East Cobb Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
East Cobb Church
Welcome to the weekly audio podcast for East Cobb Church in Atlanta, GA where our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Our desire is that this podcast will encourage you in your relationship with God. Visit us at eastcobbchurch.org.
While we can't predict when miracles happen, there is a posture we can take that increases the chances of God doing a supernatural work within us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our circumstances don’t define how God feels about us. So how do we navigate those circumstances when we don’t get the miracle?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Miracles are at God’s discretion to further God’s purposes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The miracle of the universe is the foundation of our faith in God, but a different miracle is the foundation of our faith in Jesus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Serving people with different lived experiences is one of the primary things God uses to fine-tune our worldview.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since 2007, our Be Rich campaign has been making the world an even better place. After all, devotion to God is best demonstrated and authenticated through love for others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We must take responsibility for the me nobody can see.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our choices today will leave our loved ones with one of two things in the future: a burden or a blessing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes we have to go back to move forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your irresponsibility will eventually become somebody else's responsibility.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are far more likely to develop meaningful faith when people of faith surround us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A game that requires a loser is a game nobody wins.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We can disagree culturally and politically, and still love unconditionally.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Somebody may have defined masculinity for you, but how will you define it for yourself?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What could our world look like if we chose restoration instead of condemnation?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does kindness look like, act like, and react like?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus never said life would be easy, but he did promise us a path that leads to peace.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Holy Spirit was given to us not so we could be more spiritual, but so we could become more mature.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s easy to believe the greatest enemy of the church comes from outside the church. Unfortunately, the church’s greatest threat is right in the middle of it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The message of the church is a message for the world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Early Christians were bold, confident, and courageous. How we pray is an indicator if we’ve strayed from that.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Provide for the next generation what you wish the previous generation had provided for you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the church first began, a natural question surfaced right away: What shall we do? The answer had to do more with understanding who your faith was in more than what needed to be done.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Being part of a local gathering of Jesus followers means you are part of something big. It’s up to each generation to determine what Christianity looks like, sounds like, and reacts like.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In all its subtle forms, greed has the potential to rob your life. But the secret to living a meaning-filled life is found across the border from what’s in it for me.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If the only things that concern you are about you, there is work to do. Ultimately, we save ourselves from ourselves by choosing not to be all about ourselves.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If something about the world is broken and it breaks your heart, there’s an opportunity to be a part of fixing it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During this time of year, we engage our imaginations as we embrace the magic of Christmas. Let’s also imagine what the world would be like if we fully embraced the way of Jesus—the way of love.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus came to show us not only the way back to God, but the way back to others as well. As people who have been reconciled to God, we should pursue reconciliation with people whenever possible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever felt like you've lost your way? By the time we realize it, usually we’ve been lost for quite some time. But instead of asking, "What should I do?", there's a different question to consider.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When it comes to what we think God is like, and who he likes, we need a much bigger perspective. The way Jesus lived was meant to expand our view of God and his love for us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Doubt doesn't have to be an off-ramp to faith. In fact, it's a natural part of the journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No matter if our current season of life is easy or difficult, we strive to fix our eyes on Jesus instead of our circumstances.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our circumstances are not an indicator of God’s absence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your great work is to identify the distractions that keep you from the “problem” that you are uniquely positioned to solve.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Great work is often found on the other side of a terrifying longing. How could clarity
