PVN College: Recent Episodes
Ryan Matherly
In Acts 27 and 28 the Apostle Paul goes through deep trouble. While on his way to Rome he encounters a storm that is beyond his control. So often this happens in our lives. Ryan walks us through three ways Paul finds hope in his storm, and ultimately how we can find hope in ours. (Sunday Morning Sermon)
Jesus is the New and Better Adam. But what does this mean? How is what Jesus did better than the first Adam? Paul tells us in this important passage.
How can the death of one man 2,000 years ago be important for me today? Paul walks us through one of the most important concepts in the entire Bible: Jesus Christ is the New and Better Adam.
How can we know that God loves us? How does Paul know? What is the anchor of his theology? It is Christ crucified.
What does the Gospel do for us in suffering? At the beginning of Romans chapter 5, Paul begins to unpack what being saved by faith in Jesus does for us not only in eternity, but in the here and now.
What is faith? What does it look like? In this last section of Romans, Paul writes to the Church about the nature of Abraham's faith, and how we can grow in our own faith today.
Why can't we be saved by works? Is that just the rule? Or is there more to the story. In this important section of Romans, the apostle Paul walks us through why Abraham was saved apart from works, and why grace through faith in Jesus is the only way. NOTE: Below is the Tim Keller quote in its entirety:
If you can't dance and you long to dance, in the resurrection you'll dance perfectly.If you're lonely, in the resurrection you will have perfect love.If you're empty, in the resurrection you will be fully satisfied.
There is nothing better than ordinary life, except that it's always going away and falling apart.
Ordinary life is food and work and chairs by the fire and hugs and dancing and mountains - this world.
God loves it so much that he gave his only Son so we - and the rest of this world - could be redeemed and made perfect.
And that's what is in store for us.
The resurrection means we can look forward with hope to the day our suffering will be gone.
But it even means that we can look forward with hope to the day our suffering will be glorious.
On the Day of the Lord - the day when God makes everything right, on that day everything sad will become untrue.
You will find that the worst things that haveever happened to you will in the end only enhance your eternal delight.
C. S. Lewis' in The Great Divorce:[Some mortals] say of suffering, "No future bliss can make up for it," not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into glory.
Being saved by faith alone is not a new invention. Paul goes all the way back to Abraham to show that it has always been this way. Abraham is not the father of the Israelites only. He is the father of all people; Jew and Gentile, throughout all history, who have turned to God Almighty not with works, but with faith.
Paul has been making his case throughout his letter that we are saved by faith, apart from works, thanks to the righteous life of Jesus. But what does the Old Testament say about these things? Paul begins his Old Testament journey by showing us the faith of Israel's founder: Abraham.
What does the Cross say about how God feels? What does the Cross say about the Old Testament? What does the Cross say about the Law? This massively important text tells us so many important things.
What is the most important thing to understand in our lives? What is the biggest problem every single human being faces? The Apostle Paul explains through one of the most important passages of scripture.
In a second look at this important passage, we see what exactly the modern chruch has in common with the Jews in Paul's day. The connection is shocking, and Paul's words here are just as helpful today as they were nearly 2,000 years ago.
Paul's Gospel is popular today, but it has not always been this way. As the book of Romans is being written, Paul encounters pushback from various places and people. He is misrepresented by those who do not know or trust his Gospel. But Paul takes on each argument here at the beginning of Romans chapter 3.
If religion can't save us, does that make religion a bad thing? Paul now turns his attention back to the Jewish people he has come to know and love. He shares with them their strengths and their weaknesses, and shows them a way out of both.
What happens to the man who has never heard the Gospel? Why is it so important to get the Gospel to the nations as soon as we can? Paul helps us see how God's Law works in all of human nature, even among those who have never heard of Him. And then we learn why there is so much hope in this news.
Paul has told us that just because we are more religious than our neighbors, that may not necessarily mean that our hearts are different than our neighbors. So what is the difference? What does a changed heart really look like? Paul shows us in this next section of the greatest letter ever written.
Paul has been speaking about Pagans, unbelievers, the "bad kids" in Romans chapter 1, but drops a bomb at the beginning of chapter 2. The "good kids", the church-goers, those who know the Law of God are not only no better than the unbelievers of chapter 1, they are doing the exact same things.
