Live Oak Church: Recent Episodes
Live Oak Church
Sunday sermons from Live Oak Church, Wilmington, NC. We exist to see people transformed by Jesus Christ.
theliveoak.org
In James 4:13-17, James rebukes planning for personal success without considering God's purposes for us.
Today's message shows us how to make plans for life while keeping God's plans first and foremost.
Do you struggle with being critical and judgmental? Maybe you compare yourself to others or you believe they're doing things all wrong.
The world tells us it's normal to put others in a box and categorize based on outward criteria, but James tells us there is a better way. Judgment isn't in line with God's way, so join us to learn more about what it looks like to be less judgmental and more generous of spirit.
How do you deal with conflict in your life? What causes it?
For many of us, it can be hard to admit our lives have conflict at all, much less to handle it in a godly manner.
Today’s passage from James 4:1-10 addresses the warring desires within us which lead to conflict and strife and teaches us a better way to deal with the war within.
In a world that values heroics, strength and personal success, living gently and meekly is counter cultural. But those are some of the marks of wisdom and maturity we see in James chapter 3.
In today’s sermon, Pastor Brian Few teaches a process of how to grow more wise in order to live in line with God’s way, for God’s glory, in your every day life.
Can you imagine how much better your life would be if you controlled and directed your words for good?
James says, “If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong.”
In this week's message Brian talks about how to learn and grow in James’ vision for a mature life.
Are we saved by faith, works or both? This is a 2,000 year old debate.
James said, “What good is it if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” Paul said, By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
The reformer Martin Luther said, “The church is like a drunken peasant riding a donkey. He falls off on the side of legalism, climbs back on. And then falls off the other side of license.” In this message Pastor Brian Few helps resolve the tension of faith and works by showing how they work together.
Do you ever favor some people over others because they are attractive, cool, wealthy or accomplished? Favoritism has no place in church. Today's message shows us a better ways.
James 2:1 asks: “How can you claim to have faith in Jesus Christ when you favor some people over others?” When the church gathered for worship they favored the wealthy over the poor by offering the wealthy the best seats in the house.
It’s easy to judge these people on this side of history, but we have to ask ourselves, “do we ever show favoritism?” Do you ever favor some people over others?
In this message the Book of James shows us a better way to live!
In this week's sermon on James 1:19-27, Brian talks about the importance of listening to the Word of God, and putting it into practice in daily life.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Brian Few preaches about how to persevere through trials and temptation, with little or with much; in blessing or in struggle; aware of God's goodness in it all.
Have you been overwhelmed by life's trials? Disoriented by things you aren't sure how to handle? In this weeks' sermon, Brian Few teaches on wisdom; what it is, how to grow wise, and the ways God imparts wisdom to his children.
This week we started a study on the New Testament book of James. Today's message tackles the question, "How can I have joy in the midst of life's trials?"
There is so much we can learn from St. Patrick's life of faith. Today's message from Pastor Brian Few teaches 4 things we can learn from St. Patrick's life, and asks 4 questions to help you live them out.
In today's message, Michael Dougherty shares biblical instruction on why community matters, and how to cultivate an encouraging community of believers.
Your life is designed to be full of meaningful purpose. This sermon from Pastor Brian Few examines how being an ambassador of Christ makes life more purposeful.
Join us in part 7 of Made New, our teaching series on how identity in Christ shapes every part of daily life.
What does it mean to be free from sin when it can still be present in our lives?
In Christ, we are free from sin's power. But as humans, we know that we still do sin. Today's sermon from Pastor Brian Few addresses this tension. Join us as we continue our series Made New, and continue to understand what being "in Christ" means for every day of our lives.
This week's sermon from Pastor Brian Few is Part 5 of Made New, a series on identity in Christ and how it shapes every day of our lives.
This sermon from Pastor Brian Few is Part 4 in our series on finding identity in Christ.
Today's sermon from Pastor Brian Few is part 3 of Made New, a sermon series on identity in Christ.
This sermon from Pastor Brian Few is part 2 of our series Made New, on identity and Christ.
This sermon from Pastor Brian Few is part 1 of our series Made New, on identity and Christ.