regarding your “terrifying longing” reduce the allure of the distractions you’re most susceptible to?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As East Cobb Church prepares to move to morning services at a new location, we look at a famous story in scripture where Jesus simply used the resources to satisfy the needs of thousands.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we see in this interview with Hal Donaldson, sometimes difficult circumstances can inspire people to do something great.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Living in the upside-down kingdom Jesus described can perhaps seem risky and foolish. But the power and love of God is released when we embrace it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We can be tempted by a lot of things we shouldn’t give in to. But when we give into the temptation of humility, the world changes for the better.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The cross is a reminder for us to stop chasing what can’t be caught.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's not intuitive to choose to lose, but Jesus introduced an upside-down way of living.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever felt like having faith doesn’t make sense? Or maybe your faith feels stale… like it’s not going anywhere. We’re going to look at how you can have an active and impactful faith in God.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8: The Bible documents God’s redemptive activity in the world, culminating in the arrival of his final King.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7: Jesus followers are multipliers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6: The church is God’s agent of transformation personally, culturally, and globally.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4: Jesus promised justice in the end and invites us to trust him in the meantime.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus defined sin as anything that harms you or others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus came to illustrate and demonstrate what God is like.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why does Easter Matter? Because the resurrection of Jesus provides assurance that God is love and God loves you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Forgiving someone before they ask for it isn’t easy, but it’s exactly what God did for us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The church is God's agent of transformation for the world, and the church is your opportunity to take part in that transformation. Take the step from being just a consumer at the local church to being involved.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In order to maximize our potential and fulfill our mission as a church, everyone should serve somewhere.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Even when our words are accidental, they can still hurt someone.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If we’re not careful, what should be secondary can easily become primary.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve all heard the adage that actions speak louder than words. But the words we’ve heard have shaped us and the words we speak have the power to shape others. And some words weigh more than others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comparison gets you an assigned seat on the Struggle Bus. And comparison kills our identity. Don’t allow it to make you lose sight of God’s promises, power, and provision.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We should fear the consequences of closing our hands more than the consequences of losing what’s in them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our behavior will eventually reflect the condition of our hearts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Selfishness is a terrible master that does nothing for you. The more you choose to surrender to God, the more he will lead you to peace with yourself.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all want to be known for something. What we really need is to be known by someone.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One reason for the season is to remove our excuses for moving away from people unlike us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do we baptize people? What is the significance? Why do different traditions do it differently? Let's lean in and listen in order to better appreciate the importance and experience the power of this practice.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People came before commandments. With God, relationships always precede rules.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus offered the most just system possible in an unjust world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The belief that “Good people go to heaven” sounds nice on the surface. But it doesn’t make sense.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus didn’t command us to agree with one another. We can disagree and love unconditionally.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lying to ourselves to feel good about ourselves keeps us from doing what’s good for ourselves.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Generous people don’t give sporadically. They have a plan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Relationships go better when two people engage in a certain type of competition.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No one said it was easy, but releasing someone from what they've done to you is your only way to freedom.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your decisions aren't just about you. They impact people closest to you as well.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all want to be known for something. What we really need is to be known by someone.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just because someone claims to be our enemy doesn't mean we must return the favor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our reactions reflect our confidence or our lack of confidence in God.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our actions rarely tell the whole story, but our reactions most certainly do. And Jesus instructs us to leverage them for good.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sandra Stanley shares five wishes she has for all of us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Being in the middle of something can be difficult, but getting something out of the middle is more important than getting out of the middle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our mission at East Cobb Church is simple because we believe Jesus made it simple. We are on a mission to love where we live.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disagreement is unavoidable, but division is a choice. We can disagree politically and love unconditionally.