What does the Bible really teach about Homosexuality? Paul echoes the rest of the BIble and the very words of Jesus as he walks us through this important passage that has so much relevance for today.
What a great night! The Apostle Paul walks us through what happens when we worship things other than God. In His wrath He leaves us to our broken desires. But that's not the whole story... Join us for an awesome discussion about worship, sex, marriage, and Jesus!
Why is the gospel so important? If it is so important, why do so many refuse to believe? Ryan walks us through a crucial point in the story as Paul lays out what is really wrong inside of us and how Jesus Christ can bring healing.
What role does Jesus play in the Gospel? What role does He play in our prayers? How does Paul find the strength to carry on? We talk through this importnat portion of Romans in tonight's Bible Study.
How can we find hope in the daily struggles and difficult circumstances in our life? God's Word gives us hope that not only are these trouble helping us deeply, they are also happening within the loving hand of God.
What does it mean to endure? The Christian life is one of endurance. We wait and pray for Jesus to help us and to return. How does this apply to a busy week at WinShape? Pastor Ryan shows us.
In this special Mother's Day sermon, Ryan addresses families, the Gospel, and takes us through some helpful insights, from Jesus' time with the Woman at The Well.
God reminds Israel of all the grace He has shown them, both through forgiveness and chastisement. Yet Israel never returns. Amos 4 is an important lesson for all of us as God works in our lives and seeks to draw us back to Him.
The hammer is about to fall. God is warning Israel that their sinful hearts are about to earn them a terrible judgement. Yet even in that warning, there is mercy. God is not done with His people. And because of His grace in Jesus Christ, He will never be done with us.
In the second chapter of Amos, God turns His attention towards Israel. What can we possibly learn about an ancient country under God's judgment? What hope can be found here? More than you can possibly imagine.
What on earth is the book of Amos about? This little book is all about: The Justice of God, justice for others, and ultimately, how the justice of God was poured out on Jesus. Start this awesome journey with us in Amos chapter 1.
On Sunday morning, Pastor Ryan walked us through the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In it we see so many new things as Jesus uses this old story of His to suprise us in new ways.
Peter closes his letter by addressing his people as they lead in their church. He reminds them that their hope is not ultimately in this world. This world does not have the power to fix. Only Jesus can ultimately give us what we need and restore what this world will take.
How can we live as a Christian in a world of unfair treatment, long days and difficult circumstances? When days get longer and shorter at the same time and all we can think of is how hard tomorrow is going to be...what do we do? Peter gives us the words of Jesus to heal our aching heart and calm our soul as we remember the power and love of our Lord.
In an age where our country continues to tear itself apart politically, how can Jesus bring healing? Ryan takes us through the Old and New Testament showing us man's desire to destroy, while they are loved by a God who works to put back together.
Two reasons young Christians are leaving the faith: Persecution from friends and the sometimes ugly nature of the Church. How can Peter help us? What does God's Word have to say about these things? How can we get a better view of Jesus in our local church and in our daily lives?
NOTE: For this session only we shifted to a small-group style. You will still hear the teaching, but other comments as well! It was a great time!
What happens when we are submissive, kind, and gentle, but things still don't go as planned. What is going doing during our disappointment? We also walk through some strange verses at the end of chapter 3 and learn in those verses how deep theology can be so helpful for our daily lives.
What is this submission stuff about? How can It possibly be good for marriage? For women? How can a Christian support this? Let's start by learning what Peter is really talking about, and how it connects to everything else in his letter, and what Christ has for our lives.
Sometimes life can be very hard when we try to follow Christ. We are misunderstood, misrepresented, and mistreated. How do we react when life is difficult? How can Christ help us when life is unfair? Peter tells us.
As Christians, what is our biggest enemy? Is it the government? Is it other people? Peter offers another answer. In the fight of faith, our biggest enemy will always be ourselves.
What defines you? What is at the core of who you are? Peter brings the best news about the deepest change God's Word can bring.
Now that we have been rescued by God, how should we live while we wait for Christ to return or call us home?
We start our semester-series on the letter of 1 Peter. The Christians of Peter's day were suffering and scattered. It was a dark time. How does Peter comfort these brothers and sisters? He uses a deep truth of God's Word; one that is comforting for us even today.
