck on grime around light switches and even some crayon and pencil marks in those unwated places. This week, Past...
We spend much of our lives trying to get out of the dark. We have flashlights, candles, generators and night lights all for the purpose of keeping us in the light. But there's one area of our lives that we prefer to keep hidden. Do you know what it ...
Tragedy strikes on a regular basis. Devastation has become the norm. But why do these things happen? Better yet how should we respond? Listen to this week's message as Pastor Derrick shares a bit about how we, as Christians, can healthily respond t...
What is peace? We talk about it. We pray for it. We seek it, but what is it? An Island retreat? A quiet moment? Peace is really something so much more. Listen this week as Pastor Derrick explains peace in a new way.
When you're at the bottom of a mountain and look up, it's easy to feel disheartened by the massive size of the obstacle. But when you're atop the mountain, you get to take in the breath-taking view of the landscape for miles in every direction. Liste...
Caution tape, flashing lights, construction cones - warning signs are all around us. It seems like every corner turned brings another warning. But what do you do when you hear, or see, a warning sign? Do you pay attention? Do you ignore it? This w...
When the phone rings what do you do? Do you jump to answer it or do you wait and let the machine answer it? In our bible lesson today, we meet up with Moses who receives a call. Listen as Pastor Derrick talks about God calling you to follow him. Ho...
What if we would look at things differently? What if we could see the blessings of God come in the rough moments as well as in the good one? What if we knew of Jesus' love and blessings even when the darkness of trouble, pain, and sorrow hit? Listen...
There's a Sunday in the church that is special. It's a birthday of sorts for many churches. The day is called Reformation Sunday. The whole focus on this Sunday is about reforming, or returning to the basics of the Christian faith. Listen as Pastor...
Words are the most powerful tools in our arsenal. They can do terrific things and yet they can also do terrible harm. So what do your words say? Listen to this week's message as Pastor Derrick shares the power of words.
Soldiers come in all shapes and sizes. They come from all walks of life. There are many things that make soldiers different from one another, but all good soldiers have some things in common. Listen as Pastor Derrick explains what makes a good soldi...
Fear is all around us. We seem to be born with an innate sense of fear. We fear the dark. We fear failure. We fear losing. We fear not having enough money. We fear being alone. The bible tells us to never be afraid. Listen as Pastor Derrick sha...
If I told you that the bible was promoting violence, what would you say? If I told you that the apostle Paul was telling us that it was necessary to fight, would you believe me? This week Pastor Derrick outlines the battles that are important and the...