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When it comes to potentially polarizing topics, our posture, tone, and approach will tell others all they need to know about what’s most important to us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We have been given the Holy Spirit to enable us to live the resurrected life, but what’s the point? Why are we here? Do we have a bigger purpose?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reed Moore teaches how the resurrection event can impact our daily lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent to us as an advocate and helper.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus didn't ask for people to just believe in him. He invited people to follow him.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Being right doesn't give us the right to be self-righteous.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Love for God is demonstrated by love for others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whatever your next step is, take it. You don’t know what hangs in the balance.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Admirers of Jesus didn’t shape civilization. The doers did.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christians are not expected to believe based solely on a collection of ancient manuscripts. The foundation of our faith is anchored to something far more substantial and sustainable.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re grateful for your local church but not engaged, now is the time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s true that God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you too much to leave you that way.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether fueled by fear, insecurity, or a past event, many of us construct a paper wall of excuses that holds us back.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kings don’t just have believers, they have followers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the last couple of years, feelings of joy and contentment may seem few and far between. But the gateway to contentment may be more accessible than you think.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From politics and culture to the church, Andy Stanley and Crawford Loritts have a candid discussion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The more mature person typically makes the first move toward reconciliation. And that first move is rarely convenient.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reconciliation requires an honest look in the mirror.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Repairing a relationship requires someone to initiate, regardless of who’s to blame for the fallout. There’s a simple prayer you can learn to help you take that first step.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When it comes to repairing relationships, no one responds well to being convinced, coerced, convicted or controlled. Yet we try those approaches over and over again.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, we celebrate Be Rich, our annual campaign to go above and beyond in giving back to our community. Thanks to your generosity of time and money, we have a LOT to celebrate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We don't have a responsibility to predict what God is up to. But we do have a responsibility to help meet people's immediate needs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s possible to be a good person without doing any good, but that’s not good for anybody.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s easy to look at the outcomes of our decisions and know if we’ve won. But the bigger win happens before you even know the outcome.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first breach of integrity makes the second breach easier. Before you know it, it becomes a pattern. But there’s a way to prevent it from starting.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our appetites pose a constant threat to our integrity. And if we don't control them, they will shape the direction and quality of our lives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes we’re willing to be bad to keep from looking bad. But when we’re more concerned about our reputations than our integrity, we eventually damage both.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are times we know we ought to do something, even when there is no written rule. That's because there is an “ought to” that stands outside of you and over you that didn't originate with you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all know desperate times call for desperate measures. Even if you turn to Jesus as a last resort, it’s not too late for him to give you a life of freedom.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you repay evil for evil, you will write a pretty predictable story. But there’s a way to write a remarkable one instead.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hurting someone because they hurt you doesn't end the cycle. It perpetuates it. And it makes you look like the person you dislike.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Red or Blue. Left or Right. For or Against. It sometimes feels like the United States isn't very united. There's something we can do about that, and it has less to do with our rights and more to do with our responsibility.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s easy to think we have someone figured out based on a few quick data points. But for us to see others the way God sees them, we have to trade in the narratives we create about people and instead get to know them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We hold grudges for days, months, or sometimes years. And the longer we hold a grudge, the more it has a hold on us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re using more words than ever before, and we’re thinking less about them than ever before. That's cause for concern because our words can either build someone up or tear them down.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all want to get the future right, and we all want to arrive safely at our intended destination. Follow these rules and you will get there on time and on purpose.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wrinkle-free days usually don’t create great faith, because we don’t know what we actually believe until what we claim to believe is tested. Those unexpected things life throws our way can end up being pivotal circumstances in our faith journeys.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is no progress without discipline. And many times, what begins as an "ought to" becomes a "want to."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes it seems God drops someone into our lives at just the right time. The defining moments and seasons of our lives usually revolve around those providential relationships.