In a bonus round from our Tough Questions series last semester, Ryan walks us through what the Bible teaches on Same Sex Marriage.
Who are the people in our life that are the hardest to love? Why is it so hard? In Acts chapter one, Jesus sets the tone for the New Testament Church in one of the most challenging, and beautiful statements of all time. He also reminds His people that in Him, they will have all the help they need.
Tonight we close out the semester by hearing Ty McArthur talk through the wonderful book: Gentle & Lowly. You know what Christ did for you. But do you know how He feels about you? The news is both shocking and wonderful.
Further Resources
Gentle & Lowly - Book
shorturl.at/kqIR6
Gentle & Lowly - Hymn
https://rb.gy/od7rqa
What is God doing in frustration? What is He doing when some doors stay closed? Ryan closes out our series on Calling.
How do we know what God wants us to do with our lives and our futures? What if the answer Is easier than we think?
Further Resources:
Just Do Something
https://rb.gy/izg5vw
What is the Christian supposed to think about Race in America? How can we help each other build a world after God's own heart? His Word tells us how.
Further Resources:
SermonsMatt Chandler - A House Divided Cannot Stand
https://rb.gy/mzkwcl Books
The Color of Law
https://rb.gy/qau9az
Talking About Race
https://rb.gy/ugzxqr
Color of Compromise
https://rb.gy/481ds6
What does the Bible teach about the Body and Soul? Does Jesus offer hope for those experiencing Gender Dysphoria? Yes!
Further Resources:
Talking Points: Transgender
https://rb.gy/ehq7jw
God and The Transgender Debate
https://rb.gy/mkhwsl
What is the Christian's role in politics? Jesus addresses this deeply important issue in Mark 12.
Further Resources:
How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics?
shorturl.at/nozGH
Before You Vote: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask
shorturl.at/irEJM
Abortion is a complicated subject, and its history is even more complex. Only with patience, and God's Word can we hope to make progress. Ryan walks us through the historical, scientific, and biblical sides of abortion.
Further Resources:
Talking Points: Abortion
shorturl.at/ouPU7
In our final sermon in John's letters, we discuss what it looks like to be a Christian in a divided age, why supporting missionaries is important, and why living solely for Jesus matters most.
Ryan takes us through Job chapters 1 and 2 to show us what we can learn about not only suffering, but Jesus as well.
John closes out his letter by reassuring his listeners that God hears our prayers, is eager to help us fight our sin, and loves us more than we know.
Loving Jesus is the key to loving other people. Only when we have experienced the love of God can our relatioships begin to flourish.
Tonight we learn how to tell what false teaching is and how Jesus can protect our minds.
Tonight we take a Jet Tour through all of 1 John chapter 3. We talk about spiritual DNA, loving others, and ultimately how the love of Jesus transforms us.
Tonight Ryan walks us through the end of 1 John chapter 2. John reminds his listener's that when it comes to what we believe about Jesus, eternal life is at stake: A precious joy we cannot even imagine.
Tonight we learn about what not to love. How can we be in the World but not of it? Who or what is the Anti-Christ? And what do these things have to do with us?
We walk through the first half of chapter 2 and talk about obeying God and loving our Neighbor!
Ryan introduces 1 John. We go through the themes of the letter and the first ten verses.
The love of God is something we think we know. We think we've got it all figured out. But what if it is even better than we could possibly imagine? In Exodus 34 God shows Moses exactly that.
In our Final Episode of Season 1 we talk with PVN Alum Brooke Dellis. She and Jacob Brunner talk with us about dating in college.
Further Resources: Single, Dating, Engaged, Married https://rb.gy/ekgf87
Mingling of Souls https://rb.gy/7ajsyf
The Lord works in mysterious colorways! This week we chat with Zion Brown and Ricky Petro about the cultural impact Preachers N Sneakers has had on the Church.
Further Resources: Preachers N Sneakers Book https://rb.gy/fx7tme
Preachers N Sneakers Instagram https://rb.gy/zxb2qi
This week we talk with our good friend Nora Hale. Nora was the Dean of Women at Southern Evangelical Seminary. We have a great discussion on why the issue of Gender Roles in the Church is such a difficult topic.