This week's sermon is from Luke 13:22-30. What is the narrow door? What does it mean to work hard (strive - agonize!) to enter. Is Jesus saying that we might not make it into His Kingdom based on faith alone? NO!
God knows and loves us exactly as we are. Psalm 139 was written almost 3,000 years ago, and speaks to the omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence of God. Who, although He attains those attributes, always receives our prayers. Listen to learn more!
Psalm 63 says, "O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water."
Has your soul, the deepest part of you, ever longed and thirsted for God?
David goes on to say, "You satisfy me more than the richest feast."
Have you experienced God in this way?
Can you honestly say, "I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good"?
How do we find our soul's satisfaction in God? This week's message digs into these questions.
In this week's message Bill Simpson explains the powerful personal name of God: Yahweh.
We all have a tendency to wander from God. It's a part of our human nature. But in Psalm 119 we see the love of God's way is a key to living fully alive. Today Jay Bennett unpacks this Psalm and how to handle our wandering ways.
Have you been waiting on God to move in a specific area in your life? Maybe in a relationship, in your family or in your job. Are you starting to wonder or even doubt that God is going to do anything?
Psalm 62 says, "God, the one and only --- I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes rom Him, so why not? He's a solid rock for my soul, an impregnable castle; I'm set for life." (The Message) How do we quiet our souls so that we can hear God? How do we wait on God with patience and confidence? Today's message gives some specific steps to this. Listen in to learn more!
Do you actually believe Jesus will return one day? Do you believe that He could come back at any moment during your life time?
Jesus said, “You must be ready, for the Son of Man will Return when least expected.”
What does it mean to be ready for Jesus to return? And how do we prepare for Him to?
Are you overwhelmed by life right now? Do your circumstances feel out of your control? Jesus said, "Do not worry about your everyday life, for your life is more than these things." Is it possible to live without worry? If so, how do we actually do it? Today's message from Luke 12 answers these questions.
Jesus said, “Watch out, guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” If life isn't measured by money or stuff, What's life measured by? And how can we guard against greed in our lives? Join us for today's sermon!
Do you ever shy away or even avoid talking about Jesus when you're with certain people?
Jesus said, "Anyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, He will acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels.”
Whoa! Is Jesus serious?
How do you gain the confidence to acknowledge Jesus no matter who you're with or what situation you're in?
How do you learn how to talk about Jesus in normal conversational ways?
Have you ever had a disagreement that started out about one thing, but ended with you fighting over who was right? At some point most arguments stop being about the thing and start being about a deep desire to be right. That is what Jesus calls out the Pharisees for in today's message from Luke 11. We may have more in common with the Pharisees than we think, and we need to take note of that since our deep desire to be right will hinder our discipleship to Jesus. Listen in today to learn more.
Have you ever complained about someone then had the awkward realization that you do the very same thing you're complaining about? This week Pastor Brian Few shares an experience of being called out for that very thing as he explains Jesus calling out the Pharisees in Luke 11:37-44. In today's message, Jesus warns the Pharisees for being judgmental and proud. We need to consider these warnings as well, since our pride and judgment will hinder our discipleship to Jesus and stunt our growth. Listen to learn more!
Where does evil come from? Is it nature or nurture? We'd love to have a scapegoat to explain away the darkness that can be inside of us. What does Jesus say about this? Learn more as Pastor Brian Few preaches from Matthew 15:1-20.
This week Pastor Brian Few teaches on some of Jesus' more difficult words; words which caused many to turn and abandon him. How do we react when the things Jesus taught are hard to follow or uncomfortable? Learn more in this week's sermon.
The Death of John the Baptist is told in Mark 6 and Matthew 14. Join us today as Pastor Rob Hamilton unpacks this difficult passage as we seek to understand and trust God more through our series on The Gospels.
How can we reflect God as we follow him? This week Pastor Dave Holt answers that question as he preaches on Matthew 10:26-42. Join us as we continue our series on the Gospels.
Many of us have heard or been taught from one of two extremes: If you follow Jesus everything in your life will go well OR that as Christians, life is about suffering. Today Pastor Brian Few posits that following Jesus is the best way to life. But does this mean everything goes well as we follow Jesus? Listen as we continue our series on The Gospels.