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nothing causes us to depend on God more than pushing through our inadequacies to help other people. When we serve in a ministry we take personally, we experience God’s power and faithfulness.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s one thing to believe and enjoy practical teaching. But gaining knowledge is not enough to grow our faith —applying it is.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve all heard stories of people—or we know people—who have what appears to be unshakable faith. They have a confidence in God that informs what they do. Where does faith like that come from?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We want to be open-minded, but we naturally resist things we can't control or don't understand. So how can we learn to be open to changing our ideals and beliefs, especially if we may be wrong about something? It begins with a simple prayer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus told his followers to pray to avoid temptation. But before we can pray that with a clear conscience, there are some things we need to ask ourselves first.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If God already knows my needs, why pray? Because the purpose of prayer is to surrender your will, not impose it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At one time or another, we’ve all been told we should pray. But how should we pray? Jesus’s disciples had the exact same question.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While we can’t avoid tough times, there’s something we all need in order to navigate them. It just takes time and intentionality to get it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just because God is good doesn’t mean good things will always happen. But we can trust that God is working even when we can’t see what he’s doing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our faith will be defined most in the seasons where life is the worst. And our faith is best when it’s fastened to actual promises, not future outcomes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's a question you can ask yourself that will bring inescapable clarity to just about every relational decision you'll bump up against. But a word of warning: it's not for the faint of heart.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's human nature to snuggle up to the edge of irresponsibility or disaster and stay there as long as possible. But instead of wondering how close we can get before crossing the line, we need to ask ourselves perhaps the most important question we can ever ask.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes an option we're considering creates tension inside of us. When that happens, it can be tempting to ignore the discomfort or brush by it. But instead of doing that, we need to pay close attention to it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your life is more than random, disconnected events. It's a story being written. Whether it's a thoughtful response or an emotionally fueled reaction, we write the stories of our lives one decision at a time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The easiest person to deceive is the person in the mirror. But when we do the hard work of being honest with ourselves, we’re on our way to not selling ourselves on a potential regret.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We never know what or who hangs in the balance of the decisions we make. But we do know that our decisions determine the direction and quality of our life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all look for meaning in even the most random events—especially the negative events. The Christmas story is a reminder that sometimes God interrupts people's stories for a clear purpose.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part 2, Andy and his dad talk about patience, perseverance, photography, and the one thing Dr. Stanley prioritizes more than anything.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part 1 of Life, Love & Legacy, Andy and his dad talk about their childhoods, parenting, generosity, and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Being grateful for someone is an emotion we can all relate to. But gratitude is not just an attitude, it's something that needs to be expressed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the days of Jesus, the Christian faith has been called “Good News.” In this series we’re exploring what made it so good; in the hope that it will not only be good news TO us but increasingly become good news THROUGH us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, we celebrate Be Rich, our annual campaign to go above and beyond in giving back to our community. Thanks to your generosity of time and money, we have a LOT to celebrate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If your main goal is your kid's obedience, you're settling for something less than and you're setting yourself up to have anger stirred up regularly. Instead of obedience being the objective, there's a long-term target that will go a long way toward winning as a parent.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When our kids mess up, our tendency is to take something away from them. However, punishment shouldn't be the end goal of discipline. Restoration should be.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Moms and dads dream of a future where their kids become adults and still want to come home regularly to visit. As parents, there’s something we can do to lay the foundation for that dream to become a reality.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ideal can seem out of reach, and it sometimes feels easier to put it out of sight. Part of being a parent is to point our children toward the ideal, while at the same time navigating what is real.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During a major epidemic, first century Christians acted in such a way that people outside the faith couldn’t ignore them. It's not enough to believe correctly. We must act on what we say we believe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During times of crisis, there is something Christians should be doing above anything else. Doing this won’t answer why bad things happen, but it will demonstrate where our hope lies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The right questions are not "Why did this happen?" or "Whose fault was that?" We usually know those answers. The better question: "How can we help?"