Further Resources: Men And Women In The Church https://rb.gy/wyi77w
What's The Difference? https://rb.gy/rijvyl
50 Crucial Questions https://rb.gy/pazl0a
This is Abigail Mohler. She’s a Sophomore at Berry College. She was born on the Mission Field. And she is our second new intern here at PVN!
This week we sat down with our new intern Bryon Schirner and his fiancé Haley. Meet the newest members of the PVN family!
This is our good friend Rance Brown. He’s a Berry grad. He just sold his house. And in less than a month he’ll be hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.
Follow Rance's journey on IG https://rb.gy/ceeqbq
Further Resources A Walk in the Woods https://rb.gy/rpnx4i
Athletes in college are often unfairly stereotyped. What is life really like on campus? How can athletes stay close to the Lord? Tucker Seay of Berry Football and FCA Director Kent Howard discuss.
College Students have a lot on their plate. What happens when a part-time or full-time job gets thrown in the mix? This week we hear from our friend Gage Soulios as he offers advice for the overworked and stressed out college student.
Today our guest Jessica Armstrong talks with Ryan about the current process of choosing a major, and how choosing a major is not the same as choosing a future.
Where is God when we make mistakes? Stephen Daniel has been in Student ministry for nearly two decades. He and Ryan share funny stories of when they blew it big time in ministry, but God was still faithful.
What do College Students think of when they hear the word ‘Gospel’? In this episode we talk with our friend Porter Johnson from Surge as we review the Christian Documentary: American Gospel.
Further Resources: Watch American Gospel https://rb.gy/0hraln
John Piper: Prosperity Gospel https://rb.gy/uioavg
Matt Chandler: God is For God https://rb.gy/dkrc2q
In this Special Episode, we talk with Mary Margaret Mauer from Restoration Rome. She walks us through the Foster Care crisis in our city, and what College students can do to help.
Further Resources: Adopted For Life https://rb.gy/ec6ulw
Christian Alliance for Orphans https://cafo.org/
Graduating College is a time of change. Everything looks different on the other side. But should friendships change? We talk with a good friend of ours, Michael Cornelius, about keeping friendships strong after College.
Sleep is something we all need. It’s something we all love. So why can’t we seem to get enough? Today we talk with Jeff Holloway of Crossfit Rome to pick up some practical tips and get more sleep!
Further Resources Why We Sleep https://rb.gy/1gklck
Political Turmoil - it’s something we’ve seen for the past year, and especially in the last month. Hunter Storey of Calvary Baptist and Porter Johnson from Surge talk with us about how the Church should respond.
Great Expectations https://rb.gy/jbgnzl
How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics? https://rb.gy/ru7t7j
What's it like to plan a socially distant service? How have college worship services changed to cope with Covid? Berry College Student and Worship Leader for Common Worship Janson Slaughter takes us through the process.
Further Resources: The Post-Quarantine Church https://rb.gy/2fiwjx
Common Worship https://commonworship.co/
It's a new year and we wanted to start with a bang. Join us as we speak with Shorter Grad Anna Wilfong and answer the question: Should Christians Use the Enneagram?
Further Resources: Take the Test https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com
Articles: Enneagram: The Road Back to You, Or to Somewhere Else? https://rb.gy/iyi8p7
Books: The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery https://rb.gy/kslejm
Individual Enneagram Type Books https://rb.gy/r850r8
Podcasts: The Enneagram Journey (Suzanne Stabile) https://rb.gy/7qartr
Typology (Ian Cron) https://rb.gy/wrd2t8
Spotify Album, Sleeping At Last “Atlas: Enneagram”
If there ever was a year to binge-watch Netflix, it was 2020. We wanted to end the year the right way. Join our guests Ricky Petro and Porter Johnson as we discuss one of the best TV shows of all time as it leaves Netflix: The Office.
The Christmas season can be a difficult time for many. Sometimes it brings to mind those who are no longer with us. In this Special Christmas Episode, we speak with our friend Fredo Reyes, who shares with us how to care for others and how to be a good friend to those who are going through a hard time.