What is your approach to following and sharing Jesus? Today Pastor Brian Few teaches on the way Jesus approached his mission, as we continue in our Gospels series.
They say you can't go home again. Well, you can go, but things will never quite be as they once were. Things are always changing, and as believers, this is great news as Jesus continually refines and changes us. Join us this week Pastor Dave Holt teaches on the story of Jesus' rejection in his hometown of Nazareth.
This week as we continue our series on the Gospels, Pastor Brian Few teaches on the story of Jesus sending demons into pigs.
Where is Jesus when the storms of life rage all around us? Why does he allow us to struggle through when He holds the power to calm them? Join us this week as Jay Bennett teaches on the miracle of Jesus calming the storm.
Many of us trust Jesus, but do we trust him enough to take him at his word? This week Hunter Broadwell talks about why we might respond the way that we do to Jesus' invitation to life in his Kingdom, and how to make the most of the invitation us to of life in the Kingdom of God.
How do you prepare for the future? We spend a lot of our thought life considering this question, and possibly worrying about the answers. Have you thought much about what will happens to you after your time on earth is done? This week, Pastor Brian Few challenges us to take some time to consider these questions as he leads us through the Parable of the Weeds. Join us as we continue The Gospels series.
Brian Few speaks all about the parable of the leaven and the parable of the mustard seed. Join us to continue our series walking through The Gospels.
What seeds are you sowing in your life? This week our Community Pastor Dave Holt speaks on the Parable of the Sower. Join us as we continue our series on The Gospels.
Do I trust God with the details of my life? Or do I demand a sign He is trustworthy before I'm willing to take steps of faith? Jesus addressed this topic. Join us today as we continue our series teaching through the Gospels.
A tree is recognized by its fruit. What is the fruit of my life, my words and my actions? Join us today as Pastor Brian Few brings a powerful and personal message on what our words reveal about the condition of our heart.
What do you make of the spiritual realm? Today Brian digs into a biblical perspective on it as we continue The Gospels Series.
“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Luke 7:47 The more you understand God's love and forgiveness the more you will love.
When you look around the world it's easy to feel like things are hopeless. To me it feels similar to Winter, the days are shorter and darker, the air is colder and the natural world looks dead. But remember Spring is coming, new life comes every single year around March. The days are longer, the air starts getting warmer and flowers blossom all around. Because of Jesus’ Life, Death & Resurrection we can have Hope No matter what we face in this world. Let's celebrate the life and death of our Savior together!
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds thought He was the messiah-king who would overthrow the Roman Empire. But Jesus knew He was the messiah-King riding towards His death on the cross, so that he could first bring salvation to every person who would believe!
The world promises peace and happiness to those who work the hardest, make the most money, and beat the competition. But the reality is that this way of life tends to leave us anxious and unsatisfied. Jesus invites us to come to Him to experience real rest in a way of life that produces lasting peace and joy.
Do you have questions about Jesus? The Pharisees asked Jesus questions often with the intent to trap or expose him. But John's questions came from earnesty. Jesus' integrity can withstand our scrutiny. Listen to learn more today.
This week Dave Holt unpacks the Resurrection Life. What does that look like as we live it out?
The way we follow Jesus has a lot to do with how much we actually trust Him. Join us this week as we unpack an example of true faith in Jesus, demonstrated by a Roman centurion.
Pastor Rob Hamilton brings us a good word today about the Jesus's parable of the two foundations.
What do the music you listen to, shows you watch or friends you connect with have to do with following Jesus? Why does Brian talk about musicians whose CDs he threw away in college? All of these questions answered in this week's sermon as we continue looking at the words of Jesus in the Gospels.
This week Dave Holt preaches about the Gate to Life. We're all on the same path: We can't escape our mortality. But the Gospels have good news for us about the way to everlasting life with God.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Brian Few preaches on the Golden Rule. Listen to learn more about life in God's Kingdom as we continue our Gospels series.
We continue our Gospels series. We are slowly going through the Gospels, taking a close look at the life and ministry of Jesus. This week, Pastor Brian Few preaches from Matthew 7:1-11.
We continue our series going through the Gospels. This week Pastor Brian Few preaches on Matthew 6:19-24.