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether it’s a possession, time, or a talent, we all have access to something God can use for the sake of others. But nothing is usable unless we first make it available.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We can either lean on what we believe or lean on who we believe in. Leaning on a who instead of a what won’t give us certainty throughout life, but it is the better (and harder) option.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When life doesn’t go as planned, it’s tempting to have doubts about our faith and miss out on the fullness of life. But what makes faith fall apart isn’t doubt—it’s being too certain of the wrong things.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People sometimes use religion to justify positions, especially around social and political topics. But Christianity was never intended to try and win arguments. In fact, it’s just the opposite.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During times of uncertainty and disruption, the people around us need to know we care. We often need to step out of our comfort zone to comfort someone.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People want certainty, but sometimes that’s not possible. When certainty is not an option, you can still offer them the next best thing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The people who have the most influence in our lives often have little to no authority in terms of position. There’s something about their lives that gives them influence in ours.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leadership, however great or small, is stewardship of the temporary influence we have. When we view our leadership as something for which we are accountable, we will be far less likely to leverage it for ourselves.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When tragedy strikes, it's natural to ask the question Why me? The harder and more unnatural question is How can I make this matter?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Autonomy looks appealing on the surface. After all, having the freedom to do what you want to do is viewed as living successfully. But you were made for something better than that.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Becoming a Christian is easy. It won't cost you anything. But Jesus never invited anyone to become a Christian. He invites us to follow.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Loving your neighbor is a rather general concept. Very easy to agree with, without ever taking action. Jesus knew this. That’s why he told us a parable that makes it so clear and so practical that none of us will ever find a loophole. In this message, we will explore a parable that will leave us all unsettled and inspired to take action.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You know how valuable something is by what someone is willing to pay for it. What if we are way more valuable than we thought? And what if the price tag that hangs on each of us could completely change how we treated our neighbor? Ready for a price check?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Perhaps nothing characterized the life of Jesus more than his pursuit of people whose lives and lifestyles did not look like his. If we fail to listen to people who don't experience the world the way we do, we will never bear their burden.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is more to your circumstances than meets the eye. Your current circumstances are a chapter. They are not the full story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While we don't always choose our circumstances, we do have the ability to choose our responses. But the response that has the potential to reverse the natural course of things isn't natural at all.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many of us, there's something we wish we'd been doing all along to prepare for what is happening now. Whatever lessons we’re learning, now is the time to start putting them into practice.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We avoid things we don’t like. But sometimes things come our way that we can’t avoid. When our circumstances deteriorate, what do we do when there’s nothing we can do?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christians have never believed in a God who doesn’t allow bad things to happen to good people. Christians believe the worst possible thing happened to the best possible person.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Jesus died, hope died along with him. No one was planning to keep this new movement going, because, after all, it seemed Jesus wasn’t who he had claimed to be. Immediately following the crucifixion, there were no Christians, because there was no Christ. But then something happened.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all have embarrassing moments we can laugh about—later. There are shameful moments that we would give anything to undo. But while our pasts remind us, they don’t have to define us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many times, our faith deteriorates as our circumstances deteriorate. When that happens, our faith is quickly overcome by fear, and the future looks dark. The apostle Peter experienced this, and he temporarily fled his faith in Jesus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fear invites us to follow the path of self-preservation. However, if we follow that path long enough, we will neither preserve nor have anything to show for our lives. The original disciples of Jesus had the same tendencies at times. On one occasion, Jesus reminded them of what it means to follow him by saying four powerful words that still apply to his followers today.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From an early age, we learn quickly to look for loopholes in the rules. We try to figure out what we can get away with and still be okay. We tend to take this same mindset into our relationship with God, but it doesn’t work. When we opt for loopholes and workarounds, we find ourselves in a category no one wants to be in: hypocrites. Jesus calls us to move beyond loophole religion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether it’s school, sports, or religion, when we focus only on the rules, it can be difficult to remember the overall purpose of something. Jesus reminds us that when we focus so much on the letter of the law, we may forget why the law was written in the first place.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus ignored certain religious protocols. He claimed to have authority to forgive sin. He was uncomfortably comfortable with unrepentant sinners. In this message, we hear about three encounters that showed Jesus came to reverse the order of things.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We often read the Bible for application, inspiration, or direction. However, there are times when the author wants to simply point the reader to a big idea—an idea that fits with God's grand story. In the Gospel of Mark, we read about Peter's experience with Jesus that led Peter to believe in one big idea: the kingdom of God is near, and everyone is invited to participate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The unity and diversity of the early church shocked and intrigued the ancient world. Ours should as well.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our political views are shaped by a number of variables: our backgrounds, education, and personal experiences to name a few. It’s easy to feel like our view is the right one, but the person beside you is more precious to God than your political view.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your favorite candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes this November. However, the church will win or lose based on our behavior between now and then.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.