Further Resources: https://rb.gy/xjokhy
Gentle & Lowly is the best book of the year. Especially for College Students. Josh Tolman from Campus Outreach explains why. If you are a college student, message us and we will get you a copy of this incredible book free of charge!
Further Resources: Gentle & Lowly https://rb.gy/chvpv1
In Luke 19 we take a closer look at a story that everyone has heard. But when we look closer at the story of Zaccheus we learn that that story is really about Jesus.
Today we speak to local ministry legend Kent Howard about how to minister to the next generation. What’s most important for Millennials and Gen-Z.
Today we speak to local ministry legend Kent Howard about how to minister to the next generation. What’s most important for Millennials and Gen-Z.
Further Resources: How Things Have Changed https://rb.gy/exrynj
Gen Z Unfiltered https://rb.gy/pphadd
How Do I Evangelize Generation Z? https://rb.gy/dzhm2a
Did we solve the debate? Probably not. From Bears, Beets, and Battlestar Galactica to yadda yadda yadda and a show about nothing. Ryan and our guest Bob Agan try to answer America's burning question: "What's the greatest sitcom of all time?"
Today we chat with local College student and Worship Leader Gabby Agan about what exactly College students look for in Worship vs. what they need. Are the two the same?
This week we had the privilege of speaking with Shannon England, manager of chicken salad chick here in Rome about lessons in Christian leadership!
Further Resources: Lead By Paul Tripp https://rb.gy/4gabdt
This week we get the privilege to talk with Zion Brown from Berry College and Winshape about the condition of the College-age church. How are college students doing in walking out their faith?
Further Resources: The Gospel-Driven Church https://rb.gy/dmmpft
Today our guest is Jeff Holloway, founder of CrossFit Rome. Join us as Jeff walks us through the importance of physical health and why it leads to deeper spiritual health.
Further Resources: Why We Sleep https://rb.gy/sbermf
Pursuing Health in an Anxious Age https://rb.gy/fcghro
In today's podcast, we chat with Porter Johnson from Surge Sherwood about discernment in the College-age church. How can students be sure that the teaching they're listening to is Biblical?
Further Resources: American Gospel on Netflix https://rb.gy/hzh6as
Surge Sherwood IG https://rb.gy/rq3bgv
So what happens after college? How do we figure out our calling? Will Anderson from West Rome Baptist helps us answer that question.
Further Resources: Growing Up https://rb.gy/ujppnb
Just Do Something https://rb.gy/ygwzy5
Ruth 4:1-12 on Zoom! NOTE: The recording did not start until roughly halfway through. Our bad! :/
Today we talk with Pastor Mac McCurry, who has over three decades of ministry experience, about how to determine a calling into ministry.
Further Resources: Discerning Your Call Into Ministry https://rb.gy/kb1tmy
The Supremacy of God in Preaching https://www.crossway.org/books/the-supremacy-of-god-in-preaching-hccase/
Today we hear from our good friend Josh Tolman of Berry College Campus Outreach. Josh shares helpful lessons on God's grace in suffering through telling his family's story. Join us for this very important and meaningful episode.
Further Resources: Gentle & Lowly https://rb.gy/spuvxh
Walking with God Through Pain & Suffering https://rb.gy/4b5g3b
Campus Outreach - Berry College https://instagram.com/co_berrycollege?igshid=181fl9c0de6du
This week we spoke with Josiah Dixon, Director of Students at Life Church. His enthusiasm was infectious! Learn some great lessons about starting out in ministry!
Further Resources: 21 Laws of Leadership https://rb.gy/xw2xji
From Weakness to Strength https://rb.gy/0qkpcg
How do we respond to the phrase "All Lives Matter?" Does Jesus love racists? All that and more in this week's episode: Race in America Part 2.
Further Resources: The Color of Law https://rb.gy/kexrfg
The Color of Compromise https://rb.gy/5jityp
American History Volume I https://rb.gy/klaxds
A House Divided Cannot Stand - Sermon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wmj0...
In a very special episode we talk with our friend Cam Washington about race. What is Racism? What is Systemic Racism? How can we talk out these issues in love?
Further Resources: The Color of Law https://rb.gy/kexrfg
The Color of Compromise https://rb.gy/5jityp
American History Volume I https://rb.gy/klaxds
A House Divided Cannot Stand - Sermon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wmj0i1oH1Q
In this week's episode we talk with medical professional John Crowley. Should we wear masks? How do we love our neighbor in a national pandemic? How do we speak to those who disagree with us about Covid-19?
Further Resources "4 Reasons to Wear a Mask Even if You Hate It" https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/4-reasons-wear-mask/
CDC Coronavirus Response https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cdc-in-action.html
Donating Plasma https://www.plasmatx.org/
In today’s episode we talk with Dr. Brent Baskin about Volunteering in Ministry as a College Student. What are some key things for College Volunteers to remember so that they can be successful?
Further Resources: Dangerous Calling by Paul Tripp https://rb.gy/qqkdnp
Now That I'm Called by Kristen Padilla https://rb.gy/w7yqs1
Not Normal: Seven Quirks of Incredible Volunteers by Sue Miller https://rb.gy/czpghq
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pvncollege/
If you missed our introduction to Revelation for Sunday School, listen to it here!
This week Ryan introduces the book.
Welcome to the PVN College Podcast! This intro episode lays out what Fall semester looks like for our ministry on Sundays, Thursdays, oh and one more thing.....
In Revelation 3:1-6 Jesus speaks to the dead church in the city of Sardis. He reminds them that only He can bring peace, restoration, and life to a dead city and a dead soul.
Graduates are facing a very strange road ahead. New challenges, new rules, new unknowns. But the love that God has for us is the same. His love is not only constant, but it powefully guides our life. Disease and confusion will never have the last word.
James has taught us so much about suffering, about obedience, about the practical Christian life. And now he finishes with a timely message for our confusing days: Keep going!
Here is the link to the article mentioned in Ryan's sermon: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/one-essential-oil
James wants to show us that how we handle our money directly ties to what is going on in our hearts. Christians in James' day had tragically started abusing their fellow believers in the name of easy cash. Money is one of the clearest windows into our lives as to what is really going on inside.
James continues his theme of humility and pride in chapter 4 with how we speak and how we plan. But as we dig deeper into the chapter we come to find that the real problem is not how we interact or schedule. The real problem is in how we see other people and how we see ourselves.
James does a deep dive to start chapter 4 of his letter. He shows us about our souls. He shows us how we work to show that we have faith. And he shows us that helping our church means looking in the mirror first.
In these strange and stressful times, God is still on His throne. While we wait and serve Jesus, there are ways we can continue to spread His life and light to a panicked world.
What is wisdom? James reminds us here that wisdom is not summed up just in our knowledge, it is more about our actions. Do we live lives of humble repentance? Or are we selfish, only caring about ourselves?
James tells us that a key to the Church thriving and surviving in any age is the ability to control what we say and how we say it. We walk through 5 ways to do this. Most importantly James reminds us that ultimately we do not need a new process, we need a new heart. (Note: Any time Ryan says James 2 it is actually James 3)
In James 3:1 - 8 we learn about not only the power of our words, but about the power of the One who can change our words. Taming the tongue is an impossible task. But James knows someone who can help.
Faith makes us work the same way that wind moves the trees. James takes the final part of chapter 2 to remind us all that faith is not just an outward thing we experience, but something that we do. Faith works.
James comes to us with a message as relevant and necessary for today just as much as it was 2,000 years ago: the Church will only survive and flourish if we love our neighbor as ourself. If we do not do this, we break the entire law of God.
James 2:1-7 is about much more than just how to treat the rich and the poor. James is asking the Church: "Who do you really trust in to grow: money and influence, or the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?"
James saw the church of his day dividing people and forming cliques based on wealth and status. This is exactly what the world does, and the Church is not the world.
James Chapter 1 ends with three ways to see if we really are Christians. Are we really showing the world and ourselves that our heart belongs to Him? James shows us how we can start.
James uses the example of a man forgetting his reflection to show us what it's like when we hear Gods word, but do not obey it. James goes on to show us how Gods grace gives us the power to love and obey His word, bringing the hope of grace to everyone.
God is not after our behavior, He is after us. Once you realize that, according to James, true change will finally take place, inside and out.
James begins to shift into the main point of his letter: obeying the Bible is the mark of true Christianity. But in this he begins to show us that obedience isn't just skin deep. It is rooted in and fueled by God's undeserved grace.
James brings wisdom from God that is immediately ready for us to apply to our lives today. Right now. In an age of rage we must me slow to speak and quick to understand. This timely piece of scripture is one of the most important for us in today's chaotic world.
James reminds us that God is good. Always. He tells us the good news that no matter what our circumstances, God's heart never changes.
Sunday Morning Sermon: How do we help break the stone hearts of our neighbors? How do we make sure our own hearts are not becoming cold and cynical in a world that seems spiritually dead? Jesus shows us how in Luke 13.
With every external trial there is an internal temptation: to doubt God, to trust other things, to turn our backs on Him. James walks us through this reality and offers us a way of hope.
James reminds us that no matter what our earthly situation we are to look with eyes of faith to the hope that Jesus has prepared for us.
James tells us to ask God for wisdom. But what does he mean by that? What is wisdom? How does it change our life? And how could suffering in our lives possibly make us wiser?
Genesis brings us through many different topics that are hugely relevant for today's world. One of them is Gender. We explore Adam, Eve, their difference and their dignity in God's Image.
The story of Creation is so important for us. Understanding where we came from helps us understand why we are here. Source helps determine purpose. Our source is a loving God and His Word.
As Christians, we are shaped and directed by God's holy Word. It is where we must start when finding and figuring out our identity.
Prayer is more than laying out our needs and wants before God. It is seeking out our Father until we find Him. Our prayer life will only increase when we realize that God is the point of prayer, even above getting our questions answered or our circumstances changed.
NOTE: This year we are doing more of a small group feel. You will not be able to hear the verses as students read. We encourage you to have your Bible open and read these verses with us on the recording.
The Lord's Prayer is not just something to repeat before a football game. The words our Lord Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6 are full of meaning and can revolutionize our prayer life.
NOTE: This year we are doing more of a small group feel. You will not be able to hear the verses as students read. We encourage you to have your Bible open and read these verses with us on the recording.
Why are our prayer lives so terrible? According to the Bible and Jesus, it's probably because we are not praying the way He tells us to. Learn how here and learn how to Breathe Again.
NOTE: This year we are doing more of a small group feel. You will not be able to hear the verses as students read. We encourage you to have your Bible open and read these verses with us on the recording.
Every trial we face, God is working untold amounts of glory in our lives and for His Creation. Therefore, we must remember to keep the big picture in mind as He works. When we lose sight of that big picture during pain, we need only ask our Father for help.
NOTE: This year we are doing more of a small group feel. You will not be able to hear the verses as students read. We encourage you to have your Bible open and read these verses with us on the recording.
Saul becoming King of Israel was a big deal, but God got Saul there through uninspiring, seemingly insignificant events. When we realize just how involved God was in every single small piece of Saul's life, it will make us look at our boring days and small struggles in a completely different light.
NOTE: This year we are doing more of a small group feel. You will not be able to hear the verses as students read. We encourage you to have your Bible open and read these verses with us on the recording.
Where is God in our daily problems and stress? Does He care about the small things? Ryan walks us through part of Joseph's story to show us that He absolutely does.
NOTE: This year we are doing more of a small group feel. You will not be able to hear the verses as students read. We encourage you to have your Bible open and read these verses with us on the recording.
Why doesn't Jesus heal our suffering immediately? Why doesn't He fix things? Doesn't He love us? He does love us, and sometimes, that's why He doesn't fix.
As we draw to a close in our series, we examine Paul's final words to Philemon. Sometimes grace means getting help from others. Sometimes grace means letting go of relationships. And sometimes grace means that in His grace, the Lord restores friendships long after all hope has been lost.
Paul tells Philemon: "Refresh my heart in Christ." When the goal of conversations is to get what we want, that affects how we interact. When the goal of conversations is to get what Jesus wants, that changes everything.
In Philemon the Lord is growing His Church, but not through miracles or signs. He is growing it through two men who desperately need: God's grace and a conversation.
Rest takes up 30% of your life, but when was the last time you heard a sermon about it? We end our time management series talking about one of the easiest ways to show trust and dependancy on God.
Managing and protecting our time is key to managing and protecting our souls. In this sermon, Ryan gives some practical tips from God's Word on how to manage our time.
Time Management is something so important our very soul is at stake. Yet we hear so little about it. Join us as we start to unpack what the Bible says about being busy.
Guest speaker Ryan Whisenhunt shares a brief testimony and discusses with our pastor about God's presence in suffering.
Part of growing as a Christians is learning how to deal with day-to-day inconvenience as well as the big events of our lives. We have to remember that God is faithful in the small things of life, as well as the big ones.
God has so much to teach us in His Word through His servant Job. Ryan takes us through Job chapter 1 as we see how Job reacted and how his heart survived such a devastating trial.
Suffering hits all of us, no matter what we believe. Where can we go when we've hit rock bottom? God gives us answers in the books of Job, Lamentations, and most of all in Jesus Christ.
A Sunday morning sermon. Ryan takes us through John 11 and the story of Jesus bringing Lazarus back from the dead.
In our final sermon of the Jonah Series, Hunter Storey shares how God uses Jonah in His story and how He has the very same plans for us.
The God of scripture rarely uses a soft whisper to change someone's heart. Most of the time, God has to drill deep into our live to cause lasting heart change. Jonah's storm is a prime example of that.
Nineveh was not the only thing God needed to redeem. Jonah - like us - is far from God. He is separated by his pride.
But in mercy, God breaks into not only the great city of Nineveh, but into Jonah's very soul.
Jonah's story hits even closer to home than we think. Jonah was comfortable in his pride and lost in his sin. But God loved Jonah enough to draw him out, so that Jonah could be drawn in.
Modesty can be seen as a curse word in our culture. Our culture that not only says "My body my choice," but also "My body, my standards."
But what if there are different standards? What if the Bible's position on modesty doesn't even start with the body? Let's talk about it in the final sermon of our Tough Stuff series.
Physician Assisted Suicide seems logical and even merciful at times. But what if something much different lies just beneath the surface? Join us as we discuss this highly complex and sensitive issue.
In "Race Relations" we learn that our sin has ripple effects. We learn that all races need a savior. And finally, repentance should be the central focus of the church.
Social Media used to be known as the thing that finally brought the world closer together. Now it only seems to show how far apart we are. Is there a better way?
Join us for discussion on the Christian’s role in social media. How can we use this as a God-given tool? As a means of grace?
Same Sex Marriage continues to be a point of heated debate, hurt feelings,and continued confusion in our culture. Where should the Christian stand?
Join us as we look at Scripture, Society, and the Gospel when it comes to Same Sex Marriage.
How do we respond to our Transgender Neighbors? Where should a Christian stand? Guest speaker Russell Matherly answers these questions and more in week 2 of Tough Stuff.
See the Factual, Biblical, and Gospel - Centered reasons that explain why Christians should not be in favor of abortion.
The Christmas Story reminds us that Jesus has come to free us from materialism, that Jesus has come to bring us true relationships, and the Jesus has come to bring salvation in our chaos.
A Closer Look At Christmas: Part 1. We look past the Nativity Scene to see the real Mary and Joseph. Two people who traded their reputations and their lives for Jesus Christ.
Calling is a beautiful thing, but sometimes God calls us into darkness or confusion because He is doing a special work in our hearts. In Acts 16, God calls Paul into prison. Paul not only worships God in the dark place of his calling, he also shows us how.
Abraham was called by God for a special purpose, but unsatisfied with waiting. Abraham then seeks to force God's hand and speed up this call, only to find disaster. Hunter Storey reminds us that God's calling is also on God's timing and we can rest in that through faith in Jesus Christ.
In the first sermon of our "Calling" series we learn about God's call on our life from Moses. When it comes to our futures and our jobs, we don't have to wait for a burning bush. God speaks to us through our passions, talents, opportunities, and above all: through His Word.
Good relationships require a healthy amount of grit and grace. Here are 3 things to remember during dating. Listen to find out more!
Breakups can be so difficult. But in that difficulty and heartbreak God's grace can be closer than ever. He is near the brokenhearted. Listen to find out more!
Singleness is something that our culture does not view as a gift. But the Bible says different. Singleness is a chapter hand-written for you by God that draws us closer to Him, no matter what our dating situation is.